GoldenEar Technology Aon Series User manual

Owner’s Manual
Ultra-High Performance Bookshelf Monitor
™
Aon Series

GoldenEar Technology ►Aon Series Manual
Aon Series Owner’s Manual
Congratulations!
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing GoldenEar Technology’s®Aon speakers! You are about to hear
the spectacular difference these very special speakers will make in your music and/or home theater system!
Our engineers’ many years of experience in developing loudspeakers has led to this extraordinary product. In order
to ensure that you experience maximum performance, please take a moment to fully read this owner’s manual and
familiarize yourself with the unique installation, assembly and set-up procedures for your Aon speakers.
Please visit our website at www.GoldenEar.com for more information on the technology behind your new speaker
system. If you have additional questions, contact your Authorized GoldenEar Technology®Dealer or visit the
Q&A page in the Tech Support section of our website.
Your New GoldenEar Speakers
GoldenEar Aon speakers are designed to fit beautifully in a wide variety of applications. Their compact dimen-
sions allow for easy installation in many locations within your home. To get the best performance possible and
for a product that lasts a lifetime, we strongly recommend that you follow the placement and setup guidelines
provided in this manual.
Cleaning
Do not use a strong or abrasive cleaner on your new speakers. Clean them only with a damp cloth, but do not
get them wet. Do not set wet objects on top of the speakers as they may damage the enclosure.
Wall Mounting
Your speakers have an optional keyhole hanger to facilitate mounting on a wall. If you are wall mounting
speakers, take extra care in installation and the use of safety straps as a secondary restraint is recommended.
We suggest wall mounting installation be performed by a qualified contractor or your authorized GoldenEar
dealer.
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IMPORTANT: GoldenEar does NOT supply the
hardware for mounting speakers to the wall.

GoldenEar Technology ►Aon Series Manual
Preventing Speaker Damage
GoldenEar Technology Aon speakers are efficient and can be driven to loud listening levels with moderate
amplifier power. They are also able to handle the output of very powerful amplifiers. To prevent damage to your
speakers, please read all of the following guidelines before hooking them up.
Amplifier Distortion — #1 Threat to your New Speakers!
Amplifier distortion is the principal cause of speaker damage. When listening at loud levels your amplifier may run
out of clean power. It will then begin to produce speaker-damaging distorted power. This will damage any brand
of speaker very quickly! More powerful amplifiers are actually safer – For example: A 40 Watt/channel amplifier
will have substantial distortion above 40 Watts. If driven to 50 Watts, this amplifier will deliver speaker-damaging
distorted power! But a 100 Watt/channel amplifier will have very low distortion below 100 Watts. Therefore, when
the speaker requires 50 Watts, this more powerful amplifier will deliver clean power and speaker damage is less
likely to occur. (See your GoldenEar Technology dealer for amplifier recommendations.)
Volume Setting
Do not be fooled by the Volume setting of your receiver/preamplifier. It only adjusts listening level — it is not
a “power-output” dial. The amount of amplifier power actually used at a given Volume setting depends solely
on the nature of the source material you are listening to (at a given Volume setting a quiet section of music will
use less amplifier power than a loud section). With typical material, the rated output power of many receivers/
amplifiers is often reached when the Volume is set to around -10dB, or between the “11” and “1 o’clock”
settings with an analog control (with bass/ treble and loudness controls not used — otherwise rated power may be
reached at even lower Volume settings). Remember, all amplifiers produce distortion when operated beyond their
rated output power. The resulting distortion will damage all speakers! If you listen at loud levels, be careful to listen
for the point of audible distortion — if the speakers begin to sound distressed, turn the Volume down or your speak-
ers and/or amplifier(s) will be damaged! This type of damage constitutes abuse and is not covered by the warranty.
If louder volumes are desired, consider a more powerful amplifier.
There is Actually a Limit!
Even with these safer, more powerful amplifiers, there is a point at which you could have more power than the
speaker can handle. At that point you will overpower the speaker and damage it. At loud levels do not increase
bass/treble controls from zero and ensure that all loudness/contour/bass EQ buttons are off (otherwise rated
output power will be reached at even lower volume control settings).
