Gold Note A3-EVO User manual

A3-EVO
2 WAY BOOKSHELF LOUDSPEAKER
OWNERʼS MANUAL

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................
SPECIFICATION AND KEY FEATURES.......................................................................................................
CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS.................................................................................................................
SPEAKER POSITIONING.........................................................................................................................
WARRANTY AND SERVICE......................................................................................................................
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................................................................
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.......................................................................................................
P. 3
P. 4
P. 5
P. 6
P. 11
P. 12
P. 13
INDEX
2

3
INTRODUCTION
A3 EVO is a two-way bookshelf speaker with bass reflex and a
12cm mid-woofer in a special hardened woven polypropylene
and a 25mm dome tweeter in silk.
The mid-woofer of A3 EVO is produced by SEAS following our
specific instructions in order to obtain a driver in hardened
polypropylene which can deliver exceptionally low and powerful
frequency responses and a non commune linearity of the
transients to achieve the most natural and dynamic reproduction
possible.
The custom 25mm dome tweeter with fluid iron is produced by
Audax and features a big magnet in ferrite as well as an extra
rigid flange in aluminum.
The silk dome permits to keep the frequencies always ultra clean
with a noteworthy extension.
The speaker cabinet’s insides are made of hardened HDF. The
reflex pipe on the back is made of anodized aluminum.
The principal body of the speaker is splendidly lacquered in shiny
black or in walnut wood.
The cabinet features two diamond shaped side panels with
aluminum inserts thus resulting in a stronger, more rigid
structure to enhance power control.
The A3 EVO therefore represent an elegant completion of
furniture in the homes of even the most demanding audiophiles.

4
SPECIFICATION AND KEY FEATURES
KEY FEATURES:
16cm
ultra rigid woven polypropylene cone driver mid-woofer
25mm pure silk dome tweeter, rear aluminum bass reflex
SPECIFICATIONS
2 way rear bass reflex bookshelf speakers
Frequency response 45-20000Hz ±3dB
Sensitivity: 87dB SPL 2,83V/1m
Nominal Impedance: 6Ω
Tweeter: 1” AUDAX silk dome driver
Mid-woofer: 6’’ SEAS woven polypropylene
Suggested power amplifier: min. 10Watt
Max power handling: 100W RMS
Crossover: 2300Hz at 12dB/Oct.
Connectors: Gold Note gold plated nickel free
FINISHES
Cabinet: Black
Side panels:
Glossy Italian Walnut or Black Glossy
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Dimensions: 357mm W x 1280mm H x 665mm D
Weight: Kg. 20/pr. net – Kg. 25/pr. boxed
UPGRADE
Dedicated Stand

5
CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS
-+-+
Stereo Power Amplier
Right
Speaker
Left
Speaker
R L
EXAMPLE CONNECTION

6
SPEAKER POSITIONING
Identifying the ideal sound/acoustic room to play an audio system well is not that strictly related to the proportional dimensions of
the rooms as many audiophiles believe.
The sound played through an audio system is just “Energy diffused in a closed environment” that is all
absorbed, reflected and dispersed.
The loudspeaker position is the most important aspect because managing the reflections is a key factor to get
the best sound. The first two reflections are crucial, after them the energy of the reflection starts being lower and does not
particularly affect the sound performance.
The first reflection creates a 25m/s delay. Such delay is not favorable because it creates a disturb overwhelming the sound while
the delay in between 40 and 80m/s creates what is called ambience.
Therefore it is very important to reduce the first reflection keeping the speaker as far as possible from the side walls and using
some carpets on the floor in front of them is advisable.
A symmetrical position of the speakers in the room, having the same distance from the side and rear walls is also very important
and should be implemented when possible. The better the positioning the better the focus and the sound stage will be.
WALL MATERIAL
Generally, most of the walls are thick therefore there is the best bass extension control as well as good acoustic isolation.
Dry walls vibrate quite a bit, therefore they are usually not favorable or should be treated accordingly.
CEILING
The higher the better. The ideal works between 250 and 360cm having the same regular height.
The vaulted ceiling is quite critical because it works like a magnifier lens increasing the power in specific areas.
In case of an attic where typically the ceiling slopes down it is better to position the speakers closer to the lower ceiling and
place the listening point in the higher ceiling area.
FLOOR
Marble floors are the worst because they are extremely reflecting but even the all carpet floors don’t work well because they absorb
indiscriminately
The best option are wooden floors. In any case, all floors can be easily corrected with a 2/4cm thick carpet placed
in front of the speakers.
SIDE WALLS
Covering the side walls with a carpet is wrong but leaving them naked is not the ideal solution either. Pictures with frames on the
walls are ok if they come without glass protection and are placed symmetrically on both sides of the speakers. Eventually some small
specific traps could be a good solutions.

7
REAR WALL
The rear wall does not need to be symmetrical like the side walls but some additional acoustic treatment will be able to diffract the
energy of the sound wave which is important to get good results.
A traditional library with books and records is a very good “no cost” solution.
OPPOSITE WALL
The wall opposite of the stereo system is not that critical. If it is too close to the listening point itself it would be better covering
it with some absorbing material or with a thick curtain.
WINDOWS AND DOORS
They always vibrate. It would be better to not have them situated in the room’s corners or in the middle of the side walls. Treating
them with absorbing material could be good but they also must be well closed not waving. Having a door behind the listening
point could work fine once opened.
Curtains in front of the windows should be light to avoid stopping too much energy, except for the optional ones behind the listening
point.
FURNITURE
Ideally, avoid using big furniture with glass/many doors. Open shelf furniture is the best.
If possible, avoid placing the table in between the speakers and the listening point because tables tend to reflect
heavily the high and mid-frequencies.
AUDIO RACKS
Though the best position of audio racks usually is not in the middle of the speakers, some special racks such like the Gold Note
Galileo can beπlaced there because its special all curved shape helps diffracting the sound waves very well. If you are using
standard racks placed in the middle of the speakers, it is preferable to have rather small ones which enhance a better sound focus.
SUBWOOFER
A general thinking believes the subwoofer does not have any direct emission of sound so the position is not important. In
fact, the energy of the waves generated by the subwoofer creates a sound stage which follows rules similar to the full range
speakers therefore the same rules should be applied to it as well.
SPEAKER POSITIONING

