Estelon Extreme Mk II User manual

from Alfred & Partners
Designed
by Alfred Vassilkov
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!!!!Model Extreme Mk II Serial Number __________

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Your ESTELON loudspeakers have passed our quality
control:
– Technical test passed.
Engineer, Estelon
– Listening test passed.
Alfred Vassilkov
Head of Research and Development, Estelon

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Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................4
1.1. ALFRED &PARTNERS OÜ....................................................................4
1.2. ESTELON EXTREME MK II....................................................................6
1.2.1. Cabinet Design...........................................................................7
1.2.2. Transducers..................................................................................8
1.2.3. Crossovers ...................................................................................10
1.2.4. Connectors.................................................................................. 11
1.2.5. Finish................................................................................................ 11
2. SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................... 13
3. UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................................14
4. SET-UP ........................................................................................................... 22
4.1. INITIAL POSITIONING IN THE ROOM .............................................. 22
4.2. SETTING UP THE SPEAKERS ............................................................ 23
4.3. WIRING .................................................................................................... 25
4.4. SETUP RECOMMENDATIONS BY ALFRED VASSILKOV ........ 26
4.4.1. Troubleshooting ................................................................... 29
4.5. BREAK-IN PERIOD................................................................................ 31
5. TAKING CARE OF YOUR ESTELON SPEAKERS............... 31
6. ESTELON / ALFRED & PARTNERS OÜ – TECHNICAL
SERVICES........................................................................................................... 32

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Alfred & Partners OÜ
Alfred & Partners, the Tallinn-based design studio, think-tank,
and owner of Estelon, is not simply a business but a passionate
dedication to a single, heartfelt idea: the development and
manufacturing of instruments capable of unveiling the rich, emotional
tapestry of music in a personally involving and captivating way.
For more than 35 years Electro-acoustics Engineer and
company founder, Alfred Vassilkov, has been relentlessly designing
loudspeakers. His designs have been awarded numerous patents while
also achieving much success in Europe. In 2010 a decision was made:
to establish his own brand based on his extensive experience,
knowledge, and relentless passion.
Alfred Vassilkov, the Designer and Founder of Estelon

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Such dedication carries the implicit responsibility of a wholly
uncompromising approach to audio design. Pride of craftsmanship
shares equal footing with sonic innovation. Alfred Vassilkov’s visionary
achievements along with his tireless drive and quest for musical truth
created an innovative brand of loudspeakers whose products offer
unrivalled musicality and incomparable beauty: Estelon. More
importantly, Estelon offers a distinctive key that assists listeners in
unlocking the vast structure of emotion through music.
For the Estelon brand, the visionary development started in
2006 when Alfred started analyzing materials and technologies for
producing cabinets with streamlined shapes that could not only
reproduce the best sound but also assimilate into home interiors with
an elegant, sculptured look. Years of research and development led
him to a proprietary, crushed marble-based composite. The material,
having excellent stiffness and anti-resonant attributes, as well as
various technical advantages, allows the creation of molded cabinets
with a purposeful design that enhances the sound quality of the entire
audio system. The unique cabinet shape of Estelon speakers create the
ideal conditions for sound reproduction. Its curved, smooth form
eliminates corner reflections. A sculpted narrowing of the area where
high frequency emanates helps achieve 0 degrees phase at the
listening position, while the cabinet’s larger radiuses create controlled
directivity of the propagating soundwaves. The cabinet then becomes
wider and deeper at its base for both stability and to allow effective low-
frequency reproduction.
Every loudspeaker produced must pass Alfred & Partners'
extreme level of quality control. Each pair of loudspeakers is completely
hand-built, painted, assembled, tuned, tested, and then listened to
individually. All Estelon products are meticulously handmade in
Estonia, to the company’s exacting standards.

