Gingko Audio ClaraVu 7 Mk3 User manual

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GINGKO AUDIO
ClaraVu™ 7 Mk 3 Modular Speaker System
Owner’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing Gingko Audio’s ClaraVu 7
Mk3 speaker system.
These striking speakers are a result of 10 years of intensive
research and development. Each speaker is hand crafted in
the USA using the finest parts in the world. Custom drivers,
high-quality caps and coils, OCC copper cabling and unique
cabinet construction result in superlative resolution and
musicality.
Each ClaraVu speaker is hand-built in the USA instead of coming off a factory line. Each is thoroughly
tested and comes with a 2-year warranty to the original owner.
The ClaraVu 7 Mk3 modular speaker system consists of a monitor speaker and a matching powered
subwoofer. They are perfect for apartment-size high-end systems, yet their big sound offers more than
satisfying performance in reference-level setups. A combination of 85 dB sensitivity and 8 ohm minimum
impedance means the ClaraVus are easily matched to a wide range of tube or solid state amplifiers.
The ClaraVu Mk3 speaker enclosures are available in three beautiful finishes: maple, cherry and gloss
piano black. The modular construction of the system means that you can buy the monitor speakers with
matching stands first, and then add the sub modules to make a full range system.
The ClaraVu 7 Mk3 monitor is a three-way speaker using a ribbon super-tweeter, 1” soft dome tweeter
and twin 6.5” paper cone woofers in a unique isobaric configuration. Two woofers are mounted one in
front of the other in a sealed paperboard tube inside a rigid cabinet. The same design is used in the
drivers of the sub module. This design minimizes vibration and standing waves and results in the
ClaraVu’s high-resolution and extreme musicality.
The ClaraVu 7 Mk3 speakers will show you a “clear view” into your music by capturing all the details and
nuances of the recording and performance.
SPECIFICATONS:
Monitor Speakers –Retail $5995/pair Powered Sub Modules –Retail$1500each
Super-tweeter: ultra-low-mass ribbon tweeter
Tweeter: 1” silk dome using patented technology Woofers: 2 custom drivers, 6.5” paper cone
Woofers: 2 custom drivers, 6.5” paper cone Sub amp: 75w into 8 ohms, 100w/ into 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 45Hz-20KHz +/- 3dB Options for hookup: low-level via interconnects or
Impedance: 10 ohms nominal, 8 ohms minimum high-level via speaker wires
Sensitivity: 85 dB Adjustments: Volume, Crossover frequency, Phase
Recommended power: 30 watts
Dimensions: 22”h x 9”w x 15”d Sensitivity: 85 dB
Weight: 45 lbs. each Weight: 48 lbs. each
Cabinet finish - maple, cherry, and piano black Cabinet finish - maple, cherry, and piano black
Stands –Retail $500/pair
Dimensions: 27”h x 13”w x 14”d
Weight: 38 lbs each
Finish: Gloss Piano Black

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Set Up tips for best performance
1. We highly recommend the matching stands for the ClaraVu Mk3 monitors. They complete the elegant
streamlined look that can be proudly displayed in any décor and place the speakers at optimum height. You
can add the sub modules when you want to upgrade to a full range system. The following instructions refer to
setup for a full range system.
2. In placing the speakers in a room, there are several considerations:
a. Place the sub modules on a firm foundation. It is a good idea to use the included bubble leveler to
ensure the top plate of each stand is level. Use the adjustable spikes under the sub’s feet to level the
sub modules and monitors.
b. Place the included metal discs under the sub spikes on hardwood floor to protect it.
c. Place the monitor speaker on top of the sub module, aligning them to make an integrated system.
d. A good starting point for setting up speakers is using the golden rule, explained on this page on the
Internet: http://www.cardas.com/content.php?area=insights&content_id=26&pagestring=Room+Setup
e. In general, an equilateral triangle set up where the listener’s position and the 2 speakers are at the
apexes of the triangle is a good starting point.
f. The distance between the 2 speakers should be at least 6 feet apart for good stereo channel
separation and imaging.
g. In some instances, a near field set up, with the distance between the listener and each speaker is less
than the distance between the 2 speakers, could work well. Experiment with the speaker toe-in to fill
in the middle of the soundstage image.
h. A good starting point for toeing is when the insides of the speaker cabinets are just visible from the
listener’s position.
i. For best results in soundstage depth, experiment with the distance from the speakers to the wall
behind them. Pulling them further out into the room will add more depth to the soundstage.
j. Toeing the speakers in and out with respect to the listener’s position can affect the width of the
soundstage image. Make sure that you achieve good channel separation with a strong center image.
k. Moving the speakers closer to the wall can help to strengthen the bass. Pull the speakers away from
the wall can fix boomy bass problems.
3. The ClaraVu Mk3 speakers are easy to set up but do take time to dial in the best position for them.
4. In some instances, turning the monitors upside down on the sub modules so that the tweeters are on the bottom
may help bass performance and soften the high frequencies. Experiment to see which suits you best.
5. Always use the best speaker cables your budget allows to ensure the best performance. DanaCable speaker
cables are a perfect match for the ClaraVu Mk3 speakers and will bring out the best in the speakers.
6. First, make sure that the On-Off switch of the sub amp is Off then plug the sub amp power cord into the wall
socket. Turn the On-Off switch to the Auto position. Set the Phase switch to the Normal position. Turn the
crossover frequency knob to a 9 o’clock position (about 50 Hz) and the volume knob to the 10 o’clock position
as a starting point. Using an SPL meter like the Digital-Display Sound-Level Meter Model: 33-2055 found at a
Radio Shack store and a test disc with lower frequency tracks such as the Stereophile Test Disc Number 1,
measure the SPL level for frequencies from 20 Hz to 500 Hz. Use the volume and crossover frequency knobs
on the sub amp to adjust for the flattest frequency response possible. Experiment with the crossover and
volume adjustments on the subwoofer for best results. When setting the crossover frequency, remember that
higher crossover and lower volume tends to make the bass boomy and loose. A lower crossover and higher
volume is preferred for tighter, more controlled bass. Once the crossover and volume have been set, use the
phase switch position that yield the most natural and coherent sound.
7. There are five ways to hook up the sub modules in a full range system, depending on individual situations and
budget constraints.
Best option: Use a high-quality pair of speaker cables from main amp to the monitors, then short
jumpers from the monitors to the lower posts of the subs. This way the best cables provide full signal to the
monitors, then is passed on to the subs. Very little signal is needed as the sub amps will amplify then you
use the crossover, phase, and volume to adjust the sub crossover. This is the best option since it is less
expensive than the biwire speaker cables option and provides equivalent performance in most cases.
Second best: Biwire speaker cables to the top and bottom. This is a close second option since both the
monitors and the sub modules are getting the full signal provided that the biwire speaker cables are of

