castle Windsor Earl, Duke Speaker User Manual
- June 12, 2024
- castle
Table of Contents
Windsor Earl, Duke Speaker
Product Information
Brand: Castle
Model: Windsor
Year: Est. 1973
Warranty: Available
Design: Fortified structure with real wood veneer cabinets
Manufacturer: Castle Acoustics
Designed by: Fink Team, led by Karl-Heinz Fink
Product Usage Instructions
-
Scan the QR code on the product using a smartphone to register
for product warranty online. -
Scan the QR code for the latest user manuals and more
information. -
For safety, refer to the important safety information provided
in the user manual. -
Ensure proper installation of the loudspeakers as described in
the user manual. -
Refer to the technical data section in the user manual for
detailed specifications. -
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact customer
support.
Note: The Castle Windsor series loudspeakers are designed with a
focus on craftsmanship and quality. They combine advanced
technologies with traditional design concepts to deliver excellent
performance.
Est. 1973
Windsor Earl Windsor Duke
YEAR
WARRANTY
Scan the QR code using a smart-phone device, for product warranty registration
online.
User Manual
Scan the QR code for latest user manuals and more.
Important Safety Information
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CONTENTS
04 Introduction 05 Designer’s Notes 12 Loudspeaker Installation 14 Warranty
Coverage 18 Technical Data
Introduction
A Fortified Structure that is Beholding to the Eye and Ear
Advanced loudspeaker design has a long tradition, in Great Britain, and Castle
has always been one of the leading brands when it comes to working in the
tradition of classic designs and concepts, while at the same time, using the
most advanced technologies to raise the bar of performance excellence.
Castle has been a loudspeaker manufacturer in the truest possible sense, since
1973. Taking its name and logo from the 11th century Skipton Castle; Castle
was founded in Yorkshire, UK a rare manufacturer not only making the drive
units
and electronic components, but also the beautifully hand-crafted cabinets with
real wood veneers, that were used to enclose the componentry.
From the beginning, the co-founders of Castle Acoustics, John Collinson
(formerly at QUAD) and William Escott (ex-Wharfedale), determined to adhere to
the traditions of craftsmanship and skilled engineering which they saw as
being in decline elsewhere. A spin-off from Wharfedale, one of the world’s
most famous audio brands, Castle began with a real hi-fi pedigree, which is a
tradition that remains to this day.
Castle are proud to announce the Windsor series, signalling the return to the
UK for the manufacturing of Castle loudspeakers. Castle Windsor series comes,
with craftsmanship and quality that is self-evident and marks the brand’s
intention to restore and build upon the reputation of the brand for
superlative quality loudspeakers.
The epitome of engineering; nothing sits as proud as a Castle.
04
Designer’s Notes
The Road to Excellence
The Castle Windsor series was designed by the world-famous Fink Team – headed
up by Karl-Heinz Fink, one of the finest loudspeaker engineers on the planet.
FINK AUDIO-CONSULTING
A long-time Castle fan, Karl-Heinz Fink and the Fink Team collaborated with
the Castle engineers to create a loudspeaker series that embodies the
philosophes of the Castle Acoustics brand pedigree; a magnificent loudspeaker
with hallmarks of craftsmanship and quality.
The flagship Windsor series comes with craftsmanship and quality that is self-
evident, clearly marking the intention to restore and build upon the brand’s
reputation for a superlative quality loudspeaker.
Three elements need to be optimised in a loudspeaker design to give the
highest level of performance. Of course, a good loudspeaker needs good drive
units. In the case of the Windsor Duke and Windsor Earl, an 8″ woofer and 6.5″
woofer were developed together with a 28mm textile dome tweeter to perform in
two classic bookshelf/monitor style cabinets.
KARL-HEINZ FINK
05
Designer’s Notes
Let’s get started with the cone: It’s the part that defines the sound of the
drive unit and gives the overall design a fingerprint; the critical component
in the overall sound signature of any loudspeaker.
In this case, the woofer is designed around a Polypropylene based material.
