Estelon XB User manual

Designed
by Alfred Vassilkov
Serial Number
Model XB

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

Table of Contents
1. Intoduction..............................................4
1.1. Alfred & Partners ....................................4
1.2. Estelon Model XB ...................................6
2. Specications............................................9
3. Unpacking Instructions .................................11
4. Set-up ..................................................14
4.1. Initial positioning in the room......................14
4.2. Wiring .............................................15
4.3. Break-in period ....................................15
4.4. Recommendations from Alfred Vassilkov ...........15
5. Taking care of your Estelon speakers ....................16
6. Warranty – Technical Services ...........................18

4
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Alfred & Partners
Alfred & Partners, the Tallinn based design studio and think
tank, is not simply a business but a dedication, a dedication to a single,
heartfelt idea – the production of Instruments, Sound Diusers,
Sculptures – capable of unveiling the rich, emotional tapestry of music
in a personally involving way.
For more than 25 years, the designer and founder,
Alfred Vassilkov, has been designing loudspeakers – achieving
success both in design and patents – with developed products, in Eu-
rope. A decision was made – that to establish his own brand based on
his gathered experience and knowledge.
Such dedication carries with it the implicit responsibility of a
wholly uncompromising approach to audio design. Pride of crafts-
manship shares equal footing with sonic innovation. Their visionary
achievements, their quest for musical truth, continuously pushing the
envelope – the result is a product line that oers unrivalled musical
revelation packaged in designs of unparalleled beauty.
The designer and founder, Alfred Vassilkov

5
More importantly, we hope that their eorts can, in some small
way, oer a key that assists listeners in unlocking the vast structure
of emotion that is – music.
•••
For Estelon, the new brand, the visionary development started
in 2006 when Alfred started to analyze materials and technologies
for producing cabinets with streamlined shapes that could not only
reproduce the best sound but also assimilate into an interior, with
their elegant “sculpture” look. Years of work had led him to a propri-
etary, crushed marble based composite. The material having excellent
stiness and damping factors, as well as technical features that allowed
for the creation of cabinets with a design that enhances the sound
reproduction capability of the system as a whole.
The special E-lon shape of the loudspeaker creates ideal condi-
tions for sound reproduction. Its rounded form excludes corner reec-
tions. A narrowing of the tweeter area – the front panel sculpted – to
achieve 0 phase at the listening point, while its larger radiuses main-
tain their excellent inuences on the direction diagram. The cabinet
becomes wider and deeper at its base for both stability and to allow for
the volume required for eective low frequency reproduction.
Finally, every loudspeaker produced must pass Alfred & Part-
ners extreme level of quality control – each pair of loudspeakers is
assembled, tuned and then listened to individually. AND lastly, all the
products are handmade in Estonia, to their exacting standards.

6
1.2. Estelon Model XB
The Estelon Model XB – a process of evolution from within.
The result of a reassessment, a further renement and extension of the
performance goals already in place for the much praised Model XA –
Alfred Vassilkov’s rst tribute to the Estelon brand and the birth of a
new approach to loudspeaker design. Chief among the physical design
elements continues to be the use of the E-lon cabinet form. This cabinet
form, having been developed and honed over a ve year period, its design
and construction allow it to easily couple with even dicult room acous-
tics. Our respect for the Model XA and its design continue and remain a
constant source of inspiration.
Many years have passed since the genesis of the Estelon project
and much has been learned during this visionary period – embodying all
the visionary achievements – the roots and the choices that have evolved
into the Estelon sound. With the Model XB, the most beloved element of
Estelon products has been rearmed again – Simplicity. The “minimal”
electrical second order crossovers, the ranated mix of other elements as
drivers and acoustic enclosure, has allowed Estelon to nd again, trusted
and conrmed qualities, a rediscovering and renement of old but never
obsolete design principles and technological principals that are the true
expression of Estelon’s sonic esthetics.
Sharing the similar E-lon shape with XA and X Diamond,
the Model XB it is a smaller speaker designed for smaller listening rooms
(suggested room size 20-50 m2) while keeping the hallmark of Estelon
loudspeakers – the exceptionally wide imaging, deep sound staging and
thrilling life like dynamics. It is far more than simply speaker drivers in a
cabinet. It is a genuine musical instrument in its own right. One that, when
carefully integrated into system and room, is capable of connecting the
listener to music in a most profound way. Everything expressed naturally
and simply with balance, order and measure. It possessed an eminently
musical temperament that is immediately evident upon your rst and
each subsequent listening experience.

