GoldenEar SuperCinema 3D Array Owner’s Manual

SuperCinema® 3D Array®
Owner’s Manual

Left, Center, Right 3-Channel Ultra-High-Performance Soundbars with Interaural Crosstalk Cancellation

Congratulations!

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing GoldenEar’s™ SuperCinema® 3D Array® speaker! You are about to hear the spectacular difference this very special “front-stage” speaker will make in your multi-channel music and/or home theater system! You will be amazed to hear left and right channel information seeming to emanate from the far left and right of the room as if you had separate left and right speakers!
Our engineers’ many years of experience in developing loudspeakers has led to this extraordinary product. In order to ensure that you experience maximum performance, please take a moment to fully read this owner’s manual and familiarize yourself with the unique installation, assembly, and set-up procedures for your SuperCinema 3D Array speaker.
Please visit our website at www.GoldenEar.com for more information on the technology behind your new speaker system.
If you have additional questions, contact your Authorized GoldenEar™ Dealer or visit the Q&A page in the Tech Support section of our website.

Your New GoldenEar Speakers

The GoldenEar SuperCinema 3D Array speaker is designed to fit beautifully in a wide variety of applications.
Its compact and narrow dimensions allow for easy installation in many locations within your home. To get the best performance possible and for a product that lasts a lifetime, we strongly recommend that you follow the placement and setup guidelines provided in this manual.

Cleaning

Do not use a strong or abrasive cleaner on your new speakers. Clean them only with a damp cloth, but do not get them wet. Do not set wet objects on top of the speakers as they may damage the enclosure.

Wall Mounting

IMPORTANT: GoldenEar does NOT supply the hardware for mounting speakers to the wall.

Your speaker has keyhole slots and a threaded insert to facilitate mounting on a wall. If you are wall-mounting speakers, take extra care in installation and the use of safety straps as a secondary restraint is recommended. We suggest wall mounting installation be performed by a qualified contractor or your authorized GoldenEar dealer.

Preventing Speaker Damage

USE AN APPROPRIATE AMPLIFIER. At high volumes, a very powerful amplifier can overdrive your speakers and damage them. And if the amplifier is not powerful enough, it can produce distortion that can easily damage your speaker. (Consult your dealer for assistance.)
DON’T BE FOOLED BY YOUR RECEIVER’S VOLUME CONTROL. It only adjusts how loud, it is not an indication of power output. If your speakers begin to sound harsh or grating or if you hear other forms of distortion, turn down the volume immediately!
PROPER SETUP IS THE KEY. Please Note: Your SuperCinema 3D Array speakers are designed to be used with a subwoofer and with a high-pass crossover (“SMALL” setting on an A/V receiver).
Also, avoid the use of tone controls and loudness controls as they will demand even more power from an amplifier.

GoldenEar SuperCinema 3D Array speakers are efficient and can be driven to loud listening levels with moderate amplifier power. They are also able to handle the output of very powerful amplifiers. To prevent damage to your speakers, please read all of the following guidelines before hooking them up. Please also note, that the SuperCinema 3D Array speaker is designed to be high-passed and used with a subwoofer. Attempting to play the full range (no high-pass) at high volumes can damage the speaker.

Amplifier Distortion — #1 Threat to your New Speakers!
Amplifier distortion is the principal cause of speaker damage. When listening to loud levels your amplifier may run out of clean power. It will then begin to produce speaker-damaging distorted power. This will damage any brand of the speaker very quickly! More powerful amplifiers are actually safer – For example, A 40 Watt/channel amplifier will have substantial distortion above 40 Watts. If driven to 50 Watts, this amplifier will deliver speaker-damaging distorted power! But a 100 Watt/channel amplifier will have very low distortion below 100 Watts. Therefore, when the speaker requires 50 Watts, this more powerful amplifier will deliver clean power and speaker damage is less likely to occur. (See your GoldenEar dealer for amplifier recommendations.)

