TAG MCLAREN AUDIO F1 AvantGarde User manual

03
02 welcome
04 features
10 installation
16 running in
17 care and maintenance
18 technical data
contents
F1 AvantGarde loudspeaker
7029A
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welcome
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heading
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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 material
technology is used to make resonant - 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.
I have been an audiophile for more than
30 years, and have used and upgraded many,
many audio systems in that time. Our aim is
sonic perfection combined with aesthetic
delight and solid build quality – a rare
combination in hi-fi but one whichTAG
McLaren Audio is delivering.
It is our audio engineers’ technical
capability which provides outstanding sound
quality and our stylists’ ability to look into
the future which makes the F1 AvantGarde
loudspeaker so desirable. Employing
‘Composite SandwichTechnology’,
combined with aluminium reinforced low
distortion drive units the F1 AvantGarde
loudspeaker sounds so good, as if the
technology comes from another world.
TAG McLaren Audio exists with one
aim in mind: to produce the very best
high-end audio equipment in the world.
Like many people, I often have my best
ideas when relaxing to a piece of music.
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 McLaren Audio.
At the core of our development team
are highly experienced electronics
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
control electronics, dedicated audiophile
and Chief Executive Officer of TAG
McLaren Audio
Award-winning TAG McLaren technology
- the TAG2000 F1 powertrain control
system has been selected as a Millennium
Product by the British Design Council
TAG McLaren Audio F1- RLA AvantGarde loudspeaker
welcome
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features
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features
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We are convinced this loudspeaker will redefine your
listening experience.
The F1 AvantGarde ‘Composite SandwichTechnology’
loudspeaker is a high performance, 31
/2way, 4th order reflex-
loaded loudspeaker system capable of reproducing music with
outstanding clarity and transparency.The F1 AvantGarde is
ideal for all room sizes, including larger rooms which require
greater sound pressure level to recreate a performance with
realistic volume levels.The combination of a unique enclosure
with lowest distortion drive units and no-expense-spared
crossovers generates sound reproduction at a level of
transparency and clarity which is extremely rare to find. Music
reproduction pushed to a new limit.
Thank you for purchasing theTAG McLaren Audio F1
AvantGarde ‘Composite Sandwich Technology’ loudspeaker.
TAG McLaren ‘Composite Sandwich
Technology’
TAG McLaren pioneered the use of
composite technology in F1 motor racing
almost 20 years ago, at a time when only
the most advanced aerospace programmes
used carbon fibre composites exploiting
their extraordinary combination of strength
and weight.
The F1 AvantGarde’s loudspeaker
cabinets are constructed using an open
mould system with multiple split lines to
allow the lamination of shapes with complex
curvatures.The enclosure walls incorporate
integrally moulded damping cores with two
composite epoxy skins.The enclosures are
subdivided to provide three chambers.
These chambers are created by two solid
bulkheads dividing the cabinet in such a way
as to provide the required chamber volumes,
brace the cabinet walls and ensure there are
no parallel reflective surfaces.
This construction, which we call
‘Composite SandwichTechnology’ creates a
structurally inert and inherently well
damped enclosure to ensure that the only
acoustic energy generated emanates from
the drive units and not the enclosure.
Preventing the enclosure from flexing and
re-radiating energy reduces distortion and
colouration offering a neutral and accurate
portrayal of the performance.
The resulting sound quality of this rather
complex design process is extremely clear
and transparent, almost like an electrostatic
speaker, but still with the punch which
makes electro-dynamic speakers so
desirable. It is sound reproduction at the
very forefront of technology!
optimised dispersion enclosure geometry
Marrying form and function harmoniously,
the smooth and irregular curvature of the
enclosure has been carefully designed to
F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers
type: RLA
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features
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features
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optimise the dispersion of sound energy
from the enclosure.The F1 AvantGarde
generates an even and consistent energy
output both on and off axis resulting in a
solid and accurate image within a very wide
listening area.As a result the F1AvantGarde
loudspeaker will easily integrate into your
room, providing superb sound quality even
from less than ideal locations.
drive unit technology at its best
The F1 AvantGarde’s drive units have
been optimised to maximise their
performance within their respective bands.
Both the 250 mm and 180 mm bass units
employ carbon fibre-loaded pulp cones to
create a stiff yet well damped diaphragm
that remains pistonic through the pass-
band.The midrange unit uses a diaphragm
manufactured from several paper ‘petals’
that are married to a visco-elastic interface.