However, instead of being produced by simply forming a foil under a vacuum,
the Polypropylene is precision cut into thin strips, woven back into a sort of
fabric and bonded together again to form a solid foil. This foil now gets
pressed into the final shape and then cut to size.
So, why this complicated process?
The reason is to create a material with different properties of rigidity, in
different directions between the voice coil and the surround. A woven
structure will always have a varied stiffness, in the direction of the fibres
and a cone. This helps to minimise resonances – the result of which is a much-
desired, flatter response curve.
ABOVE: Woofer cone pattern 3000Hz 06
ABOVE: Woofer cone pattern 600Hz
Designer’s Notes
A Royal Weave
The surround of the Windsor series drivers is made from low hysteresis rubber, for excellent, long-life stability. The voice coils are made out of glass fibre, bonded with high-temperature resin. The stiffness and overall rigidity of this material is are very close to that of aluminum. However, this glass fibre material doesn’t generate Eddy Current like aluminium will. Thus, it maintains the purity of signal, by its very design.
The magnet system in the Castle Windsor series includes an aluminium compensation ring. This ring helps minimise the variation of the impedance during the operation of the drive unit. As a result, the harmonic and intermodulation distortion values are reduced, for improved openness of the midrange performance.
T-yoke
Sub-magnet
Main Magnet
Heavy Die-cast Chassis
Low Damping Rubber Surround
Flexible Progressive Spider
Mounting Ring Top Plate
Dust Cap
Aluminium Demodulation Ring
ABOVE: Exploded technical diagram of the Windsor series woofer
Copper Covered Glass Fibre Voice Coil
New Geometry Woven Polypropylene Cone
07
Designer’s Notes
Windsor Highs
The tweeter follows the classical formula of a high-consistency exposed
polyester dome, with a pressure equalised Ferrite magnet system and a stable
metal front plate. No Ferrofluid is used in the tweeter to guarantee the
highest possible dynamic range. This also keeps the resonant frequency below
800Hz, for optimum performance.
The voice coil has a diameter of 28mm and is equipped with a copper cap on the
pole piece of the magnet. This reduces distortion, intermodulation and it also
lifts the level of very high frequencies for a very tangible increase in the
level of detail in the treble performance.
Front Panel
Sub-magnet
T-yoke
Main Magnet
High-consistency
Foam Support Exposed Polyester Dome
Copper Covered Glass Fibre Voice Coil
Low Damping Rubber Surround
ABOVE: Exploded technical diagram of the Windsor series tweeter
08
Designer’s Notes
Built like a Castle
Such is the progress in driver development in recent times, it is relatively
easy to design really good drive units with a solid performance. But the
process of a matching cabinet design for the said driver is a lot more
complicated.
The most important research for low colouration cabinets was made by the BBC,
for their classic monitors. Cabinets are still manufactured under these
findings, to this very day.
After many hours of analysis, development and consideration of these
principles, a new methodology was chosen for the optimisation of the Castle
Windsor series cabinets.
The main cabinet structure uses dual-layer MDF panels separated by a flexible,
but thin layer of a specially engineered, acoustic glue. This glue is purpose
developed to dampen resonance in the critical midrange of the dual-layer
panels.
To achieve the optimum rigidity at lower frequencies, point-to-point bracing
was used. This joins two opposite panels without feeding the problem of
resonance and noise into other parts of the cabinet. The result is a quiet
cabinet without prominent peaks and controlled output, simple in theory but
intricate in design and engineering. A trait of the Castle brand philosophy.
ABOVE: Laser vibrometre measurement of a cabinet at 400Hz before optimisation
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ABOVE: Laser vibrometre measurement of a cabinet at 400Hz after optimisation
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ABOVE: Laser vibrometre measurement of a cabinet at around 730Hz/630Hz before optimisation
ABOVE: Laser vibrometre measurement of a cabinet at around 730Hz/630Hz after optimisation
09
Designer’s Notes
The Final Crossover
Following driver design and cabinet engineering, the crossover is the third,
final, but no lesser stage of speaker design.
The basic topology of both models is a 4th order LKR (Linkwitz-Riley)
crossover that allows the best integration of the purpose-designed drive
units.
