icon Audio FRm 1 Series User manual

icon Audio
Instruction Manual for:
FRm 1, 2, 2 Super Loudspeaker Series
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Final inspection
3 Connections and filter
4 Initial positioning
5 Set up guide
6 Getting the best from your speakers
7 Use of filter
8 Maintenance
9 Specifications
10 Guarantee
11 Packing instructions
1. Introduction
Thank you for buying a pair of FRm (Full
Range modified) loudspeakers. These
loudspeakers are unique in that they are very
flexible in their use, due to the outboard filter
which will give you several options of use. The
performance is adaptable to a range of different
situations.
Please read the “set up” guide when first using
to become familiar with the options available to
tailor their use to you particular system and
room acoustics.
Background to the FRm loudspeakers
If you stop and think about it Full range loudspeakers
have a great deal to offer compared to a conventional
2 or 3 way. Going back to basics the only reason a
loudspeaker has more than one unit is because one
has difficulty covering the whole audio spectrum from
which is normally thought of as 20Hz to 20,000 Hz.
However there is very little musical information below
50 Hz and above 15 kHz. The reality is however that
the additional complexity of using more than one
speaker can cause problems in other ways which
although not as obvious as poor frequency response,
can make life difficult for the amplifier driving the
speaker, especially lower powered valve amplifiers.
For example a typical 2 way speaker uses a larger
speaker for bass and midrange with a small
dedicated “tweeter” to reproduce the treble part of the
spectrum. All well and good you might say but if we
consider exactly what happens the problems in doing
this become more apparent:
If we ask a loudspeaker to reproduce a rising
frequency there will become a point where the
crossover will limit the energy being supplied to the
bass unit and a filter will start to send it to the
tweeter. At that point both speakers will try to
reproduce that note and therefore there will be
distortion and confusion to the ear as time delay and
phase shift start to add distortion to the way that
frequency is reproduced. The result is not a “bad”
sound but a loss of detail in the stereo image. The
test equipment used by a manufacturer will be
looking for harmonic distortion and a flat frequency
response, so if the speaker passes those tests it will

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be classed as “good”. Now the reality is that we are
not sending simple frequency sweeps to a speaker,
but complex musical information. A single note from
a piano, violin, human voice etc will contain low,
medium and high frequencies which will be split into
two or three parts by the crossover for the ear to put
back together. Now although the frequency
information will be correct some essential phase and
detail will either be lost or misunderstood by the time
the three parts are separated by the crossover,
reproduced by the three speakers for our ears to try
and understand the original meaning.
Musical information which often consists of the
orchestra and singer(s). Obviously one device (i.e.
the microphone) is able to pick up all these sounds at
the same time as we use only one microphone for
the whole frequency range so a “perfect” loudspeaker
would behave in the same way. But because is the
“norm” to have a 2 or 3 way speaker most people
assume that this is essential. This is not true!
In the past we have had experience working with and
making cabinets for full range loudspeakers such as
Fostex, Lowther and older Wharfedale and
Goodmans designs. These are still highly regarded
by many audiophiles as having qualities which
modern designs seemed to have lost.
What were are aiming to achieve with the FRm series
is a Full Range speaker that is a combination of the
best of old and new.
Full range speakers have two disadvantages when
compared to conventional types.
a) The “running in” period is longer than conventional
speakers. This is because the lower power needed to
move the cone takes longer to “free up” the cone
suspension parts, and to “run in” the cone material to
its optimum sound quality. This is also temperature
dependant. So if the speakers have been stored in
the cold, they will need about 48 hours for the
suspension material to “normalise”.
b) FRm speakers are more directional than
conventional speakers because the treble radiator is
“recessed” in the cone. This is similar to Tannoy
“Dual Concentric” speakers and Electrostatic types.
So careful positioning is needed. When listening the
drive units should be at “ear level”. In some cases it
may be necessary to tilt the speakers back slightly.
This may be done by adjusting the spikes lower at
the back, or not fitting the rear spikes. However the
benefit is much increased definition of the sound
stage. You should be able to “pin point”
instruments left, right and centre and even
“outside” the speakers with excellent “front-
back” definition as well.
Dynamic Range;
Due to the “no power wasted” design and the lack of
a “crossover” a much larger amount of the amplifier
power is converted into sound, giving a dynamic
range much larger than conventional designs. This is
especially noticeable when comparing to electrostatic
types.