This eliminates spurious vibration and
suppresses unwanted energy reflection up
and down the cone profile.The motor unit
pole pieces contain copper rings to create a
series of shorted turns in the magnetic
air gap.This eliminates Eddy current
distortion caused by the current flow
through the voice coil in close proximity
to the intense magnetic field.The tweeter
possesses an extremely low free-air
resonance achieved by damping and loading
the rearward energy with three chambers.
The result is one of the lowest distortions
available today.
high quality vibration isolated passive
crossover
The passive crossover is mechanically
de-coupled from the sub-structure of the
loudspeaker to prevent microphony in the
components.The crossover network is
mounted inside the plinth in order to
electro-magnetically isolate it from the
drive units in the system.The components
used throughout the crossover are of the
highest quality to ensure signal integrity
and clarity.The inductors use high purity
copper wound on either toroidal or 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
630V DC to guarantee uncompressed
power output.The resistors are of flat,
thick metal film construction as opposed
o the common wire-wound variety.These
non-inductive resistors are manufactured
from cermet mounted upon an alumina
base offering extremely high peak voltage
operation without compression.This no-
compromise crossover guarantees that
sound energy is split between the drive
units without affecting the purity of
the sound.
OFHC loudspeaker connection
terminals
By fitting proprietary OFHC, gold plated
binding posts, manufactured byTAG
McLaren, a clear sonic improvement has
been achieved compared to the typically
used alternatives employing high copper
content alloys. Furthermore no nickel
plating has 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 discolouration of the
binding post due to copper atoms partially
diffusing into the anti-corrosion gold layer,
the customary, nickel plate interlayer is
well known (as a ferro-magnetic and hard
oxidised metal) to affect sound quality and
was eliminated.
single input connection
After extensive research into the sound
quality of the F1 AvantGarde loudspeaker,
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features
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features
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it was discovered that at this very high
quality level 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, star grounding improved
perceived dynamics and musical expression.
We therefore designed a true star
connection feed from high power OFHC,
copper alloy binding posts.The signal path
is as perfect as it is possible to achieve, the
sound is clearer and more transparent, with
a more precise sound stage.
Peripheral Slot Technology (PST)
reflex port
The lower bass unit is reflex tuned in
its enclosure by a downward firing port
employing Peripheral SlotTechnology
(PST).The low frequency sound pressure
from the port is distributed into the room
evenly through a slot (which is kept slightly
non-parallel to reduce standing waves)
between the bottom of the enclosure and
the top of the plinth.This prevents audible
‘chuffing’ and high frequency harmonics
from the port interfering with and
degrading the sound energy from the drive
units.Again adding another dimension of
purity to the sound.
Tunable Low Frequency Output
The lower bass unit can be variably mass
loaded to adjust the level and extension of
low frequency output from your F1
AvantGarde loudspeaker system.This is
beneficial for rooms which would
otherwise enhance or reduce bass energy
too much.
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installation
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installation
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loudspeaker
connection
connection
Use high-quality loudspeaker cable. Connect the red (positive)
terminal of your right loudspeaker to the right positive output
terminal on the back of your amplifier. Then connect the black
(negative) terminal of your right loudspeaker to the right negative
output terminal on the back of your amplifier. Repeat this
procedure to connect your left loudspeaker using the left positive
and negative terminals on the back of your amplifier.
For best sound quality we only recommend that you use
loudspeaker cables terminated in spade terminals. Unscrew
the terminal enough to push the spade into the slot in the side
of the terminal 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 as it is made from soft gold plated oxygen-free high
purity cooper.
packaging
before
you start
installation
Your F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers 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, for
example when relocating.
Make sure that all the components of your audio system are
disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change
any connections.
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installation
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installation
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room placement
(continued)
Try to avoid placing the loudspeakers too close to the walls of
the listening room in order to prevent strong interaction with
the walls.
Always orientate the channels of your F1 AvantGarde
loudspeaker system such that the curvature of the front baffles
of the loudspeakers positions the tweeters closer together than
the rest of the drive units. This arrangement is shown in the
diagram below.
room placement You are no doubt eager to begin enjoying your F1 AvantGarde
loudspeakers but we would ask you to read the following
installation guide to help you decide on the optimum position for
your loudspeakers.