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USE AN APPROPRIATE AMPLIFIER. At high volumes a very powerful amplifier can overdrive your
speakers and damage them. And if the amplifier is not powerful enough, it can produce distortion
that can easily damage your speaker. (Consult your dealer for assistance.)
DON’T BE FOOLED BY YOUR RECEIVER’S VOLUME CONTROL. It only adjusts how loud, it is not an
indication of power output. If your speakers begin to sound harsh or grating or if you hear other forms
of distortion, turn down the volume immediately!
PROPER SETUP IS THE KEY. Please Note: Avoid use of tone controls and loudness controls as they will
demand even more power from an amplifier.

GoldenEar Technology ►Aon Series Manual
Aon Series Owner’s Manual
The Right Amount of Power
A power-range rating is given in the specifications as a guide to indicate the approximate minimum and
maximum power input of your GoldenEar Aon speakers. Amplifiers that meet or even exceed the speaker’s
power-range rating are recommended as their greater power reserves provide better sound. But always use
the speakers within their power-range rating to prevent damage — that is, keep listening levels below the point
of obvious audible distortion.
Unpacking your Aon Loudspeakers
Please Inspect for Shipping Damage
Each loudspeaker leaves our plant in perfect condition. Any visible or concealed damage most likely occurred in
handling after it left our plant and should be reported at once to your GoldenEar Technology Dealer and/or the
delivery company that delivered your loudspeaker. Please unpack your system carefully.
Save all cartons and packing materials in case you move or need to ship your system. Record the serial number
found on the back of the Aon loudspeaker here:
_________________________________________________________________________
(Serial Number)
Please go to http://www.goldenear.com/support/registrationandwarranty and use the serial number(s) above to
complete your warranty registration.
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GoldenEar Technology ►Aon Series Manual
Speaker Placement
GoldenEar Technology Aon speakers are designed to allow flexible placement while providing a very
large window of sound throughout your listening room. Please remember that although the following
recommendations are usually valid, all rooms and listening sets-ups are somewhat unique, so do not
be afraid to experiment with the speakers. Remember, whatever sounds best to you is correct.
Room Acoustics
GoldenEar Technology Aon speakers are designed to provide exceptional sound in a wide variety of
domestic settings. It is important to note however that listening room construction, dimensions and furnishings
all play a part in the quality of sound you will ultimately achieve from your new speakers. The listening room will
impose its own character on the performance capabilities of the speaker system. Regarding the room, please
note that:
• Mid and high frequencies are affected by the amount of soft furnishings in your room — curtains, carpets,
sofas, wall coverings, etc. An excess of such items can result in a somewhat dull sound. The same room
without any soft furnishings can produce an overall bright sound. The typical quantity of soft furnishings
found in most living environments provides the right acoustic characteristics to allow the speakers to
sound balanced;
• Concrete floors and walls tend to aggravate low-frequency standing wave problems and are
less preferred;
• Rooms where height, width and length are similar should be avoided as they can exhibit significant
low-frequency standing wave problems. This may result in reduced clarity. If no other room is possible,
experiment with speaker placement to minimize acoustic problems.
The extra care you take in correctly positioning the speakers will result in greater listening enjoyment. So, keep
the following guidelines in mind when deciding on the best speaker placement.
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GoldenEar Technology ►Aon Series Manual
Aon Series Owner’s Manual
Positioning Aon as Left/Right Fronts
To ensure the best performance possible, observe the following placement
guidelines:
Accurate Timbre: For the most accurate and natural timbre, speakers’
high-frequency drivers should be at approximately ear level.
Balanced Bass: Placing speakers in corners will over-emphasize bass and
reduce overall clarity. If possible, position speakers 8 in (20 cm) or more from
the wall behind the speaker and as much as possible from either side wall.
This will ensure better bass performance and optimal midrange clarity.
Best Imaging: Measure the distance from your main listening area to the left
front speaker (we’ll call this distance “X”). For optimal imaging and largest
soundstage, place speakers “X” distance apart from each other (and no
less than 3/4of that distance — 3/4of “X”). To further optimize imaging, turn
speakers inward so they point toward the listening position with their axes
crossing just behind it.
