Wilson Benesch Precision Series User manual

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Precision Series User Manual
Rev 1.0
THE FUTURE IS CARBON
Precision Series
User Manual
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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
design and manufacturing companies. We are honoured that you have chosen a Precision Series loudspeaker for your audio system.
Our team of engineers, craftspeople and designers have devoted every effort to manufacture this series of loudspeakers 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
personal music collection with the Precision Series loudspeakers installed in your personal system.
Before starting your journey, we encourage you to pay special attention to the information contained in this manual. 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 hestitate to contact your authorised dealer or distributor.
On behalf of all the Team at Wilson Benesch,
Craig Milnes, Christina Milnes,
Design Director Managing Director
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Table of Contents
1. Registration and Unpacking - P.4
1.1 Product Registration - P.4
1.2 Unpacking: Important points before setup - P.4
1.3 What’s in the Box - P.5
2. Setup Guidance
2.1 The Subject of Room Acoustics - P.6
2.2 Standing waves - P.6
2.3 Reection, Absorption, Diffusion - P.7
2.4 Loudspeaker and Listening Position - P.8
2.5 Speaker Placement - P.8
2.6 Speaker Toe-in - P.9
2.7 Spikes & Speaker Rake Angle - P.9
3. Wiring the Loudspeaker
3.1 Terminals - P.10
3.2 Precision loudspeaker Terminal Wiring - P.11
4. Miscellaneous
4.1 Running-in (120 hours) - P.12
4.2 Partnering Products - P.12
4.3 Surface Finish - P.13
4.4 Other Adjustments - P.13
4.5 Magnet Precautions - P.13
4.6 World Wide Warranty - P.14
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1.1 Product Registration
Please register your product within 6-weeks of purchase, this can be completed online using our electronic registration service via
our website, which can also be found by scanning the QR code printed on the guarantee card included with this product. Warranty
conditions can be viewed towards the back of this manual. This guarantee is offered only to the rst owner of this product and extends
for 5-years from the date of purchase.
1.2 Unpacking: Important points before setup
On the outside of the shipping carton you will nd a QR code which will automatically load an unpacking video on your device. It is
possible to unpack the Precision Series products alone, but we recommend at least 2-people work together to avoid damage to the
product or personal injury. Please observe normal procedures for lifting and correct posture when handling the speakers. It is strongly
recommended that all watches and jewellery be removed prior to unpacking and gloves worn to allow better grip of the product and
protection to the surface nish. Patient and careful setup is essential to obtain the maximum performance from this system.
Special care and attention must be taken to ensure that no pressure is applied to the drivers and in particular, the tweeter dome, when
handling or moving the product from the packaging.
Once both speakers have been stood in an upright position on their spikes the bags can be removed and the packaging stored for future
use. This packaging is essential for safe shipment of the loudspeaker. It is designed and tested specically for use with the Precision
Series. Due to the bespoke nature of the packaging, replacement costs are not insignicant and it is highly recommended therefore, that
the packaging is retained for any potential later use.
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1.3 What’s in the Box
Your Precision Series loudspeakers are supplied with carefully designed packaging that allow for the loudspeaker to be installed with a
minimal amount of lifting. Please use the QR code on the exterior of the shipping carton which shows an instructional video for unpacking
the Precision Series products.
Also contained within the shipping container should be the following items:
- 1x Precision Series Manual
- 1x Precision Series Setup Proceedure Guide
- 1x Wilson Benesch Spanner with a 13mm / 22mm end
- A full set of spikes that are pre-installed on each loudspeaker
- A tweeter protection brace which should be removed prior to listening
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2.1 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 in conjunction with the purchase and use of basic measurement
equipment.
It is important to have a strong appreciation of the huge role played by the room and surroundings 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 characteristics 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.
