German Physiks DDD-Manufactur Ultimate User manual

This product complies with European Union EMC Directive
(89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EC)
© German Physiks 2013
Revision a
Released 22nd July 2013
We reserve the right to change the information contained in this manual without notice. For the
latest version please see our web site at www.german-physiks.com
Ultimate User Manual

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1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 3!
2. UNPACKING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS ............................................................................................. 3!
3. THE PRINCIPLE FEATURES OF THE ULTIMATE ............................................................................ 5!
4. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT AND SET-UP ................................................................................... 5!
Fitting the Spikes ............................................................................................................................ 6!
Adjusting the Spikes ....................................................................................................................... 6!
Listening Room Layout ................................................................................................................... 7!
Loudspeaker Placement ................................................................................................................. 7!
5. CONNECTING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS .......................................................................................... 10!
Loudspeaker Cables ....................................................................................................................... 10!
6. REMOVING THE DDD SHIPPING COVERS ..................................................................................... 10!
7. LOUDSPEAKER BREAK IN ............................................................................................................... 10!
8. CARE OF YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS .................................................................................................. 11!
9. WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................................... 11!
10. SERVICE AND SUPPORT ................................................................................................................ 11!
11. HOW TO CONTACT US .................................................................................................................... 12!
12. ULTIMATE SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................... 13!
13. WARRANTY REGISTRATION .......................................................................................................... 14!
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting the German Physiks Ultimate loudspeakers for your audio system. The
Ultimate is a 2-way design using a single carbon fibre DDD driver and a high performance woofer. It is
entirely handmade and is built and tested by highly skilled technicians at our factory in Germany.
Every step in the design and manufacture of this product has been dedicated to producing a loudspeaker
that will provide a lifetime of musical enjoyment.
We strongly recommend that you read this manual before attempting to use the loudspeakers, as it will
enable you obtain the best performance from them.
2. UNPACKING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS
NOTE: When lifting the loudspeakers out of the packing hold them
around the sides of the cabinet. Do not lift at the end of the
cabinet with the spikes, as you may damage the woofer
(figure 3).
Do not lift the loudspeakers by the DDD driver support
pillars (figure 4) as this may damage the driver.
Do not remove the shipping supports fitted in the spike
mounting holes on the base of the loudspeaker, as the
woofer may be damaged if the loudspeaker is stood up
without these fitted. Instructions for fitting the spikes follow
later in this manual.
Each Ultimate weighs approximately 29kg (64lbs) and
should not be lifted by one person alone. Always have help
when lifting a loudspeaker.
The DDD drivers may be protected with clear film. We
recommend that this be left in place until the loudspeakers
have been placed in their final location, so as to guard
against accidental damage during handling.
The Ultimate is supplied with each loudspeaker packed separately in a double carton. This must be kept
horizontal as shown in figure 1. Before opening the cartons, please inspect them for damage. If you see
any damage, please contact the supplying audio dealer immediately and provide them with a full
description of the damage. Do not attempt to unpack the loudspeakers until you have spoken with the
dealer and have been advised how to proceed.
To unpack the loudspeakers please follow the instructions below:
NOTE: When cutting the sealing tape on the inner and outer
cartons make sure that the cutter blade does not penetrate
more than 1cm into the carton.
1. Place the carton upright as shown in figure 1 and carefully cut the sealing tape.

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2. Open the flaps on the outer carton then carefully cut the sealing tape on the inner carton.
3. Open the flaps on the inner carton and remove the three foam packing pieces B and C in figure 2.
4. Lift the loudspeaker out of the box by supporting it under the sides of the cabinet and stand it upright
on its shipping supports. Do not lift by the DDD driver – see figure 4. When lifting the loudspeaker from
the vertical is necessary to place one hand under the base of the loudspeaker. To avoid damaging the
woofer, ensure that you only support the base of the loudspeaker by the underside of the cabinet - see
figure 3.
Figure 1. Ultimate Shipping Carton
Figure 3. Ultimate Woofer
B
C
Figure 2. Ultimate Shipping Carton
B

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Please confirm that the cartons contain the following items
Item
Quantity
Description
1
2
Ultimate Loudspeakers
2
1
Ultimate User Manual
3
1
Cleaning Cloth
4
8
Spikes
5
8
Spike Support Feet
6
8
Self adhesive felt pads
If any items are missing, or show signs of damage, please contact the supplying dealer immediately.
Please retain all of the packing, as you will need this should it be necessary in the future to ship the
loudspeakers. The use of any other packing may result in the loudspeakers sustaining damage in
transit. Such damage is not covered by the warranty. Should you require replacement packing, please
contact your German Physiks dealer, the national distributor or the factory directly.
3. THE PRINCIPLE FEATURES OF THE ULTIMATE
4. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT AND SET-UP
NOTE: DO NOT place the loudspeakers close to cathode ray type
monitors or projectors, as the very powerful magnets used
in the drivers may affect the picture. We recommend a
minimum separation of 2m.
The spikes should only be adjusted by hand. The use of
any tool may damage the cabinet.
Rear View
Figure 4. Principle Features of the Ultimate
DDD driver
DDD driver
support pillars
Input terminals
Spikes
Front View