7
The Model XB will surprise a listener with very dened and unex-
pectedly deep bass, clear and articulate mid and extremely good dynam-
ics in high frequencies. The Model XB is capable of reproducing the nest
nuances of music.
Cabinet Design – As for all the Estelon loudspeakers, chief
among the physical design elements of the Model XB is the use of E-lon
cabinet form, having been developed and honed over a ve year period.
The E-lon shape is a result of choices of material and time-honored con-
struction techniques, a special casting process, the use of a proprietary
marble based composite and the extensive use of sub-structural stiening
sparsthatbreakupresonancenodesandcreatesaninternalacousticcham-
ber of non-parallel sidewalls that is all but immune to unwanted stand-
ing waves that can cause a colored sound. As a result – Estelon speakers
have a very natural and balanced sound. During the nal hand-assembly
process each speaker is individually tuned to maintain uniformity from unit
to unit. Unusual in its dened form, the results of this cabinet construction
allows it to be easily couple with even dicult room acoustics – allowing
bass to roll eortlessly into the listening space.
Transducers – The drive units employed are the highest expres-
sion of transducer design – German made Accuton ceramic drivers.
The 220 mm bass driver uses a special ultra sti ceramic – sandwich dome.
The mid-bass unit is a sophisticated design with particular attention paid
to the titanium voice coil former and the surrounding air gap to provide
maximum freedom from dynamic compression in conjunction the use
of a special ultra sti ceramic dome – valued for its midrange neutrality,
is mated to its own acoustic enclosure. All moving elements of the driver
are ventilated for resonance free response. Similar to other X Series speak-
ers, this unique technology allows the XB to produce bass and dynam-
ics that belie the size of the loudspeaker enclosure. The new 25 mm high
frequency driver has an ultra hard ceramic dome and no ferrouid lling.
A double neodymium magnet guarantees low energy storage and excel-
lent heat transfer.

8
Each drive unit is“broken in” by running a signal through them for
several hours before selecting matching pairs of drivers for each speaker
pair. When the drivers are in matching pairs, another„break in“ with a spe-
cial signal is conducted. Finally, drivers are tted into the nished cabinet
for individual tuning.
Crossover – A “minimalist” design 2nd order crossover is used
mainly for the natural sound such a design aords. All component
parts used, as well as the application of specic internal wiring, are of the
highest quality and were chosen through extensive listening tests based
on subjective musicality. The crossover with Teon hybrid capacitors and
air core inductors is encased in a separate chamber. Often, seemingly
minor changes greatly aect the nal sound! Such attention to detail is
readily apparent upon rst hearing. The result – a totally coherent signal
path, a claim proven based on extensive A/B listening.
Finish – Just as in the making of a great musical instrument, the
nish has also an inuence on the nal sound! After casting, the propri-
etary marble based composite is allowed to age, prior to the application of
a multi layer internal resonance compound. Only after this time consum-
ing process does the preparation of the surface of the cabinet commence.
Manual labor hand sanding and sealing, layer upon layer, applied using an
elaborate and time-consuming procedure. And nally the multiple coats
of the lacquer nish is applied – hand sanding accompanying each nish-
ing coat. Final polishing – to a mirror-like or matte nish, again, is done by
hand. The Estelon XB is oered in a choice of liquid gloss or matte nishes
or the optional/premium nishes.