Room types fall between two extremes. A room can be ‘dead’ on the one hand - being full of highly acoustic energy absorbent materials
- or very ‘lively’ on the other hand with a high proportion of non-absorbent, hard, reective surfaces. A combination of materials with
different characteristics to achieve a balance between these extremes is, of course, preferable to either extreme where performance and
accuracy will suffer.
The contents of a room will impact on its overall acoustic character. As you would expect harder surfaces like glass and concrete tend to
reect and/or diffuse a broad bandwidth of acoustic energy. Complimentary materials that are soft and thick in section such as heavy
natural bre curtains will tend to absorb a broad band of frequencies.
2.2 Standing waves
When sound waves reect 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. 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 any
loudspeaker.
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2.3 Reection, Absorption, Diffusion
The upper-range of frequencies is generally affected more by room contents than room shape. The surfaces and how they reect, absorb
or diffuse acoustic energy will tend to describe the ‘sound’ of a room. As is the case with all forms of energy, acoustic energy cannot
be destroyed it can only be converted or reected. The shape, thickness and material type of a surface will determine how the sound is
reected, how much of it is reected and also how much is absorbed and converted into heat or kinetic energy.
Depending on the frequencies in question, the thickness, density and material of the surface or boundary, some energy may pass through
entirely. This behaviour is commonly observed in the lower range of frequencies, being comprised of larger wavelengths that can pass
through wall or ceiling boundaries and into an adjacent room, while the upper frequencies are either absorbed or reected back inside
the listening room.
Diffusion occurs when acoustic energy is reected by a surface and dispersed in a random and/or disordered fashion. Usually, diffusion
will occur when the acoustic energy meets a non-uniform or uneven surface. A tightly packed bookshelf with books of different sizes and
proles is one example of a commonly found listening room boundary which can result in diffusion of the upper frequencies.
Diffusion of sound energy at key areas of the listening room is often less damaging to system accuracy and therefore preferable to
orderly reection. In the case of reection, the quantity of indirect sound reaching the listening position will be greater and therefore
more inuential. This mixing of indirect and direct sound at the listening position can result in audible inaccuracies and artefacts.
It should be appreciated that sound waves behave in much the same way as light waves or ‘rays’. To imagine the loudspeaker driver as a
oodlight can be helpful in determining which areas of the listening space are critical to the performance and accuracy of the system. The
key “rst points of reection” can be roughly identied by having an assistant hold a mirror on each side wall while you are positioned in
the listening chair. Once the speaker drivers can be seen in the mirror from the listening position the impact of this identied area should
be considered in light of the above basic principles. By the same token, the rst reection point on the ceiling can also be considered for
its inuence as the rst point of reection.
Although many listening rooms are unsuitable for professional acoustic treatment products due to their dual role as a living and listening
space, it can still be possible to make small but appreciable improvements by rearranging furniture, system components and of course
the listening position. Consider the changeability of rooms; if the room is dressed with heavy curtains simply changing the curtains
position can alter the balance of the system. It is the goal that is the guide and the owner is the pivot in this subtle balancing act.
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2.4 Loudspeaker and Listening Position
The system, comprised of different components, installed in a room with a unique acoustic character and every listener’s individual
taste, should be appreciated as a unique sum comprised of a great many variables. It should be considered that in this balancing act
experimentation is critical to getting the best from the system and more importantly, tuning to the listener’s own satisfaction. There is no
one simple set of rules for speaker placement that will t for every scenario within which a Precision Series loudspeaker is installed. It
is for this reason that no minimum or maximum parameters are stated for the positioning of each product. The listening position should
also be evaluated in the same manner.
The distance between the speakers in relation to the distance from each speaker to the listening position will impact on the size of the
sound stage presented. Additionally, if the listening position is moved closer to the speakers, the proportion of reected sound to direct
sound will decrease. A great many recommendations describe an equilateral triangle, whereby the distance between each speaker and
the listening chair are the same, but again, experimentation is the key. A larger distance between the speakers can result in a larger and
more engaging presentation. The distance between the speaker and rear and side walls should also be considered. Bass performance, in
particular, will often suffer wherever a speaker is too close to one of these boundaries, resulting in “boomy” or over-bloated bass and/
or cancellations. This effect is more pronounced still when placing the speaker into a corner where two boundaries meet.
