Gold Note XT-7 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
XT-7
XT-7 full range 3 way speaker
il suono italiano

OWNER’S MANUAL page 1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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.
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:
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.
Gold Note does not have responsibility for any improper use of this unit

OWNER’S MANUAL page 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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 ground-
ing-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 provid-
ed 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 manufac-
turer.
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 discon-
nect 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.

OWNER’S MANUAL page 3
INTRODUCTION
XT-7 full range, 3 way speaker with anti-turbu-
lence rear bass reflex and ribbon tweeter
The unique XT curved design is based on a
reinforced cabinet in wooden multilayer panels to
control resonances and sound, a design where every
single element is crucial and serve the sole purpose
of achieving the best sound.
The cabinets are conveniently separated for bass
and mid/highs to enhance perfect tuning: the bass
drivers cabinet side is vented while the mid/highs is
perfectly sealed to reduce internal reflections. The
massive swallow tailed stand features adjustable
spikes and guarantees perfect stability while
completing the structure to enhance performances,
the hidden spikes can be adjusted to find always the
right balance.
XT-7 offers state-of-the-art solutions for a sound
without compromises: high quality crossover
exclusively made with all Mundorf and Clarity
components and ultra-stiff woven polypropylene SEAS
and AMT Ribbon drivers made in Germany.
TWEETER
The first Gold Note loudspeaker to feature a
ribbon tweeter, this AMT ultra-linear unit is
enhanced with a metal dampened rear chamber.
With a new custom cooling coil radiator and
dampening aluminium blocking bar designed for
resonance reduction and to increase extension
linearity.
MIDRANGES
A 160mm ultra-linear recessed driver developed with
SEAS and enhanced with a proprietary metal chassis.
The unique curved cone in ultra-hardened woven
polypropylene allows an excellent internal damping
factor while the moving parts are perfectly matched
together for a smooth and extended frequency
response.
A special radial reinforced low loss rubber surround
reduces radial resonances and prevents surround
break up at large excursions.
The custom aluminium phase plug reduces
compression due to temperature variations in the
voice coil, avoiding the resonance that would occur
between the dust cap and the pole piece while also
increasing the long-term power handling capacity.
The internal ring around the coil drastically reduces
distortion and inter-modulation.
The basket, obtained by MIM (metal injection
molding) to achieve extreme stiffness and
stability, keeps all the components in perfect
alignment.
Large windows above and below the basket's spider
are designed to reduce sound reflection, air flow
noise and cavity resonance to the minimum; the
custom spider enhances driver's excursion and give
better details and greater linearity.
WOOFERS
Using the same principles applied to Midranges, we
developed with SEAS two 180mm ultra-linear
recessed drivers.
The driver is powered by our unique curved cone in
ultra-hardened woven polypropylene to achieve great
internal damping and perfect control over the moving
parts, that are always perfectly matched to deliver a
fantastic frequency response.
To allow extreme coil excursion with low distortion, the

OWNER’S MANUAL page 4
INTRODUCTION
the magnet system features a bumped back plate with
long and light weight copper clad aluminium voice coils.
The heavy copper ring below the T-shaped pole piece
reduces non-linear and modulation distortion.
Bullet shaped phase plugs reduce compression due to
temperature variations in the voice coils, preventing any
resonance problem that could occur and also increasing
the long-term power handling capacity.
The basket obtained with MIM and the basket's spider
design are developed to preserve structural alignment
for maximum stiffness and also to reduce unwanted
noises from air flows, resonance and sound reflection.
CROSSOVER
For XT-7 we developed a deluxe crossover with state-
of-the-art components all exclusively provided by
Mundorf and Clarity: the passive Crossover Low-High
Dual-Slope cuts at 280Hz & 3000Hz and features a
resistive design to enable ultra-linear load that support
the work of the amplifiers minimising the stress on
power supplies even at a nominal impedance of 4Ω.
The boards are made of thick audio-grade and anti-
resonance glass fibre with 4 oz gold plated
conductors and power a sophisticated triple crossover
network and a summing midrange multi-slope design
perfectly integrate the drivers of the array for a
fulfilling close field audio experience. This high quality
crossover is completed with Mundorf handmade air
winding coils and Clarity & Mundorf caps.

