Gradient R-5A User manual

R-5A
USER GUIDE

Congratulations on your purchase of the Gradient R-5A
loudspeakers which represent the latest in loudspeaker
technology. The Gradient R-5A speaker is handcrafted and
individually tested in Finland using the best possible materials
available. It will provide you with enjoyable musical experiences
for years to come.
We recommend you to read this manual entirely to fully utilize
the high performance capacity of your speakers.
GRADIENT R-5A
3

INSTALLATION
Carefully remove the loudspeakers from their packaging boxes
on the floor, on a soft surface such as a carpet. First, connect
the Gradient XO-AMP unit to the other audio equipment
according to separate instructions coming with the XO-AMP
unit.
· attaching the feet
Attach the special rubber feet (3pcs / speaker) to the base of
the bottom part of the speaker.
· connecting the loudspeaker cable
For fast, easy and high quality connecting, Gradient R-5A is
equipped with a professional four-pole speakON connector
and cable housing. If you are not using dedicated Gradient
cables, a speakON cable connector has to be connected to
your cables. In that case follow instructions attached to the
packing to prepare cables.
The speaker connector is located on the base of the bottom
part of the speaker, from where the speaker cable can be
routed freely in the desired direction. Connect the speaker
cable to the to the speaker before assembling the top part.
The speakON connector comes with a twist and lock feature.
Press the cable connector into the connector on the bottom of
the speaker and twist. The connector locks and establish a
secure connection.
4

· assembling the top part of the speaker
Before assembling the top part it is good idea to find a
preliminary location for the speaker in the room and install the
bottom part of the speaker there.
While holding the top part, connect the cable connector of top
part to the XLR-connector of the bottom part. The XLR-connector
is situated inside the bottom part and is accessed through the
opening in the top plate of the bottom part. You will hear a
"click-sound" when the cable connector is locked properly.
Make sure that the cable between the top and bottom fits well
inside the bottom part. The top part should rest firmly on the
three silicone plugs. When repositioning the speaker, it is
always recommended to remove the top part of the speaker to
avoid damages.
The top part can be turned both horizontally and vertically. The
unique feature allows fine-tuning for the sonic image and room
reflections.
INSTALLATION
5

LAYOUTS FOR LISTENING
The most accurate stereophonic illusion is obtained if the
listener sits at equal distances to both loudspeakers. However
compared to standard speakers Gradient R-5A, being a point
sound source, can be listened to at a much shorter distance. In
this case the stereo stage will be wider.
The farther from the speakers the listener goes, the more room
colourations will be added to the sound. Thanks to directivity
properties of Gradient R-5A it can be listened to at much longer
distance without loosing the accuracy and spectral balance.
Standing waves have different amplitudes at different places in
the room. This means that besides the loudspeaker placement
also the positioning of the listening spot has equal importance.
Near the wall all standing wave modes are emphasized and
heard most effectively. When the listener moves towards the
centre of the room the amplitude relationships between different
frequencies will change. The lowest room mode cannot be
heard at all in the middle of the room. The best listening spot
will be found between the back wall and the centre of the
room.
A dipole loudspeaker has features that are quite unique. When
the distance between the speakers and the front wall is similar
to that of the listener and the back wall, the first reflection will
be cancelled at the listening place.
6

The Gradient R-5A speakers can be positioned in a free space
as any panel speakers. In this case it is recommendable that the
distance from the rear wall will be minimum one meter (3'). In
theory increasing the distance from the rear wall will allow the
speaker to go lower in frequency. In practice however this rule
can be oversimplified. It is always a good idea to try different
distances. Proper starting points are one meter and two meters.
The basic set-up – where midrange & treble driver is on the
same side as woofers – is a good starting point. First direct the
speakers as in the Fig. 1. Also try to turn the speakers towards
the listener step by step.
USE AS A PANEL SPEAKER
7
Fig 1. Basic set-up where the woofers of the speaker are facing
forward. The distance between the speakers and the wall
should be at least one meter. The round Gradient logo
indicates the direction of the woofers.

It is also possible to direct the bodies as in the Fig. 2. In this
case the low notes are radiated parallel to the side walls and
the midrange & treble drivers are towards the listener.
Try different distances (1m...2m) from the rear wall and turn the
speakers.
In a narrow room the speakers can be positioned even against
the side walls.
USE AS A PANEL SPEAKER
8
Fig 2. The woofers can also be directed parallel to the side
walls. If needed the side of the bottom part can be positioned
against the side wall.

The Gradient R-5A has an unique feature for a panel speaker:
it can also be positioned against the wall. The longer wall of
the room is preferable.
When used against the wall the bottom parts are directed as in
the Fig. 3. The top parts of the speaker (midrange & treble) will
be directed to the listening area.
Smoothness of the bass response depends on the distances to
the side walls and on the construction and material of the walls.
If the side walls are of similar construction the smoothest bass
response will be obtained when one speaker is twice as far from
the wall as the other speaker. For instance one meter (3') and
two meters (6') from the side walls.
AGAINST THE WALL
9
Fig 3. The loudspeakers can also be positioned against the
wall, see the location of the round Gradient logo.

If the speakers are placed too close to the side walls the lowest
notes will be attenuated.
The wall positioning gives a unique feature of adjusting the
bass level. When the speakers are taken 5cm...10cm (2''...4'') of
the wall, the bass level will be attenuated by about 2dB. It is
also possible to fine-tune the bass by rotating the bottom part
slightly (Fig. 4).
AGAINST THE WALL
10
Fig 4. For wall positioning, adjust the bass level and tone by
moving the speaker slightly off the front wall and rotating the
speaker.