The aim was to get a flat response with an easy load for amplifiers and a low
distortion measurement.
Therefore, all critical inductors within the crossover design are `air core’
inductors. This means that there are no metal cores present in the circuit and
therefore prevents hysteresis or distortion through the network. The main
inductor resistance is compensated in the woofer magnet system, and so, there
is no disadvantage from the slightly higher resistance of this air coil.
The result is a speaker series that embodies everything that Castle stands for
a fortified structure that is beholding to the eye and ear.
EARL spl 2. 83V (dB) Level, Sound pressure
100
90
80
70
60
50
40 20
50
100 200
500 1K
2K
5K
10K 20K
Frequency (Hz)
ABOVE: Graph indicates the measurement of the
Sound Pressure Level (SPL) for Windsor Earl
EARL imp (ohm) Amplitude, Impedance
35 30 25 20 15 10 5
10
20
50
100 200
500 1K
2K
5K 10K 20K Frequency (Hz)
ABOVE: Graph indicates the measurement of the
impedance for the Windsor Earl
EARL HD 2. 83V (W) Power
2 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2
100
200
500
1K
2K
5K
10K
20K
Frequency (Hz)
ABOVE: Graph indicates the measurement of the harmonic
distortion, before and after optimisation for Windsor Earl
10
11
Loudspeaker Installation
Unpacking Your Loudspeakers
Please read this manual as soon as you have opened the carton.
Lift the loudspeaker carefully out of the packing. Do NOT try to lift the
loudspeaker using the cloth bag.
Unpack any accessories carefully.
If there is any sign of damage or if the contents are incomplete, report this
to your dealer as soon as possible.
Retain the packing for future safe transport of the product. Dispose of the
packing for any recycling provisions in your area.
2 – 4 metres
50mm
0.7metre
Positioning Stereo Loudspeakers
If you are sitting within 2 metres of the speakers, the distance between the
speakers should be the same as between you and the speakers.
Otherwise site the speakers between 1.5 to 2 metres apart, clear of rear walls
and room corners.
If the loudspeakers are placed too close to the walls the bass will increase
but maybe boomy and indistinct. If the loudspeakers are placed further away
from the walls, the inward angle (“toe-in”) may be increased by up to 30%. As
personal taste and room acoustics play a large role, experiment with different
configurations and play a wide range of programme material before finalising
the position of your speakers.
The optimum listening position is in an area between the speakers broadly
known as the “sweet spot”. The more extreme the angle of toe-in the narrower
the sweet spot. Castle loudspeakers are designed to cover a wide sonic
perspective so there should be no need for extreme settings. A mild angle
inwards will cover a wide range of seating positions.
The grilles are provided to protect the loudspeaker drive units from
accidental damage. For critical listening, you may remove the grilles.
12
Loudspeaker Installation
Standard Connection
Choose a suitable length of twin core speaker cable for each channel and
prepare the ends. Unscrew each terminal a few turns. Connect the red, positive
(+) terminal of the left loudspeaker to the corresponding red, positive (+)
amplifier terminal.
Connect the black, negative (-) terminals similarly. Tighten the terminal
securely. Repeat this procedure for the right channel. If you are standard
wiring make sure the terminal links are securely in place.
Windsor Earl
Windsor Earl
Looking After Your Loudspeaker
This speaker is hand-finished with a varnish coating. As with all real wood
furniture finishes; exposure to direct sunlight, heat, cold and varying
humidity can affect the natural properties of the speaker cabinet. We advise
protecting the speaker from extreme variances in temperature and environmental
conditions.
We advise that you do not place anything on the surface of the cabinets, to
protect from damage. Treated with care, the veneer finish will last a
lifetime. They will age naturally and subtly, retaining the properties of the
beautiful high gloss wood finish.
Your Castle loudspeakers use a especially hardwearing sealed finish. They
should not be waxed or treated with spray polishes which will smear and dim
their lustrous finish. Polish them with a dry or barely moist cloth to remove
dust and finger marks, etc.