Page 3
2. Final Inspection - Your Guarantee of Quality
To assure you of optimum performance and reliability, these loudspeakers have passed our
rigorous final inspection and listening test by the Icon Audio team in Leicester.
Date …../…../…..
Model …………….
Veneer …………….
Serial Number …………….
Customer ……………………………
Check cabinet finish ……….
Internal wiring check ……….
Filter wiring check .………
24 hour listening test ……….
Sound Quality ……….
Channel Balance ……….
Box Contents:
1x FRm Manual ……….
2x Loudspeakers ……….
2x Speaker cover ……….
2x Filter box (for 1 or 2 driver) ……….
2 (or 4 pairs FRm3) short cable ……….
8x Spikes ……….
Upgrades:
Internal Silver wire ……....……….
Filter capacitor ……………….
Capacitor grade (Audio) ……….
Other
………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
Signed off by ……………………….
Notes:

Page 4
3. Connection of filter
4. Initial Positioning
Ideally your room shape and size will be similar to one of the diagrams above. If not try to get an angle of
between 60°-90° from your listening position, between 1ft (33cm) and 3ft (1 m) away from the wall. The
closer to the wall the more bass will be reflected. Sitting at or near the centre of the room will reduce the
bass you hear so careful positioning should enable you to obtain the bass balance desired.

Page 5
IMPORTANT READ THESE NOTES THROUGH FIRST!
5. QUICK SET UP GUIDE
1 Unpack each speaker carefully. Make sure
that it is in good condition. If not report to your
dealer. It is important that you keep the packaging
for warranty/service return/shipping
2 Position in approximate listening position
according to diagram (page 5). Fit Spikes (if
required) after final positioning.
3 Connect amplifier to filter box. Position at the
rear of the FRm speakers. Use good quality multi
strand speaker cable (it is not necessary to be
very thick e.g. QED 79 strand or similar is ideal).
Connect to “Input” “+” and “-“.
4 Connect filter box to speakers, using supplied
cable(s). The FRm models 1 & 2 use one pair of
cables from the “Upper” terminals.
5 Check the polarity of “+” & “-“ of both
speakers at all connection points on both
speakers. This is essential for correct
performance.
6 Fine tune positioning by looking at each
speaker from your listening position. The
speakers should be facing you directly, so that
you cannot see either side of the cabinet. Each
speaker should be exactly the same distance
away.
7 Start “running in”. If the speakers are cold,
they will take up the 48 hours to normalize. The
“running in” period is much longer than
conventional speakers. This is because the lower
power needed to move the cone takes longer to
“free up the cone suspension parts, and to “run in”
the cone material to its optimum sound quality.
This is also temperature dependant. Do not play
them excessively loud for a few days. The more
you use them the better they will sound. Full
range music of any kind with a good bass content
will help. Begin with a medium to loud volume
which may be increased to YOUR maximum after
a few days. Be patient a substantial improvement
will be noticed after one month. After 3 months of
use the speakers will be at or near their optimum.
When the speakers are in a cold room they may
take 30 minutes of use to “warm up” even when
“run in” (this is true of all speakers).
Stray magnetic fields
The speaker drive units create stray magnetic
fields that extend beyond the boundaries of the
cabinet.
We recommend you keep magnetically sensitive
articles (television and computer screens,
computer discs, audio and video tapes, swipe
cards and the like) at least 0.5m from the speaker.
6. Getting the best out of your FRm loudspeakers
Experience has shown that the “running in” period
for these speakers is several months of regular
use. Generally the sound becomes more mellow,
so please be a little patient, the improvement is
quite noticeable.
After you have assembled your Hi Fi system you
naturally will want to get the best results. You
probably know there is an intimate relationship
with your amplifier. An ideal amplifier for the FRm
speakers is a low to medium powered valve or
transistor amplifier. The power needed will vary
with room size and the desired maximum sound
level. Amplifiers from 5 to 30 (or more) watts will
be suitable.
For example in a medium to large room well
furnished room (5x7m, 14x22ft) 15w per ch will
adequate for all but extremely loud passages, if
higher sound levels are required you should
consider increasing this by a factor of 1 or 2.
Single Ended “Class A” amplifiers work
particularly well. Amplifiers with low or no
feedback are recommended. Larger “Class A/B”
Push Pull valve amplifiers will also work well as
you will be using mostly the “Class A” part of the
power curve. “Pure Triode” valve amplifiers
generally will have a more pleasing sound, These
could be amplifiers using valves (or tubes) such
as 2A3, 300B, 6AS7, 845, 805, 211, 6C33 etc.
If your valve amplifier uses 6L6, KT66/88/90/120,
EL34, EL84, 6550, (and other pentode types) it is
probably using the “Ultralinear” method which
gives 50% Triode and 50% Pentode.
Listening Room
Although often overlooked, this is the final
component of your system which can “make or
break” the results you get. For example a room
with tiled floor, lots of windows will sound hard
and bright. Whereas a room with a carpeted floor
and lots of soft furnishing will have a more
pleasing and accurate sound as the sound
reaching your ear is mainly from the speakers,
and not as a result of reflections from the walls,
floor, Ceiling and windows.
When you consider the trouble you have taken to
set up your system, the small investment in time
and trouble needed to correct listening room
problems can give a huge improvement in
listening quality.
It should be remembered that virtually all
loudspeakers are developed in an “anechoic
chamber” where no sound is reflected at all!
Obviously many rooms fall in between these two
extremes, and many things can be done to
improve hard bright rooms such as closing
curtains, hanging drapes, fitting acoustic tiles,
laying rugs and mats. These will all absorb and
break up unwanted sound.

