Paradigm PREMIER Series Floor Standing Speakers Owner’s Manual

Paradigm PREMIER Series Floor Standing Speakers

Thank you!

Thank you for choosing Paradigm Premier Series speakers. You are about to hear the difference that sonically accurate speakers make in your audio/home theater system! They are the product of countless hours of comprehensive research and development and will reward you with truly exceptional sound for many years.

To ensure proper installation and enjoy all of the exceptional sound these speakers are designed to provide, please read this manual and follow all instructions. If you have further questions contact your Authorized Paradigm Dealer or visit the Q&A page on our website at www.paradigm.com.

RECYCLING AND REUSE GUIDELINES (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 our speakers may contain regulated materials which, upon disposal, require special reuse and recycling processing. For this reason Paradigm Electronics Inc. (the manufacturer of Paradigm speakers and Anthem electronic products) has arranged with its 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.paradigm.com.
Please note that only the product falls under the WEEE directive. When disposing of packaging and other shipping material we encourage you to recycle through the normal channels.

FLOORSTANDING SPEAKERS — ATTACHING CARPET SPIKES OR RUBBER CAPS

The screw thread specification is 1/4”-20.

BOOKSHELF / CENTER CHANNEL SPEAKERS — APPLYING RUBBER PADS

BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS (Premier 100B and 200B)

Self-adhesive rubber pads (included) must be applied to the bottom corners of bookshelf and center channel speakers (as shown) when placed on a shelf or other flat surface.

Bottom View of Bookshelf Speaker

CENTER CHANNEL SPEAKERS (Premier 500C and 600C)

Apply self-adhesive rubber pads (included) as shown on the Rubber Pad Installation Template.

YOUR NEW SPEAKERS

Break-In

Although Paradigm Premier Series speakers sound great “out of the carton,” they will sound even better when broken in. Allow them to operate for several hours before you listen critically. High-frequency drivers use ferro-fluid that can thicken at temperatures below 10° C (50° F). If your speakers have been transported or stored in the cold let them warm to room temperature before use.

Cleaning

Do not use a strong or abrasive cleaner on your speakers. Clean them with a damp soft cloth, but do not get them wet. Do not place wet objects, such as drinking glasses or potted plants, on top of the speakers. If allowed to soak in, even a small amount of water may permanently damage the speaker enclosure. Optional Spikes and Rubber Feet Floor standing speakers ship with rubber feet pre-installed. These can be easily removed if you intend to use isolation spikes (included with floorstanding speaker models). We highly recommend installing these spikes as they will improve the sound of your speakers by isolating them from the floor. The most convenient time to install these spikes is during the unpacking process.

Optional Paradigm Speaker Stands

We highly recommend placing Paradigm Premier Series bookshelf speakers on high-performance Paradigm speaker stands (sold separately), or bookshelves to raise the high-frequency drivers to approximately ear level, thereby ensuring the best performance possible.

PREVENTING SPEAKER DAMAGE

To prevent damage to your speakers, please read the following guidelines before making any connections.

Amplifier Distortion–The #1 Culprit!

Amplifier distortion is the principle cause of speaker damage. When listening at higher volume levels, your amplifier may run out of clean power and begin to produce a distorted signal if levels are increased any further. This will damage any brand of speaker very quickly. (See your Authorized Paradigm Dealer for amplifier recommendations).

More Powerful Amplifiers are Safer

When choosing an amplifier, always select an amplifier with a power rating greater than that of the speaker. Using a 100W per channel amplifier on a 50W speaker allows the amplifier adequate headroom in order to provide a distortion free signal. Conversely, using a 40W per channel amplifier on a 50W speaker limits the amplifier’s headroom. This causes the amplifier to enter its distortion level much sooner, potentially damaging the speaker.

Volume Control

Do not be fooled by the Volume Control 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 Control setting depends solely on the nature of the music you are listening to. At a given Volume Control setting a quiet section of music will use less amplifier power than a loud section. With typical pop-rock, jazz or large scale classical music the rated output power of many receivers/amplifiers is often reached when the Volume Control is between the “11” and “1” o’clock settings (with bass/ treble and loudness controls not used–otherwise rated power may be reached at even lower Volume Control settings).

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 rated 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 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).

ROOM ACOUSTICS

Paradigm Premier Series speakers are designed to provide exceptional 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 speaker placement:

• 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.

PLACEMENT: Front Left & Right Speakers

Ideal placement of front and center speakers

Paradigm Premier Series front speakers are designed to allow flexible placement while providing a very large window of sound throughout your listening room. To ensure the best performance possible we strongly recommend that you observe the placement guidelines on the following pages…

Accurate Timbre

For the most accurate and natural timbre, place front speakers so that their high-frequency drivers are approximately at ear level, as shown.