9
2. SPECIFICATIONS
Woofer: 8,7“ Accuton, ceramic sandwich dome
Mid Woofer:6,25“ Accuton, ceramic membrane
Tweeter: 1“ Accuton, ceramic inverted dome
Internal Wiring: Kubala-Sosna
Capacitors: Mii, Teon-Hybrid
Frequency Response: 22 - 30 000 Hz
Power Rating: 150 W
Amplication Power: 30 W
Nominal Impedance: 6 ohms (min 3.5 ohms at 50 Hz)
Sensitivity: 87 db/2.83 V
Height: 1260 mm (49,6”)
Width: 420 mm (16,5”)
Depth: 590 mm (23,3”)
Net Weight: 69 kg per piece (152 lbs)
Shipping Weight: 110 kg per piece (242 lbs)

10
Dimensions in Millimeters:

11
3. UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Your Estelon loudspeakers come packaged individually in
2 separate ight cases – we strongly recommend keeping these cases
for possible future use / transport. Due to the substantial weight and
slippery surface of the loudspeakers we suggest that two persons
assist in the unpacking and positioning of them for listening.
Contents of the two ight cases:
•2 loudspeakers
•1 Accessories box
•2 sets of spikes (8 pieces)
•1 user’s manual
•2 pairs of gloves
•1 polishing cloth
•1 impregnated polishing cloth
(supplied only with liquid gloss nish)
For unpacking, please follow the instructions described below and
as shown in the drawings:
Due to the substantial weight and slippery surface of the loud-
speakers we suggest that two persons assist in the unpacking and po-
sitioning of them for listening.
1. Unlock / Open all four locks on the ight case cover.This should only
be done with the speaker / ight case in a horizontal position.
2. Carefully lift the cover o the ight case and put it aside.
3. Remove the foam plate from under the speaker bottom as shown
in drawing 3.
4. Gently, one person lifting the ight case as shown in drawing 4,
and another person supporting the speaker, elevate the
ight case with the speaker to a vertical position as shown in
drawing 5.

12
1
3
2
5. Now in an upright position, please support the speaker, and
slowly roll the speaker out of the case. At this time, please put on
the gloves that you nd included in the accessories box inside the
ight case. Now, with the speaker upright and out of the ight
case, roll it to the desired position in your room and nally, carefully
remove the cloth bag from the speaker. We recommend keeping
the speakers on wheels during the initial set-up.
6. Once the nal position has been located, it is time to replace the

13
54
6
transport wheels with the enclosed spikes as shown in drawing 6.
Doing one side at a time, one person should carefully tilt the
speaker to one side, and hold it in this position while the other
person removes the two wheels and inserts the enclosed spikes
into the holes next to the holes for transport wheels. Please make
sure the edge of the speaker bottom does not touch the oor dur-
ing this procedure. Repeat the procedure for replacing the rest of
the wheels. Please retain the wheels, once removed, in the event
that repackaging is required.

14
4. SET-UP
4.1. Initial positioning in the room
Model X Diamond – Suggested room size 20-50 m2.
When positioning the speakers in your room, if possible, it is
desirable to allow for “free”space around the speakers so as to assist in
minimizing sound reections from walls, furniture etc. This will help in
achieving correct tonality, realistic imaging, focus and dynamics. The
recommended minimum distance between the speaker and the near-
est reection point is 1.2 m (3.6 ft).
A “smooth” back wall will minimize imaging distortions. The
distance between the back wall and the speaker should not be less
than 0.6 m (1.8 ft), the distance from the tweeter to the back and side
walls must not be too similar.
Listening point: the distance between your ears and the oor
should be approx. 1 m (3 ft), while the distance between the listener
and the speakers should be similar to the distance between the two
speakers.
The positioning of the speakers in the room must be sym-
metrical for achieving a balanced sound stage – this is very important
in a narrow room. Expect the distance between the speakers to be
approximately 2.5 – 5 m, depending on the size of the room and its
reverberation characteristics.
The recommended speaker’s direction is approximately 7°,
o axis, towards the listening position.
4.2. Wiring
When connecting the speaker to the amplier please make
sure that the amplier is in an o position.
Connect the speaker cable to the pole terminal on the back of
the speaker: speaker terminal „+“ with the amplier terminal „+“ and
„–“ with„–“.

