TAG MCLAREN AUDIO CALLIOPE User manual

01
02 welcome
08 getting started
09 connecting loudspeakers
10 installation
13 running in and warming up
14 care and maintenance
15 technical data
contents
Calliope Bass Module
8438A
Calliope
Aluminium Technology Loudspeaker Series
Calliope Bass Module
shown with attached
Calliope Bookshelf
loudspeakers
GRP00491.03-[CT]BASS MODULE UM 3/8/01 10:10 am Page 01

welcome
03
heading
02
In addition to our experience in the
world of hi-fi we are able to utilise our
expertise in mechanical engineering,
composite material technology,multi-layer
printed circuit boards, fast digital signal
processing,electronic noise suppression,
radio frequency technology and software
design to name but a few.
All these skills are sharpened to compete
in the toughest of all technical sports:
Formula One motor racing.We directly
apply them to enhance our high-end audio
products.For example,composite and
aluminium material technology is used to
make resonance - free loudspeaker
cabinets,suspension technology decouples
electronics from the sound field and digital
signal processing makes better home
cinema products.The list is almost endless.
TAG McLaren’s aim is sonic perfection
combined with aesthetic delight and solid
build quality, a rare combination in
hi-fi but one whichTAG McLaren
Audio delivers.
Dr Udo Zucker
TAG McLarenAudio exists with one
aim in mind:to produce the very best
audio equipment in the world.
Like many people,I often have my best
ideas when relaxing to a piece of music or
watching a movie. For years,knowing the
technical capabilities of TAG McLaren, I
have nurtured the ambition to push sound
reproduction to the absolute limit;that’s
why we formedTAG McLarenAudio.
At the core of our development team
are highly experienced engineers whose
heritage of award-winning hi-fi and world-
beating electronic control systems is
envied by many and equalled by few.
welcome to
Dr. Udo Zucker – Physicist, PhD in Science,
designer of award-winning electronics,
dedicated audiophile and Chief Executive
Officer of TAG McLaren Audio
Award-winning TAG McLaren technology
- the TAG2000 F1 control system has
been selected as a Millennium Product by
the British Design Council
welcome
GRP00491.03-[CT]BASS MODULE UM 3/8/01 10:10 am Page 02

welcome
05
welcome
04
Thank you for purchasing theTAG McLarenAudio Calliope
Bass Module.
Calliope Bass Module
The Calliope Bass Module combined with the Calliope
Bookshelf loudspeaker forms a magnetically shielded three
way, full range, high performance,4th order reflex-loaded
loudspeaker system capable of reproducing music with
outstanding clarity and transparency.
enclosure technology
The Calliope Bass Module employs high
performance materials eschewing the
traditional wooden cabinet to eradicate the
unwanted sonic signature of energy re-
radiation.The curved profile forms a stiff,
single-piece aluminium extrusion which is
further reinforced with the addition of the
die-cast aluminium end caps secured with
high tension bolts.This creates a
structurally inert and inherently well
damped enclosure which ensures that the
only acoustic energy is created by the drive
units and not the enclosure.
optimised dispersion enclosure
geometry
Marrying form and function
harmoniously, the geometric form of the
enclosure has been carefully designed to
optimise the dispersion of sound energy
from the enclosure.The Calliope
loudspeaker system generates an even and
consistent energy output both on and off
axis resulting in a solid and accurate image.
drive unit technology
The Calliope Bass Module’s three drive
units have been designed to optimise their
performance.The 150 mm bass unit
employs a woven glass-fibre cone to create
a stiff yet well damped diaphragm that
remains pistonic through the pass-band.An
oversized, carbon-loaded pulp dust-cap is
employed to provide further stiffness to the
moving diaphragm assembly to improve low
frequency transient behaviour.
high uality crossover
The components used throughout the
crossover are of the highest quality to
ensure signal integrity and clarity.The
Calliope Bass Module shown with attached
Calliope Bookshelf loudspeakers
GRP00491.03-[CT]BASS MODULE UM 3/8/01 10:10 am Page 04

