EPOS M5i User manual

www.epos-acoustics.com
User Manual

This booklet contains information on the Epos Mi series loudspeaker range, with the exception of the M sub-woofer which
has its own manual.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Amplifiers with power outputs between those noted in the loudspeaker specifications will generally be adequate,
although more powerful amplifiers could be used if care is taken to avoid over-driving the loudspeakers.
Always use the volume control with discretion, and reduce the level immediately should the loudspeakers begin to distort.
Amplifiers capable of less than 25 Watts per channel output are best avoided because they will restrict the dynamic
range. Such amplifiers may also cause damage to the loudspeakers if they are driven beyond their capability in an
attempt to obtain high volume levels.
The clipping distortion produced when an amplifier is driven beyond its normal output capability can be very destructive. A
powerful amplifier operating well inside its capability will generally be less likely to damage your loudspeakers than a
lower powered amplifier operating beyond its capacity.
NOTE: Do not make or break loudspeaker connections to the amplifier when it is turned on.
POSITIONING
Epos loudspeakers are designed to be positioned as specified. Space should be left behind the loudspeakers to allow
proper operation of rear firing reflex ports and to ensure establishment of good stereo image depth. Some
experimentation may be necessary to establish the ideal position within your listening room.
Begin by placing the loudspeakers about 20cm from the rear wall and gradually move them out a little at a time until you
achieve the best balance between bass weight and definition.
Avoid placing the loudspeakers in corners because this may cause a doubling of low frequency output. Try to leave at
least 40cm of space between each loudspeaker and the nearest side wall.
The optimum stereo performance will be achieved when the speakers are positioned 2.5 metres or more from the listener
and about the same distance from one another. Turning the speakers in very slightly towards the listener often helps to
stabilize the stereo image.
Speakers ‘image’ best if you can just see the top face of the speaker from your listening position. Remember, there is no
absolute right or wrong - if it sounds good, it is good.
QUICK CONNECTIONS
Switch off your amplifier whenever making connections.
Take your speaker cable and connect the positive terminal on the amplifier left channel, marked + or coloured red, to the
positive terminal on the left loudspeaker. The negative terminal on the amplifier left channel, marked - or coloured black,
must be connected to the negative terminal on the left loudspeaker. Repeat connections for the right channel.
If you choose to bi-wire or tri-wire your loudspeakers, please read the detailed section on page 3.
LISTENING
Switch the amplifier on with the volume turned down low. Check that the bass and treble sounds come from both
speakers. If not, switch off and remake the connections.
RUNNING IN
Your new loudspeaker system will require a total of approximately 24 hours of normal use to allow the components to
settle into their working routine and reach their optimum performance.
ALWAYS REMEMBER
?lower the volume before making any adjustments to the system (e.g. switching amplifier inputs or raising or lowering
pickup arm).
?switch off the amplifier before checking or making any changes to any connections in the system.
NEVER
?try to find out how loud the system will go.
?use your loudspeakers for any other purpose other than domestic listening.
Page Two