15
For signal ow, please follow the direction marked on the cable
or in the cable manufacturer’s instruction. Typically, the signal ow will
be in the same direction as the labeling / writing on the cable.
4.3. Break-in period
Although your Estelon speakers had an initial break-in at the
factory, due to shipping conditions – pressure/temperature changes
that they may have incurred, the speakers will need to go through an
additional break-in process before their nal set-up.
All the mechanical and electrical connections will stabilize nat-
urally after playing a continuous music signal for approx. 24 hrs – e.g.
use a digital source in the repeat mode. After the initial break-in period
you can start setting-up the sound according to the recommenda-
tions from Alfred Vassilkov.
Please note that the speakers will have reached their optimum
level of performance after playing in your system for 300-400 hrs.
4.4. Recommendations from Alfred Vassilkov
for the set-up
The set-up of the sound consists of the balancing of many
dierent parameters: tonality, bass accuracy, focus, stage imaging,
deepness etc. This process is time consuming and depends on the
listener’s experience or the qualication of the set-up specialist. Proper
set-up will maximize your Estelons’performance.
During the nal set-up small changes may be made to the ini-
tial chosen position, e.g. moving the speakers 10 cm towards the front
wall, then maybe a little bit inward and outward. Please evaluate the
sound carefully every time you make a small change in the positioning.
Then continue, making smaller changes in the positioning and evalu-

16
ate again, until the proper position with a balanced, natural sound is
found. We suggest that you test, listen, with dierent music styles so as
to avoid specic accents.
When changing the position of your speakers please keep in
mind that:
• Close proximity to the back wall and corners will reinforce,
enhance, the bass performance.
• A shorter distance between the two speakers, will create
a better focus and deeper imaging, but will at the same time reduce
the sound width.
• Pointing the speakers inward minimizes reections from the
side walls but has an impact on the imaging.
Once you have located the proper position replace the wheels
with the spikes included in the case. You can adjust the angle, phase
of the speaker to the listening point by changing the height of the
spikes – rear.
For critical listening, please allow 60-90 minutes for the system
to stabilize, each time you play the speakers.
When played at excessive volume, you stand the risk of doing
damage to the drivers.

17
5. Taking care of your Estelon speakers
The multicoated nishes applied to Estelon speakers are con-
sidered to be amongst the most advanced automotive nishes avail-
able. They are extremely strong and durable. In order to assist you in
maintaining their stunning appearance, your Estelon loudspeakers
come supplied, from the factory, with special cleaning / polishing
cloths. Please take note – only dry cleaning is allowed – do not wash
the speakers.
When the nature of a smudge / spot so necessitates, a soft
moist cloth may be used to gently liquefy / remove smudges prior to a
nal nishing with the special cloths which accompany the speakers.
For the Liquid Gloss nish, please use only the polishing cloth
included in the ight case. Be careful not to apply the polish to the
loudspeaker drivers. The use of other materials can damage, scratch or
destroy the nish.
More detailed information regarding the polishing clothes and
information for obtaining additional product:
For the Liquid Gloss nish only:
DuPontTM Sontara® Polish Cloth impregnated with Krytox®
Silicone-free
Impregnated with DuPontTM Krytox®, a high performance polish that
gives a long-lasting shine and extra protection to paintwork
No additional wax or polish required.
For all nishes:
3M Perfect-itTM III High Performance Polishing Cloth
Item # 50486
Or other 3M Microber cloths
For additional information and guidance regarding cleaning /
polishing materials, please contact your dealer or distributor.

