musikelectronic geithain ME 180 User manual

ME 180
Instructions for installation and use
musikelectronic geithain

2
ME 180musikelectronic geithain gmbh
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Inhaltsverzeichnis
1 Introduction 3
2 System description 4
3 Basic information 5
3.1 Guidelines 5
3.2 Safety instructions 5
3.3 Unboxing 6
3.4 Delivery contents 6
3.5 Cleaning 6
3.6 Environmental conditions 6
3.7 Guarantee acknowledgements 6
4 Positioning 7
4.1 Positioning near walls 7
4.2 Acoustical adjustments 7
4.3 Stereo operation 8
4.4 Surround operation 9
5 Connecting the speakers 10
5.1 Single-wiring connection 10
5.2 Bi-wiring connection 10
6 Technical data 11
7 Acoustic measurements 12
8 Notes 13

3
ME 180musikelectronic geithain gmbh
Introduction
1 Introduction
Dear customer,
Thank you for the trust you have put in us by buying these speakers. You decided upon a quality product that
in regard to tonal and technical characteristics complies to the utmost expectations.
The usual burn-in period is not required, because the speakers are artificially aged in-house.
Please read the technical description and manual to take advantage of the capabilities of these
speakers and ensure safe operation.

4
ME 180musikelectronic geithain gmbh
System description
2 System description
The ME 180 extends Musikelectronic Geithain’s product range of passive high-end loudspeakers. The three-way
concept comprises two highly efficient 10-inch woofer systems and a tweeter array of three vertically arranged
1-inch dome tweeters. Through this combination a sensitivity of 90 dB is achieved without wave guides. In
connection with the linearised impedance the ME 180 is also the perfect partner to tube amplifiers. Power
compression and non-linear distortions are therefore very low, even in fortissimo passages. The directivity
index of the system has been optimised to listening distances between 3 and 6 metres, providing a natural
sound image in stereo and multi-channel operation. The bass reflex system, designed to deliver optimal
transient fidelity, ensures a precise and dry bass reproduction down to a roll-off frequency of 35 Hz. It is
possible to close the cabinet’s vent and thereby prevent excessive increase in the bass range when positioned
near walls.
Frequently used wave guides in front of tweeter systems make directivity control easy; however they tend to
produce unavoidable colourations caused by short-time reflections at the inner horn surface. Musikelectronic
Geithain breaks the mould by using a tweeter array, doing without horn attachments for sound level boost.
The tweeter unit that is arranged coaxially in front of the midrange system guarantees the trademark low-
colouration rendition of music and speech and creates the sound event closeness desired by the listener.
The ME 180 is adjustable to the acoustic conditions in the listening room. Especially in modern living rooms
with longer reverberation time in the mid range the increase of the acoustic power in the presence range is
possible as well as an attenuation at 200 Hz.
Summing up all the constructive measures, the ME 180 achieves seamless sound compatibility with all other
products made in the Geithain manufacture. The highly neutral tone quality, excellent spatial performance and
depth arrangement, together with fatigue-free monitoring of even most complex sound events are typical ME
Geithain characteristics of this loudspeaker.
This loudspeaker will harmonise perfectly with your listening room due to its attractive design and the large
variety of different wood veneers or high-gloss or semi-gloss varnish surfaces.

5
ME 180musikelectronic geithain gmbh
Basic information
3 Basic information
3.1 Guidelines
This product complies to requirements of current European and national guidelines (Elektromagnetische
Verträglichkeit 89/336/EWG).
Products built by us belong to B2C-class of the WEEE guidelines and must not be
disposed with domestic waste.
3.2 Safety instructions
Like using any other electrical device you should observe the following operation guidelines, safety instructions
and warning signs to ensure optimum functionality and safety of operation!
XRead these instructions carefully.
XKeep these instructions.
XDo not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing cover may expose you to dangerous
voltage or other hazards.
XDo not install the device near any heat sources.
XDo not expose the device to direct sun radiation.
XDo not install the device in rooms with high humidity.
XDo not try to insert anything into device openings.
XThe device shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids shall be placed
on the device.
XThere is risk of electric shock when the device is open.
XRefer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
XClean only with dry or slightly moistened cloth.