The most valuable commodity in this process is time. Be prepared to make small changes over long periods of time. Positioning the
loudspeakers in approximate position that you anticipate will work best and then wiring the loudspeakers up and commencing the
burn-in period is advisable. During this burn-in period, the speaker will more than likely sound somewhat forward and etched, critical
appraisal of the sound at this stage should always be avoided.
Once the 120-hour running in period has elapsed, it is time to choose a rough nal position for the loudspeakers before making the nal
adjustments to toe and rake angles.
We would recommend selecting four musical passages as outlined below in helping you evaluate the various speaker positioning
parameters and the effects of changing these.
- Select one with a distinctive and easily heard human voice. Spoken voice is ideal.
- Select one passage with a full orchestra like The Pines of Rome.
- Select one that is very emotional for you.
- Select one that has a strong rhythm and a good portion of bass content, as found in a typical dance music track for example.
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2.5 Speaker Toe-in
The amount of speaker toe-in will dene a sharper centre image at the expense of image width. The upper frequencies will become
more pronounced as you bring the tweeters on axis with your ear at the listening position. While we generally recommend at least some
speaker toe-in, the amount is not a precise or xed value. Experimenting here is advisable and evaluation at the listening position, while
an assistant makes toe-in adjustments, is one method to achieve the best balance.
2.6 Spikes & Speaker Rake Angle
The position of the tweeter has been designed to function best for listeners seated in conventional relaxed seating positions. However, the
rake angle of the speaker can be changed by adjusting the installed speaker spikes. Tilting the speaker back slightly will have the effect
of projecting the perceived sound stage a little higher. This can also change the perceived balance of the upper frequencies, as the tweeter
will be most prominent when it is on axis with your ear at the listening position. All the spikes in your Precision Series loudspeaker are
adjustable to allow you to alter the loudspeaker rake angle.
2.7 Loudspeaker Clearance and the Bass Port
Both P2.0 and P3.0 loudspeakers feature a bass port on the underside of its foot that is in close proximity to the oor. The low-frequency
augmentation of these two loudspeakers will behave in much the same way that it would should you place the loudspeakers next to
a wall. That is to say, adjustments in the overall clearance of the P2.0 and P3.0 from the oor will change the overall balance in the
system. Generally, it can be observed that a smaller clearance and closer placement to the oor will result in a more augmented low-
frequency characteristic to the loudspeaker presentation, where a larger clearance between the oor and the bass port will result in a less
augmented low-frequency characteristic to the presentation. This is a critical step in the loudspeaker setup procedure and in many cases,
the balance of the system will change considerably as this parameter is adjusted.
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3.1 Terminals
Wilson Benesch recommends the use of 8mm ring or spade connector cable terminations. A spanner is provided to tighten up the rhodium
plated nuts. A light pinch of the end of the supplied spanner is more than sufcient to tighten the nuts. Please be careful to not over
tighten the terminals as this could result in damage to the terminal plate or snapping of the terminal. The terminals will also accept 4mm
banana plugs.
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3.2 Precision Series loudspeaker Terminal Wiring
All Precision Series loudspeakers have one terminal losenge that is positioned at the rear loudspeaker. A single loudspeaker cable can be
used to wire the Precision Series to your amplier. As shown in the diagram below:
SPEAKER CABLE
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4.1 Running-in (120 hours)
Like anything of good quality a period of running in tends to see improvements in performance. The Precision Series enclosure requires
time to settle in to its surroundings. Climatic and humidity variations will take time to adjust to and until these changes have been made
the speaker will not perform at its best. The drivers require time to bed in physically and relax materially. The quality of the sound
that you hear when you rst use your Precision Series loudspeakers will improve signicantly over time, though this change will not
be instantly perceptible. However, the biggest changes to the performance of the loudspeaker will take place during what is commonly
known as the running-in or burn-in period. Wilson Benesch recommends at least one hundred and twenty hours of running in before
making any subjective judgements of the speaker’s performance, but the Precision Series loudspeakers will continue to improve well
beyond this.