18
6. ESTELON / ALFRED & PARTNERS -
Technical Services
Alfred & Partners OÜ Five Year Limited Warranty
Terms and Conditions
1. Limited Warranty – All ESTELON products purchased from
authorized ESTELON dealers are covered by a limited 5-year non-trans-
ferrable warranty granted by Alfred & Partners OÜ. This warranty in-
cludes all parts and labour charges as well as return-shipping charges
(product owner is responsible for all shipping and insurance charges
one-way to the ESTELON repair facility).
Upon receipt of an online registration form, Alfred & Partners
OÜ warrants the purchased product to be free from manufacturing,
materials, and workmanship defects for ve years from the date of
original purchase, subject to the following conditions. Failure to regis-
ter the ESTELON product within 30 days from original purchase will
result in a warranty period of 90 days from the date of purchase.
Customers should consult with their original ESTELON dealer or
distributor for possible alternate repair instructions prior to contacting the
ESTELON factory. Other ESTELON dealers or distributors may refuse from
assisting the Customer under the limited warranty BUT under any and all
circumstances customers are welcome to contact our sales department,
listed on our web site www.estelon.com, for service assistance.
This limited warranty is valid only in the country where the
product was originally purchased. If the repair request that is covered
under this warranty comes from another country then the Manufac-
turer may request the Customer to compensate to the Manufacturer
additional costs arising from providing this limited warranty in another
country than the country of original purchase.
This limited warranty shall not aect the statutory rights of the
Customer.

19
2. Limited to Original Purchaser – This warranty is for the
sole benet of the original purchaser of the covered product, and may
not be transferred to a subsequent purchaser of the product.
3. Conditions and Limitations – This warranty is subject to
certain conditions and limitations, as follows. This warranty is void and
inapplicable if the product has not been used in accordance with the
instructions found elsewhere in the owner’s manual, or if it has been
misused or abused, damaged by accident or neglect, or in transport
once in possession of the purchaser. The warranty is also deemed
void if the product has been repaired, modied, or tampered with by
anyone other than Alfred & Partners OÜ or its specically authorized
agents. Please Note – if the fasteners to the cover of the crossover area,
those covered with multi coloured specialty epoxy seal, have been
tampered with / the epoxy removed – the warranty will considered to
be void.
This warranty does not cover defects due to accidents or similar
causes arising after the risk for the product has passed to Customer, or
normal deterioration, wear and tear.
4. Remedy – If this product contains a materials, manufac-
turing, or workmanship defect that cannot be repaired at the dealer-
ship where the product was purchased, it must be packed in original
packaging and returned to Alfred & Partners OÜ via insured freight, at
the owner’s expense. If replacement packaging materials are required,
they may be purchased from the factory at a charge. Returned prod-
ucts must be accompanied by a written description of the defect,
and a return authorization number (available from the factory via
phone or email).
Upon receipt of defective product, ESTELON agrees to repair
the product without charge for parts or labour. The product will then
be returned via prepaid, insured freight, with carrier at the sole deter-
mination of ESTELON. This constitutes the purchasers sole remedy.

20
5. Design Changes – ESTELON reserves the right to modify
its products or change specications at any time without obligation or
liability to previous purchasers.
6. Miscellaneous – Any implied warranties relating to the
above product shall be limited to the duration of this warranty. This
warranty does not extend to any incidental or consequential costs or
damages to the purchaser. This warranty gives you specic legal rights.
You may also have other rights which vary from country to country.
Instructions for Obtaining Repair Service
1. Complete the Return Authorization Request Form – avail-
able online at estelon.com/support.
2. Upon clicking the ‘Submit’ button on the Return Authori-
zation Form, the ESTELON factory will review it for completeness and
return an e-mail to you with an RA number when required (please al-
low 2-5 days for a return e-mail).
3. Crate and / or package the product in its ORIGINAL FLIGHT
CASE CONTAINERS ONLY, according to the instructions included in
the return e-mail, and ship the product to the shipping address in-
cluded in the e-mail. The owner is responsible for paying the shipping
and insurance charges (Alfred & Partners OÜ will cover return shipping
and insurance charges on warranty repairs).
4. In the case of non-warranty repairs, Alfred & Partners OÜ
will physically inspect the product and contact the customer for repair
approval. Upon approval and completion of repair, the product own-
er will be informed of the nal charges (including return shipping).
Payment may be made by bank / wire transfer prior to nal shipment).
Payments not received within 30 days of initial contact may incur
storage fees.