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Listening Position
This is the final link which again can make the
difference between a “good” system and an
“excellent” system, and is relatively easy:
Position the FRm’s similar to the page 5 diagram
and listen to the bass. If it is a little “boomy” bring
the speakers forward a little at a time until the
desired bass quality is achieved. Moving your
speakers further away from the corners whilst
keeping the same distance from the rear wall may
also help as more bass is reflected from the
corners than the rear walls. Also consider your
listening position. The least bass will be heard in
the centre of your room so sitting closer to the
rear wall will improve your bass. Do not have your
speakers too far apart; this can “stretch the image
so that it is not well defined. Remember that you
should be also be hearing sounds outside, to the
left and right of your speakers. Ideally 1m or 3 ft
from the side wall is required to get the full effect.
When correctly set up you will be able to hear
sounds that appear to coming from either side and
even from behind of you! (Depending on the
recording).
Whilst it may not be possible to do all the things
suggested here, a compromise may be found
which is acceptable to the room layout and other
functions of the room, sometimes on a temporary
basis e.g. for serious listening, moving your
speakers to a better position, or moving a chair or
sofa out of the way. Experiment is the name of the
game! And don’t forget as the speakers “run in”
the sound will change so you may need to make
adjustments.
7. Use of the Filter
First, it is not essential to use the filter, in some
circumstances you may feel that the sound is
“correct” without. But this sound is not for
everyone and the filter gives a sound closer to a
conventional speaker whilst retaining the
advantages of full range. Feel free to connect your
amplifier directly to the FRM 1 and 2.
The design the 8” FRm unit was achieved by a
great deal of planning and design especially by
our listening panel. We have manufactured the
finest quality drive unit possible, but any full range
speaker will always have the disadvantage of a
frequency peak in the upper midrange. To counter
this we have used a very simple circuit of a high
quality inductor (coil of pure copper wire),
capacitor and resistor to reduce the impact of this
peak, so the tonal balance is more linear. This is
not a crossover where power would be wasted.
Instead it is a filter to reduce the amount of
midrange in all three models. This has the effect
of raising the impedance of the speaker and
therefore limits the output at certain frequencies,
this way no power is wasted, having the
advantage with lower powered amplifiers that this
unused power is then available for another
frequency especially bass, thereby improving the
performance and lowering the distortion of the
amplifier.
In most situations no connection or adjustment is
necessary. If a brighter sound is desired a simple
copper link inserted between “Filter 2” positions
will reduce the effect of the filter. If the copper link
is inserted in “Full Range” position the filter is out
of circuit so the effect will be the same as if the
filter box was not used.
Future Proof
Because we have kept the filter outside the
cabinet, this allows for easy modifications for the
future, or upgrades to the circuit, capacitors and
choke. Also only the filter box need be returned
for upgrades rather than returning the whole
speaker.
As each hi fi system, room acoustics, music and
listeners ears are unique we are able to fine tune
each filter if required. Contact David Shaw. For
further information.
8. Maintenance
The FRm series requires little maintenance. If the
loudspeakers have been well looked after and kept in a
dry environment they should give many years of service
with no problem. The connections on the rear, to the
filter box and amplifier will benefit from “breaking and
making” at least annually by disconnecting and
reconnecting several times to ensure a good low
impedance connection is maintained. Copper wire is
prone to corrosion, the exposed wire should be bright
and shiny, dull corroded wire will have a high resistance
and degrade the sound. The drive units are quite strong
and are able to deliver a high level of sound even in a
medium to large room. Handling power is approximately
75 watts of undistorted speech and music (NOT
continuous sine wave). Amplifiers of up to 100 watts may
be used. However the FRm series does not have any
protection against abuse and accidents so beware of
“switch on thump” and other accidental surges.*
Cabinet Care
To remove dust we suggest gentle wiring with a
slightly damp cloth with an occasional polish. The
cabinets are real veneer. Avoid sunlight as this will
both fade the natural colour and damage the drive
unit, UV light in sunlight will cause premature
deterioration of the cone roll surround and may
distort the shape of the cone causing mis-alignment
and failure of the unit. *
*These faults are not covered by the warranty.

