Earthquake Sound Theia High Fidelity Center Channel Speaker User Manual

Earthquake Sound Theia High Fidelity Center Channel Speaker

About Earthquake Sound Corporation

For over 28 years, Earthquake Sound has been producing a variety of high- quality audio products that have impressed audiophile communities around the world. It all started in 1984 when Joseph Sahyoun, a music freak, and Aerospace Engineer unhappy with the existing loudspeaker technology and performance, decided to put his advanced engineering knowledge to use. He pushed technological boundaries to the limit to create the kind of subwoofer he could live with. Earthquake quickly created a name for itself in the car audio industry and became well-known for its powerful subwoofers and amplifiers. In 1997, using his existing expertise in the audio industry, Joseph Sahyoun expanded his company to home audio production.

Earthquake Sound has since evolved into a leader in the home audio industry, producing not only subwoofers and amplifiers but surround speakers and tactile transducers as well. Engineered by audiophiles for audiophiles, Earthquake Sound audio products are meticulously crafted to reproduce each and every single note perfectly, bringing your home theater experience to life. With true dedication and full attention to detail, Earthquake Sound engineers continuously develop new and better products to meet customers’ needs and go beyond their expectations. From mobile audio to pro sound and home audio, Earthquake Sound has been selected as the winner of many prestigious awards based on sound quality, performance, value, and features. CEA and numerous publications have awarded Earthquake Sound with over a dozen design and engineering awards. Additionally, Earthquake Sound has been granted many design patents by the USPO for revolutionary audio designs that have changed the sound of the audio industry.

Headquartered in a 60,000-square-foot facility in Hayward, California USA, Earthquake Sound currently exports to over 60 countries worldwide. In 2010, Earthquake Sound expanded its export operations by opening a European warehouse in Denmark. This accomplishment was recognized by the US Department of Commerce who honored Earthquake Sound with an Export Achievement award at the 2011 Consumer Electronic Show. Just recently, the US Department of Commerce presented Earthquake Sound with another Export Achievement award for expanding its export operations in China.

• Joseph Sahyoun, US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, Abraham Sahyoun, and Thomas Mygind
• US Commercial Officer Sarah Fox and Joseph Sahyoun

Safety Instructions

Safety First

This documentation contains general safety, installation, and operating instructions for the THOR In-Wall SUB10. It is important to read this user’s manual before attempting to use this product. Pay particular attention to the safety instructions.

Symbols Explained:

• Appears on the component to indicate the presence of uninsulated, dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
• Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or death.
• Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the product.
• NOTE: Calls attention to information that is essential to highlight.

Important Safety Instructions:

1. Read these instructions in their entirety.
2. Store this manual and packaging in a safe place.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow instructions (do not take shortcuts).
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatuses that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades one wider than the other. The grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only a compatible rack or cart for the final resting position.
13. Unplug this apparatus during a lightning storm or when unused for a long period of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in a way such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Unpacking System Components

• Keep the original carton and packing materials for future shipment or storage.
• Check for any visual signs of damage. If you encounter any concealed damage, consult your Earthquake Sound dealer before proceeding with unit installation.
• Retain the sales receipt as it establishes the duration fo the limited warranty and provides information for insurance purposes.

System Installation Considerations

There are several factors to consider before installing Earthquake Sound’s Theia center channel speaker:

• What are the intended listening zones?
• From where in each zone will the listener prefer to control the system? Where will the speakers be located?
• Where will the source equipment be located?

Connection Tips

• Keep all power cords away from all signal cables to prevent humming from induced noise.
• Choose reliable signal cable cords (Earthquake Sound also specializes in high-performance RCA cables and patches).
• All speaker wires that are run through the walls should be twisted type to reduce potential hum noise pick-up.
• It is best to use a grounded electrical outlet to power the amplifier. Lack of input ground reference could be unsafe. Consult with your electrical contractor about proper grounding.