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1.2. Estelon Extreme Mk II
Estelon Extreme Mk II: By elevating the act of listening to new heights,
Estelon delivers an audio experience like no other. The system
comprises an upper and a lower module, with the former fully
adjustable to best suit a room’s acoustic attributes and the listener’s
personal preferences.
Paramount among the physical design elements continues
to be the use of the Estelon unique cabinet shape form. This form has
been developed and perfected over a five-year period. Its design and
construction allow it to easily couple with non-acoustically treated
listening areas (i.e. normal living spaces). Premium quality
components in separate chambers, state-of-the-art carbon-fiber
resonant control, and applied isolation technology along with top-
quality dampening materials, are all contributing factors to an
exhilarating audio experience.
Many years have passed since the genesis of the Estelon, and
much has been learned while embodying all achievements. The roots
and choices have evolved into the Estelon sound. The refined
combination of the selected drivers and the acoustical attributes of the
enclosure has allowed Estelon to achieve their signature sound along
with enhanced performance qualities.
The Extreme Mk II is a speaker designed for larger listening
rooms [suggested room size 50-200 m²(538-2153 square feet)] and
provides exceptionally wide imaging, deep sound stage, and thrilling
life-like dynamics. It is far more than speaker. It is a genuine musical
instrument in its own right, and when carefully integrated into a
system and listening space, it is capable of connecting the listener to
the music in a most profound and transcending way. Everything is
expressed naturally, balanced, and emotionally engaging. The Extreme

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Mk II possesses an eminently musical temperament that is
immediately evident upon your first audition and every subsequent
listening experience.
The Extreme Mk II provides defined and deep bass, clear and
articulate mid-range, and musically detailed and dynamic high
frequencies. The Extreme Mk II can reproduce the finest nuances of
music.
1.2.1. Cabinet Design
The cabinet form has been developed and honed over many
years of research and testing in order to find the right material that
would allow the highest quality of cabinet and construction for the
loudspeaker’s acoustically engineered shape. The cabinet is extremely
rigid, highly dense, resonant-free, and with exceptional internal
dampening and acoustical control. This is the result of time-honoured
construction techniques, a special casting process, the use of a
proprietary marble-based composite along with the extensive use of
sub-structural stiffening spars that break up resonance nodes and
create an internal acoustic chamber of non-parallel sidewalls that is all
but immune to unwanted standing waves that can cause a coloured
sound. This is why the Estelon speakers reproduce a very natural and
balanced sound.
During the final hand-assembly process each speaker is
individually tuned to maintain uniformity from unit to unit. Each
Extreme Mk II speaker weighs 250 kg (551.2 lbs) in order to provide
stability, and is constructed with two modules (upper and lower). The
upper module of each loudspeaker is adjustable. Unusual in its defined
form, the result of this cabinet construction allows the bass to roll
effortlessly into the listening space.

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1.2.2. Transducers
Each speaker has two woofers, one mid-woofer, one
midrange and one tweeter. For the speaker to reproduce the full
spectrum of sound with the absolute highest quality, a combination of
four different driver types has been carefully chosen. These high-quality
drivers are designed and produced by German driver manufacturer
Thiel & Partner GmbH under the brand name Accuton and are revered
globally as the best.
The two 250 mm (11 inches) aluminium sandwich woofers
have been designed together with the Accuton engineers, especially
for the Estelon flagship loudspeakers. These drivers have an extremely
stiff and lightweight membrane and very long linear excursion. In
combination with the Cell concept motor system, where the voice coil
is almost the same diameter as the whole membrane, these drivers in
the Forza cabinet can reproduce a truly deep, accurate, and effortless
bass. The Forza’s bass has been said to sound like “live bass” This is a
result of meticulous engineering.
The 250 mm (11 inches) aluminium sandwich mid-woofer has
also been co-developed together with the Accuton engineering team,
with a unique motor system employing neodymium magnets to have
higher sensitivity and suitable parameters for the Forza. Much like the
woofers, this mid-woofer also has an extremely stiff and lightweight
membrane that works in a high degree of piston-like behaviour well
into the midrange. These characteristics enable it to produce accurate,
free of colouration, and effortless explosive high bass.
The 168 mm (7 inches) ceramic membrane midrange driver
from Accuton employs a lightweight, extremely rigid, alpha-corundum
membrane. In combination with the powerful, highly optimized Cell
concept motor system, with neodymium magnet ring, the result is a
highly efficient and transparent sounding midrange driver. Everything