Positioning Aon as Surrounds
When used as surround speakers, Aon speakers may be located on the side or behind the listeners. When used on
the sides, take care never to locate the speakers forward of the listeners (A). If the speakers are placed along the
rear wall as surrounds, it is suggested that they be positioned fairly wide apart if possible. For instance, if there is a
couch in the center of the rear wall on which the listeners will sit, try to position the speakers wider apart than the
couch (B).
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GoldenEar Technology ►Aon Series Manual
Speaker Break-in
Your new Aon loudspeaker system should sound good right out of the box; however, an extended break-in period
of 40-60 hours or more of normal playing time is required to reach full audiophile performance capability. Break-in
allows the driver suspensions to work-in and crossover components to “heal,” resulting in fuller and tighter bass, a
more open “blossoming” midrange and smoother high frequency reproduction.
Speaker Connection
Your Aon speakers are equipped with a set of 5-way binding posts that can be used with bare wire, pin or spade
connectors or banana plugs. Tighten the posts firmly by hand, but do not over tighten them. Make sure all wires
are firmly fastened. Always use high quality speaker wire of sufficient gauge for the distances you are running
(see your dealer for assistance).
For the front Aon speakers, hook up the left main/front channel red(+) terminal of your receiver or amplifier to
the red(+) terminal of your left loudspeaker and the left main/front channel black(-) terminal of your receiver
or amplifier to the black(-) terminal of your left loudspeaker. Connect the right channel main/front channel red(+)
terminal of your amplifier or receiver to the red(+) terminal of your right loudspeaker and the black(-) terminal of
the right main/front channel of your receiver or amplifier to the black(-) terminal of your right loudspeaker. It is
essential that both speakers be connected in the same way (in phase) to its own channel of the amplifier. If you
experience a great lack of bass, it is likely that one speaker is out of phase (+ and – reversed) with the other.
If you are using the Aon speaker as surround speakers, hook up the left surround red(+) terminal of your receiver
or amplifier to the red(+) terminal of your left surround speaker and the left surround black(-) terminal of your
receiver or amplifier to the black(-) terminal of your left surround speaker. Connect the right surround red(+)
terminal of your amplifier or receiver to the red(+) terminal of your right surround loudspeaker and the black(-)
terminal of the right surround channel of your receiver or amplifier to the black(-) terminal of your right surround
loudspeaker. Again, it is essential that both speakers be connected in the same way (in phase) to its own channel
of the amplifier.
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Turn your amplifier/receiver OFF before performing any connection steps,
in order to prevent accidental damage to your amplifier.

GoldenEar Technology ►Aon Series Manual
Aon Series Owner’s Manual
Setting Bass and Treble Controls on Receiver or Amplifier
Normally we recommend that you set the “Bass” and “Treble” controls on flat (or off, or 0 dB). Same applies
for a graphic equalizer; we recommend that you leave it flat (or off). This will give you the most accurate and
natural sound. If you want more bass, raise your subwoofer’s “Level” control (or raise the subwoofer level on
you’re a/v receiver), keeping in mind that even a little turn of the knob can make a big difference in the sound.
The reason for this is that we have discovered that what is often thought as improper sounding speakers are,
in fact, a problem caused by use of tone controls. When in doubt, leave them out (flat); this almost always results
in the best possible and most natural sounding system performance.
Setting Channel Levels and Bass Management in Multi-Channel Home
Theater Systems
Multi-channel surround sound systems have bass management systems (systems which direct the bass to the
various channels) which vary from unit to unit. Many problems relating to the overall sound of the system can be
traced back to improper bass management. Also note that Multi-channel surround sound systems have a critical
channel balancing procedure for setting the level for all speakers which must be followed if the system is
to perform properly. Many problems relating to the overall sound of the system can be clearly traced back to
improper system balance.
SETTING CHANNEL LEVELS: On your receiver or A/V processor’s Speaker Level Calibration Menu, set each
speaker (channel) in the system to the same volume level. While you can get reasonable results doing
this by ear, it is best to use an inexpensive Sound Pressure (SPL) meter to get better channel to channel
balance. Some new receivers and processors have Auto Set Up functions that use a supplied microphone
to set levels automatically.