Theia Features

• Luxurious multi-layer piano black lacquer finish
• Slim modern living design
• Full range, magnetically shielded drivers with 4” Kevlar cones and Piston-Max patented technology
• Two 1″ enhanced line action silk dome tweeters
• Patented SLAPS 10” passive radiator (Symmetrically Loaded Audio Passive System)
• CNC machined aluminum spikes with adjustable rear spike
• Gold plated binding posts
• Internal aero dynamic motor (minimum turbulence)
• High pass 18dB / Octave filter @ 4kHz
• Zobel network with Poly-fuse protection

WARNING: This product is capable of generating high sound pressure levels. You should exercise caution when operating these speakers. Long term exposures to high levels of sound pressure will cause permanent damage to your hearing. Sound pressure levels exceeding 85dB can be dangerous with constant exposure, set your audio system to a comfortable loudness level. Earthquake Sound Corporation does not assume liability for damages resulting from the direct use of Earthquake Sound audio product(s) and urges users to play volume at moderate levels.

• This triangle, which appears on your component, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated, dangerous voltage inside the enclosure -voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
• CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
• This triangle, which appears on your component, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in this accompanying literature.

Introduction

Ever since the release of the Telesto and Tigris, many of you inquired us to produce a center channel to match those Titan towers. To be honest, we were already in the process of developing the product then. However, as an avid audiophile, I could not let the product make its way to the sales floor without sweating the details from all possible angles. Many of you have provided us with design requirements, development ideas and tremendous feedback that helped us improved our products. We are truly grateful for all your support and feedback. From all of us at Earthquake Sound Corporation: Thank you & enjoy. Well, the wait is finally over. After years in development, I proudly present to you the Theia center channel speaker, part of the Titan Series.

• Joseph J. Sahyoun President & Chief Engineer

Theia Design

Earthquake Sound presents its next creation from the TITAN series, the Theia center channel speaker. Its sleek exterior is matched only by its performance. Theia’s curved cabinet design integrates the Acoustic Array System Design (AASD) technology to allow  even audio distribution in a wider listening area. With two 1” (25mm) silk dome tweeters positioned at the very front and center of the unit, Theia can achieve perfect positioning for wider dispersion and better image stability, allowing everyone in the room can equally enjoy Theia’s superior performance.

The patented Piston-Max Technology (PMT) is integrated into Theia’s four 4” Kevlar cones to increase efficiency and accuracy of music reproduction. The motor and voice coil structures of these drivers are fully isolated, allowing them to operate with extremely low distortion. In addition, each Theia driver is magnetically shielded to prevent interference from any nearby components (TV, receiver, Blu-ray players, etc.). Theia also incorporates the patented Symmetrically Loaded Audio Passive System (SLAPS) which dramatically increases its efficiency as well as extends its sub-harmonic frequency response.

Speaker Placements

Home theater performance depends very much so on product performance, room size and speaker placement. Reading this manual, following your priorities and these procedures will pay off with a big improvement to sound quality and sonic performance. Basics of speaker placement can help you make the smartest choice for your specific room. There is no magic bullet in home theater, which is why this is called custom home theater. Every speaker has different sonic characteristics, every room has different acoustic properties, everyone’s ears hear sound a little differently and your left ear has a different sensitivity than your right ear. So in the end, you may use this manual as a starting guideline. However, when it comes to actually setting up your speaker system, let your own ears be the judge.

Center Channel Speaker Placement

This should be the first speaker you place in your home theater room. The job of a center channel is to anchor dialogue and other on-screen sounds to the screen. Thus, its position depends upon where you put your TV. Place your center channel directly above or below your TV — centered, make sure the speaker’s front edge is precisely aligned with the front edge of your TV screen to reducing distortion caused by sound reflecting and diffracting off the TV’s cabinet. If possible, the height of the center channel speakers should be as high as your ears in a sitting position, as illustrated in Figure 3.

The Theia is equipped with adjustable rear spike that allows you to aim the speaker accordingly. Simply twist the rear spike to adjust its height, and therefore, Theia’s aim.

Front Left & Right Speaker Placement

In a home theater system, front speakers are responsible for movies’ sound tracks and dynamic actions. The front speakers need to sync the video event with the audio. For instance, when there is a moving vehicle from the left to the right of the screen, the sound should travel from the left front speaker to the right front speaker.

In a two channel stereo system, the front speakers are responsible for producing all of the sound: staging, imaging, and depth of field. Placing the speakers too close to each other will compromise the stage, while placing them too far from each other will break the images. Front speakers should be placed at an equal distance from the TV and the primary listening spot (sweet spot). Together with the center channel speaker, they should form a slight arc with all three speakers at exactly the same distance from where you sit, as illustrated in Figure 3.

