TAG MCLAREN AUDIO Proteus F1-CA AvantGarde User manual

01
02 welcome
04 features
08 installation
11 running in and warming up
12 care and maintenance
13 technical data
contents
Proteus F1-CAAvantGarde loudspeaker
8151W
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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 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 which TAG
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 Proteus F1-CA
AvantGarde loudspeaker so desirable.
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
welcome
TAG McLaren Audio
Proteus F1-CA
AvantGarde loudspeaker
shown here with
matching F1 AvantGarde
loudspeakers
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features
05
features
04
Proteus is a magnetically shielded, high performance, 3 way,
fourth order reflex-loaded loudspeaker system capable of
reproducing both music and movie soundtracks with
outstanding clarity and transparency.The Proteus is ideal for
all room sizes, including larger rooms which require greater
sound pressure levels 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.
Thank you for purchasing theTAG McLaren Audio F1 Proteus
loudspeaker.
Proteus F1-CA AvantGarde Loudspeaker
'Composite Technology'
TAG McLaren pioneered the use of
CompositeTechnology 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 Proteus' cabinet is constructed using
an open mould system with multiple split
lines to allow the lamination of shapes with
complex curvature.The enclosure walls are
manufactured from a carefully chosen blend
of glass fibres and slate-loaded epoxy resin
to provide high stiffness with intrinsic
damping.The enclosure is subdivided into
two chambers.The midrange chamber is
formed by a sub-enclosure being bonded
directly onto the front baffle to provide
further structural re-enforcement to the
front baffle which holds the drive units.The
internal geometry also ensures that there
are no parallel, reflective surfaces to avoid
internal resonances.These measures prevent
the enclosure from flexing and re-radiating
energy thereby reducing distortion and
colouration.
optimised dispersion enclosure geometry
The smooth and irregular curvature of the
enclosure has been carefully designed to
optimise the dispersion of sound energy
from the enclosure.The Proteus 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 Proteus will easily
integrate into your room and, when used in
conjunction with F1-RLA loudspeakers, will
create a perfectly integrated HomeTheatre
loudspeaker installation.
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features
07
features
0
drive unit technology
Proteus is a three-way design using two
180 mm bass units, one 150 mm midrange
unit and a 20 mm silk dome tweeter.The
drive units have been optimised to maximise
their performance within their respective
operating bandwidths. A detailed description
can be found in the technical data section at
the end of this manual.
high quality vibration isolated crossover
The crossover is mechanically de-coupled
from the sub-structure of the loudspeaker to
prevent microphony in the components.The
crossover network is mounted in the
underside of the main loudspeaker enclosure
in its own separate sub-enclosure.
This no compromise crossover guarantees
that sound energy is split between the drive
units without affecting the purity of sound.
More details can be found in the technical
data section at the end of this manual.
OFHC loudspeaker connection terminals
By fitting proprietary OFHC, gold plated
binding posts, 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 adds
distortion and colouration 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 adversely and was
therefore eliminated.
single input connection
After extensive research into the sound
quality of the F1 AvantGarde loudspeaker, it
was discovered that the potential benefits of
multi-wired terminal connections were
outweighed by the losses incurred in their
implementation, e.g. additional contact
interfaces and electrical connection straps.
In addition, even with top grade power
amplifiers, star grounding improved the
dynamics and transparency.
'Peripheral Slot Technology' reflex port
The bass units are reflex tuned in their
enclosure volume by a downward firing
port tube employing 'Peripheral Slot
Technology'.The low frequency sound
pressure from the port is distributed into
the room evenly through a slot to reduce
standing waves) between the bottom of the
enclosure and the top of the plinth.This
prevents audible chuffing and higher
frequency harmonic distortion from the
port that would otherwise degrade the
sound quality of the system.
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installation
09
installation
08
Proteus has been carefully packaged for safe transportation. If
you have the storage space, please retain all the original
packaging allowing you to transport your loudspeaker 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.
Use high quality loudspeaker cable such as those from our Cable
AvantGarde range. For best sound quality, we only recommend
that you use loudspeaker cables terminated with 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 copper to ensure the best sound quality.
Sound quality is dependent upon the placement of your
loudspeakers in the listening room and the inherent acoustics of
the room itself. You can place Proteus close to a TV set as it is
magnetically shielded.
The front of the Proteus should be aligned with, or placed slightly
behind, the left and right speakers. Proteus has two crossover
inputs reflecting the different acoustical requirements of a ‘Free
Space’ or ‘Floor’ configuration. These two configurations are
described in detail on the following pages.
installation
before you
start
loudspeaker
connection
room
placement
'floor' configuration
(in front of a
screen or tv)
If you want to locate Proteus on the floor, maybe in front of a tv or
screen, then you should use the ‘floor’ connection of the
crossover.
Connect the positive terminal marked ‘floor’ to ensure you
optimise the performance of your system. This engages a filter
that compensates for the increase in low frequency output that is
generated by the loudspeaker's proximity to room boundaries
and ensures optimum performance for this type of installation.
Proteus includes a Plinth Tilt Adjustment that allows you to tilt the
loudspeaker upwards towards your listening position. Simply
turn the adjustment wheel at the rear of the loudspeaker until
the midrange’s central axis points towards the ear height of the
audience.
POSITIVE
FLOOR
NEGATIVE
COMMON
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installation
11
installation
10
'free-space'
configuration
(behind a projection
screen or on a stand)
If you want to place Proteus behind a sonically transparent screen
and/or on stands, then you should use the ‘free space’ input to
the crossover.