Occasionally, remove the loudspeaker grilles and brush them gently with a soft
brush before replacing them carefully.
Avoid getting any liquid behind the grille. If you accidentally spill liquid
on your loudspeakers, take them to your dealer for attention before using them
again.
13
Warranty Coverage
Your loudspeakers have been constructed to the highest standards. From top
grade furniture construction and finish to carefully designed and selected
acoustic components, Castle speakers are built to provide a lifetime of sonic
pleasure. We hope you will derive many years of good service from our
products.
Castle warrants its products, subject to the following terms and conditions
below, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
Online Registration
This Limited Warranty is non-transferable and is offered exclusively to the original owner.
YEAR
WARRANTY
Scan the QR code using a smart-phone device, for product warranty registration
online.
The three (3) year extended warranty is applicable to items purchased from Jan
1st 2021, onwards. Items purchased prior to this date are not eligible for
this extended warranty service but are subject to statutory warranty claims
and all applicable consumer rights.
To qualify for the extended 3 year warranty, you must register your product
within ninety (90) calendar days from the date of purchase. Visit
castle.uk.com/warranty-registration/ to complete your online registration.
Items not registered online will have a Limited Warranty for one (1) year, or
for the period of your country’s statutory warranty, whichever is longer.
Warranty can only be offered to products registered with proof of purchase
with date, model and details of the authorised dealer clearly stated on the
receipt/invoice. Please keep the original receipt/invoice in case it is
required for a warranty claim.
This Limited Warranty is valid only in the original country of purchase.
Repairs or replacements are provided under this warranty are the exclusive
remedy of the consumer. Castle shall not be liable for any incidental or
consequential damages for breach of any expenses or implied warranty with any
product. Except to the extent prohibited by law, this warranty is exclusive
and in lieu of all other warranties whatsoever, both expressed and implied,
including but not limited to the warrant of merchantability and fitness for
practical purpose.
This warranty provides benefits that are additional to and do not affect your
statutory consumer rights.
This Limited Warranty offer is subject to correct information being submitted
in your application. Incorrect dates or mismatched purchase receipt dates that
are outside of the warranty terms will immediately invalidate any warranty
claim.
*Please check with your dealer local distributor for further information.
14
Warranty Coverage
Exclusions
The following items are excluded from the Castle warranty:
Normal wear and tear and cosmetic damage (including but not limited to any
wear from reasonable use, environmental deterioration or neglect)
Products on which the serial number has been removed, altered or otherwise
made illegible.
Products not purchased from an authorised Castle dealer.
Products that were not new at the time of original purchase.
Products sold as is’,as seen’ or `with faults’.
Faults relating to extremities in temperature, exposure to heat, water or
other liquids, insects, excessive moisture, sand, chemicals, battery leakage
or any other contaminants.
Any force majeure events, including but not limited to any acts of God, fire,
lightning, typhoon, storm, earthquake, hurricane, natural disaster, tsunami,
flood, war, riot, public disturbance.
Any other causes beyond the reasonable control of either Castle and its
Authorised Distributor.
Please note items purchased before 1st Jan 2021 are not eligible for the
extended warranty claim.
Product not purchased from an Authorised Dealer/Distributor within the region of the claim (ie parallel imports or grey market products)
Accidental damage or faults caused by commercial use, acts of God, incorrect installation, incorrect connection, incorrect packaging, misuse or careless operation or handling which is not in accordance with the user instructions.
Equipment that has been operated in conjunction with unsuitable, inappropriate or faulty apparatus.
Repairs, alterations or modifications carried out by parties other than Castle or its authorised service partners.
Damage in transit that cannot be attributable to the fault of Castle, the authorised distributor or dealer (ie. claims otherwise covered by transit insurance.)
Faults relating to abnormal or inappropriate power supply voltage or power
surges.
15
Warranty Coverage
How to Claim
To obtain warranty service please contact the authorised dealer from which you
purchased this product and present the limited warranty certificate offered
upon registration of your product’s extended warranty offer.
Do not dispatch goods without the prior agreement of the dealer distributor or
authorised service centre.