Complete Home Theater Systems
We strongly suggest that you use a GoldenEar Technology center channel and rear/surround speakers, and a
ForceField™subwoofer, to complete your GoldenEar home theater system. Aon speakers are designed to be used
as rear or side surround speakers as well, with exceptional results for both music and movies. Of particular note, the
GoldenEar ForceFieldSubs have been designed specifically to make a perfect match with the Aon speakers.
Mounting Instructions
Your new GoldenEar Aon speakers are designed for Bookshelf, Table Top, Floor Stand, or Wall mounting. Rubber
bumpers have been attached to the bottom of the speaker to prevent rattling and “walking” at high volumes.
Wall Mounting Instructions
If you are not comfortable performing the following mounting procedures we strongly suggest having a
professional wall mount your speakers (see your Dealer). Please note that hardware for the wall is not included —
make sure to use hardware appropriate for your wall type and the weight of the speaker being mounted.
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GoldenEar Technology ►Aon Series Manual
Parts Included: One Key Hole Hanger
Two T4 x 18mm, flat head self-tapping screws
Tools Required: Screwdriver
Pencil
Appropriate Wall Mounting Hardware and necessary tools - use screws,
and/or anchors, that are rated to hold securely into the wall material
and that have a head diameter at least 0.33inch (8mm) in diameter.
After the speaker wires have been run and are in place:
1. Position the key hole hanger on the back of the speaker as shown below. Use the provided screws to
attach the hanger and tighten securely;
2. Use the pencil to mark the mounting screw’s desired location on the wall;
3. Install your mounting hardware in this location, leaving 1/8" (3mm) of space between the back of the
screw head and the wall.
4. You may wish to position two small, thin rubber bumpers on the back of the speaker towards the bottom
to prevent rattling against the wall at high volumes;
5. Carefully align the keyhole hanger on the back of the Aon with the screw in the wall and gently slide
the speaker into place.
6. If the speaker does not slide in place, back the screws out a turn and try again; If the speaker is loose,
turn the screws in another turn and try again. Repeat as necessary.
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GoldenEar Technology ►Aon Series Manual
Aon Series Owner’s Manual
10
Troubleshooting
If you experience any difficulties with your Aon speakers, try the suggestions described below. If you are still having
problems, please consult your GoldenEar Technology Authorized Dealer for assistance.
1. Make sure all your system interconnects and power cords are solidly in place.
2. Check that no foreign objects or liquid has entered the speaker.
3. If no sound comes out or the sound is distorted in some way and you are sure the system is set up
properly, please bring the speaker to your GoldenEar Technology Authorized Dealer for assistance.
But make sure you Call First.
Service
Service and warranty work on your GoldenEar loudspeakers will normally be performed by your local GoldenEar
Technology dealer. If, however, you wish to return the speaker to us, please contact us first, describing the
problem and requesting authorization as well as the location of the nearest factory service center.
Please note that the address given in this booklet is the address of our office P.O. Box only. Under no
circumstances should products or parts be shipped to our offices or returned without contacting us first and
obtaining return authorization.
GoldenEar Technology Offices
P.O. Box 141
Stevenson, Maryland 21153
Phone: [phone]
Technical assistance
It is our pleasure to offer assistance if you have any questions regarding your Aon speakers or their set-up. Please
contact your nearest GoldenEar Technology dealer or contact us directly at 410-998-9134.
Recycling and Reuse Guidelines for Europe
In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
directive effective August 13, 2005, we would like to notify you that this product may contain
regulated materials which, upon disposal, according to the WEEE directive, require special reuse
and recycling processing. For this reason GoldenEar Technologies (manufacturers of GoldenEar
Technology speakers) has arranged with our distributors in European Union member nations to
collect and recycle this product at no cost to you. To find your local distributor please contact
the dealer from whom you purchased this product or go to our website at www.goldenear.com.
Please note that the product only falls under the WEEE directive. When disposing of packaging and other
shipping material we encourage you to recycle through the normal channels.