Connect the positive terminal marked ‘free space’ to ensure you
optimise the performance of your system. This engages a filter
that compensates for the decrease in low frequency output that is
generated by the loudspeaker’s proximity to room boundaries
and ensures optimum performance for this type of installation.
For placement behind a transparent screen, it will be acoustically
optimal if the Proteus midrange drive unit is located at
approximately the same height as the midrange drive units of
your main left and right loudspeakers.
Proteus includes a Plinth Tilt Adjustment (see page 9 for details)
that allows you to tilt the loudspeaker towards your listening
position.
stereo installation
A pair of Proteus loudspeakers can be used in a stereo installation.
We would recommend that you adjust the angle of your Proteus’ to
reduce the protrusion of the rear foot to it’s minimum position such
that the acoustic output is directed towards the seated audience.
We would also recommend that the ‘floor’ connection (see page 9)
is selected to provide an even tonal balance with respect to the
room boundaries.
NEGATIVE
COMMON
POSITIVE
FREE-SPACE
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care and maintenance
13
running in and warming up
12
running in
warming up
The performance of your Proteus will improve during the first 70
hours of operation. You may wish to play some programme
material at a moderate level continuously for this period of time
before seriously listening to your Proteus. Your loudspeaker will
continue to improve over the next 100 hours of use.
Every time you use your Proteus, the performance will improve
until the components have reached their operating temperature
which is typically achieved within 5 - 10 minutes of operation,
depending upon the music material and volume level selected.
cleaning
service
In order to maintain the appearance of your Proteus, you can
clean it 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 Proteus serviced.
Under no circumstances should you attempt to service your
Proteus. 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 Proteus is still under guarantee,
please refer to the guarantee card which gives you details on
how to claim against the guarantee.
Please package your Proteus carefully when transporting or
shipping. If you do not have the correct packaging at this time,
please contact TAG McLaren Audio for assistance.
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technical data
15
technical data
14
technical data
The 180 mm bass units are manufactured into a die-cast
aluminium chassis to prevent flexure and therefore to minimise
energy transfer between the drive unit and enclosure. The
combination of a low-loss rubber roll surround and linear spider
ensure that DC offset is eliminated under extreme excursion
conditions. This yields a very low 2nd order harmonic distortion
content resulting in a clean and natural performance. The voice
coil wire is wound on an aluminium former to provide maximum
strength/weight ratio and allow high power dissipation. This
feature prevents the voice coil from flexing under extreme
acceleration forces.
technical data
(cont’d)
The motor system incorporates three copper rings into its
assembly in order to minimise effects of flux modulation caused
by Eddy currents being generated as the voice coil moves
through the magnetic field within the air gap. This Faraday loop
suppresses Eddy current formation which minimises non-linearity
and the associated 3rd order harmonic distortion. Carbon fibre-
loaded pulp cones create a stiff yet well damped diaphragm that
remains pistonic through the passband.
The 150 mm midrange unit uses a die-cast aluminium chassis.
The geometry of this 'Grasshopper' chassis has been optimised to
allow undisturbed airflow from the rear of the diaphragm. The
distances between the diaphragm and the chassis coincides with
wavelengths within the midrange bandwidth that the human ear
is most sensitive to. It is therefore crucial to minimise any
resonances that may occur around this bandwidth. As such, the
diaphragm is 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 20 mm tweeter is manufactured into a precision machined
housing made from aluminium and steel. The cup and back plate
form part of the screened magnetic circuit to prevent stray flux
leakage. The faceplate is manufactured to the same exacting
standards as the trim rings to provide the excellent aesthetic
finish. The tweeter boasts an extremely low free-air resonance
Tweeter WooferWoofer
Midrange Plinth
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technical data
17
free space
25 Hz - 25 kHz, - 3dB (in-room)
40 Hz - 20 kHz, +- 1dB (anechoic)
floor mount
35 Hz - 25 kHz, - 3dB (in-room)
50 Hz - 20 kHz, +- 1dB (anechoic)
87.5 dB/W/m
6 Ωnominal, 4 Ωminimum
<0.3% T.H.D. (Re. 1 W, 100 Hz - 20 kHz)
frequency
range
This section is for those of you who really want to know the ‘insides’
of your Proteus F1-CA AvantGarde loudspeaker. You will not miss out
on any of the functions or performance of your Proteus F1-CA
AvantGarde loudspeaker if you choose not to read any further.
frequency
response
frequency
response
sensitivity
frequency
range
impedance
distortion
technical data
1
achieved by damping and loading the rearward energy with
three chambers. The result is a tweeter with negligible distortion.
The components used within the crossover are of the highest
quality to ensure signal integrity and clarity. The inductors use
OFHC copper wound on bobbin cores to improve saturation
current limits, reduce d.c. resistance and minimise stray magnetic
field leakage.
The capacitors are manufactured with polypropylene dielectric
and have a 630 V DC rating due to the thicker, purer sounding
dielectric used to achieve this rating.
The resistors are of flat, thick metal film construction as opposed
to 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. The series gain adjustment resistors commonly
found in loudspeaker crossovers have been completely eliminated
for best transparency. The tweeter level is matched to the
midrange using an auto transformer that is wound on the same
bobbin as used for the inductors. This ensures that the sound
remains uncompressed and transient detail is truly lifelike.
technical data
(cont’d)
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technical data
18
power amplifier
requirements
operating
temperature range
dimensions
maximum S.P.L.
weight
15W minimum recommended
114 dB (in-room)
18 - 35 °C
670 mm wide
400 mm high
550 mm deep
40 kg
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