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Fitting the Spikes
Lay the loudspeaker on its side. Unscrew and remove the four shipping supports. Take four spikes and
ensure that the locking nuts (B figure 5) are screwed all the way down the screw threads as shown, then
screw each spike fully into base of the loudspeaker.
Adjusting the Spikes
The spikes are supplied with a special foot, (C figure 5). This is flat on one side and has a recess
machined into the other side. It is intended to be placed under the spike, flat side down and used
where the user does not want the spike to come into direct contact with the floor, for example when the
loudspeakers are to be placed on a polished wooden floor. Self-adhesive felt pads are supplied which
may be fixed to the flat side of the foot to give further protection from scratches. They also make it
easier to move the loudspeaker. When the foot is used, make sure that the tip of the spike is located in
the centre of the recess as shown in figure 6.
Set the loudspeakers in their initial position in the listening room. Please refer to figure 7 for guidance
on positioning. Screw all the spikes fully in. The spikes should turn easily by hand if the loudspeaker
is tilted slightly to take the weight off while they are being adjusted.
To check that the stand is sitting squarely on the spikes:
1. If the loudspeaker can be rocked in the 10 o’clock to 4 o’clock direction, lean
the loudspeaker to the left and screw out the right hand front spike by the amount of
movement you saw. Set the loudspeaker back upright and repeat the process until it is
Figure 5. Spike with Locking Nut and Foot (shown enlarged)
B
A
B
C
Figure 6. Correct Positioning of Foot

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sitting squarely on all four spikes. The locking nut (B figure 5) can now be tightened up
against the base of the loudspeaker by hand.
2. If the loudspeaker can be rocked in the 2 o’clock to 8 o’clock direction, lean the
loudspeaker to the right and screw out the left hand front spike by the amount of
movement you saw. Set the loudspeaker back upright and repeat the process until it is
sitting squarely on all four spikes. The locking nut (B figure 5) can now be tightened up
against the base of the loudspeaker by hand.
Listening Room Layout
The following points will help you optimise your listening room layout.
1. The left and right sides of the room should be symmetrical. If the room is asymmetrical, this will
degrade the quality of the stereo image. This is because most of the sound energy that you hear is
reflected before it reaches your ears.
2. Place the loudspeakers symmetrically in the room, i.e. the same distance from the centre line of the
room and the same distance from the front wall.
3. Avoid placing the loudspeakers similar distances from the side and front walls, as this may lead to
an uneven bass response.
4. Avoid having any hard surfaces between your listening position and the loudspeakers. This will
generate additional reflections that may degrade the stereo image. For this reason, where ever
possible equipment should be located at the side of the room. If you have a hard floor (tile or wood), it
may be helpful to place a carpet on the floor covering the area between the loudspeakers and the
listening position, as this will reduce unwanted early reflections.
5. Avoid having the listening position closer than 1.2m from the rear wall, as early reflections from this
wall will degrade the stereo image.
6. If the room has acoustic panels or other room treatments try the initial set-up with these removed.
The Ultimate being an omnidirectional loudspeaker interacts with the room in a very different way than
conventional designs and it relies on a certain amount of reflection off the walls to work properly.
Excessive absorption prevents the formation of good stereo images and can also lead to an
imbalanced frequency response. Only re-introduce the treatments if listening shows they are
necessary, for example to treat boominess and do so in stages, not all at once.
Loudspeaker Placement
Every room is different so we cannot give hard and fast rules for where the loudspeakers should be
placed. The instructions below provide a useful technique for finding the best position. The key is to be
prepared to experiment and let your ears be your guide. Don’t make changes too quickly. Allow
yourself time to listen properly each time a change is made. If you are tired or getting frustrated, you
will not be able to make good judgements about what you are hearing. Be prepared to try later when
you are feeling fresh and have plenty of time.
Marking loudspeaker positions on the floor with masking tape and making notes of how each position
sounds can be helpful, as this will allow you to go back and revaluate earlier results. Don’t expect to
find the best position for the loudspeakers until they have been fully run in.
Distance from the Front Wall
We recommend that you start with the loudspeakers positioned about 1.5m from the front wall. Use
figure 7 to determine the distance between the speakers. Listen to a piece of music that you know has