Volume Setting

Do not be fooled by the Volume setting of your receiver/preamplifier. It only adjusts listening level — it is not a “power-output” dial. The amount of amplifier power actually used at a given Volume setting depends solely on the nature of the source material you are listening to (at a given Volume setting a quiet section of music will use less amplifier power than a loud section). With typical material, the rated output power of many receivers/amplifiers is often reached when the Volume is set to around -10dB, or between the “11” and “1 o’clock” settings with an analog control (with bass/ treble and loudness controls not used — otherwise rated power may be reached at even lower Volume settings). Remember, all amplifiers produce distortion when operated beyond their rated output power. The resulting distortion will damage all speakers! 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 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, consider a more powerful amplifier.

There is Actually a Limit!

Even with these safer, more powerful amplifiers, 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. At loud levels do not increase bass/treble controls from zero and ensure that all loudness/contour/bass EQ buttons are off (otherwise rated output power will be reached at even lower volume control settings).

The Right Amount of Power

A power-range rating is given in the specifications as a guide to indicate the approximate minimum and maximum power input of your GoldenEar SuperCinema 3D Array speakers. Amplifiers that meet or even exceed the speaker’s power-range rating are recommended as their greater power reserves provide better sound. But always use the speakers within their power-range rating to prevent damage — that is, keep listening levels below the point of obvious audible distortion.

Unpacking your SuperCinema 3D Array Loudspeaker

Please Inspect for Shipping Damage
Each loudspeaker leaves our plant in perfect condition. Any visible or concealed damage most likely occurred in handling after it left our plant and should be reported at once to your GoldenEar Dealer and/or the delivery company that delivered your loudspeaker. Please unpack your system carefully.
Save all cartons and packing materials in case you move or need to ship your system. Record the serial number found on the back of the SuperCinema 3D Array loudspeaker here: (Serial Number)
Please go to http://www.goldenear.com/support/registrationandwarranty and use the serial number(s) above to complete your warranty registration.

Attaching Feet for Tabletop/Shelf Mounting

If you going to set your SuperCinema 3D Array Speaker on a table or bookshelf, install the included Adjustable
Center Stand Feet as follows:
Tools required: #2 Phillips Screwdriver
Small Flat Blade Screwdriver (for adjusting tilt back)
Parts included: Two Adjustable Feet with Rubber-Tipped Set Screws
Two Phillips head screws
Instructions:

1. Carefully lay the SuperCinema 3D Array on its face on a soft padded flat object, such as a table with a towel or blanket, taking care not to damage the speaker or grille.
2. Align Foot with matching insert as shown below.
3. Insert the screw through the stand and into the inserts on the speaker’s back.
4. Tighten the screw into the insert in the back of the SuperCinema 3D Array, do not overtighten.
5. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 with the second Adjustable foot.
6. Adjust the height of the rubber-tipped set screws to achieve the desired angle. You can adjust the set screw from above using the small flat blade screwdriver. Caution should be exercised to rotate the speaker’s weight off the tip before adjusting to prevent damaging the rubber tip.

Speaker Placement

The GoldenEar SuperCinema 3D Array speaker is designed to allow flexible placement while still providing a very large window of sound throughout your listening room. Please remember that although the following recommendations are usually valid, all rooms and listening set-ups are somewhat unique, so do not be afraid to experiment with the speakers.
Remember, whatever sounds best to you is correct.

Room Acoustics

GoldenEar’s SuperCinema 3D Array speaker, along with matching surrounds, rears, and subwoofer, are designed to provide exceptional sound in a wide variety of domestic settings. It is important to note however that listening room construction,  dimensions, and furnishings all play a part in the quality of sound you will ultimately achieve from your new speakers. The listening room will impose its own character on the performance capabilities of the speaker system. Regarding the room, please note that:

• 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 an overall bright sound. The typical quantity of soft furnishings found in most living environments provides 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.

The extra care you take in correctly positioning the speakers will result in greater listening enjoyment. So, keep the following guidelines in mind when deciding on the best speaker placement:

Positioning SuperCinema 3D Array

To ensure the best performance possible, observe the following placement guidelines:
ACCURATE TIMBRE: For the most accurate and natural timbre, speakers’ high-frequency drivers should be at approximately ear level.
Place the speaker above or below your TV, whichever position is closer to ear level. Your SuperCinema 3D Array speaker can be placed on top of a shelf or on top of your TV using the adjustable TV-Top/Shelf Support Foot included, or wall-mounted (refer to Wall Mounting instructions further on in this manual). If placing the speaker on a shelf, make sure to place the speaker as far forward on the shelf as possible to prevent unwanted reflections off the shelf’s surface.

