Dynaudio IP 17 User manual

Passive Speakers
User manual

▪Introduction
▪Initial Setup
▪1. Unpacking
▪2. Positioning
▪3. Connecting
▪4. Listening
▪Safety Instructions
▪High Sound Pressure Levels
▪About this guide
▪Used expressions and symbols
▪Connecting the loudspeakers
▪Bi-wiring / Bi-amping
▪Choice of Loudspeaker Cable
▪Connecting Surround Speakers
▪Positioning
▪Excessive Brightness
▪Distance to Back and Side Walls
▪Adapting the Bass Reflex Port
▪Floor-standing Loudspeaker Setup
▪Spikes with Sharp Peaks
▪Compact Loudspeaker Setup
▪Loudspeaker Toe-In
▪Room and Furniture Influence
▪Grille
▪Multi-Channel Setup
▪Loudspeakers for Multi-channel Setups
▪Centre Speaker
▪Rear Speakers
▪Subwoofer
▪Multi-Channel Loudspeaker Setup
▪Running-in / Care and Maintenance
▪Running in the Loudspeakers
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▪Power Rating
▪Distorted Output Signals
▪Aggressive Cleaning Fluids
▪Cleaning the Loudspeakers
▪Warranty
3

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Introduction
Dear Music Lover,
thank you for your decision to acquire Dynaudio loudspeakers.
Every Dynaudio model features the advanced Dynaudio loudspeaker technology, resulting in music reproduction
at a very high level, making many familiar recordings a new listening experience altogether. This technology results
from many years of intense research and development, the highest quality standards in production, and
Dynaudio‘s enduring passion for musical truth.
Dynaudio is one of very few companies who can realize such loudspeaker concepts through its own in-house
development and production facilities. These facilities are so advanced and the quality control is so strict that
Dynaudio is TS16949 certified.
Each loudspeaker is constructed by Dynaudio’s master craftsmen in Denmark to these high standards of quality.
To realize the highest sound quality from the loudspeakers, some areas should be addressed, as will be explored
on the following pages.
By considering the tips and suggestions, you will achieve the maximum performance and enjoyment of the
loudspeaker and it‘s advanced musical capabilities for a long time to come.
We wish you many years of enjoyment experiencing music.
Dynaudio
Introduction 5

Initial Setup
1
2
3
The initial set-up of a Dynaudio loudspeaker is relatively easy. Please take your time reading the guidelines and
more detailed instructions on the following pages of this manual after completing the first four steps as listed
below.
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1. Unpacking
Carefully remove the loudspeaker from the packaging and position it with its underside on the floor. Remove the
white cloth cover around the loudspeaker. We suggest that you keep the box and white cloth for future use.
2. Positioning
Place the loudspeaker facing the listening area at its desired position in the room. Remove the foam plugs from
the rear bass reflex port (if provided with your loudspeaker model).
3. Connecting
While the amplifier is switched o, connect each loudspeaker to the amplifier with the speaker cable. Turn the
volume level all the way down and power the amplifier on.
4. Listening
The loudspeaker is now ready to play. Optimal performance will only be realised after careful positioning and
running in the speakers as described over the course of the following pages. Enjoy your new Dynaudio
loudspeakers!
Feel free to contact the Dynaudio Customer Service department with any further questions or for additional
assistance.
www.dynaudio.com/support
Initial Setup 7

Safety Instructions
High Sound Pressure Levels
Caution
Listening to high sound pressure levels over a longer period of time may harm your hearing.
▪To avoid auditory eect, do not listen to music at high sound levels over a longer period of time.
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About this guide
Used expressions and symbols
In this operating manual, the following signs and symbols are used:
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
Caution
Indicates (in combination with a safety sign) a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury or damage to equipment.
Note
Additional information is provided, which is important to fully understand the loudspeaker and how to operate it.
About this guide 9