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from vocals to piano, strings, horns, and cymbals sound natural,
accurate, fast and dynamic.
The 25 mm (1 inch) chemical vapor-deposited diamond
membrane tweeter from Accuton can reproduce sounds at the
highest frequencies, up to 60 kHz, with no distortions in the human
hearing range. Diamond is the hardest known material, with the
highest speed of sound in any known material. This results in a perfect
step response, while the first breakup modes occur way out of the
human hearing range. The imaging precision, instrument spatiality,
contours in 3D space and microdetail clarity produced by this tweeter
is unmatched.
The sonic character of the Estelon loudspeakers that feature
diamond tweeters is not what you would expect: an overly “brilliant” or
“hard-as-diamond” sound, which in most cases is caused by a high
amount of harmonic distortion. In our loudspeakers, through the
properly designed crossover, the diamond tweeters simply disappear,
and only the music remains. It is like being present at a live concert
where one can hear the instruments but not the speakers reproducing
the sound. The Estelon Diamond loudspeakers offer a new way of
relaxed listening, and you get to sense all the details that you have
never heard before on your old records and digital music. You will be
immersed in acoustical spaces with a “live” 3D presence that was never
there before.
Each drive unit is “broken-in” by running an audio signal
through them for several hours before selecting matching drivers for
each pair of speakers. When the drivers are in matching pairs, another
“break-in” with an audio signal is conducted. Finally, drivers are fitted
into the finished cabinet for individual tuning.

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1.2.3. Crossovers
The crossover components have been chosen from among
the absolute best available, with the synergy of the end result as a
significant factor. All filter components are pre-measured and sorted to
extremely tight tolerances before being used in the crossover
production. To maintain the smallest of details in the audio signal we
use direct wire connection between the components and point-to-
point techniques. Everything is hand-soldered with high-quality solder,
and with the shortest possible cable runs between drivers, crossover,
and our custom connector. The internal cabling is of the highest quality
and from the renowned cable manufacturer Kubala-Sosna.
The crossovers of the Extreme Mk II are designed to provide
accurate time and frequency domain merging between drivers while
preserving timbral and tonal accuracy. The crossovers are in their own
isolated chamber to reduce the microphonic effects and vibration
influence. Each crossover construction process involves careful
attention from our engineers and designers, and each component is
carefully tested to make sure that the result is impeccable. There is also
an extensive critical listening and evaluation process done by our
highly experienced engineers.
The crossover for the upper part drivers is located within the
upper module to reduce the length of the filtered signal to the drivers,
minimizing the signal loss. The upper module is supported by two
custom stainless-steel spikes on the top and by a bearing ball on the
bottom. Coupled like this, the vibration effects are minimized, and
good rigidity has been maintained.

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1.2.4. Connectors
The Extreme Mk II makes use of our latest development in
connectors. Its custom connectors are built into the bottom of the
loudspeaker. Instead of the typical binding posts which have screw-like
construction, our new connectors are built like clamps. The
construction resembles that of piano keys which are spring-loaded to
hold the speaker cable attached. Under the spring-loaded key, there is
a high-grade copper foil ribbon that is routed straight to the crossover
above. All unnecessary metal-to-metal transitions are eliminated.
There are no large dimension conductors that would enable degrading
effects of circulating currents. Around the whole connector assembly,
there are no metal parts and no dielectrics that would smear the
sound. Only natural wood and pressed particle board are used for their
dissipative and damping qualities. The result is purer, more airy and
more articulated micro dynamics from bass to highs.
1.2.5. Finish
Just as in the making of a great musical instrument, the finish
has also an influence on the outcome. Because of the highly
sophisticated cabinet shape, all the processes in the finishing stage are
hand-made with extreme care by highly experienced specialists using
the best technology and procedures. After casting the proprietary
marble-based composite, it is allowed to age. Then the preparation of
the surface of the cabinet commences by hand sanding and by sealing
layer upon layer through an elaborate and time-consuming procedure.
Finally, the multiple coats of the lacquer finish are applied along with
the final polishing to a mirror-like finish. The Estelon Extreme Mk II is

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offered in a choice of dual tone liquid gloss finishes, or custom made
premium finishes.