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high-quality. The subs get half of the cables which may be overkill, but it will provide the best bass
performance. But biwire speaker cables tend to cost more.
Third best: Speaker cables to the monitors and low-level signal via a pair of unbalanced (RCA)
interconnects from preamp outputs to the sub modules. This is requires longer run of ICs that is typically
less expensive than speaker cables. If your preamp has two sets of RCA outputs, use one set to drive the
main amp and the second set to drive the sub amps. If the preamp has only one set if outputs, use line
splitter connectors to create two sets of outputs. Connect the preamp outputs to the RCA inputs of the sub
amps in the back of the cabinets. Connect the speaker wires from the main amp to the monitor speaker
binding posts. Do not use the record outputs of the preamp (for a tape loop) since it sends a full signal to
the sub and you will have to use the sub volume control when raising the playing volume which is
inconvenient from the listening position.
Fourth best: Speaker cables to the sub lower binding posts, then jumpers from the upper posts to the
monitors. In this option, it is an overkill to run expensive speaker cables to the subs as it needs little signal
and the use of a 125Hz. passive high-pass filter in the way probably degrades the sound somewhat for the
monitors. But you may choose this option if you have a very powerful amp that may be overpowered for
the monitors. Since only frequencies above 125Hz are passed to the monitors, it lessens the impact on
them.
Fifth option: Speaker cables to lower posts of the subs then jumpers to the monitors. This is just like the
first option in reverse but it is not as good since the monitors are getting the signal after the jumpers. The
first option is preferable to this one.
Do not use household cleaners such as Windex or an alcohol-based cleaner to clean the finish as they
may dull and craze the shiny surface. We recommend using Novus plastic cleaner and scratch remover that
can be purchased at any Harley Davidson store (used to clean shiny surfaces on motorcycles).

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WARRANTY
The Gingko Audio ClaraVu 7 Mk3 carries a two-year warranty against manufacturing
defects. Please complete, detach, and return the bottom of this page to:
GINGKO AUDIO
8 Nicklaus Lane
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
USA
Should your ClaraVu 7 Mk3 ever need warranty or repair service, please contact us by
calling 732-946-9439 or send an email to [e-mail]. Do not attempt
to repair the speakers yourself as it will void the warranty. Make sure you obtain a
Return Authorization Confirmation before sending the speakers back to us. Please
keep and reuse the speaker boxes and packing material to ensure safe shipping to us.
GINGKO AUDIO CLARAVU WARRANTY REGISTRATION
NAME:
ADDRESS:
EMAIL:
I BOUGHT THE GINGKO AUDIO CLARAVU 7 FROM:
AUDIO STORE ______ DIRECT FROM GINGKO AUDIO _____
OTHERS ______
I PLAN TO USE THE CLARAVU IN A SYSTEM WITH THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS:
SOURCES
__________________________________________________________________________________
PREAMP
__________________________________________________________________________________
AMPLIFIER
__________________________________________________________________________________
OTHERS
__________________________________________________________________________________