ESS Performance series User manual

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OWNERS MANUAL
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................. .
CONNECTING YOUR SPEAKERS
....... .. . ... .
• Phasing
SPEAKER PLACEMENT ........................ 3
COMPONENTS
................................ 3
• Midrange/High Frequency
• Low Frequency Driver
• The Passive Radiator
• Frequency Dividing Network
SPECIFICATIONS
.............. . ............ 4
THE I:vlPORTANCE
OF ''CLEAN''
AMPLIFIER OUTPUT ........ . ........... 6
MULTIPLE SPEAKER CONNECTION
............. 6
HElL ROTATION FOR HORIZONTAL PLACEMENT
CABINET CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 7
SERVICE ..................................... 7
LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY .................. 8

page 1
MODEL 4,5,8
I
l INTRODUCTION
I ESS Perfonnance Series speakers are among the most effi-
cient Reil
air- motion transformer loudspeakers available; all
feature a 10" passive radiator tuned to optimize the bass
response
in their respective system; all speakers provide the
tonal clarity characteristic ofHeil air-motion transformersys-
terns; all are superb instruments meant to last a lifetime with
proper care.
We urge you to read this Owner's Manual care-
fully. It will familiarize you with speaker connection proce-
dures and placement options. The manual also includes
background material
on the ESS Perfonnance Series compo-
nents and their characteristics.
We hope that this information
and the pleasure you derive from your new speaker system
will meet and exceed your expectations.
CONNECTING YOUR SPEAKERS
Follow the steps below to ensure that your ESS Perfonnance
Series speakers are properly connected to your electronics.
Connecting the speakers will be
easy. However, because
minor errors
in the connection procedure can diminish the
perfonnance
of your speakers and electronics, we urge you to
follow these directions carefully:
• Turn your electronics off while connecting the speakers to
avoid any possibility of damage by shorting.
• If you plan to drive more than one pair of speakers simul-
taneously with your stereo receiver, or ifyou plan to drive
more than four speakers with a 4-channel unit, turn to
"Multiple Speaker Connection."
•
You were probably' supplied with wire to connect the
speakers to your electronics at the time
of purchase. We
recommend 18-gauge lamp cord (commonly called "zip"
cord) if the speaker will be
25 feet (7.5 m) or less from
your electronics. Use
of thinner wire (larger gauge
number) than
18 gauge is not recommended under any
circumstances; 16 gauge cord is strongly recommended for
speaker placement
in excess of 25 feet from your elec-
tronics.

page 2
• The "Left" and "Right" designations on the speaker out-
put terminals
of your amplifier or receiver refer to the
speakers asyou
face them. Thus the Left Channel output of
your receiver should be connected to the speaker on your
left, and the Right Channel outputfrom the receiver should
be connected
to the speaker on your right.
It is very important that the positive (" +") and
(" ") posts of your electronics connect properly to
responding speaker posts.
All double-strand wires are coded to ensure that ground
(" -") and positive (" +") wire can be identified throughout
the length
of the cord. Examination of solid-colored cord will
reveal one or more ridges along one side
of the insulation. It
is standard to connect the rigid side to the negative (BLACK)
terminal. The wire with smooth insulation should connect to
the positive (RED) terminal at the amplifier and to the posi-
tive terminal on the corresponding speakcr. Cords with clear
plastic insulation generally have wire of two different colors
for identification usually copper and silver. Copper
cOO-
nects to the negative terminal, silver to the positive terminal.
INPUT TERMINAL CONNECTION
• The ternimal posts at the rear of your ESS Performance
Series speakers require that you strip about
1;4 II (7 mm) of
insulation offthe end ofthe connecting wire. The connec-
tionto your amplifieror receiver will probably also require
that the wire be similarly stripped for a short length. KO
PORTION OF THE STRIPPED CONNECTING WIRE
AT THE SPEAKER OR AMPLIFIER TERMINALS
SHOULD TOUCH THE OTHER WIRE. Shorting of
speaker leads
at the speaker or amplifier can damage your
equipment. Be sure that the wires at your amplifier and
speakers are properly isolated.
• Press the spring-loaded clamp at the terminal posts of the
speakers to insert the stripped wire into the terminal. Re-
lease the clamp to lock the connecting wire firmly to the
terminal post. Once the leads are connected from elec-
tronics to speakers, your system should be ready
to tum
on.
PHASING: If your speakers seem to image poorly or if the
bass seems inadequate, it
is possible that they have inadver-
tently been connected OUT OF PHASE.
To check for proper
phasing, follow this procedure:
• Switch your receiver or preamplifier to the MONO mode.
Select a program source and position yourself equidis-
tantly in front
of the speakers. If the sound seems to ema-
nate clearly from betwecn the two speakers, they are prop-
erly phased. However, if you hear a broad vague sound
which leaps from side to side
as you move your head off
center, your speakers are out
of phase. The problem can
easily be corrected by reversing the connection to ONE of
the speakers. Switching to stereo should reveal the drama-
tic, natural sound that you have come
to expect of proper
stereo imaging.