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2. SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE:
DRIVERS:
2 x Woofer:
Mid-woofer:
Mid-range:
Tweeter:
INTERNAL WIRING:
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
POWER RATING:
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE:
SENSITIVITY:
MINIMAL AMPLIFIER POWER:
DIMENSIONS:
NET WEIGHT:
SHIPPING WEIGHT:
4-way passive loudspeaker,
bass reflex
250 mm (11 inches) Accuton,
CELL aluminum sandwich
(custom design)
250 mm (11 inches) Accuton,
CELL aluminum sandwich
(custom design)
168 mm (7 inches) Accuton,
CELL ceramic membrane
25 mm (1 inch) Accuton,
diamond inverted dome
Kubala-Sosna
25-60 000 Hz
500 Watts
3 ohms
91 dB / 2.83 V
20 Watts
Height: 1770-2070 mm (69.7-
81.5 inches) / adjustable
Width: 690 mm (27.2 inches)
Depth: 820 mm (33.3 inches)
250 kg (551.2 lbs.) per piece
300 kg (661.4 lbs.) per piece

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3. UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
The packaging is precisely thought-through so despite the
weight of 250 kg (551.2 lbs.) of each speaker, they can be safely
transported to their final position in the room with the included lift cart
which is a custom design for the Estelon Extreme Mk II model. The
transport cases (industrial grade custom flight-cases) are equipped
with wheels to ease the transportation and setup.
Your Estelon loudspeakers come packaged individually in 2
separate flight cases. We recommend keeping these cases for possible
future transportation. The lift cart is packed in a separate cardboard
box.
Due to the substantial weight and slippery surface of the
loudspeakers, we suggest that at least four able-bodied individuals
assist in the unpacking and positioning process.
Contents of the two flight cases:
• 2 loudspeakers
• 1 Accessories box:
o 1 user’s manual
o 1 Hex Wrench tool (size 10) for the safety bolt of the
upper module of the speaker (plus extension)
o 4 wire bridge connector
o 2 x 2mm Allen key
o 1 remote control
o 2 power supplies
o 4 pairs of gloves
o 1 polishing cloth
For unpacking, please follow the instructions described below
and as shown in the drawings.

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1. Open the cardboard box of the lift cart and take all the parts out of
the packaging.
2. Screw the handles on the lift cart as shown in drawing 1 (four
screws).
1
3. Now proceed with unlocking/opening all the locks of the speaker
flight case cover while the flight case is in a horizontal position.
(drawing 2)
2

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4. Carefully lift and remove the cover from the flight case. (drawing 3)
3
5. Remove the accessories box from the flight case. (drawing 4)
4
6. The three individuals can now lift gently the flight case with the use
of handles on the flight case as shown in drawings 5 and 6, while

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the other person supports the speaker from the other side till it is
in a vertical position.
NB!
Do not touch the drivers while supporting the speaker.
5
6

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7. Now bring the lift cart and push it carefully under the speaker until
the forks are all the way to the back, and the front part of the
speaker touches the lift cart. (drawing 7)
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8. Take the hand lever and insert it into the lift cart. Then turn it 90
degrees clockwise, as shown in drawing 8.
8

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9. Pull the lever down so that the forks lift the speaker. (drawing 9)
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10. Then make sure that the safety valves are in the notches. (drawing
10)
10

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11. Remove the lever by turning it anti-clockwise and pulling it out.
(drawing 11)
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12. Transport the speaker to the desired location by moving the lift cart
through the handles. One or two persons should support the
speaker while moving it.
13. Once the speaker is at the desired position, insert the hand lever to
the cart lift and turn it 90 degrees clockwise, as shown in drawing
12.
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