Wilson Benesch IGx User manual
IGx | MANUAL
THE FUTURE IS CARBON
IGx - Infrasonic Generator
User Manual
Dear Valued Customer,
To the cognoscenti of British high-performance audio, the Wilson Benesch marque is recognised as one of the world’s leading loudspeaker, turntable and audio acccessory
design and manufacturing companies. We are honoured that you have chosen the IGx Infrasonic Generator for your personal audio system. Our team of engineers,
craftspeople and designers have devoted every effort to manufacture this reference class product and we are extremely proud to present it to you. Our products are
engineered to last a lifetime and we wish you many hours of enjoyment from your music collection with a Wilson Benesch IGx at the heart of the system.
Before starting your journey, we encourage you to pay special attention to the information contained in this manual. The IGx has been designed and built with precision.
However, in order to extract maximum performance from the product, it is critical that it is setup correctly. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please do
not hesitate to contact your authorised dealer or distributor.
On behalf of all the Team at Wilson Benesch,
Craig Milnes, Design Director Christina Milnes, Managing Director
CHAPTER SUBJECT PAGE
1.0 Registering your IGx Infrasonic Generator 5
2.0 Warnings & Important Safety Instructions 6
2.1 Design Safety 7
3.0 What is inluded with your IGx 8
4.0 The IGx Back Panel & Connections 10-11
5.0 High Level IGx Connection 12-13
5.1 Low Level RCA IGx Connection 14-15
5.2 Low Level XLR IGx Connection 16-17
6.0 The IGx Front Panel & Controls 18-19
6.1 The Subject of Room Acoustics 23
6.2 Standing Waves 20
6.3 Positioning One IGx 20-21
6.4 Positioning Two IGx 22-23
7.0 Stable Listening Room Environment & Surface Finishes 24
8.0 Magnet Precautions 25
9.0 Limited Warranty 26
9.1 Limitations of Warranty 27
9.2 Repairs 27
9.3 Warranty Limited to Original Owner 28
9.4 Demonstration Equipment 28
9.5 On Sale Demo Equipment 28
Table of Contents
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1.0 Registering your IGx Infrasonic Generator
Please register your IGx within 30-days of receipt of the product to recieve your full 5-year warranty.
Failure to register your IGx within 30-days will limit your warranty to 90-Days only.
All conditions of our warranty are detailed in section ‘15.0 Limited Warranty’. Please refer to our terms and conditions at the back of this product manual for more
information.
Product registration can be completed online using this link: https://wilson-benesch.com/product-registration/ or by scannning the QR code below. Please complete all
elds fully to validate your product warranty.
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2.0 Warnings & Important Safety Instructions
Before unpacking the IGx please observe the instructions in this manual. Furthermore, please note the checklist on the opposite page for what is included in the product packaging.
During installation, please observe normal procedures for lifting and correct posture when handling the product. Never attempt to unpack or install the IGx without assistance as
this can result in damage to the product and/or personal injury. It is strongly recommended that all watches and jewelry be removed prior to unpacking and gloves worn to allow
better grip of the product and protection to the surface nish.
Once the IGx has been installed the protective covering and the packaging can be stored for future use. This packaging is essential for safe shipment of the product. It is designed
and tested specically for use with the product. Due to the bespoke nature of the packaging, replacement costs are not insignicant and it is highly recommended therefore, that
the packaging is retained for any potential later use.
1. Read all of these instructions
2. Save these instructions for future use.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Do not use this apparatus near water.
5. Do not use any cleaning products or chemicals on the surface nish. Clean only with a micro ber cloth.
6. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
8. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
10. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
11. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel designated by Wilson Benesch.
Design Safety
This apparatus is supplied with a detachable mains cord. The mains lter is tted with a T2A (20mm x 5mm). Should the fuse need to be replaced use a similar rated fuse approved
to ASTA or BSI 362 standards. Do not use without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse covers are available from your distributor.
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2.1 Design Safety Model IGx230 only
The IGx is supplied with a detachable mains cord. The mains lter is tted with a T2A Fuse (5mm x 20mm). This is located on the rear panel of the IGx and can be identied on the
diagram on page 10. Should the fuse need to be replaced use a similar rated fuse approved to IEC 60939-2:2005 or UL 1449 standards. Do not use without the fuse cover in place.
Replacement fuse covers are available from the manufacturer.
The IGx is also tted with a driver fuse (5mm x 20mm). This is located on the rear panel of the IGx and can be identied on the diagram on page 10. The fuse that is tted to the
IGx is different depending on the voltage that the IGx has been built and set to. It is important that the backpanel of the IGx is observed and that the correct fuse is tted according
to the markings on the product.
IGx 230V only
The IGx 230V is tted with a T2A driver fuse (5mm x 20mm). Should the fuse need to be replaced use a similar rated fuse approved to IEC 60127-1:2015, IEC 60127-2:2014, UL
248-1, CSA C22.2 No 248.1 standards. Do not use without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse covers are available from the manufacturer.