welcome
07
welcome
06
inductors use oxygen-free,high purity
copper (OFHC) wound on bobbin cores to
improve saturation current limits,reduce
d.c.resistance and minimise stray magnetic
field leakage.The capacitors are
manufactured with an over-size
polypropylene dielectric and are rated at
250V DC to guarantee uncompressed
power output.The resistors are high power
devices offering extremely high peak
voltage operation without compression.All
component connections are hard-wired as
opposed to being printed circuit board
tracks to maintain optimum transfer of
music signals.
OFHC loudspeaker connection
terminals
The use of proprietary OFHC gold
plated binding posts achieves a clear sonic
improvement compared to the typically
used alternatives employing high copper
content alloys. Furthermore,nickel plating
has not been used between the OFHC
foundation and the gold finish as it added
‘grain’ to the sound.Whilst this will lead,
in the long term, to some dis-colouration of
the binding post due to the copper atoms
partially diffusing into the anti-corrosion
gold layer, the customary nickel plate
interlayer is well known to affect sound
quality and was eliminated.
single input connection
After extensive research into the sound
quality of the F1AvantGarde loudspeaker, it
was discovered that the potential benefits of
multi-wired terminals for loudspeaker
cable connection were outweighed by the
losses incurred in their implementation,
e.g. additional contact interfaces and
electrical connection straps.In addition, it
has been found that even with the finest top
grade power amplifiers, single input
terminals improved perceived dynamics and
musical expression.The results of this
research have been applied to the full range
ofAluminiumTechnology loudspeakers.
GRP00491.03-[CT]BASS MODULE UM 3/8/01 10:10 am Page 06

connecting loudspeakers
09
getting started
08
We know you are keen to get your Calliope Bass Modules
working. This section will have you listening to your favourite
music as quickly as possible.
Your Calliope Bass Modules have been carefully packaged for
safe transportation. If you have the storage space, please retain
all the original packaging. This will allow you to transport your
loudspeakers safely in the future.
Make sure that all the components of your audio system are
disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any
connections.
There are three spacer mountings per loudspeaker in the
accessory pack of your Calliope Bass Module.
Place the Calliope Bass Module on the floor as shown in
the picture.
Screw the threaded ends of the spacer mountings into the
threaded bushes situated on the underside of the Calliope
Bookshelf loudspeaker.
Peel off the protective film from the underside of the spacer to
expose the adhesive surface.
Gently lower one of your Calliope loudspeakers onto the Calliope
Bass Module ensuring that the location pips on the lower side of
the spacer mountings locate into the recesses on the Calliope
Bass Module upper cap. Once in position press down the
Calliope Bookshelf loudspeaker to allow good contact between
the adhesive, applied to the spacer, and the Bass Module.
To connect your Calliope Bass Module to your Calliope Bookshelf
loudspeaker, use the black and white speaker cables supplied in
the accessory pack, connected as shown in the drawing.
Secure the wires by tightening the terminals of both the Calliope
Bookshelf and the Bass Module. Do not overtighten the terminal.
Use high-quality loudspeaker cable. For best sound quality, we
recommend that you use loudspeaker cables terminated in 8 mm
spade terminals. Connect the lower red (positive) terminal of the
right channel Bass Module to the right, positive output terminal on
the back of your amplifier. Unscrew the terminal enough to fit the
spade into it and then tighten the terminal. If you are unable to
fully tighten the terminal, try pushing the spade connector in a
clockwise (tightening) direction. Do not over-tighten the terminal.
Then connect the lower black (negative) terminal of your right
channel Bass Module to the right, negative output terminal on the
back of your amplifier. Repeat this procedure to connect your left
channel Bass Module.
packaging
before you
start
bass module
installation
bass module
installation
(cont’d)
loudspeaker
connection
Bookshelf
Bass Module
GRP00491.03-[CT]BASS MODULE UM 3/8/01 10:10 am Page 08

