– particularly of female and male voices and acoustic instruments – to convince and
satisfy listeners of the natural tonal balance, wide frequency and dynamic range,
and spatial imaging delivered.
VIII. PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
Recommended Power
We recommend amplifiers and receivers rated from a range of 25-250 watts. For
playing at consistently room-filling volume, a minimum of 100 watts is usually a good
idea. Be wary of driving low-powered amplifiers to their limits as under-powering
may cause “clipping” which can cause permanent speaker damage. Most people
will use the VS300 in a home theater system that includes a subwoofer. This is
certainly not mandatory and the VS300 will give a full and satisfying sound without a
subwoofer. However, adding a subwoofer and reducing the bass power going to the
VS300 will increase its total output capability considerably. In such cases where a
subwoofer is used, your audio processor or receiver should be set with the
appropriate channels designated as “small”.
A. For full, year-after-year enjoyment from your speakers, you should respect their
limits. Excessive volume levels can damage even the most “bullet-proof”
speakers, especially over extended time periods.
B. When listening to music or movies at very loud volume, you shouldn't turn up
bass or treble all the way or close thereto. This sends tremendously increased,
disproportionate power into the speakers, and may well damage them. Some
loudness compensation (“Loudness”) controls, which boost both bass and
treble, can also be troublesome at high volume. They are intended only for low-
volume listening.
C. Finally, you should be aware that when amplifiers and receivers are pushed to
their limits to produce excessive volume levels, they are driven into “clipping” and
can do severe damage – especially to tweeters. Often, the damage is done by
underpowered amplifiers, which may reach their limits very soon. When such
units begin to “clip” the audio waveform, they may generate high-frequency
“spikes” of tremendous power. More tweeters have probably been destroyed by
this phenomenon than any other. If using your speakers at loud levels, listen
carefully for any sign of harsh, garbled midrange and diminishing intelligibility –
and turn the volume down right away if you detect it.
NEVER TURN UP THE VOLUME ALL THE WAY TO SEE HOW LOUD YOUR
SYSTEM WILL PLAY!
Cabinet Care
Cabinets are made of aluminum extrusions and precision molded plastic end caps
finished in a durable paint. They should be treated as you would any fine household
item with similar finishes. Dust lightly with a soft cloth; avoiding abrasive cloths,
sponges or cleaners. If necessary, wipe carefully with a cloth slightly dampened
with water or glass cleaner to remove heavy soil.
Grilles and Ports
A lint brush does a good job of cleaning grilles. Grilles can be taken off and
vacuumed if you prefer. If need be, you can use a lint brush to clean ports. Avoid
touching speaker diaphragms. Particularly, pushing in the aluminum dome of the
tweeter will cause permanent damage.
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