Connecting the loudspeakers
Figure 1: Binding posts at rear of cabinet (example)
Connect a two-pole (+/-) loudspeaker cable to the binding posts, located at rear of the cabinet (see Figure 1). The
high quality, gold plated binding posts can accommodate dierent connection systems:
▪4.0 mm banana plugs: The pins can be put directly into the binding post without any tightening necessary.
▪Cable spades: Untighten the binding posts, insert the spade into the opening, and secure the spade by tightening the
posts.
▪Bare wires: Untighten the binding posts and place the cable into the binding posts. Tighten the posts.
Note
▪With every connection system, ensure that the contact is tight and has a proper contact area.
▪Connectors with similar gold plating as binding posts will typically oer the best results and remain corrosion-free.
▪Please ensure that the positive and negative cables do not make contact with each other. Tighten the posts, and check
the contact after a few days to make sure that it hasn’t loosened.
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Figure 2: Amplifier loudspeaker outputs (example)
Connect the other cable ends to the loudspeaker outputs of your switched o power amp (see Figure 2).
Note
Please make sure that the post of the speaker marked red is connected to the output of the amplifier marked in
red, and that the post marked white or black is connected to the output marked white or black accordingly.
Bi-wiring / Bi-amping
Dynaudio loudspeakers feature a carefully fine-tuned cross-over, optimised using selected parts and an advanced
circuitry to achieve a truly balanced and smooth frequency response. Therefore, dividing the frequency sections
through bi-wiring or bi-amping is neither beneficial nor optional.
Choice of Loudspeaker Cable
Loudspeaker cables can have an impact on sound quality. In general, quality cable products will yield quality
results.
Dynaudio loudspeakers are designed to be very neutral and thus are not extremely suited to any particular type of
cable. The choice of cable is as much a factor of matching the cable to the entire audio system. Please consult
your Dynaudio dealer for information about compatible loudspeaker cables that will suit both your electronics and
your Dynaudio loudspeakers.
Connecting Surround Speakers
When connecting a two-channel stereo system, only the right and left channels are connected to the amplifier. In
a surround setup, centre, side or rear loudspeakers as well as a subwoofer are typically connected to provide for
a multi-channel listening experience. Please refer to the amplifier’s owner manual for particular connection
instructions.
Connecting the loudspeakers 11

Positioning
Excessive Brightness
Caution
Direct sunlight or excessive brightness can aect the colour of any natural wood veneer. The structural integrity of
the cabinet will not be aected.
▪To maintain the aesthetic quality of the loudspeakers for the long term, placing them in very warm, very cold, or very
humid environments should be avoided.
Dynaudio loudspeakers consist of classic bass reflex loudspeaker designs with no unusual or extraordinary
positioning demands. Every room will still have its own particular sound characteristics. Any room is also shaped
and decorated uniquely, and therefore remains independent regarding options for positioning loudspeakers. The
following steps are general suggestions that will make the correct positioning easier to achieve.
General Recommendations
A≤B
BB
A
Figure 3: Positioning the loudspeakers
The following explanations refer to Figure 3.
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▪The distance between each loudspeaker and your listening position should be the same (B). Try to achieve an isosceles
triangle.
▪The distance between the loudspeakers should be the same or better slightly less than the distance between each
loudspeakers and your listening position (A, B).
▪The closer the listening position is in relation to the loudspeakers, the closer the speakers can be positioned to each
other.
▪As a starting point, it is recommended that the speakers be about 2 meters apart from each other for the best results (A).
▪If the speakers are positioned too close to each other, the stereo image will not seem realistic; if that distance is too wide,
the image may leave an “acoustic hole” in the middle.
▪Paying attention to the image during listening tests will help dictate optimum placement during experimentation and setup.
Distance to Back and Side Walls
B
A
A, B≥0.5m
A≠B
Figure 4: Distance to walls
Loudspeakers not only disperse sound energy directly into the room, but also to the side and even backwards. As
a result, time-delayed reflections occur and add to the original music signal. Thus, when loudspeakers are
positioned too close to walls, the sound quality can be restricted.
Dynaudio loudspeakers were developed to be placed free-standing, and therefore they reach their optimum
performance when positioned as clear of any walls as possible.
To minimize potential influences from the back and side wall boundaries, it is recommended that the distance from
the speakers to each is at least 0.5 meters, and ideally the distance from each speaker to the back and side wall
Positioning 13