Speaker Break-in

Your new SuperCinema 3D Array loudspeaker system should sound good right out of the box; however, an extended break-in period of 40-60 hours or more of normal playing time is required to reach full audiophile performance capability. Break-in allows the driver suspensions to work in and crossover components to “heal,” resulting in fuller and tighter bass, a more open “blossoming” midrange, and smoother high-frequency reproduction.

Speaker Connection

Turn your amplifier/receiver OFF before performing any connection steps, in order to prevent accidental damage to your amplifier.
Your SuperCinema 3D Array speaker is equipped with a set of 5-way binding posts that can be used with bare wire, pin or spade connectors, or banana plugs. Tighten the posts firmly by the hand, but do not over tighten them. Make sure all wires are firmly fastened. Always use a high-quality speaker wire of sufficient gauge for the distances you are running (see your dealer for assistance)

As shown above, hook up the left main/front channel red(+) terminal of your receiver or amplifier to the red(+) terminal of the left channel connector on the SuperCinema 3D Array loudspeaker and the left main/front channel black(-) terminal of your receiver or amplifier to the black(-) terminal of the left channel connector on the loudspeaker. Connect the right channel main/front channel red(+) terminal of your amplifier or receiver to the red(+) terminal of the right channel connector on the loudspeaker and the black(-) terminal of the right main/front channel of your receiver or amplifier to the black(-) terminal of the right channel connector on the loudspeaker. Connect the center channel red(+) terminal of your amplifier or receiver to the red(+) terminal of the center channel connector on the loudspeaker and the black(-) terminal of the center channel of your receiver or amplifier to the black(-) terminal of the center channel connector on the loudspeaker. It is essential that both speakers be connected in the same way (in-phase) to their own channel of the amplifier. If you experience a great lack of bass, it is likely that one speaker is out of phase (+ and – reversed) with the other.

VERY IMPORTANT: Also, due to the critical phase relationships required for the inter-aural crosstalk cancellation effect, it is important that not only are all connections in phase, but also it is critical that the “+” connectors on the receiver or amplifier are connected to the “+” terminals on the SuperCinema 3D Array and the “-” terminals on the amp or receiver to the “-” terminals on the SuperCinema 3D Array (correct absolute phase).

Setting Bass and Treble Controls on Receiver or Amplifier

Normally we recommend that you set the “Bass” and “Treble” controls on flat (or off, or 0 dB). The same applies to a graphic equalizer; we recommend that you leave it flat (or off). This will give you the most accurate and natural sound. If you want more bass, raise your subwoofer’s “Level” control (or raise the subwoofer level on you’re a/v receiver), keeping in mind that even a little turn of the knob can make a big difference in the sound.
The reason for this recommendation is that we have discovered what is often thought to be improper sounding speakers is, in fact, a problem caused by the use of tone controls. When in doubt, leave them out (flat); this almost always results in the best possible and most natural-sounding system performance.

Complete Home Theater Systems

The SuperCinema 3D Array is designed to be used as part of a complete Home Theater System including subwoofer and surround/rear/height — although the SuperCinema 3D Array can be used without separate effects channel speakers quite effectively.
We strongly suggest that you use the GoldenEar ForceField subs, and matching SuperSat® or Invisa® in-wall/in-ceiling speakers for surround/rear/height speakers to complete your GoldenEar home theater system. Of particular note, the GoldenEar ForceField subs, SuperSat On-wall, and Invisa In-wall/In-ceiling speakers have been designed specifically to make a perfect match with the SuperCinema 3D Array front-stage speaker.

Setting Channel Levels and Bass Management in Multi-Channel Home Theater

Systems

VERY IMPORTANT: Home Theater System Bass Management Settings: On your Home Theater Receiver or A/V Processor’s Speaker Setup Menu, set Left, Center, and Right Speakers To “SMALL” and set their Crossover Frequency to 120 Hz. See important additional setup details below.