Placing bookshelf models on Paradigm speaker stands (sold separately) or bookshelves raises their high-frequency drivers to approximately ear level, thereby ensuring the best performance possible.

Balanced Bass

Placing front speakers in corners will over-emphasize bass and reduce overall clarity. Avoid corner placement. Position front speakers 8 in (20 cm) or more from the wall behind the speaker and as much as possible from either side wall, as shown in. This will ensure better bass performance and optimal midrange clarity.

Optimal Imaging

Measure the distance from your main listening area to the front speakers (“X”). For best imaging, place speakers from three-quarters of that distance up to that same distance from each other (3/4 of “X” to “X”), as shown. To further optimize imaging, toe speakers slightly inward so they point toward the listening position with their axes crossing just behind it, as shown.

PLACEMENT: Center Speaker

The Paradigm Premier Series center speaker is designed to cover a large, wide listening area, allowing listeners throughout the room to hear center-channel information with unprecedented clarity and intelligibility.

Placing your center-channel speaker below the TV will ensure the best possible clarity and intelligibility. Position the speaker flush with the front of the TV or speaker shelf to minimize unwanted sound reflections. Make sure the center-channel speaker is approximately the same distance away from the primary listening position as your front speakers. (Some A/V receivers and processors can electronically adjust for differences in distance.)

PLACEMENT: Surround / Rear Speakers

Paradigm Premier bookshelf speakers may also be used as surround or rear speakers. Remember to keep these speakers well away from the main listening area for optimal surround-sound performance.

SURROUND SPEAKER PLACEMENT
FOR PARADIGM PREMIER 100B & 200B

5.1 Surround Speaker Placement

for Paradigm Premier 100B & 200B

7.1 Surround Speaker Placement

for Paradigm Premier 100B & 200B

WIRING

⚠ Turn your amplifier(s) OFF before connecting your speakers. This will avoid damage which could result from accidental shorting of speaker cables.

For optimum sound, the use of high quality speaker cable is essential. The chart below identifies the minimum gauge requirements for various lengths. See your Authorized Paradigm Dealer for recommendations.

MINIMUM GAUGE REQUIREMENTS

LENGTH

| DIAMETER|

GAUGE

Under 4.5 m (15 ft)

| 1.3 mm (0.05 in)|

16 awg

Under 9 m (30 ft)

| 1.6 mm (0.06 in)| 14 awg
Over 9 m (30 ft)| 2.0 mm (0.08 in)|

12 awg

STANDARD CONNECTION

(Premier 100B and 200B)

Your speakers’ binding posts can be used with banana, pin or spade connectors, as well as with bare wire. Tighten the posts firmly by hand but do not over tighten!

Correct polarity (or phase) is critical for proper soundstage imaging and bass performance. Connect one speaker at a time to ensure proper connection of every channel. The red (+) amplifier terminal must be connected to the red (+) speaker terminal. The same applies to the black (­) terminals. Make sure all wires are firmly fastened. Repeat this connection procedure for each speaker in your system.

NOTE: If you hear a distinct lack of bass and a dislocated stereo image then one or more of your speakers may be connected out of phase (polarity is reversed). Re-check to ensure that each speakers’ cable is connected with correct polarity: red (+) to red (+) and black (­-) to black (-­).

OTHER CONNECTION OPTIONS

⚠ DO NOT attempt to bi-wire or bi-amplify speakers unless you have removed the jumper bars.

Some Paradigm Premier Series speakers have two sets of input terminals connected externally with jumper bars. These speakers can be bi-wired or also bi-amplified to achieve even better performance.
If your speakers do not have two sets of input terminals this section does not apply to you.

Standard Connection of Speakers with Two Input Terminals

For standard connection of speakers with two input terminals, l eave the jumper bars attached and connect using either set of input terminals.

Bi-wire Connection

Bi-wiring can improve clarity and openness with less grain and more solidity to the bass. Two speaker cables are required for each speaker that is bi- wired.

Bi-amp Connection

IMPORTANT! When bi-amping, always use amplifiers with identical gain. If uniform amplifier gain is not maintained the speaker-to-speaker balance will be incorrect when vertically bi-amped, or the speaker system’s frequency balance will be incorrect when horizontally bi-amped. To prevent problems, use identical amplifiers (brand and model). Make sure they are operating in the same non-bridged or bridged mode.

Passive bi-amping offers a dramatic improvement in clarity, openness and detail, with much better bass solidity and definition. The presentation of music and movie soundtracks is simply more intelligible and transparent.