4.2 Partnering Products
There are a huge number of products available throughout the world that can be partnered with Wilson Benesch loudspeakers and it
would not be helpful to the end user to make any specic recommendations for any particular cabling or electronics products that are
“guaranteed” to meet or exceed all of the expectations for the end user. System matching and synergy is a balancing act. Every listener
is unique and what works well in one situation will not necessarily be the best way forward in another. Auditioning is critical to getting
the best from any investment and specications alone will only give an indication of performance. While the power specications of any
potential partnering ampliers should be considered, there are of course many other factors that will inuence how well a particular
amplier is able to drive a loudspeaker.
The Precision Series will deliver great insight into what is happening upstream of the speaker, in both the electronics and of course
the program material. The presentation is capable of changing vastly depending on what components you choose to place before the
loudspeaker. It follows that the system will pay great dividends if time is taken to evaluate and choose components that work well
together and meet your own expectations for your system.
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4.3 Surface Finish
Your Precision Series loudspeaker has been built using high grade materials and nishes. The surface nishes applied to all Wilson
Benesch loudspeakers require no further attention other than the occasional dusting with a ne material. However, direct sunlight is very
damaging to material nishes and should be avoided.
Treat the driver cones with respect and they will last a decade with relative ease. With a little care the speakers will look as good in
10-years as they do today and will probably sound even better.
4.4 Other Adjustments
Under no circumstance should you make any adjustment to the system’s parts. Any adjustments not described as required by the setting
up procedure will nullify all guarantees. Should there be any questions regarding the performance of this system, you should refer to
your dealer immediately for advice and/or assistance. If in the unlikely event that the problem cannot be dealt with by your dealer, do
not under any circumstances return the goods to Wilson Benesch without prior agreement with the company.
4.5 Magnet Precautions
The motors used in all Wilson Benesch speakers are built from the most powerful magnetic material in the world, Nd.Fe.B. Do not bring
any metallic objects or sensitive electronic, electromagnetic or mechanical systems into close proximity of these devices. This includes
pace makers or other critical devices. The company cannot accept responsibility for any damage or injury caused to any such systems as
a result of accidental exposure.
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4.6 World Wide Warranty
Wilson Benesch offers a 5-year conditional warranty to the end user. It is done in collaboration with our distributors.
The conditions of this warranty are:
- That Wilson Benesch receives the necessary registration details from the end user.
- That these details are received within 6-weeks of purchase.
- The warranty is only valid for the rst owner and is not transferable.
- That it is limited to the repair of the equipment only.
- That any claim is accompanied by the necessary proof of purchase.
- That cover does not extend to damage caused by faulty or unsuitable ancillary equipment.
- That the serial number has not been altered, deleted, removed or made illegible.
- That the product has not been abused or modied in any way.
- That is was purchased originally from a Wilson Benesch authorised dealer.
If the equipment is being used in the country of purchase, you should contact the Wilson Benesch authorised dealer from whom the
equipment was purchased.
If the equipment is being used outside the country of purchase, you should contact the Wilson Benesch national distributor in the country
of residence who will advise where the equipment can be serviced. You can call Wilson Benesch in the UK or visit our website to get the
contact details of your local distributor. To validate your warranty, you will need the original sales receipt or other proof of ownership and
date of purchase. Should you have any queries regarding the product or set-up, do not hesitate to contact us.
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THE FUTURE IS CARBON
Wilson Benesch Ltd.
Falcon House
Limestone Cottage Lane
Shefeld
S6 1NJ
UK
T: [phone]
E: [email protected]
W: www.wilson-benesch.com
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