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clean, deep bass. Move your listening position within the range shown in the diagram to find the best
bass and stereo imaging. Move the loudspeakers back by say 15cm and readjust your listening
position for the best sound as before. If the sound is worse move the loudspeakers slightly forward. If
it is better, try moving them back another 15cm. Use this technique, with appropriate size movements,
to home in on the position that provides a deep and even bass response, combined with the best
defined and most realistic stereo image.
As you move the loudspeakers closer to the front wall, the level of the bass response will increase.
The converse will be true as you move the loudspeakers away from the front wall. The Ultimate should
not be placed closer than 1m from the front wall. If the loudspeakers are too close to the front wall,
not only will the bass response be excessive, but the stereo image will be degraded due to an increase
in early reflections.
Distance from the Side Wall
Moving the loudspeakers closer to the sidewalls will increase the bass response. If you move the
loudspeakers closer to the sidewalls, make the appropriate adjustment to the listening position. We do
not recommend placing the loudspeakers closer than 1m from the sidewalls, as the early reflections
will degrade the stereo image. Positioning the loudspeakers too close to the sidewalls will also lead to
an uneven bass response.
If you change the distance to the sidewalls, listen to the loudspeakers a little further forward and a little
further back to confirm that the distance to the front wall is the optimum.
Aim to find a position that provides an even bass response, combined with the best defined and most
realistic stereo image when seated at the listening position.
Because the Ultimate is an omnidirectional loudspeaker, there is no need to adjust the toe-in angle.
The loudspeakers should always be set with the front of the loudspeakers facing down the room.

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Do not have the listening
position closer than 1.2m
from the rear wall
Distance = “d”
Listening
Position
Minimum:
0.5m/20 inches
Figure 7. Listening Room Arrangement
Minimum:
0.5m/20 inches
Minimum:
0.5m/20 inches
Minimum:
0.5m/20 inches

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5. CONNECTING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS
NOTE: An amplifier capable of delivering at least 90W into 4 ohms
per channel should be used for each loudspeaker.
Always tighten the speaker terminals by hand. The use of a
tool may cause damage.
The input terminals are located on a panel on the back of the cabinet (figure 4). These can accept
spade terminals, banana (5mm) plugs or bare cable.
Loudspeaker Cables
We recommend that you use loudspeaker cables terminated with high quality banana plugs, such as
the Shark plug shown below.
We do not recommend the use of bare wire to connect to the loudspeaker terminals. This produces an
inferior connection that will further degrade as the bare conductors become tarnished.
NOTE: Do not switch the power amplifier on until the DDD driver
shipping covers have been removed as shown in section 6.
6. REMOVING THE DDD SHIPPING COVERS
NOTE: Do not touch the DDD driver diaphragms.
The DDD drivers may be covered with a layer of clear film to protect them whilst in transit. This should
now be removed. The film should be peeled off by hand. Do not use a knife.
7. LOUDSPEAKER BREAK IN
Like all audiophile equipment, German Physiks loudspeakers require a break in period from new
before they reach their optimum level of performance. Initially the sound may seem harsh. Please do
not be concerned. The sound will become more relaxed and smooth as the break in progresses. The
music used for the break in should be dynamic in order to properly exercise all the components of the
loudspeakers.
Figure 8. Recommended Loudspeaker Cable Termination

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For the first 10 hours play the loudspeakers at low level only. This is a level where you would easily be
able to carry out a conversation without needing to raise your voice.
After this, the loudspeakers may be played at normal listening levels. The break in process will be
complete after 200 to 300 hours.
8. CARE OF YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS
NOTE: NEVER attempt to open the cabinets. There are no user
serviceable parts inside the loudspeakers.
NEVER touch the diaphragms on the DDD drivers, or allow
any object to come into contact with the diaphragms.
NEVER attempt to clean dust off the diaphragms. Dust has
no affect on their performance and may be safely ignored.
NEVER attempt to clean the loudspeakers with any
abrasive materials or any cleaners containing ammonia,
alcohol or other solvents, as these may damage the finish.
The only maintenance the loudspeakers will require is periodic dusting to remove dust and any
fingerprints from the cabinets. Please use the cleaning cloths supplied with the loudspeakers. These
cloths should be used dry. Do not use any form of liquid with them. Additional cloths may be obtained
via your local German Physiks dealer, national distributor or direct from German Physiks.
9. WARRANTY
These German Physiks loudspeakers are warranted to be free from defects if used under normal
conditions for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase, provided that the customer registers their
purchase by completing and returning the registration form at the end of this manual within 7 days of
purchase. A copy of the receipt issued at the time of purchase must also be returned. If this is not
done the warranty period will be 5 years from the date of shipment from the factory. This warranty is
transferable to subsequent owners, who must register their purchase with us.
Modifications or repairs performed by the factory, or by an authorised repair agent, shall be guaranteed
for the remaining period of the warranty, or for 1 year, which ever is greater.
Any unauthorised modifications or repairs will invalidate the warranty. The warranty will also be
invalidated if German Physiks determines that the loudspeakers have been subject to misuse
including, but not Limited to, burnt out voice coils and dents or scratches on driver diaphragms or
cabinets.
There is no other express warranty on German Physiks products. This warranty shall not extend
beyond the stated warranty period. No responsibility is assumed for incidental or consequential
damage.
10. SERVICE AND SUPPORT
In the first instance please contact your local German Physiks dealer or distributor. They will diagnose
the fault and liaise with German Physiks to decide the best way to affect a repair. If they are unable to
assist you, please contact German Physiks by phone on + 49 61 09 50 29 823, by fax on + 49 61 09