OWNER’S MANUAL page 5
SPECIFICATION and KEY FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency response: 35 Hz – 30.000 Hz, Dual Slope
Sensitivity: 90dB SPL (2.83V/1 m)
Nominal impedence: 4 ohm semi-resistive
Power handling: 30W – 300W
Suggested min. listening distance: 1.5/2.0m
Dimensions: 1110 H x 365 W x 525 mm D
Weight: net weight 100 Kg (pair), shipping
weight 120 Kg
FINISHES
CABINET
Black
SIDE PANELS
Black Glossy
or White Glossy
or Italian Walnut
or Grey Walnut

OWNER’S MANUAL page 6
Unboxing the Speaker and Mounting the Foot
1 2
3 4
Open the Woofer carton box
from the top.
Place the Woofer carton box as shown below.
Gently turn upside down the Woofer carton box as shown in the
in the picture. Pay attention to the flaps that must be as shown
in fig. 4

OWNER’S MANUAL page 7
Unboxing the Speaker and Mounting the Foot
5
Gently remove the carton box: the Woofer carton box
6
7
Allen key
Secure the foot to the Cabinet with 6 screws as shown in
picture with the allen key supplied.
Take the foot as shown in the picture and use the
guides to correctly position the foot on the Woofer cabinet.
should now be upside down. After the bottom protection
is removed, you can go to fig. 6 being ready to assemble
the foot to the Woofer cabinet.
Once the Foot is assembled, pay extreme care in
turning the cabinet face down. Make sure to
protect it with some soft material to avoid
damaging the surfaces.

OWNER’S MANUAL page 8
CONNECTING the SPEAKERS
-+
-+-+
-+
Stereo Power Amplifier
Right
Speaker
Left
Speaker
R L
Example Connection n. 1
Standard wiring connection (No Bi-Wiring).
The Gold Note speakers are all supplied with standard bridge.
Special Exotic Bridge parts of the SIENA BRIDGE ENHANCER line are available on Demand

CONNECTING the SPEAKERS
OWNER’S MANUAL page 8OWNER’S MANUAL page 9
-+
-+-+
-+
Stereo Power Amplifier
Right
Speaker
Left
Speaker
R L
Example Connection n. 2
Bi-Wiring Connection
CONNECTING the SPEAKERS

OWNER’S MANUAL page 8
SPEAKER POSITIONING
OWNER’S MANUAL page 10
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.

SPEAKER POSITIONING
OWNER’S MANUAL page 11
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.
FURNITURES
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.

OWNER’S MANUAL page 8
SPEAKER POSITIONING
OWNER’S MANUAL page 12
WIDER STEREO SOUND STAGE SPEAKER POSITION
(for some instrumental music, symphonic orchestra, etc.)
WIDE STEREO IMAGE SPEAKER POSITION
(for some instrument music, synfonic orcherstra etc.)
Listening Point
• 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 and 10 of this manual.

SPEAKER POSITIONING
OWNER’S MANUAL page 8OWNER’S MANUAL page 13
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
OWNER’S MANUAL page 8OWNER’S MANUAL page 14
DISTANCE BETWEEN SPEAKER AND LISTENING POINT ORIENTATION
Listening Point
A
B
C
The distance between the speakers should be the same of the one to the speakers.
If the distance is shorter the speaker must be directed to the Listening point accordingly.
Empirical tests are necessary to find the right proportion between wide stereo sound stage
focus and crispy details.

OWNER’S MANUAL page 15
WARRANTY
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
To validate the warranty it is necessary to register the unit on the Gold Note
inter-
net web site within 15 days from the purchase on the appropriate area of the
web site: http://www.goldnote.it/warranty
If the unit is not registered correctly or has been purchased from a different coun-
try of the purchaser origin/home the unit will not be covered by any warranty
and the eventual registration refused.
The warranty does not does not cover in any case: Tubes, Phono Car-
tridge Styli and Batteries.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
All GOLD NOTE® products are 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 who will advise you on how to resolve the prob-
lem.
Do not return any object directly to the factory or to the national distributor or
without being authorized to do so. In such cases both GOLD NOTE® and the
distribution agents operating within your territory decline responsibility of any
kind.
Please Note: Descriptions and technical characteristics may vary in any
moment without notice.

OWNER’S MANUAL page 16
FAQ AND TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING
FAQ
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 correctly coupled with
the Ground on DC.
The sound does not
have a proper focus
even when well
positioned.
The speakers hum
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 properly.
•Connect them 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.
For spare parts visit the official Gold Note store at:
http://www.akamaiaudio.it/

OWNER’S MANUAL page 17
NOTES

OWNER’S MANUAL page 18
NOTES

Via della Gora, 6
Montespertoli (Florence) Italy 50025
Tel. + 39 0571 675005
Fax. + 39 0571 675013
www.goldnote.it
il suono italiano