Multi-channel surround sound systems have bass management systems (systems that direct the bass to the various channels) which vary from unit to unit. This bass management system must be properly adjusted, in particular, it is extremely important that bass is directed to the subwoofer and NOT the SuperCinema 3D Array speaker in these setups, through the use of the receiver’s or a/v processor’s bass management setting. Many problems relating to the overall sound of the system can be traced back to improper bass management settings. Also, note that Multi-channel surround sound systems have a critical channel balancing procedure for setting the level for all speakers (see below) which must be followed if the system is to perform properly. Many problems relating to the overall sound of the system can be clearly traced back to improper system balance.

SETTING CHANNEL LEVELS:

This process is used to set each speaker (channel) in the system to the same volume level.
Your receiver’s or A/V processor’s Speaker Level Calibration Menu allows you to playtest tones on each channel and adjustable the volume of that channel so all channels play the test tone at the same volume. While you can get reasonable results doing this by ear, it is best to use an inexpensive Sound Pressure (SPL) meter, or SPL meter “app” on your Smartphone, to get better channel-to-channel balance.

The unique inter-aural crosstalk cancellation technology employed in the SuperCinema 3D Array can make it difficult to get consistent results for the Left. Center and Right volume level using the receiver’s/processor’s test tones and an SPL meter. Therefore, you may wish to set channel balance for the SuperCinema 3D Array channels manually. To do so, set Left, Center, and Right to the same level number on the speaker level calibration menu, and then use the SPL Meter and test tones to match the output of the other speakers to the Center channel.

Some new receivers and processors have Auto Set Up functions that use a supplied microphone to set levels automatically. If you don’t feel the channel balance is correct when the auto-setup is complete, manually adjust the levels for the Left, Center, and Right as indicated above.

Wall Mounting Instructions

If you are not comfortable performing the following mounting procedures we strongly suggest having a professional wall mount your speakers (see your Dealer). Please note that hardware for the wall is not included — make sure to use hardware appropriate for your wall type and the weight of the speaker being mounted.
Tools Required:

• Wall Mount Template (included)
• Pencil
• Level
• Drill (as needed, depending on the hardware used) Screwdriver
• Appropriate Wall Mounting Hardware for the type of wall and weight of speaker, with #10 pan head screw to fit the mounting keyhole on the back of the speaker

Instructions (after the speaker wires have been run and are in place):

1. Place the Template in the desired location on the wall. Use the level to make sure the template is straight;
2. Use the pencil to mark the mounting screw locations indicated on the mounting template using the holes in the template marked “Pilot Holes”
3. Install your mounting hardware in this location, leaving 1 /8″ (3mm) of space between the back of the screw head and the wall.
4. Attach a wall mount pad to the four back corners of the speaker (see illustration below).
5. Carefully align the keyholes in the back of the SuperCinema 3D Array with the screws in the wall and gently slide the speaker into place.
6. If the speaker does not slide in place, back the screws out a turn and try again; If the speaker is loose, turn the screws in another turn and try again. Repeat as necessary. NOTE: The threaded insert on the back panel is a 1 /4″–20 UNC x 0.5″ (16mm) deep thread for use with various after-market mounting brackets as well as the included leveling feet.

Troubleshooting

If you experience any difficulties with your SuperCinema 3D Array speakers, try the suggestions described below. If you are still having problems, please consult your GoldenEar Authorized Dealer for assistance.

1. Make sure all your system interconnects and power cords are solidly in place.
2. Check that no foreign objects or liquid has entered the speaker.
3. If no sound comes out or the sound is distorted in some way and you are sure the system is set up properly, please bring the speaker to your GoldenEar Authorized Dealer for assistance.
   But make sure you call first.