12
50 29 826, or by email at [e-mail]. You may also contact us via our web site at
www.german-physiks.com. Please take into account time differences between Germany and where
you are calling from should you need to phone us. Email is our preferred method of initial contact.
Please supply the model name and serial numbers of your loudspeakers and as much information
about the problem as possible. The serial number is printed on a label attached to the underside of the
loudspeaker’s base plate.
In the vast majority of cases, the repair will be dealt with by sending spare parts from the factory. In the
unlikely event that it becomes necessary to return your loudspeakers or any part of them to the factory,
you will be given a Return Authorization (RA) number. This number must be clearly marked on the
outside of the packing. Returns made without a RA number will not be accepted. Any returned items
must be shipped in the original packing. German Physiks will not be responsible for any damage that
occurs as a result of the use of non-standard packing. Returns received in non-standard packing will
be replaced with new packing at the owner's expense. If you need new packing, please contact your
German Physiks dealer or the factory.
For items returned to the factory under warranty during the first year, German Physiks will pay for the
shipping charges both ways. A shipping company approved by German Physiks must be used and the
items will be returned to the customer using the same carrier, or an equivalent service.
For loudspeakers returned to the factory under warranty after the first year, the customer is responsible
for paying all shipping and related charges back to the factory. A shipping company approved by
German Physiks must be used. Providing this condition is met, German Physiks will pay the cost of
shipping the loudspeakers back to the customer.
German Physiks will not pay any shipping costs if:
a. Loudspeakers or parts are returned without a RA number
b. No fault is found
c. If the fault is judged to be due to misuse such as, but not limited to, burnt out voice
coils and dents or scratches on driver diaphragms or cabinets.
Customers are responsible for all freight, duties and related shipping charges for loudspeakers
returned for non-warranty repairs.
11. HOW TO CONTACT US
If you wish to get in touch with us please use the contact information shown below. Please note that
our office hours are from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays and
that we cannot respond to enquiries outside of these hours. We recommend that wherever possible
you contact us by email, as this will allow us to give your enquiry more consideration and thus provide
a more detailed reply.
Address
DDD-Manufactur GmbH
Gutenbergstraße 4
D-63477 Maintal
GERMANY
Telephone
+ 49 61 09 50 29 823
Fax
+ 49 61 09 50 29 826
Email
[e-mail]
Web
www.german-physiks.com

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12. ULTIMATE SPECIFICATIONS
Impedance
4 ohms
Frequency Response
32 – 24,000Hz
Power Handling
Nominal
110W
Short term
170W
Amplification required
Minimum 90W/4 ohms
Crossover frequency
200Hz
Crossover slopes
DDD section
6dB/octave electronic & 18dB/octave acoustic
Woofer section
18dB/octave electronic & 18dB/octave acoustic
Sensitivity
88dB for 1W at 1m
Operating principle
2 way loudspeaker with 360° surround radiation
using the DDD Bending Wave Converter
Input connectors
1 set of WBT nextgen™ binding posts
Drivers
1 x Carbon Fibre DDD driver
1 x 20cm woofer
Dimensions
240mm W x 1,050mm H x 240mm D
9.5" W x 41.3" H x 9.5" D
Weight
28.9kg
63.7lbs
Warranty
5 years
As part of our process of continually improving our products, we reserve the right to change specifications
without notice

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13. WARRANTY REGISTRATION
In order to register your purchase and obtain the full 5 year warranty, please complete the form below
within 7 days of purchase and return it by post together with a copy of the receipt of purchase to:
DDD-Manufactur GmbH
Gutenbergstraße 4
D-63477 Maintal
GERMANY
Alternatively you can email scans of the registration form and proof of purchase to us at:
[e-mail]
Name
Address
Country
Zip/Post Code
Model
Ultimate
DDD Type
Carbon Fibre
Serial Number
See label under input terminals
Date of Purchase
Name of Dealer
Address of Dealer
Country
Zip/Post Code