page 3
SPEAKER PLACEMENT
A speaker's room placement and its orientation to the listener
can have a major bearing on the quality of sound you hear.
The proper functioning
of the passive radiator at the rear of
the model 5 & 8 requires that these speakers be placed no
closer than one inch from the wall. Maximum bass perfor-
mance will probably occur with the speaker placed 3 to 5
inches from the wall. Because the passive radiator
is located
in the front of the model 4, that speaker may be placed di-
against a rear wall. Aside from not placing the models
5or8 directly against the rear wall, you will probably want
to
experiment with room placement if your room and furnish-
ings
do not limit placement possibilities.
Generally, optimal stereo imaging
is obtained by placing both
speakers along one plane, parallel to each other about five
to
eight feet apart. If the speaker is a bookshelf configuration,
placing the speakers
on the floor, near comers, will aug.ment
bass response but might tend
to make the bass "overpower"
the rest ofthe speaker.
If the bass seems excessive, try mov-
ing the speaker away from the corner or try elevating the
speakers a
few inches off the tloor.
The furnishings in your room can also importantly affect how
your speakers sound. Large windows, paneled walls and
wooden floor and/or ceilings are characteristic of "live"
rooms. Ideally, highly retlective surfaces are acoustically
optimized by opposite absorptive surfaces. Heavily draped,
upholstered and carpeted rooms lacking any retlective
sur-
faces tend to be acoustically non-reverberant or "dead".
Rooms with a balance between reflective surfaces tend to be
most acoustically ideal.
If possible, experiment with speaker
and decor placement to obtain a sound quality that you find
pleasing.
COMPONENTS
MIDRANGE/HIGH FREQUENCY:
The Heil Air-Motion Transformer
Unlike the Performance Series Heil driver, conventional
midrange and high frequency drivers are highly susceptible
to diaphragm resonance. When a cone, for instance, is driven
at certain frequencies, it begins to change shape "in sym-
pathy" with the drive frequency. This vibration, known
as
diaphragm resonance, absorbs energy, blunting transient at-
tack and causing overhang. Moreover, when another signal is
introduced at the same time the resonating diaphragm tight-
ens up, like a rubber band stretched between two points. This
forces the resonating frequency to rise
in frequency. This
change in frequency is a major factor
in "masking" clarity
due to pitch variation.
One way to avoid resonance
is to make the diaphragm abso-
lutely rigid. Unfortunately, this.entails making the diaphragm
massive and difficult to drive.
A more effeetive way
to avoid resonance is found in the
concept of distributed drive. When a driving force
is distri-
buted uniformly over a diaphragm's moving surface area,
it
supports the diaphragm; the diaphragm is thereby effectively
made rigid without extra weight. Resonant vibrations simply
do not occur.
The diaphragm of the Heil air-motion transformer incorpo-
rates both concepts. Its surface area
is folded into deep verti-
cal pleats. Conductive aluminum strips bonded to the pleat
walls move with the electronic signal, causing the pleats to
close or open along their entire length.
As the pleats expand orcontract, air
is sucked in or forced out
the open end. The pleatwalls move only one fifth as far
as the
escaping air, thus reducing the possibility
of flexing. The
air-motion transformation ratio
is thus 5 to 1.
The Heil's pleat action has two major advantages over con-
ventional methods. First,
it eliminates the possibility of dia-
phragm resonance. Since the Heil's pleat walls are totally
drive-supported by the aluminum strips, they cannotbend out
of shape to go into resonance. Second, when the Heil's deep
pleats force the air out, they move the air much
farther- and
faster -than they themselves move creating a large, high
velocity air motion from a short, diaphragm move-
ment.
This
is important because it drastically reduces the effeetive
moving mass of the diaphragm. The Heil builds up only a
fraction
of the momentum generated by conventional one-
to-one drivers, transferring energy
to the air efficiently at all
frequencies.
The Heil transformer's pleated configuration has the added
advantage of spectacular dispersion by virtue
of its small
radiating source. Conventional speakers reproducing similar
frequencies are usually so wide by comparison that sound
waves from one side
of the disphragm interfere with waves
on the other side, narrowing the speaker's clean output to a
constricted central beam. This makes speaker placement ex-
tremely critical. The Hei! air-motion transformer avoids this
side cancellation because of its compact configuration. With
a
120" horizontal pattern of 20,000 Hz, the Heil maintains a
solid expanse of stereo imagery to frequencies beyond audi-
bility. A spacious sound stage can be enjoyed from virtually
any point in the listening field.
Definitive clarity, freedom from resonance, and full-range
sound dispersion the inherent benefits
of superior design.
For conventional speakers, they remain problematic goals.

