icon Audio FRm Loudspeaker Series User manual

icon Audio
Instruction Manual for:
FRm Loudspeaker Series
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Final inspection
3 Connections
4 Initial positioning
5 Set up guide
6 Getting the best from your speakers
7 Maintenance
8 Specifications
9 Guarantee
10 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, especially the FRm 3 which
will give you several options of use. The bass
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 virtually no 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 crossover 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 be classed as
“good”. Now the reality is that we are not sending

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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 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. 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. 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.

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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 ……….
24 hour listening test ……….
Sound Quality ……….
Channel Balance ……….
Box Contents:
1x FRm Manual ……….
2x Loudspeakers ……….
2x Speaker cover ……….
Notes
………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
……………………………………
Signed off by ……………………….
Notes:

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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.

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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 (optional
extra) after final positioning.
3 Check the polarity of “+” & “-“ of both speakers
at all connection points on both speakers. This is
essential for correct performance.
4 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.
5 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 (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
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 from 5 to 50 watts will be ideal. Single Ended
“Class A” amplifiers work particularly well.
Amplifiers with low or no feedback are
recommended. (Transistor amplifiers are usually
high feedback). 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 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 90% of the power of Pentode operation and
90% of the quality of Triode operation. You may
want to consider converting to 100% Triode. Icon
Audio and most good valve engineers can perform
this easy and reversible modification for a relatively
small cost. (More information on request) The 10%
difference between “Ultralinear” and Triode IS very
noticeable, the loss power will not be noticeable,
whereas the Triode sound has a more pleasing
quality.
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. 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 and to the
amplifier will benefit from “breaking and making” at least
annually by disconnecting and reconnecting 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
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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8 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 6 to 90 watts, @ 8 ohms
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 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
Heavy gauge custom chokes for low impedance
All hand wired point to point without printed circuit
Nominal DC impedance 7Ω(full range unit)
Power handling 75w full range music
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)
Gold plated Input & speaker terminals
ROHS compliant
9 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.
10 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]
2024-01-24 G version