should not be equal.
Adapting the Bass Reflex Port
To minimize low frequency reflections, which will be heard as a thickening of the sound, the loudspeaker models
can be adapted to the room’s acoustic character by using foam plugs in the bass reflex port. This will essentially
attenuate the room-induced boost in the low frequency range by dampening the deep frequencies, yielding a
clearer and tighter sound when the loudspeaker is positioned near rear walls.
▪Fully insert the foam port plugs packed with your loudspeaker into the bass reflex tube to attenuate the bass output (if
required).
Floor-standing Loudspeaker Setup
The floor-standing models feature a special base construction, which oers both an ideal performance and
mechanical basis. Integrated into the base plinth are four individual spike assemblies. These stabilize the cabinet
on an extremely small contact area, and therefore prevent any wobbling while oering optimal resonance control.
The individually adjustable spikes allow levelling of the cabinet on uneven floors.
Spikes with Sharp Peaks
Caution
The sharp peaks of the spikes may cause injuries and damage sensitive surfaces like hardwood flooring or tile.
▪Be careful when handling the loudspeakers.
▪Place plates between the spikes and the surface to protect the underlying surface.
Compact Loudspeaker Setup
The compact models are designed to oer exceptional performance while taking up minimal space. Mini monitors
will realize their optimum performance when used in conjunction with a dedicated stand (such as the Dynaudio
Stands) to position them at the proper height while absorbing any resonance.
Due to its dimensions, you can also place the loudspeaker on a ledge or shelf or on top of furniture. But to avoid
the possibility of any negative influence on sound quality, one should take care to utilize a stable surface oering a
wide enough space in front of the loudspeakers as to not limit the sound quality and performance.
In such applications or if placing the speakers in enclosed audio/video furniture, the bass reflex port can usually
be left unplugged as long as there is minimal clearance to the boundaries at the top and rear of the loudspeaker
cabinet.
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Loudspeaker Toe-In
A≤B
Figure 5: Angle inwards loudspeakers to improve imaging
Depending on your personal listening environment and room dimensions, the loudspeakers may be angled in
towards the listening area to focus the sound radiation.
This positioning will typically improve imaging and is especially recommended by Dynaudio (see Figure 5).
Room and Furniture Influence
The sound quality of any loudspeaker is influenced by the furniture, wall materials and other objects in the listening
room. For example, large rooms without much furniture and many clean, hard wall surfaces can give a bright and
diuse sound with diverse echoing frequencies. A room with thick carpet, curtains and soft furniture surfaces will
give a warmer, darker and less lively sound.
Grille
A cloth grille is included and can be axed to the cabinet to help protect the drivers from dust and other
influences. The grille is acoustically optimised, but the highest sound quality levels will be attained without any
grille covers in place during listening.
▪To remove the grille, gently pull the grille straight away from the front.
▪To fit the grille, line up the grille matching the front bae and gently attach the grille.
Multi-Channel Setup
Dynaudio loudspeakers are designed to oer the most advanced performance in both stereo and multi-channel
applications. When connecting a loudspeaker to a multi-channel setup, in general the same guidelines as
Positioning 15