With passive bi-amping, the speaker’s internal passive crossovers remain connected. An external electronic crossover is not required and cannot be used (there is no direct electrical access to individual drive units). This saves expense and setup difficulties. Passive bi-amping optimizes your speaker to achieve the best possible high-end performance.

To bi-amplify, two power amplifiers are required. Connection can be either vertical or horizontal.

Horizontal Bi-amplification (shown) dedicates one amplifier to your speakers’ mid/low-frequency inputs and another to their high-frequency inputs. This configuration can maintain better clarity when listening at loud levels–if low-frequency demands cause amplifier clipping, distortion will still be kept away from high-frequency drivers. Connect your speakers to one amplifier at a time.

Vertical Bi-amplification (not shown) dedicates one amplifier to each speaker. This configuration provides complete channel separation, which optimizes your system’s imaging ability. Connect your speakers to one amplifier at a time.

FINE TUNING

Once you have your speakers positioned in the room and have set speaker distances and calibrated speaker levels through your Audio/Video Processor or A/V Receiver it’s time for a little fine tuning.

Since Paradigm speakers provide exceptional performance in a variety of room settings, fine tuning is simply a matter of making slight adjustments (if necessary) to their placement in the room.

Start with the front speakers and listen to familiar music in stereo. The soundstage will be both wide and deep, but this can be tuned to your personal preference by adjusting the toe-in (the amount the speakers are turned toward the listening area). More toe-in will increase image depth and localization, less toe-in will increase image width. Adjust the toe-in in small increments, listening each time, until you achieve the soundstage balance you prefer. Toe- in is not applicable to the other speakers in your system since their position and sound distribution pattern is fixed.

Fine tuning for center speakers is a matter of making volume level adjustments that may be required for a particular multi-channel music or movie program. If necessary, adjust your Audio/Video Processor’s or A/V Receiver’s volume levels to ensure there is a cohesive overall soundstage.

To fine tune surround/rear speakers, please follow the illustrations in the earlier section.

To fine tune the subwoofer, please refer to the Owner’s Manual that was included with your subwoofer.

TROUBLESHOOTING

No Sound

| Make sure receiver, preamp or amplifier is plugged in and turned on. Check power outlet at the wall is working. Are headphones plugged in, or is system on Mute? Re-check all connection
---|---

No Sound from One or More Speakers

| Check your balance. Check that all power cords are properly plugged in and functioning. Swap a non-working speaker with one that works to determine if the problem is with the speaker or something else (i.e. wiring, amplifier)

Lack of Bass or Dislocated Image

| One or more speakers may be connected out of phase (their polarity is reversed). Recheck to ensure that each speaker’s cable is connected with correct polarity: red (+) to red (+) and black (-) to black (-)

LIMITED WARRANTY

Paradigm speakers covered in this manual are warranted to be and remain free of manufacturing and/or material defects for a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase. Within the time period specified, repair, replacement or adjustment of parts for manufacturing and/or material defects will be free of charge to the original owner.

Thermal or mechanical abuse/misuse is not covered under the Paradigm warranty.

Limitations:

• Warranty begins on date of original retail purchase from an Authorized Paradigm Dealer only. It is not transferable;
• Warranty applies to product in normal home use only. If product is subjected to any of the conditions outlined in the next section, warranty is void;
• Warranty does not apply if the product is used in professional or commercial applications.

Warranty is Void if:

• The product has been abused (intentionally or accidentally);
• The product has been used in conjunction with unsuitable or faulty equipment;
• The product has been subjected to damaging signals, derangement in transport, mechanical damage or any abnormal conditions;
• The product (including cabinet) has been tampered with or damaged by an unauthorized service facility;
• The serial number has been removed or defaced.

Owner Responsibilities:

• Provide normal/reasonable operating care and maintenance;
• Provide or pay for transportation charges for product to service facility;
• Provide proof of purchase (your sales receipt given at time of purchase
  from your Authorized Paradigm Dealer must be retained for proof-ofpurchase date).

Should servicing be required, contact your nearest Authorized Paradigm Dealer, Paradigm Electronics Inc. or Import Distributor (outside the U.S. and Canada) to arrange, bring in or ship prepaid, any defective unit. Visit our website, www.paradigm.com for more information.

Paradigm Electronics Inc. reserves the right to improve the design of any product without assuming any obligation to modify any product previously manufactured.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, of merchantability, fitness for any particular purpose and may not be extended or enlarged by anyone. In no event shall Paradigm Electronics Inc., their agents or representatives be responsible for any incidental or consequential damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

Retain this manual and your sales receipt for proof of warranty term and proof of purchase.

References

• Paradigm® | High Performance Audio - Crafted in Canada
• Paradigm® | High Performance Audio - Crafted in Canada

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