page 4
LOW FREQCENCY DRIVER
Different low frequency transducers are used in ESS Perfor-
mance Series speakers to complement cabinet size and the
Heil air-motion transformer. Each woofer utilizes a magnetic
circuit that critically damps the drivers moving assembly and
makes possible a flat frequency response over an extended
range. The model 4 woofer operated from 35
Hz to the cross-
over point at 2400 Hz into the Heil amt. The range of the
slightly less massive model 5 and 8bass drivers operate from
40
Hz and 50 Hz respectively to the crossover point of 2400
Hz.
SPECIFICATIONS
THE PASSIVE RADIATOR
The 10" passive radiator on your ESS Performance Series
speaker
is driven by the motional energy of the woofer. The
passive radiator works in the same way as a port except that
the velocity of the passive diaphragm is much lower than that
of the air moving through a typical port. As a result, low
frequency distortion is lower when using a passive radiator
system than when using a ported system. In order to have the
same performance from a vent, the port would have to oc-
cupy the entire volume of a typical bookshelf system! Addi-
tionally, the passive radiator keeps the back radiation of the
woofer where it belongs: in a tuned system within the box.
FULL SYSTEM MODEL 4
Power Capacity 160 Watts (clean power)
Nominal Impedance 6 Ohms
Dispersion 1200 horizontal, 40° vertical
Crossover Frequency 2400
Hz
Efficiency 1 Watt input produces a 96 dB
of
sound pressure at a distance of
3 feet, 82 dB at 15 feet
Amplitude-Frequency Response 35
Hz to 24 kHz ± 3 dB
HElL AIR-MOTION TRANSFORMER
Total Radiating Area 10.4 sq. in. (67.1 cm2 )
Transformation Ratio 5.3 to 1
Magnet Assembly Weight 21;4 Ibs. (1.02 kg)
Flux Density
6,000 Gauss
Square Wave Rise Time
15 Microseconds 5 kHz
LOW FREQUENCY DRIVER
Nominal Diameter
10 inches (25.40 cm)
Flux Density 11,800 Gauss
PASSIVE RADIATOR
Nominal Diameter 10 inches (25.40 cm)
DECOR
Finish Vinyl (Walnut)
Grille Color Dark Brown
Dimensions 35 x
12% x 12Vs in. (88.9 x
31.75 x
30.8 COl)
WEIGHT
(Including Packing) 48 lbs. (22 kg)