IGx 110V only
The IGx 230V is tted with a T2A driver fuse (5mm x 20mm). Should the fuse need to be replaced use a similar rated fuse approved to UL 248-1 or CSA C22.2 No 248.1 standards.
Do not use without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse covers are available from the manufacturer.
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3.0 What is included with your IGx
IGx
Product Manual •
Warranty Registration Card •
3x Kinematic Location Cups •
1x Product Grille •
1x High Level Neutrik Cable •
1x 3m IEC Power Cable •
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IGx
Product Manual •
Warranty Registration Card •
3x Kinematic Location Cups •
1x Product Grille •
1x High Level Neutrik Cable •
1x 3m IEC Power Cable •
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4.0 The IGx Back Panel & Connections
Always ensure that the IGx is switched to the off position before connecting or disconnecting any cabling.
Connections Illustrated on the opposite page:
1) High Level Input for connection to power amplier outputs with High Level Lead.
2) Variable Phase Control Bypass Switch allows ‘On’ and ‘Off’ settings
3) Low Level Left RCA Input for connection to a pre-amp output.
4) Low Level Left XLR Balanced Input for connection to a pre-amp output.
5) Low Level Right RCA Input for connection to a pre-amp output.
6) Low Level Right XLR Balanced Input for connection to to pre-amp output.
7) Driver Fuse
8) Mains Power Supply Input - IEC Connector.
9) Filter Fuse
10) Mains Power On/Off Switch
The high level input is an unbalanced dual channel (stereo) input that uses a professional touch proof Neutrik Speakon connector. Signals for this input would normally be sourced
from the left and right speaker terminals of the main system amplier. The advantage of this method is that the IGx receives the same signal that is driving the main speakers and
will retain characteristics of the main amplier, aiding in integration between the IGx and main speakers.
A low level input is made using either the unbalanced RCA inputs marked as “IN” on the front panel or alternatively the balanced XLR inputs. Signals for the low level input are
unbalanced.
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5.0 High Level Connection using Neutrik Speakon Cable
Method 1: HIGH LEVEL IGx AMPLIFIER INPUT
WARNING: It may not be possible or advisable to connect the high level input directly to an amplier that has a class D digital output. Please check with the supplier of your amplier
that this form of connection is possible.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE: The high level lead and connection must not be used with a power amplier of dual mono bridged design as this may damage the power amplier.
The IGx can be connected by the low level connection as shown below in method 2, if your power amplier is unsuitable for high level connection.
It is strongly advised that the IGx is installed, by a suitably trained person, to avoid causing damage or injury resulting from an incorrect installation.
The diagram opposite shows how to connect to the high level input of the IGx. Using the supplied Neutrik Speakon cable, connect the IGx to the output of your amplier. In effect
you are Bi- Wiring your IGx to your power amp. Please note that the Neutrik cable has only three wires and is arranged this way to preserve the star-earthing of your amplier
(assuming it has a star earth arrangement).
To connect the high level lead, you will need to connect the RED wire to the + positive terminal of the RIGHT hand speaker terminal of your power amp.
Connect the YELLOW wire to the + positive terminal of the LEFT hand channel speaker terminal of your power amp.
The BLACK wire is connected to either one of the BLACK - negative speaker terminals of your power amplier.
Now plug the neutrik connector into the high level input of the IGx. The Neutrik plug will t only one way as it has a key. Next push the plug in then turn clockwise until you feel it
latch. To undo the Neutrik plug, pull back the silver lever on the Neutrik plug and turn counterclockwise.
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Power Amplier Terminals
-
RIGHT
+
LEFT
+-
IGx Rear Panel
HIGH LEVEL INPUT
Neutrik Speakon Cable
5.0 High Level Connection using Neutrik Speakon Cable
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5.1 Low Level RCA IGx Connection
Method 2: LOW LEVEL IGx AMPLIFIER INPUT
The diapgram opposite shows how to connect the low level input of the IGx. Using a pair of RCA to RCA interconnects (not supplied), connect your chosen low level source to the IGx
low level inputs.
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Preamplier RCA Analogue Out
RIGHT OUPUTLEFT OUTPUT
IGx Rear Panel
LEFT INPUT
RCA Analogue Interconnect
RIGHT INPUT
RCA Analogue Interconnect
5.1 Low Level RCA IGx Connection
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5.2 Low Level XLR IGx Connection
Method 3: LOW LEVEL IGx BALANCED XLR AMPLIFIER INPUT
The diagram opposite shows how to connect the Balanced, low level input of the IGx. Using an XLR to XLR interconnect (not supplied), connect your chosen low level source to the
IGx low level inputs.