mentioned in the text above will apply.
Note
When setting up a home theatre system, the loudspeakers should create a realistic soundstage with similar
sound characteristics on each channel. It is therefore important that all speakers match the same quality level.
This is especially important with regards to the centre channel loudspeaker, as this is a critical aspect of any
multi-channel soundstage.
Dynaudio has developed various models suitable for multi-channel applications: compact and floor standing
models with a matching centre channel, all optimised for use with Dynaudio active subwoofers and Dynaudio
optional accessory products.
Loudspeakers for Multi-channel Setups
For a multi-channel setup, in addition to the two main (stereo) loudspeakers, additional channels (speakers) may
be added to reproduce dialogue and surround eects. With the centre channel and compact models, it is
possible to achieve the same high level of performance and sound on every channel.
Centre Speaker
The centre speaker is responsible for the information directed from the middle of the screen and should be
positioned between the right and left main loudspeakers.
In a home theatre/surround setup, the centre supports the images and should be placed close to the screen.
Rear Speakers
The rear speakers are responsible for the rear sound eects behind the listening position. When using the
compact models as rear speakers, the speakers can be placed into a shelf, mounted at the rear wall or placed on
a stand. This allows you a wide variety of placements, even if your listening room and furniture limit an optimal
setup.
Corresponding to the surround format (5.1 or 7.1, you need to install additional speakers:
1. 5.1: The standard multi-channel setup with two rear speakers.
2. 7.1: Two speakers are added on both sides between the front and rear speakers.
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Subwoofer
90° 90°
150° 150°
3 3
4 4
30° 30°
0°
11
2
5
Figure 6: 5.1 and 7.1 multi-channel loudspeaker setup
Most often a subwoofer will be utilised for the LFE signal, especially in larger listening rooms. The best position for
the subwoofer will depend on the size of the room and its acoustics. Please refer to the subwoofer’s manual.
Multi-Channel Loudspeaker Setup
Thus, a complete multi-channel setup consists of following speakers:
1. Front (stereo) speakers
2. Centre speaker
3. Rear speakers (as explained above)
4. Subwoofer (possible position)
Because there are many dierent setup options (from 5.1 to 10.2 channel applications) and due the fact that
loudspeaker positioning will also depend upon the room’s shape, please consult your Dynaudio dealer for special
applications and for placement options.
Positioning 17

Running-in / Care and Maintenance
Running in the Loudspeakers
The moving parts of a newly manufactured Dynaudio loudspeaker have been acoustically checked after
production, but nevertheless are not as flexible as they need to be for optimum results to be realised. The higher
the quality of any driver system, the more demanding the loudspeaker will be regarding time for running in the
system.
A newly unpacked Dynaudio loudspeaker therefore requires several weeks running/ playing to reach its optimum
performance capability. After that period, a couple of minutes before every listening session will be helpful to
“warm up” the loudspeakers.
Power Rating
Due to the construction and the driver technology Dynaudio loudspeakers can be driven with very high power
levels. With a high quality amplifier delivering undistorted signals, the speaker can achieve high levels without any
compromises in sound quality.
Attention must be given to amplifiers with very low power and adjustable tone controls or switches. These types
may soon overreach their own performance limits and may send distorted output signals to the speakers,
compromising even high quality technology. Any damage caused under such circumstances is not covered by
the Dynaudio warranty and is easily avoided in the first place by consulting your Dynaudio dealer for advice
regarding the choice of amplifier.
Distorted Output Signals
Caution
Distorted output signals from amplifiers that are too weak, defective or overloaded may
damage the loudspeakers.
Use high-quality amplifiers only and run loudspeakers and amplifiers within specified power ratings.
Running-in / Care & Maintenance
Dynaudio loudspeakers require no special treatment apart from the kind of careful handling you would normally
apply to any high-tech product in your home.
Aggressive Cleaning Fluids
Caution
All-in-one cleaning materials, aggressive cleaning fluids or special furniture polishes may damage the cabinet
surface or other speaker parts.
Use a soft dry or slightly damp cloth when cleaning the cabinet and other plain parts.
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Cleaning the Loudspeakers
Switch o all components of your system when cleaning any of these components.
Avoid touching the tweeter domes as any change of their shape may have an impact on sound quality.
Clean the cabinet and other plain parts with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth only.
Remove dust on the woofer diaphragms with a fine furniture brush.
All materials used by Dynaudio are integrated with exceptional care. By taking care of your loudspeakers, you will
preserve the finish and build quality for a very long time.
Running-in / Care and Maintenance 19

Warranty
Dynaudio provides a transferable limited manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty only covers faults or defects in
material and production. Damage caused as a result of abuse, misuse or defective electronics is not covered by
the warranty. All warranty claims must be accompanied by a copy of the original purchase invoice and warranties
are only valid in the country or market of original origin or distribution. Should warranty service be required, it must
be arranged for in the country of purchase by an authorised Dynaudio dealer. All performance criteria are strictly
controlled. In the whole production procedure – from raw materials to the final assembly – Dynaudio thoroughly
inspects all parameters along every step of way.
Dynaudio A/S, 8660 Skanderborg, Denmark
www.dynaudio.com
© Dynaudio International A/S
All text and image copyrights reserved. Subject to change without notice.
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