6
ME 180musikelectronic geithain gmbh
Basic information
3.3 Unboxing
The speakers are shipped in proper condition. Unpack the speaker carefully and check for visible damages. In
case of damages report them to your retailer. Keep the packaging, in case the speaker has to be transported
in the future.
To unpack the device please refer to the additional user manual for unboxing.
3.4 Delivery contents
XSpeaker
XBi-wire cable jumpers
XSolid gold-plated jumpers
XTechnical description and user manual
XUser manual for unboxing
3.5 Cleaning
The speaker is made of real wood veneer and be nurtured in the same way as furnishings. We advice quality
wax polish to ensure durability of the veneer. Surfaces can also be cleaned with tidy, slightly damped, fuzz-
free, smooth cloth.
3.6 Environmental conditions
Ensure the following environmental conditions in your listening room:
XOperating temperature + 15°C ... + 35°C
XStorage temperature range - 25°C ... + 45°C
XRelative humidity 45 % ... 75 %
3.7 Guarantee acknowledgements
Opening the device by unauthorized personnel leads to all claims under guarantee expire. In case of destruction
by overload, misuse or outside influences there are no claims under guarantee.

7
ME 180musikelectronic geithain gmbh
Positioning
4 Positioning
Our speakers do not impose special requirements neither in stereo nor in multichannel set-ups. Nonetheless
speaker positioning has influence on listening impression because every room is individually designed and
furnished. The following advices are just guidelines that ease proper positioning. In addition we offer a
measurement service to take advantage of the capabilities of your listening environment.
4.1 Positioning near walls
When speakers are installed near walls sound quality is physically affected.
Every customary speaker behaves as a punctual sonic source in the
low frequency range, with sonic waves spherical radiated without any
constructional measures. Back wall reflections are unavoidable.
For optimum listening experience a minimum distance of 50 cm (20 ft) to
walls and furniture should be ensured. Avoid corner installations because
unwanted bass accentuation could arise.
b ≥ 0,5 m (20 ft)
4.2 Acoustical adjustments
The ME 180 is adjustable to the acoustic conditions of the listening room. All measures are executable
independently.
By closing the bass vent it is possible to reduce the bass increase due to speaker positioning close to walls.
Lay the speaker on it’s side to access the cover on the bottom. Use a, fuzz-free pad to avoid damages when
laying down the speaker.
With the lower jumper on the terminal plate the frequency range around 200 Hz can be attenuated by
removing the jumper.
Increasing the presence range around 3 kHz by 3 dB is also possible. To achieve this, plug another jumper into
the designated position at the top of the terminal plate.
b
b

8
ME 180musikelectronic geithain gmbh
Positioning
4.3 Stereo operation
The optimum position of the speakers in your listening
environment is the so-called stereo triangle (see
figure). The base distance between the speakers and
the distance to the hearing zone form an equilateral
triangle (stereo triangle). A distance less or more than
distance a should be avoided. For precise, spacial
reproduction turn the speakers inside, directed to the
hearing zone.
60°
Hörzone
a
a
a
a = 3 ... 6 m (10 ... 20 ft)

9
ME 180musikelectronic geithain gmbh
Positioning
4.4 Surround operation
In surround operation the stereo triangle (see Stereo operation) is extended to a circle. The hearing zone is
the centre of this circle. Position all speakers in the same distance to the hearing zone. The centre speaker is
positioned in the middle between both front speakers. Pay attention to positioning the front and rear speakers
horizontally along one plane. The angle between centre and rear speakers should be about 110° - 120°.
I n
case installation in the prescribed way is not possible in your listening room most decoding devices allow
adjustments of single speakers.
Hörzone
aa
a
a
a
110° ... 120° 60°
a = 3 ... 6 m (10 ... 20 ft)

10
ME 180musikelectronic geithain gmbh
Connecting the speakers
5 Connecting the speakers
Our passive speakers are no difficult load to common amplifiers. A amplifier power of 50 … 500 Watts at 4
Ohms is suggested. Due to the linearised impedance the operation with tube amplifiers is possible without
difficulties. Your authorised ME Geithain dealer will gladly provide you with professional advice.
5.1 Single-wiring connection
When connecting the speakers to an integrated amplifier or a power stage check the connection for the
right polarity. The gold-plated screwed joints of the terminal are labelled with + and a -. Both mustn’t be
interchanged. Do not remove the bridges between the high and low frequency terminals.
5.2 Bi-wiring connection
In this case the high and low frequency crossovers are separately connected to your integrated amplifier
or power stage. Remove the bridges between the high and low frequency terminals before connecting the
speakers to the amplifier. Check the connection for the right polarity. The gold-plated screwed joints are
labelled with a + and a – and mustn’t be interchanged.