Operation Manual

4
PREVENTING SPEAKER DAMAGE (continued)
Remember, all amplifiers produce distortion when operated beyond their rated output
power. The resulting distortion will damage all speakers! Exercise caution! If you listen
at loud levels, be careful to listen for the point of audible distortion—if the speakers
begin to sound distressed turn the Volume Control down or your speakers and/or
amplifier(s) will be damaged! This type of damage constitutes abuse and is not covered
by the warranty. If louder volumes are desired, obtain a more powerful amplifier.
There is a Limit!
Although more powerful amplifiers are safer, there is a point at which you could have
more power than the speaker can handle. At that point you will overpower the speaker
and damage it. Exercise caution! At loud levels do not increase bass/treble controls
from zero and ensure that all loudness/contour/bass EQ buttons are off (otherwise rat-
ed output power will be reached at lower volume control settings). If you listen at loud
levels, watch for excessive visible cone excursion (grille movement) from the woofer—
then turn the Volume Control down.
The Right Amount of Power
A power-range rating is given as a guide to indicate the approximate minimum and
maximum power input of your Paradigm Prestige speakers. Amplifiers that exceed your
speaker’s power-range rating are recommended. Their greater power reserves provide
better sound. However, exercise caution! Use the speakers within their power-range
rating to prevent damage (keep listening levels below the point of excessive woofer
cone excursion).
YOUR LISTENING ROOM
Paradigm Prestige speakers are designed to provide superior high-end sound in a
wide variety of domestic settings. However, it is important to note that listening room
construction, dimensions and furnishings all play a part in the quality of sound you
will ultimately achieve. Your listening room will impose its own character on the
performance capabilities of any speaker system. The extra care you take in correctly
positioning the speakers will result in greater listening enjoyment. Keep the following
guidelines in mind when deciding on the best.
• Mid and high frequencies are affected by the amount of soft furnishings in your
room—curtains, carpets, sofas, wall coverings, etc. An excess of such items can
result in a somewhat dull sound. The same room without any soft furnishings can
produce a bright overall sound. The typical quantity of soft furnishings found in most
living situations provide the right acoustic characteristics to allow the speakers to
sound balanced;
• Concrete floors and walls tend to aggravate low-frequency standing wave problems
and are less preferred;
• Rooms where height, width and length are similar should be avoided as they can
exhibit significant low-frequency standing wave problems. This may result in reduced
clarity. If no other room is possible, experiment with speaker placement to minimize
acoustic problems.