DISCLAIMER
The 4mm plugs used on modern hi-fi speaker cables should never be inserted into European mains sockets even though
they may fit. Needless to say, this is pointless and can be fatal if tried. Make sure that young members of the family are
prevented from ever doing this.
STANDS
For loudspeakers designed for use on stands, best results will be obtained if the stands are rigidly coupled to the floor
using carpet piercing spikes. Floor-standing loudspeakers should also be coupled to the floor using the carpet piercing
spikes supplied. This will help preserve the outstanding mid-band clarity which is a hallmark of Epos loudspeakers. Epos
has designed its own stands to suit the M5i and M12i.
The floor-standing and centre channel models are supplied with their own support plinth. Contact your dealer for further
information or visit the Epos website ww.epos-acoustics.com
SPIKES
Four threaded spikes are provided with each floor-standing speaker, together with individual locking nuts. These should
be screwed into the metal inserts in the bottom of the cabinets, or into its plinth. Once these are adjusted to correct the
level of the speaker and stop it from rocking, tighten the locking nuts, so as to prevent the spikes from coming loose.
Adjusting the front spikes higher will tip the speaker up and can give sonic benefits.
CONNECTION
Ensure that your amplifier is switched off before you make, or break, any connections, because damage may occur to
your amplifier if shorted.
Your Epos loudspeakers are equipped with insulated nickel plated binding posts with excellent electrical contact and
current specification. The posts are connected to the individual drivers as denoted on the rear panel label.
Removable metal links enable the loudspeaker to be conventionally wired with a single cable, bi-wired or bi-amped,
(tri-wired or tri-amped where applicable). These techniques often bring benefits in terms of increased clarity and
definition.
If you are in any doubt consult your dealer or visit www.epos-acoustics.com
BI-WIRING/TRI-WIRING
Bi-wiring involves the use of two pairs of speaker cables between your loudspeakers and amplifier. Tri-wiring requires
three pairs of speaker cables. If you wish to bi-wire your M5i, M8i or M12i speakers, or tri-wire your M16i or M22i speakers
it is essential that you first unscrew all the binding posts and remove the metal links that join them together. Store them
safely for possible future use. Once the links are removed, the drive units will be electrically separate and should be
connected to the driving amplifier with individual high quality cables, as shown.
BI-WIRING
SPEAKER AMPLIFIER SPEAKER AMPLIFIER
To single wire, leave links To bi-wire, remove links
in place
TRI-WIRING
SPEAKER AMPLIFIER SPEAKER AMPLIFIER SPEAKER AMPLIFIER
To single wire, leave links To bi-wire, remove one pair To tri-wire, remove both sets
in place of links, leaving the 2nd in place of links
Page Three

CABLE TERMINATION
A set of 4mm plugs is supplied which will allow you to terminate your loudspeaker cables. These plugs have been
selected to provide the best possible electrical connection.
To terminate your cables simply remove enough insulation to allow the plastic shroud on the plug provided to fit over the
end of your cable. Then make a connection to the plug and screw the shroud fully over the plug until no bare plug is
evident. Once again, if you are in doubt consult your Epos dealer. Residents of the European Union may wish to use bare
wires into the terminal posts, as 4mm plugs have been outlawed.
If bare wires are used, take care to avoid stray strands which can 'short circuit' the power amplifier. Spade type
connectors may also be used.
WARNING
The sockets on the loudspeaker marked red (on the right side as you look at the loudspeaker rear panel) should be
connected to the red (or positive) output terminals on your amplifier, while the sockets marked black should be connected
to the black (or negative) output terminals on your amplifier.
Use good quality cable to connect your loudspeakers to the amplifier. Ensure that the cables from each speaker are of
roughly equal length and that any surplus is gathered in a loose hank. Do not coil the surplus tightly.
PHASE
If the cables are not connected to each left and right speaker in the same way, i.e. black and red reversed in one, the
effect will be incorrect phasing. This will cause the bass to disappear and the stereo image to spread from the middle to a
position outside the two speakers.
Correctly wiring the polarity of the speakers will restore the image to between the speakers and provide proper bass.
Most speaker cables have a polarising mark, such as a raised bump or writing on the positive wire.
RUNNING IN
Epos loudspeakers require a little gentle use to allow their working components to settle into their proper working routine.
Do not be concerned if your new speakers sound aggressive and lacking in low-frequency authority when you first begin
to use them. Things will quickly improve.
Allow between twenty four and forty eight hours of use before you expect your new loudspeakers to perform to their full
capacity.
PROTECTIVE GRILLES
Your Epos loudspeakers are supplied with protective grilles.
The use of these is entirely optional and many owners prefer the appearance of the loudspeakers without them. A small
reduction in clarity may be apparent with the grilles on. Do remember that young children and pets have an affinity for
shining tweeter domes and woofer cones!
If you wish to use the grilles, simply push them into the holes provided on the front panel, or pull them off to remove them.
L
Page Four