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5.2 Low Level XLR IGx Connection
Preamplier XLR Analogue Out
RIGHT OUPUTLEFT OUTPUT
IGx Rear Panel
LEFT INPUT
XLR Analogue Interconnect
RIGHT INPUT
XLR Analogue Interconnect
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6.0 The IGx Front Panel Controls & Basic Setup Steps
Front Panel Controls
1) Continuously Variable Phase Control
2) Input Filter Control to adjust the IGx lter crossover point
3) Gain Adjust
Basic Setup Steps
1. Turn the ‘Gain’ dial to the minimum -30dB position
2. Set the Filter control to 50Hz
3. Turn the phase control to 0-degrees or alternatively, set the phase switch on the rear panel to “direct” - this will entirely bypass phase control.
4. Connect your IGx as detailed for a high or low level method of connection.
5. With the IGx power toggle set to the ‘off’ position, plug your IGx into your mains socket using the supplied IEC power cable.
6. Now power on your system, and play a track that you are familiar with that has bass content.
7. Adjust the gain control until the level of the bass from your IGx matches the level from your main system speakers.
8. Now slowly adjust the frequency control counter clockwise until the output from the IGx meets the lowest notes from your main speakers (the crossover point), you may
need to adjust the gain control again to match your main system speakers. **
The IGx has a fully adjustable phase control to help reach phase alignment between the IGx and main loudspeakers. This control can help in setups where the distance
between IGx and the listening position is different to that of the speakers and the listening position. Listen to the quality of the bass rst with the phase in the 0 deg position
and then slowly adjust towards the 180 deg position. Choose the position that subjectively offers the tightest cleanest bass. If adjusting the phase control, ensure that the
phase switch on the rear of the panel is not set to “direct” as this will bypass the phase control.
Following these setup instructions will get your IGx up and running, but with a little extra invested time and experimentation you will be able to ne tune the IGx setup for
seamless integration with the rest of your system.
IGx Filter Setting
If using the IGx with Wilson Benesch oor standing loudspeakers, we would recommend setting the lter frequency at between 38-40Hz as a starting point. For Wilson
Benesch stand mounted loudspeakers we would suggest 48-50Hz. **
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6.1 The Subject of Room Acoustics
Acoustics is a complex subject and this text should be treated for what it is -- a simple but informative guide. For a deeper understanding we would recommend seeking out
a range of texts on the subject which can be used in conjunction with basic measurement equipment such as a tape measure, laser measure and spirit level.
It is important to respect the role that the room and its contents will have on the overall sound of the audio system. The air contained within the room is the link between
the output of the loudspeaker and your ear. How this air behaves is dependent upon the attributes or character of the room. It follows that a better understanding of basic
acoustics will assist in making decisions about the way in which the room and subsequently the system can be initially installed and ultimately improved. We strongly
recommend that customers have your Wilson Benesch dealer do the nal voicing and positioning of your Wilson Benesch loudspeaker with you.
Room types fall between two extremes. A room can be ‘dead’ -- being full of highly acoustic energy absorbent materials. Or a room may be ‘lively’ -- with a high
proportion of non-absorbent, hard, reective surfaces. A combination of materials with different acoustic properties will in general allow the listener to achieve a balance
between these extremes, which is of course preferable to either extreme at which point the performance and accuracy of the music’s presentation will suffer.
The contents of a room will impact upon its overall acoustic character. As you would expect harder surfaces like glass, concrete or wooden oors tend to reect and/or
diffuse a broad band of acoustic energy. Complimentary materials that are soft and thick such as heavy natural bre curtains, large rugs or soft acoustic panels will tend
to absorb a broad band of frequencies.
6.2 Standing waves
When sound waves reect between two parallel surfaces, the distance apart being equal to half the wavelength or less, dependent upon wave size, resonance modes
referred to as ‘standing waves’ are created. In loudspeakers with parallel walls these waves will cause distortions. The standing waves in your room will distort the
frequency response of your system sympathetically boosting or cancelling certain frequencies. If a certain standing wave frequency is acoustically isolated from its modal
neighbours its effect is more likely to be audible and problematic. This can compromise the accuracy of the presentation of any loudspeaker.
6.3 Positioning One IGx
A useful technique when looking for the optimum location is to place the IGx at the most common seating position. By working methodically through a range of frequencies,
record the measurements around the perimeter of the room where the IGx might be located to ascertain the loudest signal. This process will assist in building up a picture of
where the room is augmenting the output or not. One way of using this information would be to determine three possible options, the loudest, quietest and a middle position.
This will provide a much clearer idea of adjusting the location of the generator over a period of time using listening tests as the guide.
Today, there are many sources available on the internet, where you can download frequency sweep tracks. There are Applications for mobile phones available for download
to help with this process also. Please be careful when working with any of these measurement procedures. Always begin the test with the amplier in the lowest level of
output then increase slowly. Always progress through the tests with caution and double check volume levels as good practice. It is very easy to damage the system if care is
not exercised at all times.
Table of contents