Speakers Elevation

The tweeters from all three front speakers should have the same elevation as your ears while seated. Any deviation will work but it may reduce the performance. Make sure that there are no solid objects (like furniture) blocking the pathway of the sound traveling to your listening location.

Surround Speaker Placement

Surround speakers are there to envelop three dimensional sound that places you in the middle of the action. Ideally, your primary pair of surround speakers should be placed to the left and right of your listening position — either in line with it, or just behind it. They should form a 90°-110° angle with respect to your television. In a 7.1-channel system with more than two surround speakers, or if side placement is not available for your surrounds in a standard 5.1-channel setup, consider placement behind your listening position, facing the front of the room.

Surround speakers should be placed high enough so that the drivers do not fire directly at your ears when you’re sitting down. As a rule of thumb, place them at ear level while you are in standing position. Most people tend to over amplify the rear speakers. This is not recommended as it can over power the front speakers. Most of the time, the rear speakers are relatively quite. They simply come on when there are special effects.

Since every room has different acoustics, you might need to experiment with the speakers aiming. You may get good results by pointing them at the ceiling or toward the rear corners of the room. If no side or rear walls are available for mounting your speakers, try placing a pair of traditional bookshelf speakers on speaker stands, slightly behind and to the sides of your listening position. Avoid aiming them directly at your listening position.

Theia Dimensions and Specifications

Theia Specifications

• Power handling: 300 Watts
• Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 89dB+/-3dB
• Frequency: 20Hz – 35kHz
• Weight: 22 lbs. / 10 kgs.
• Available finish: Fine high gloss black piano lacquer

5 Year Warranty Information

Earthquake warrants the original purchaser that all Factory Sealed New Audio Products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal and proper use for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase (as shown on the original sales receipt with serial number affixed/written on it). The five (5) year warranty period is valid only if an authorized Earthquake dealer properly installs the product and the warranty registration card is properly filled out and sent to Earthquake Sound Corporation. If a non-authorized party installs the product, a ninety (90) day warranty period will be applied.

• Five (5) years limited warranty plan coverage guidelines:

  • First year: Earthquake pays for labor, parts, and ground freight (only in US mainland, not including Alaska and Hawaii. Shipping to us is not covered).
  • Second, third, fourth & fifth year: Earthquake pays labor only. Customer must pay for parts and freight both ways.

• Warning:
  Products (sent for repair) that are tested by Earthquake technicians and deemed to have no problem(s) will not be covered by the five (5) year limited warranty. Customer will be charged a minimum of one (1) hour of labor (at the ongoing rates) plus shipping charges back to customer.

• Earthquake will repair or replace at our option all defective products/parts subject to the following provisions:

  • Defective products/parts have not been altered or repaired by other than an Earthquake factory-approved technicians.
  • Products/parts are not subjected to negligence, misuse, improper use or accident, damaged by improper line voltage, used with incompatible products or have its serial number or any part of it altered, defaced or removed, or have been used in any way that is contrary to Earthquake’s written instructions.

• Warranty Limitations:
  Warranty does not cover products that have been modified or abused, including but not limited to the following:

  • Damages to speaker cabinet and cabinet finish due to misuse, abuse or improper use of cleaning materials/methods.
  • Bent speaker frame, broken speaker connectors, holes in speaker cone, surround & dust cap, burnt speaker voice coil.
  • Fading and/or deterioration of speaker components & finish due to improper exposure to elements.
  • Bent amplifier casing, damaged finish on the casing due to abuse, misuse or improper use of cleaning material.
  • Burnt tracers on PCB.
  • Product/part damaged due to poor packaging or abusive shipping conditions.
  • Subsequent damage to other products.
    A warranty claim will not be valid if the warranty registration card is not properly filled & returned to Earthquake with a copy of the sales receipt.

• Service Request:
  To receive product service, contact Earthquake Service Department at 510-732-1000 and request an RMA number (Return Material Authorization). Items shipped without a valid RMA number will be refused. Make sure you provide us with your complete/correct shipping address, a valid phone number, and a brief description of the problem you are experiencing with the product. In most cases, our technicians might be able to resolve the problem over the phone, thus eliminating the need to ship the product.