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Handling 100 Watts maximum amplifier power
Frequency Range 60 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance 4 Ohm nominal
Sensitivity 87dB/2.83V@1m
Amplifier Compatibility 25 - 100 Watts
Positioning Not less than 10 cm (4”) from rear wall
Tweeter Epos 25mm aluminium dome with high-temperature voice coil, ferrofluid cooling and
ferrite magnet system. Magnetically shielded
Bass/Midrange Driver Epos mid bass 140mm, with 25mm high-temperature voice coil and injection-moulded
PP cone mounted on an inert die-cast aluminium chassis. Solid metal phase plug.
Magnetically shielded
Crossover Bass driver crosses over with three components in a 2nd order filter. Tweeter has four
components in a 3rd order filter at 3 kHz crossover, using film-caps and a metal oxide
resistor.
Terminal Panel Bi-wirable. Can be single or double wired by removing shorting links provided.
Internal wiring 0.8mm solid-core cable, Low-oxygen copper
Cabinet 18mm MDF wrap and 25mm MDF front baffle internally braced - with real wood finish
Finish Cherry, Red Cherry, Black Oak veneer
Size - HxWxD - mm / ins 326 x 174 x 220 / 12.8 x 6.8 x 9
Packaged One pair per carton
Weight 6.7 kg / 14.8 lb per single speaker
16 kg / 35.3 lb per carton
Power Handling 150 Watts maximum amplifier power
Frequency Range 54 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance 8 Ohm nominal
Sensitivity 87dB/2.83V@1m
Amplifier Compatibility 50 - 150 Watt into 8 Ohms
Positioning Not less than 20 cm (8”) from rear wall
Tweeter Epos 25mm aluminium dome with high-temperature voice coil, ferrofluid cooling and
ferrite magnet system. Magnetically shielded
Bass/Midrange Driver Epos mid bass 165mm with polymer cone,32mm high-temperature voice coil and die-
cast aluminium chassis. Magnetically shielded
Crossover Mid Bass driver crossover is by mechanical design and without electrical
network. Tweeter AC coupled with polypropylene capacitor and metal oxide resistor
6dB per octave at 5 kHz
Terminal Panel Bi-wirable. Can be single or double wired by removing shorting links provided
Internal wiring 0.8mm solid-core cable. Low-oxygen copper
Cabinet 18mm MDF wrap and 25mm MDF front baffle, internally braced, with real wood finish
Finish Cherry, Red Cherry, Black Oak veneer
Size - HxWxD - mm / ins 375 x 184 x 250 / 14.8 x 7.25 x 9.8
Packaged One pair per carton
Weight 8.4 kg / 18.6 lb per single speaker
20 kg / 44 lb per carton
Page Five

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Handling 200 Watts maximum amplifier power
Frequency Range 48 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance 4 Ohm nominal
Sensitivity 88dB/2.83V@1m
Amplifier Compatibility 50 - 200 Watts
Positioning Not less than 20 cm (8”) from rear wall
Tweeter Epos 25mm aluminium dome with high-temperature voice coil, ferrofluid cooling and
ferrite magnet system. Magnetically shielded
Mid/Bass Driver Epos Mid Bass 140mm with injection-moulded polymer cone and high-temperature
voice coil, mounted on a die-cast chassis with phase plug. Magnetically shielded
Bass Driver Epos Bass 140mm with injection-moulded polymer cone and high-temperature voice
coil, mounted on a die-cast chassis with dust cap. Magnetically shielded
Crossover Multi-element medium-order, at 150 Hz and 3 kHz. Tweeter has four components in a
3rd order filter at 3 kHz crossover, using film-caps throughout and a metal oxide
resistor.
Terminal Panel Tri-wirable.Can be single, bi-wired or tri-wired, using shorting links provided.
Internal wiring Mid-treble:0.8mm solid-core cabled. Bass: 1.2mm solid core. All low-oxygen copper
Cabinet 18mm MDF wrap and 25mm MDF front baffle, internally braced, with real wood finish
Finish Cherry, Red Cherry, Black Oak veneer
Size - HxWxD - mm / ins 885 x 174 x 210 / 35.8 x 6.9 x 8.3 without grille - including plinth but without spikes
Packaged One speaker and plinth per carton
Weight 16 kg / 35.3 lb per single speaker
21 kg / 46.3 lb per carton
Power Handling 100 Watt maximum amplifier power
Frequency Range 60 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance 8 Ohm nominal
Sensitivity 87dB/2.83V@1m
Amplifier Compatibility 25 - 100 Watts
Positioning Either above or below the CRT or Plasma monitor. If close to the floor, angle the
speaker up a little to aim at listener’s face
Tweeter Epos 25mm aluminium dome with high-temperature voice coil, ferrofluid cooling and
ferrite magnet system. Magnetically shielded
Bass/Midrange Driver Epos 140m nominal, with 25mm high-temperature voice coil and injection-moulded
PP cone mounted on an inert die-cast aluminium chassis. Injection-moulded phase
plug. Magnetically shielded
Crossover Bass driver crossover by four components in a 2nd order filter. Tweeter has four
components in a 3rd order filter at 3 kHz crossover, using film-caps throughout and a
metal oxide resistor.
Terminal Panel Bi-wirable
Internal wiring 0.8mm solid-core cable. Low-oxygen copper
Cabinet 18mm MDF wrap and 25mm MDF front baffle internally braced, with real wood finish
Finish Cherry, Red Cherry, Black Oak veneer
Size - HxWxD - mm / ins 180 x 510 x 220 / 7.1 x 20 x 8.7 (without grille or plinth)
Packaged One centre channel and plinth per carton
Weight 10.8 kg / 22.8 lb per single speaker including plinth
13 kg / 28.7 lb per carton
Page Six