If asked to return products for inspection and or repair, please pack
carefully preferably in the original carton or packaging affording an equal
degree of protection and returned via insured, trackable courier service.
The authorised dealer or distributor will offer full return details and
instructions. However, please note if unsuitable packaging is used the
warranty may be deemed void due to improper action in return.
Castle or the authorised distributor, dealer or service centre may make a
charge for the supply of new packaging for the return of the repaired item.
Please note, insurance is recommended as goods are returned at the owner’s
risk. Authorised distributors or service centres can not be held liable for
loss or damage in transit. insurance and freight charges on the return journey
will be paid for by Castle, authorised dealer, distributor or service centre
if corrective work proves to be necessary.
In the event of no-fault found’ orno repair necessary’, the return shipping
charge will be the responsibility of the owner.
Repairs
All repairs will be carried out by the appointed distributor (or locally
appointed service centre). Repairs handled or processed without authorisation
or approval of the appointed representative will be excluded from this limited
warranty. Please note, Castle is not able to supply parts or replacement items
to any other entity than the official distributor or authorised service
centre.
Other than the warranty and services set out in this warranty, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, Castle shall not be liable to you and/or any third
party or entity whatsoever for:
Any loss, damages and/or malfunction caused to any product(s) which is/are
connected to any of the products covered by this warranty.
Any damages, loss and liability, whether direct, indirect, incidental,
consequential special, punitive or otherwise, howsoever caused by, arising out
of or otherwise, in relation to the installation, delivery, use, service,
repair, replacement and/or maintenance of the product.
Any damages, loss and liability under this warranty in respect of any act,
omission, or negligence of any of their technicians, employees, agents,
representatives or independent contractors relating to the actual or purported
performance of any of the obligations under this warranty.
16
Warranty Coverage
Service Centre Address
For technical support, servicing or product queries and information please
contact either your local retailer or the office below. IAG Service Dept.
13/14 Glebe Road Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 7DL UK Tel: +44(0)1480 452561
Email: [email protected] For information on other authorised service
centres worldwide contact Castle International, UK. A world wide distributors
list is available on the Castle website: www.castle.uk.com
17
Technical Data
Scan the QR code for latest user manuals and more.
Model
General Description Enclosure Type Transducer Complement Bass Driver Treble
Driver Sensitivity (2.83V@1m) Recommended Amplifier Power Peak SPL Nominal
Impedance Minimum Impedance Frequency Response (+/-3dB) Bass Extension (-6dB)
Crossover Frequency Cabinet Volume Dimensions (H x W x D) Finish
Windsor Duke
2-way Bookshelf Speaker Bass Reflex 2-Way 8″ (200mm) Woven Polypropylene 1.1″
(28mm) Micro-Fibre Dome 90dB 30 – 150W 95dB 8 Compatible 4.2 52Hz – 22kHz 39Hz
2.1kHz 26L 470 x 280 x (310+36)mm Mahogany Veneer
Windsor Earl
2-way Bookshelf Speaker Bass Reflex 2-Way 6.5″ (165mm) Woven Polypropylene
1.1″ (28mm) Micro-Fibre Dome 89dB 25 – 100W 95dB 8 Compatible 4.3 58Hz – 22kHz
45Hz 2.2kHz 15.8L 430 x 240 x (260+36)mm Mahogany Veneer
Model
General Description
18
Windsor Duke Stand
High-carbon British Steel Construction Specially Weighted Design for Zero-
resonance Custom Designed for Optimum Performance Made in UK
Windsor Earl Stand
High-carbon British Steel Construction Specially Weighted Design for Zero-
resonance Custom Designed for Optimum Performance Made in UK
19
A loudspeaker manufacturer in the truest sense, since 1973
IAG House, 13/14 Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 7DL, UK Tel: +44(0)1480 452561 Email: [email protected]
www.castle.uk.com
castle.speakers
castle.speakers
Castle Hi-Fi Official
IAG reserves the right to alter the design and specifications without notice. All rights reserved © IAG Group Ltd. Castle is a member of the International Audio Group.