8
WIDER STEREO SOUND STAGE SPEAKER POSITION
(for some instrumental music, symphonic orcherstra, etc.)
• The distance of both the speakers to the listening point should be the same
• The distance between both the speakers and the side walls should be the same
• The distance between both the speakers and the rear wall should be the same
The more distance there is between the speakers the wider the sound stage will get but less
focus will the obtained.
To balance the focus, the speakers can be directed to the listening point as indicated in the
images of the pages 9 and10 of this manual.
Listening Point
SPEAKER POSITIONING

9
NARROWER STEREO SOUND STAGE SPEAKER POSITION
(Eventually for solo instrument music like piano, guitar and voice etc.)
WIDE STEREO IMAGE SPEAKER POSITION
(for some instrument music, synfonic orcherstra etc.)
Listening Point
The closer the two speakers stand the better the focus but worse the wide realistic sound stage.
SPEAKER POSITIONING

10
DISTANCE BETWEEN SPEAKER AND LISTENING POINT ORIENTATION
A
B
C
The distance between the speakers should be the same as the one to the listening point.
If the distance is shorter, the speaker must be directed to the listening point accordingly(see
illustration above).
Empirical tests are necessary to find the right proportion between wide stereo sound stage focus and
crispy details.
Listening Point
SPEAKER POSITIONING

11
WARRANTY AND SERVICE
WARRANTY
To validate the warranty is necessary to register the unit on the Gold Note internet web site within 15 days from the purchase
on the appropriate area of the web site: www.goldnote.it/warranty
If the unit is not registered correctly or has been purchased from a different country of the purchaser home address the unit
will not be covered by any warranty and the registration will be refused.
The warranty does not cover in any case: Tubes, Phono Cartridge Stylus and Batteries.
SERVICE
Every GOLD NOTE® product is the result of meticulous technological research, and consequently their correct functioning
is guaranteed. In spite of this it is possible that problems may emerge which non-specialist users cannot resolve.
In this case, contact your dealer to be advised on how the fault can be solved.
Do not return any object directly to the factory or to the distributor without being authorised to do so.
In such cases both GOLD NOTE® and the distribution agents decline responsibility of any kind.
For more information please visit www.goldnote.it/service
PLEASE NOTE
Descriptions and technical characteristics may vary at any time and without notice.

12
ACTION DESCRIPTION HOW TO ADJUST IT
CLEANING THE UNIT •The Unit is dirty and needs to
be cleaned.
•With EXTREME care use ONLY diluted alcohol
and a very soft 100% cotton cloth to sweep
dust and stains out.
•Any acid or not extremely soft cloth will
irreversibly damage the amplifier fine aesthetic.
•Do not use any alcohol to clean the unit
anodised label, or printed parts. Only dry cloth
is allowed.
SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION CAUSE REMEDY
SPEAKER HUMMING
PROBLEMS
OUT of PHASE
SOME DRIVERS DO NOT
WORK
•The unit is not correctly coupled
with the ground on DC.
The sound does not
have a proper focus
even when well
positioned.
The speakers hums
when the amplifier is
connected to the
system.
• The speaker terminals
(negative/positive poles) are
inverted in some way on the amp or
on the speaker.
• The bridges are not well
connected to the speaker terminal
(Binding Posts).
•The amplifier does not play music.
•Turn Off the amplifier first and then
rewire the speaker terminals correctly.
•Connect the bridges well.
•Connect the cables properly.
•Verify the connectivity and that the
music is played through a correct source.
•The speaker cables are not well
connected to the speaker.
•The interconnect input and/or
output cables are not shielded.
•Be sure your area and personal
environment are well grounded
eventually isolate the ground Pin of the
power chord plug for verification.
•Be sure to always use shielded cables
for the amp connections.
FAQ AND TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING
FAQ
For spare parts visit the official Gold Note store at:
www.akamaiaudio.it

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying
the appliance.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel.
Please record the model and serial number and retain them for your records.
Serial Number:
Model:
13
WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE
Do not disassemble any part of the product.
Do not use any part of the product for other purposes.
For service and problems of any kind, contact qualified Gold Note personnel.
Protect the product from rain and humidity and keep away from heat sources, electric and electronic motors etc.
The power Chord supplied must be used only on this unit.

14
1Read these instructions.
2Keep these instructions.
3Heed all warnings.
4Follow all instructions.
5Do not use this apparatus near to any water.
6Clean only with dry cloth.
7Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
8Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
9Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and
a Third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When
a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on
the apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a
book case or similar unit.
• The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power from the
AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON switch not in the ON
position.
• The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC
outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord plug at any
time.
• The main plug is used as the disconnect device, the
disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
• If the product uses batteries (including a battery pack or
installed batteries), they should not be exposed to sunshine,
fire or excessive heat.
• Caution should be taken when using earphones or head-
phones with the product because excessive sound pressure
(volume) from earphones or head- phones can cause hearing
loss.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

NOTES
15

NOTES
16

NOTES
17

Gold Note Audio
goldnote_italy Gold Note
Akamai S.r.l.
ser[email protected]
www.goldnote.it