Service

Service and warranty work on your GoldenEar loudspeakers will normally be performed by your local GoldenEar dealer. If, however, you wish to return the speaker to us, please contact us first, describing the problem and requesting authorization as well as the location of the nearest factory service center. Please note that the address given in this booklet is the address of our office P.O. Box only. Under no circumstances should products or parts be shipped to our offices or returned without contacting us first and obtaining return authorization.
The Quest Group dba
GoldenEar™
2621 White Road
Irvine, CA 92614 USA
Phone: 949-800-1800

Technical Assistance

It is our pleasure to offer assistance if you have any questions regarding your SuperCinema 3D Array speakers or their setup. Please contact your nearest GoldenEar dealer or contact us directly at 949-800-1800.

Recycling and Reuse Guidelines for Europe

In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive effective August 13, 2005, we would like to notify you that this product may contain regulated materials which, upon disposal, according to the WEEE directive, require special reuse and recycling processing. For this reason, GoldenEar (manufacturers of GoldenEar speakers) has arranged with our distributors in European Union member nations to collect and recycle this product at no cost to you. To find your local distributor please contact the dealer from whom you purchased this product or go to our website at www.goldenear.com.
Please note that the product only falls under the WEEE directive. When disposing of packaging and other shipping material we encourage you to recycle through the normal channels.

Specifications

SuperCinema® 3D Array® XL

Dimensions:
Weight:
Frequency Response:
Efficiency:
Nominal Impedance:
Driver Complement:
Rec. Application:| 62- 1/8″ (157.8 cm) W x 4-3 /4″ (12.1 cm) H x 2- 7/8″ (7.2 cm) D
22 lbs. (10 kg)
80 Hz – 35 kHz
91 dB
Compatible with 8 ohms
Eight 4-1/2″ high-definition cast-basket MVPP™ mid/bass drivers
Three HVFR™ High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter
20 – 300 Watt/channel
---|---

SuperCinema® 3D Array® X

Dimensions:
Weight:
Frequency Response:
Efficiency:
Nominal Impedance:
Driver Complement:
Rec. Application:| 49-1/8″ (124.7 cm) W x 4-3/4″ (12.1 cm) H x 2-7/8″ (7.2 cm) D
17 lbs. (7.8 kg)
80 Hz – 35 kHz
91 dB
Compatible with 8 ohms
Six 4-1/2″ high-definition cast-basket MVPP™ mid/bass drivers Three HVFR™ High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter
20 – 200 Watt/channel
---|---

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Limited Warranty

5-YEARS FOR DRIVERS AND CABINETS,
3-YEARS FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

GoldenEar™ warrants to the original retail purchaser only that this GoldenEar Loudspeaker Product (the “Product”) will be free
from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years covering the drivers and cabinets, and three (3) years for the electronic components from the date of the original purchase from a GoldenEar Authorized Dealer. However, this warranty will automatically terminate prior to the expiration of five (5) years for the drivers and cabinets and three (3) years for the electronic components if the original retail purchaser sells or otherwise transfers the Product to any other party. The original retail purchaser shall hereinafter be referred to as “you.” Defective Products must be shipped, together with proof of date of purchase, prepaid insured to the Authorized Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or to the nearest factory service center. Product(s) must be shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent; in any case, the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by you. If upon examination at the Factory or a GoldenEar Authorized Dealer, it is determined that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this Warranty period, GoldenEar or the GoldenEar Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts and Product(s) become the property of GoldenEar. Product(s) replaced or repaired under this Warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight collect.

This Warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, the voltage in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defects in materials or workmanship, or service, or repair or modification of the Product which has not been authorized by GoldenEar. GoldenEar makes no Warranty with respect to its Products purchased from dealers or outlets other than GoldenEar Authorized Dealers. This Warranty is in lieu of all other expressed Warranties. If this Product is defective in material or workmanship as warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will GoldenEar be liable to you for any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the Product, even if GoldenEar or a GoldenEar Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
All implied warranties on the Product are limited to the duration of this expressed Warranty. Some states do not allow limitations
on how long an implied Warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights which vary from state to state.

This product complies with the essential requirements of the EMC directive 89/336/EEC

Visit us at www.goldenear.com
Copyright © 2021 GoldenEar. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without our express permission is prohibited.

GoldenEar SuperCinema®
3D Array®
Manual PART #: 1958AG00
07062021

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