page 5
NOTE: In the model 5 and 8 speaker systems you can tune
your passive radiator to a lower frequency by mov-
ing the rear
of the speaker enclosure closer wthe
wall. Maximum bass performance will probably
occur with the speakerplaced 3 to 5 inches from the
wall.
Under no circumstances, should the passive
radiator be put closer than one inch from the l,vall;
since it will reduce its effectiveness dramatically,
and may result
in the passive radiator's hitting the
wall when making its most extreme excursions,
FREQUENCY DIVIDING NETWORK
Optimal performance
of the drivers used in your ESS Per-
formance Series
is assured by a sophisticated 18dB
per octive crossover. Rugged, highest quality components
integrate the woofer and the Heil air-motion transformer at a
crossover point of 2400 Hz and provide absolute freedom
from phase interference
in the midrange,
MODEL 5 MODEL 8
140 Watts (clean power)
6 Ohms
120° horizontal, 40° vertical
2400
Hz
1 Watt input produces a 95 dB of
sound pressure at a distance of
3 feet. 81 dB at 15 feet
40 Hz
to 20 kHz 3 dB
100 Watts (clean power)
6 Ohms
1200 horizontal, 40° vertical
2400 Hz
1 Watt input produces 94 dB of
sound pressure at a distance of
3 feet, 80 dB at 15 feet
50 Hz to 20 kHz ± 3
dB
10.4 sq, in, (67,1 cmZ) 10.4 sq, in, (67,1 cmZ)
5,3 to 1 5,3 to 1
2% Ibs, (1.02 kg)
2',4 Ibs, (1.02
6,000 Gauss 6,000 Gauss
15 :vficroseconds @ 5 kHz 15 Microseconds @ 5 kHz
10 inches (25.40 em) 8 inches (20.3 cm)
9,500 Gauss 9,000 Gauss)
10 inches (25.40 cm)
10 inches (25.40 em)
Vinyl (Walnut) Vinyl (Walnut)
Dark Brown Dark Brown
24% x
14 x 14 in, (61.3 x 22 x
12% x 10% in, (55.9 x
35,6 x 35,6 cm)
31.1 x 27 cm)
36 lbs. (17 kg) 30 Ibs,
(14 kg)

page 6
THE IMPORTANCE OF "CLEAN"
AMPLIFIER POWER OUTPUT
The power rating on your ESS Performance Series
loudspeaker represents the maximum amount ofclean power
which the loudspeaker will handle indefinitely.
Typical recorded music has peaks about
lOdB higher than the
average level
of the music -unless clipping is allowed to
occur. Once clipping begins three bad things happen:
I) Low frequency energy intended for the woofer is con-
verted to high frequency energy which ends
up in the
tweeter.
2) The average power increases without increasing the
peak power.
3) The level
of distortion increases dramatically.
An amplifier in light to moderate clipping delivers
as much
power
as an amplifier with 25 to 50 percent greater power
output not driven into clipping.
All ESS Professional Series loudspeakers are tested with
clean power exceeding the rating of the speaker. Be assured
then that if your amplifier
is within the power of your
speaker and distortion
is occurring it is your amplifier that is
being overdriven 110t your speaker.
Amplifier power ratings are typically based on an 8 ohm
impedance. Typically
an amplifier will deliver 25% more
power to a 6 ohm
spea~er and about 50% more power to a 4
ohm speaker. Please check the impedance rating on your
speaker
in the "Specifications" section to determine the
actual power capability of the amplifier you will be
with the speakers.
As a general rule. most popular receivers will clip at about" I
o'clock"
on the volume control playing into an ESS Perfor-
mance Series speaker system.
If your amplifier or receiver
has power output meters,
it is not advisable to exceed meter
readings of 0
Vu.
Driving the loudspeakers with sine wave signals at high dB
output levels is not advisable. Driver failure from excessive
input levels, faulty electronic equipment, or owner
will not be covered under the conditions
of the warranty.
Csed properly, the rugged, reliable components
in your ESS
Performance Series speaker system should provide a lifetime
of outstanding service.
MULTIPLE SPEAKER
CONNECTION
ESS Performance Series speakers have an impedance of 6
ohms. Most receivers and basic amplifiers have no difficulty
whatsoever with impedance loads above 4 ohms, but can
develop problems if the load drops below 4 ohms. Connect-
ing
an additional set of speakers to your Tempest will proba-
bly drop the system impedance below 4 ohms; consequently,
they should not be connected
in parallel. If you own a re-
ceiver, driving your speakers in the A & B mode with another
set ofspeakers might drop the system impedance below the 4
ohm level.
A second set
of speakers may be connected IN SERIES.
Series connection keeps the system impedance above 4
ohms, assuring that your electronics will handle the load
properly.
Your dealer can help to clarify and answer any
questions you may have about multiple connections to your
",
.. ______ ". Switching boxes are also available which simplify
series connection; your dealer can help you obtain such a
box. The basic series connection
is diagrammed below and
should be used if you plan
to connect another set of speakers
to your ESS Performance Series speakers.
AMPLIFIER
~I
I"~
~[J
SYSTEM A
G+
+~
SYSTEM B
~+
--u
~--
SERIES SPEAKER CONNECTION
Connections of additional speakers to a basic 4-channel con-
figuration will also require connection
IN SERIES. You may
use the diagram above
as a model for this procedure. If you
have a question,
it is wise to contact your dealer or the man-
ufacturer
of your 4-channel receiver.
Once you understand the ramifications and procedure
of con-
necting multiple speakers, return to "Connecting Your
Speakers."