• Shipping Instructions:
  Product(s) must be packaged in its original protective box(es) to minimize transport damage and prevent repackaging cost (at the ongoing rates). Shipper claims regarding items damaged in transit must be presented to carrier. Earthquake Sound Corporation reserves the right to refuse improperly packed product. Original bill of sale must accompany product returned to service. We encourage you to include with the package a written description of the problem. Ship product to: Earthquake Sound Corp. 2727 McCone Avenue, Hayward, CA 94545. Tel: 510-732-1000.
  You are responsible for the cost of shipping the product to Earthquake Sound Corporation.

• Disputes Resolution:
  All disputes between clients and Earthquake Sound Corporation resulting from the five (5) year limited warranty policy must be resolved according to the laws & registration of the county of Alameda California.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

This Earthquake product can be registered by returning the Product Registration card attached to this manual. Please also retain sales receipt, which represents proof of purchase.

Notes

For Your Records

• Date of Purchase:
• Authorized Dealer/Installer Info:
• Name:
• Address:
• Phone:
• Serial Number: THEIA

Earthquake Sound reserves the right to amend details of the specifications without notice. Copyright Earthquake Sound Corporation Earthquake Sound Corporation 2727 McCone Avenue. Hayward CA, 94545. USA

• Phone: 510-732-1000
• Fax: 510-732-1095

The Sound That Will Move You Earthquake Sound Corporation 2727 McCone Avenue Hayward, CA 94545 United States of America

• Tel: 510-732-1000
• Fax: 510-732-1095

Customer Support

• tech@earthquakesound.com
• US Toll-Free: 800-576-7944
• Fax: 510-732-1095

2013 Earthquake Sound Corporation. All rights reserved.

This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of Earthquake Sound Corporation. The information is subject to change without notice. Earthquake Sound Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear within this document.

Earthquake Sound Corp. | 800-576-7944 | www.earthquakesound.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Earthquake Sound Theia High Fidelity Center Channel Speaker?

The Earthquake Sound Theia High Fidelity Center Channel Speaker is a premium audio speaker designed specifically for use as the center channel in home theater systems.

What is a center channel speaker used for in a home theater setup?

The center channel speaker is responsible for reproducing dialogue and other central audio elements in movies and TV shows, ensuring clear and accurate sound localization.

What makes the Earthquake Sound Theia special compared to other center channel speakers?

The Theia is known for its high-fidelity audio reproduction, advanced acoustic engineering, and premium build quality, all of which contribute to an exceptional audio experience.

What are the key features of the Earthquake Sound Theia High Fidelity Center Channel Speaker?

Key features may include precision drivers, advanced crossover technology, a solid and resonance-free cabinet, and high-quality materials used in construction.

What types of audio technology does the Earthquake Sound Theia use?

It may use technologies such as dual-midrange drivers, high-frequency ribbon tweeters, and specialized crossovers to achieve accurate and detailed sound reproduction.

Is the Earthquake Sound Theia suitable for both music and movies?

Yes, it's designed to perform well with both music and movies, providing a balanced and immersive audio experience.

What is the recommended placement for the Earthquake Sound Theia in a home theater setup?

It should be placed at or near the center of the speaker arrangement, ideally aligned with the screen.

Does the Earthquake Sound Theia come in different finishes?

It might come in various finishes to match different home theater aesthetics.

Is the Earthquake Sound Theia magnetically shielded?

Yes, many high-end center channel speakers, including the Theia, are magnetically shielded to prevent interference with nearby electronic devices.

What's the power handling capability of the Earthquake Sound Theia?

The power handling capability may vary, but it's usually designed to handle a substantial amount of power to ensure dynamic and impactful sound.

Can the Earthquake Sound Theia be part of a larger speaker system from the same brand?

Yes, it can be integrated into a larger speaker system, often consisting of front speakers, surround speakers, and subwoofers from the same brand for a cohesive audio experience.

Does the Earthquake Sound Theia require a separate amplifier?

It might require a separate amplifier, depending on your setup and preferences.

Is the Earthquake Sound Theia a passive or active speaker?

It's typically a passive speaker, meaning it requires an external amplifier to provide power.

What kind of connectivity options does the Earthquake Sound Theia offer?

It may offer standard speaker wire terminals for connection to amplifiers.

Can the Earthquake Sound Theia be wall-mounted or placed on a stand?

Yes, it can often be wall-mounted or placed on a stand, providing flexibility in placement.

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