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9 Specification & Features
Typical values
•Icon Audio developed and manufactured drive units.
•Rare earth alloy high frequency dome
•Custom paper cone for optimum bandwidth
•Long throw coil and roll surround for extended bass
•94db approx output, 1 watt @1 meter (2.83v)
•Designed and tested with low-med power valve
amplifiers
•Suitable for amplifiers 5 to 100 watts, @ 8 ohms
•Max continuous approx. 75w full range music
•Audio grade MDF cabinet
•Real wood veneer finish
•Standard finishes cherry or walnut
•Plinth and adjustable spikes included (FRm 2,3)
•FRm 3 Size in cm W29, D28, H104, 29kg ea
•FRm 2 Size in cm W29, D28, H104, 21kg ea
•FRM 2 Super TBA
•FRm 1 Size in cm W30, D33, H51, 12kg ea
•4n Copper wire voice coil
•Audio quality MDF cabinets
•High purity 99.99% copper multi strand internal
cable
•Low impedance choke
•Soldered internal connection for long term low
resistance
•Supplied filter box with high quality components
•Heavy gauge custom chokes for low impedance
•All hand wired point to point without printed circuit
•Nominal DC impedance 7Ω (full range unit)
•Suitable amplifiers 5w-100w
•Freq response FRm1 40 - 18kHz (room dependant)
•Freq response FRm2 35 - 18kHz (room dependant)
•Freq response FRm3 30 - 18kHz (room dependant)
•Solen/SCR hi fi audio capacitors (recommended
Jensen upgrade Copper foil upgrade available)
•Gold plated Input & speaker terminals
•ROHS compliant
10 Guarantee
Thank you for purchasing one of our products. We
trust you will be pleased with it.
These loudspeakers are guaranteed by the
reseller you purchased from for 12 months from
the date of purchase for parts and labour,
excluding shipping. Please keep your receipt as
proof of purchase, this may be needed.
All units are individually tested for performance for at
least ten hours before despatch to you. In the unlikely
event that you believe the unit is not functioning
correctly, it may be helpful to contact us first as we
may be able to assist you. Then we would request
that you return the item to your dealer.
You are advised to inform us of any change of
address or change of ownership in order that we may
keep you up to date of any upgrades or
improvements. Check our website.
Exclusions
Natural veneers are subject to small flaws. Some
fading and slight cracking is normal over time. We
reserve to reject claims for faulty units where tests
reveal abuse or overload (e.g. burnt out voice coils).
Claims for any damage should be reported to the
sender and/or shipping company must be reported
within 24 hours of receipt.
This loudspeakers is designed for normal domestic hi
fi use. They are not guaranteed for commercial,
Public Address use, or use in other situations without
authorisation. The guarantee becomes void if the unit
has been modified in any way not approved by Icon
Audio.
11 Packing Instructions
It is essential that the original box and packing be
kept in good condition, as this provides vital
protection from damage during transit. Please do
not write on box, but use removable labels.
Should the original box and packaging be lost or
become unusable a repacking charge of one hundred
pounds will be made.
•Re-use the supplied plastic bag to keep the
speakers clean and free from dust/damp.
•The spikes should be removed and packed
so that damage will not occur to the cabinets.
•Do not store in damp conditions as the
cabinet and rive units will be damaged.
•If the speakers are shipped insurance is
desirable due to the high unit value.
icon Audio UK LTD
351 Aylestone Road Leicester LE2 8TA
www.iconaudio.co.uk
Phone [phone]
Cell [phone]
Email: [email protected]
2020-02-19 G version