page 7
HElL ROTATION FOR
HORIZONTAL PLACEMENT
The Heil air-motion transformer in your ESS Performance
Series speaker
is mounted for optimal performance in the
upright, vertical position. If you plan
to lay your model 5 or 8
speake,rs
on their longest side in the horizontal "bookshelf"
position, then the Heil amt may
be rotated 90° in the follow-
ing manner to optimize dispersion.
• Place the speaker
on its back. Remove the grille from its
fasteners by gently pulling the top and bottom
of the grille
upward, away from the fasteners on the front of the
speaker.
• The air-motion transformer is attached to the front mount-
panel
of the speaker by four screws. Remove the
screws and rotate the Heil amt assembly 90°. RefastGn the
transformer with the four screws and carefully reattach the
grille.
Your ESS Performance Series dealer should be most willing
to rotate the amt or provide further instructions if you feel
reluctant to undertake the rotation procedure.
CABINET CARE
Your ESS Performance Series loudspeakers require no more
care than that normally given fine furniture. The beauty
of the
vinyl surface may be retained and enhanced with a vinyl
treatment
like" Armora!." Silicone dusting sprays and strong
abrasive compounds should not
be used on the vinyl surface
of the speaker.
SERVICE
The dealership where you purchased your ESS Performance
Series speakers can best verify any complaint you may have
and can arrange for any necessary servicing.
If your dealer cannot
be contacted, please write ESS, Inc.
Attention: Customer Services, and include the following in-
formation:
• The model and serial number
of your speakers.
• The dealer from whom your speaker was purchased, the
date of purchase, and, if possible, your phone number.
• A specific description
of the problem.
• Associated equipment (including RMS power ratings
of
your amp) used with the speakers.
If ESS deems return to the factory necessary, please ship
freight prepaid and be sure
to use the "Authorized Return"
labels which ESS will provide. Once repaired, your unit will
be returned freight prepaid.

page 8
LIMITED THREE-YEAR
WARRANTY
When ESS Performance Speakers are used in accordance
with the written instructions contained in the Owner's Man-
ual, ESS will repair any defect in workmanship and materials
that occurs
in normal use for a period of 36 months from the
date
of original purchase without charge for parts or labor.
The warranty applies only to the original owner and
is con-
tingent upon purchase from
an authorized dealer, except
where prohibited by
law. The owner's responsibilities are to
provide proof
of purchase and transportation to the ESS fac-
tory authorized service facility
in the event that repair is
required.
If your speakers are removed from the country of original
purchase, ESS Performance Series distributors and/or
au-
thorized dealers in any subsequent country are not obligated
by the terms
of this warranty. Any repairs under the terms of
this warranty will
tie made at the discretion of the distributor
or dealer.
This warranty
is void if the serial numbers have been re-
moved or defaced, or if repair has been attempted by any
unauthorized person or agency. In addition the warranty does
not cover tampering, abuse or accidental damage. The right
is further reserved to re-adjust prices or design patameters
and specifications without notice and without incurring re-
sponsibility to modity previously purchased systems. ESS
specifically excludes from this warranty any responsibility
for consequential damage.
Retention
of your ORIGINAL BILL OF SALE is required to
obtain service under the terms of the warranty. Any card or
other form of registration does not constitute proof of
pur-
chase and will not be regarded as such. During the three year
warranty period, only presentation
of your ORIGINAL BILL
OF SALE to either an authorized warranty station
or the
factory itselfwill insure yourrights under the warranty policy
described above.

IMPORTANT
ESS is constantly researching new materials, production
methods and design refinements which may be introduced
into product lines without notice or obligation. For
this reason, any current ESS Performance Series product may
differ
in some respect from its published description but will
always equal or exceed perfonnance
of the original design.

;:'),inc.
9613 00 tes drIVe· sacramento, ca. 95827
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