The geometric form of your F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers has
been specifically designed to project a wide and even dispersion
of sound power into the room in order to eliminate the common
problem of ‘hot seat’1imaging. For the best performance we
recommend that you site your F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers within
your listening room, following these guidelines:
The listening position should ideally be no more than 1.5 times the
distance between the loudspeakers. Avoid choosing a listening
position that places your head closer than 40 cm to any room
boundary. This seriously affects the perceived tonal balance due
to reflections from the walls.
2 - 3 m
0.5 m
3 - 4.5 m
Listening Zone
Adjust angle of toe-in to aim
axis of loudspeaker just
outside listening zone.
1. The full benefits of the sound will only be enjoyed by a few listeners. Typical example of room placement. Other installations may also work perfectly.
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installation
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installation
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fine tuning To fine tune the position of your F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers,
choose some music material 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.
Once you have found the ideal position of your F1 AvantGarde
loudspeakers within your listening room, you may add the spikes
to fix the loudspeakers physically with respect to your room.
Carefully rock the loudspeaker enclosure to one side and insert
the spikes one at a time ensuring that the lock nuts have been
fastened onto the thread of the spike prior to insertion into the
base of the loudspeaker. Gently lower the loudspeaker back onto
the floor and repeat the process for the other two spikes.
finding the
best location
LF mass
tuning
LF mass
tuning
installation
You will get the best sound from your F1 AvantGarde loudspeaker
if you follow these guidelines:
Try to place each loudspeaker approximately 0.5 m (2 feet) from
all walls. Space them between 2 and 3 meters (6 - 10 feet) apart.
Try to locate both loudspeakers in a similar accoustic
environment. Toe the speakers in so that the axis of the
loudspeakers points just outside the listening zone (see page 15).
Your F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers arrive factory fitted with the
mean low frequency tuning mass cap fitted to the lower bass
drive unit. You can tune the low frequency energy output to your
room conditions and subjective preference by removing and/or
replacing this mass cap for another graduated mass cap that you
will find in your accessory pack.
The installation of a heavier mass cap will reduce the low
frequency output and conversely, installing a lighter mass cap
will increase the low frequency output. You may choose not to
fit any of the optional mass caps to maximise the low frequency
output but always remember to fit the retainer plug to ensure
that the only air passage through the lower bass system is
conducted via the downward firing reflex port as intended.
small mass
cap 25 g
factory fitted
mass cap 45 g
large mass
cap 75 g
1. mass cap (factory fitted
45 g mass cap shown)
2. retainer plug (must be fitted
at all times)
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care and maintenance
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running in
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cleaning
service
care and maintenance
In order to maintain the appearance of your F1 AvantGarde
loudspeakers, 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 F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers serviced.
Under no circumstances should you attempt to service your F1
AvantGarde loudspeakers. 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 F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers are
still under guarantee, please refer to the guarantee card which
gives you details on how to claim against the guarantee.
Please package your F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers carefully
when transporting or shipping. If you do not have the correct
packaging at this time, please contact TAG McLaren Audio
for assistance.
running in
warming up
running in
TAG McLaren Audio products are designed to give optimum
performance for many years.
The performance of your F1 AvantGarde will improve during the
first 48 hours of operation. You may wish to play some program
material at a moderate level continuously for this period of time
before seriously listening to your F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers.
Your loudspeakers will continue to improve over the next 100
hours of use.
Every time you use your F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers, the
performance will improve until the components have reached
their optimum operating temperature which is usually achieved
within 5-10 minutes of operation.
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20
technical data
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technical data
This section is for those of you who really want to know the ‘insides’ of your F1
AvantGarde loudspeakers. You will not miss out on any of the functions or
performance of your F1 AvantGarde loudspeakers if you choose not to read
any further.
frequency
response
sensitivity
impedance
distortion
power amplifier
requirements
25 Hz - 20 kHz (±3 dB)
45 Hz - 20 kHz (±1 dB)
87.5 dB/W/m
6 Ωnominal
<0.3% T.H.D. (re. 1 W, 100 Hz - 20 kHz)
15 W minimum recommended
118 dB (in-room)
maximum S.P.L.
technical data
We reserve the right to alter design and specification without notice
Specification may vary for different countries
operating
temperature range
dimensions
18 - 35 °C
350 mm wide
1150 mm high
450 mm deep
Approx. 65 kg each loudspeaker
weight
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