installation
11
installation
10
The geometric form of your Calliope loudspeakers has been
designed to project a wide and even dispersion of sound into
the room in order to eliminate the common problem of ‘hot
seat’ imaging.
You will get the best sound from your Calliope loudspeaker
system if you follow these guidelines:
Try to place each loudspeaker so that the rear edge of the
enclosure is approximately 0.20 m (8 inches) from the rear wall
and at least 0.50 m (2 feet) from side walls. Space them between
2 and 3 metres (6 - 10 feet) apart. Try to locate both
loudspeakers in a similar acoustic environment. Toe the
loudspeakers in so that the axis of the loudspeakers point just
outside the listening zone (see figure below).
To fine tune the position of your Calliope loudspeaker system,
choose some music you are familiar with and sit in the central
listening position. Pay attention to the tonal balance of the
reproduction and the accuracy of the stereo sound-stage.
Moving the loudspeakers away from the rear wall and into the
room will reduce the amount of low frequency energy with
respect to the rest of the audible bandwidth. Conversely,
moving the loudspeakers closer to the rear wall will increase
the low frequency energy. The distance between the
loudspeakers and the amount of toe-in will affect the stereo
sound-stage. With careful and patient experimentation, you will
find a configuration that will provide an even and neutral tonal
balance with an accurate sound-stage. Don’t be afraid to
experiment.
For optimum performance, your Calliope Bass Modules have
been fitted with port dampers in the two port tubes located at
the rear of your Bass Module.
To increase the amount of low frequency output from your
Calliope Bass Modules, remove either one or both of the plugs
from the port tubes. To replace the plugs, just gently push the
plug into the port tube until the outer surface of the plug sits
flush with the outer edge of the port tube.
room
placement
finding the
best location
fine tuning
for extended
bass performance
GRP00491.03-[CT]BASS MODULE UM 3/8/01 10:10 am Page 10

running in and warming up
13
installation
12
Once you have found the ideal position for your loudspeakers
within your listening room, you may wish to add the mounting
spikes supplied. This will allow the loudspeakers to be levelled
and provide rigid support improving image stability and
bass definition.
The Calliope grille geometry has been carefully designed such
that it has only a very small effect on the acoustic response, so
the penalty for leaving the grilles in place is slight. However, if
you want to realise the best performance from your Calliope Bass
Modules you might want to remove the grille. To do so, gently
prize the side edges of the grille out of the enclosure relief
channel, starting at the bottom edge.
TAG McLaren Audio equipment is designed to give optimum
performance for many years.
The performance of your Calliope loudspeaker system will
improve during the first few weeks of operation.
Every time you use your Calliope loudspeaker system, the
performance will improve until the components have reach their
optimum operating temperature which, depending on replay
volume, is usually achieved within 5-10 minutes of operation.
support spikes
grille removal
running in
warming up
x4
GRP00491.03-[CT]BASS MODULE UM 3/8/01 10:10 am Page 12

care and maintenance
14
technical data
15
3-way, 4th order reflex loaded system when used with Calliope
Bookshelf loudspeaker, magnetically shielded
damped 3rd order (electrical) low pass to bass module, damped 2nd
order (electrical) high pass to Calliope Bookshelf loudspeaker
400 Hz crossover frequency
-10 dB @ 24 Hz (-3dB @ 38 Hz)
80 Hz - 350 Hz (±1.5 dB)
88 dB/W/m (4 pi anechoic)
4 Ωnominal (3.0 Ωminimum)
<0.3% T.H.D. (ref. 1W, 100 Hz - 400 kHz)
50 W minimum recommended
112 dB (in-room)
18 - 35 °C
low fre uency
extension (in-room)
response uniformity
(anechoic)
sensitivity
impedance
distortion
maximum S.P.L.
operating
temperature range
power amplifier
re uirement
In order to maintain the appearance of your Calliope Bass
Modules, you can clean them as follows:
Any grease or dirt on the enclosure may be removed with a soft,
lint-free cloth moistened slightly with a mild solution of warm
water and detergent or washing up liquid. Do not use any other
solutions. Do not use any solvents or abrasives.
Take great care not to get any liquid inside the loudspeaker
enclosure or on the drive unit diaphragms. If this happens, you
should have your Calliope Bass Modules serviced.
Under no circumstances should you attempt to service your
Calliope loudspeaker system. All servicing should be carried out
by one of our authorised service agents.
If service is required, please contact your authorised TAG
McLaren Audio retailer. If your Calliope Bass Modules are still
under guarantee, please refer to the guarantee card which gives
you details on how to claim against the guarantee.
Please package your Calliope Bass Modules carefully when
transporting or shipping. If you do not have the correct
packaging at this time, please contact your retailer for assistance.
cleaning
service
construction
crossover
GRP00491.03-[CT]BASS MODULE UM 3/8/01 10:10 am Page 14

technical data
16
dimensions
weight
600 x 295 x 400 mm (H x W x D)
895 x 295 x 450 mm including Calliope Bookshelf loudspeaker
50 kg per pair, including Calliope Bookshelf loudspeaker
We reserve the right to alter design and specification without notice.
Specification may vary for different countries
GRP00491.03-[CT]BASS MODULE UM 3/8/01 10:10 am Page 16