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Handling 300 Watts maximum amplifier power
Frequency Range 38 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance 6 Ohm nominal
Sensitivity 87dB/2.83V@1m
Amplifier Compatibility 50 - 300 Watt into 6 Ohms
Positioning Not less than 20 cm (8”) from rear wall
Tweeter Epos 25mm aluminium dome with high-temperature voice coil, ferrofluid cooling and
ferrite magnet system. Magnetically shielded
Mid/Bass Driver Epos Mid Bass 165mm with polymer cone,32mm high-temperature voice coil and
injection moulded phase plug mounted on a die-cast chassis. Magnetically shielded
Bass Driver Epos Bass 165mm with polymer cone, 32mm high-temperature voice coil and
weighted injection moulded dust cap. Die-cast chassis. Magnetically shielded
Crossover Mid bass driver crossover is by mechanical design and without electrical network. 6 dB
on bass driver. Tweeter is AC coupled via polypropylene capacitor and metal oxide
resistor, 6 dB per octave, at 5 kHz.
Terminal Panel Tri-wirable. Can be single, double, or tri-wired by using shorting links provided
Internal wiring Mid-treble:0.8mm solid-core cable. Bass: 1.2mm solid core. All low-oxygen copper
Cabinet 18mm MDF wrap and 25mm MDF front baffle, internally braced, with real wood finish
Finish Cherry, Red Cherry, Black Oak veneer
Size - HxWxD - mm / ins 900 x 184 x 250 / 35.4 x 7.25 x 9.8 without grille - including plinth but without spikes
Packaged One speaker and plinth per carton
Weight 19.3 kg / 42.5 lb per single speaker
25 kg / 55 lb per carton
WARRANTY
WITHIN U.K.
Your Epos Mi series loudspeakers have been built to very high standards and should give many years of trouble free
service.
If, within five years of purchase, they prove to be defective for any reason other than accident, misuse, neglect,
unauthorized modification or fair wear and tear, we will repair the defect or, at our option, replace the faulty speakers
without charge for parts, labour or return carriage.
Your purchase receipt should be retained as it may be required in the event that you need to claim warranty attention.
This warranty is applicable in the United Kingdom only and given in addition to your statutory rights.
OUTSIDE U.K.
Service enquiries in countries other than the United Kingdom should be addressed to the local Epos agent or distributor.
Warranties granted in these countries are entirely at the discretion of the agent or distributor.
Epos speaker systems are sold in more than 45 countries worldwide.
Detailed information on all Epos products can be found by visiting the Epos website. www.epos-acoustics.com
Epos Limited reserves the right to change the specification of any of its speakers without notice.
Page Seven
Please see the Epos website for the complete list of
international distributors together with all contact details. www.epos-acoustics.com

REAL
NATURAL
WOOD
This product has been finished with carefully selected real wood
veneers. We scour the world to select the best and ensure that they
are finished to the highest practical standards.
As no two trees are alike, each pair of speakers is slightly different in
colour, shading, grain and finish from all others.
These pleasing variations are your guarantee of the unique and
warm charm of your Epos speaker system.
Each Epos cabinet is finished in a special lacquer, which ensures a
maintenance free life.
EPOS LIMITED
12 AVEBURY COURT
MARK ROAD
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD HERTS HP2 7TA
ENGLAND
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Designed and engineered in the U.K.
E&OE
www.epos-acoustics.com