Focal SR900 2-Way Bipolar Surround Loudspeakers User Guide

Focal SR900 2-Way Bipolar Surround Loudspeakers

Specifications

Focal Aria CC 900 2-Way Center Speaker

• TYPE: 2-way closed bipolar surround loudspeakers
• SPEAKER DRIVERS: 2 x 5″ (13cm) Flax bass/midrange woofers, 2 x 1″ (25mm) Al/Mg TNF inverted dome tweeters
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE (+/- 3DB): 85Hz – 28kHz
• LOW FREQUENCY POINT – 6 DB: 67Hz
• SENSITIVITY (2.83V / 1M): 90dB
• NOMINAL IMPEDANCE: 8 Ohms
• MINIMUM IMPEDANCE: 6 Ohms
• RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER POWER: 25 – 120W
• CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 2200Hz
• DIMENSIONS (H X W X D): 295 x 400 x 170mm
• WEIGHT: 12lbs (5.6kg)

Introduction

The Aria SR900 is a 2-way bipolar surround loudspeaker that shares the same acoustic properties as the other Aria models. It produces extremely high- definition and natural sound and consists of two 5 inches (13 cm) woofers with Flax sandwich cones. Two inverted dome tweeters made of aluminum and magnesium with Poron suspension and a waveguide for better directivity control are used for the treble range. The small SR900 loudspeaker is simple to integrate into your interior thanks to the included Polyfix wall mounting system.

READ FIRST!

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!

The exclamation mark represented in an equilateral triangle is intended to alert users to the existence of important instructions in the user manual relating to the use and maintenance of the device.

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Take the warnings into consideration
4. Follow all the instructions.
5. Do not use this device around water.
6. Only clean with a dry cloth.
7. Keep the loudspeakers away from sources of heat, such as radiators, stoves, heat register or any other devices which give off heat (including amplifiers).
8. Only use fixing devices, stands, tripods, supports or tables recommended by the manufacturer or those supplied with the product. If using a trolley or cart, pay particular attention when moving the equipment to avoid any risk of damage or injury.
9. All maintenance must be carried out by a qualified professional. Maintenance is necessary if any damage has been caused to the device, damage due to liquid spilt on the device or objects inserted into the device, exposure to rain or humidity, a malfunction or physical damage.
10. Do not use accessories not recommended by the manufacturer to prevent any risk of damage or injury.
11. Never insert an object into the vents on the device. It may come into contact with high-voltage components or cause a short circuit which may lead to fire or electric shock. Never get liquid on the device.
12. Never try to repair this device yourself; opening the device may expose you to high-voltages and other risks. For any maintenance or repairs, contact a qualified professional.
13. When it’s necessary to replace components, make sure the technician uses the components specified by the manufacturer or ones which have exactly the same characteristics as the original. Components which aren’t compliant may cause a fire, an electric shock or other accidents.
14. After any repairs or an intervention on the device, ask the technician to test the equipment in order to check that the product works correctly and is safe.
15. The device must not be mounted to a wall or ceiling unless intended by the manufacturer.
16. In order to avoid damaging your hearing, do not listen to speakers at high volumes for extended periods of time.

Listening to speakers at high volumes can cause damage to the user’s ears and may lead to hearing problems (temporary or permanent deafness, buzzing in the ears, tinnitus, hyperacusis).

Exposure to excessive volumes (over 85dB) for more than one hour can cause irreparable damage to your hearing.

Please validate your Focal-JMlab warranty; it is now possible to register your product online: www.focal.com/warranty

Thank you for purchasing a Focal product. Welcome to our High-Fidelity world. Innovation, tradition, excellence and pleasure are our values; our one and only aim is to bring you a sound that is rich, pure and true. To get the most out of your product, we recommend that you read the instructions in this booklet, then store it in a safe place to refer to in the future.

Running-in period

The Aria 900 range loudspeakers are complex mechanical assemblies which need a period of adaptation (“runin”) to operate at their best and to become acclimatised to the temperature and humidity conditions of your environment. This running-in period varies depending on the conditions in question and may last for some weeks. To facilitate run-in, we recommend operating the speakers for approximately twenty hours consecutively. Once the loudspeakers’ characteristics totally stabilized you will be able to enjoy your Aria 900’s performance to the full.

Package contents

• 1 loudspeaker (906 : 2 loudspeakers)
• 1 user manual
• 1 cleaning cloth (Black High Gloss finish)
• 1 spike adjustment spanner (926, 936, 948)
• 1 aluminum alloy plinth (926, 936, 948)
• 4 screws + Allen key (926, 936, 948)
• 1 wall mounting kit Polyfix (SR900)

Specifications

Aluminum/Magnesium alloy inverted dome TNF Tweeter : the tweeter developed for the Aria 900 range uses Focal exclusive inverted dome technology, for optimal energy transfer and limited directivity. The dome’s Aluminum/Magnesium alloy guarantees outstanding stiffness and damping. The mechanical properties of the new suspension system using Poron, an open cell polyurethane microcellular foam, provide numerous benefits: excellent dimensional stability and no degradation over time. The advantages of the use of Poron in this tweeter are obvious in terms of linearity and distortion reduction. This leads to a silkier, more precise sound with greater harmonic richness. The tweeter mounting has an integral waveguide which maximizes horizontal directivity and minimizes diffraction.

• Flax cone midrange and bass drivers: every loudspeaker in the Aria range is made using Flax sandwich technology. Flax is an eco-textile with astounding structural properties: it is light, stiff and well damped, for greater neutrality of timbres and better definition.
• Magnetic front grille: easy to fit; more modern design.
• Power flow System: port tube air speed cut by half compared to traditional technology. No bass dynamic compression.
• Profiled vent: powerful, distortion-free bass.
• High-efficiency acoustic wadding: excellent internal damping, sustained, deeper bass.

High-torque, reliable multi-purpose cable connections.

Decoupling spikes included.

Attaching the base to the cabinet (926, 936, 948)

To attach the base to the cabinet, firstly turn the cabinet over so that it is resting on its top (on the packaging padding), taking care not to damage the cabinet-work, glass top-plate or speaker cones when carrying out this operation. Position the base on the cabinet and screw in the four screws provided. Tighten the screws using the Allen key (fig. A).

Connections

The Aria 900 connectors provide reliable, multi-purpose contacts for stripped cables (up to 4 mm diameter) or fork terminals. Banana jacks are covered for compliance with electrical and connection standards in force in some countries. Do not remove the plastic covers.

It is essential to connect the loudspeakers using the correct polarity. The connector marked “+” must be connected to the matching output on the amplifier and the connector marked ” – ” must be connected to the negative terminal (fig. B). If the loudspeakers are connected with incorrect polarity there will be considerable degradation to both the stereo image and the audio perception of bass.

Where to position your loudspeakers

Your Aria 900 loudspeakers have been designed to reproduce as faithfully as possible every kind of music and home cinema program. Nonetheless, it makes sense to follow some simple rules to optimize their performance and to guarantee good tonal balance and a realistic sound stage.

The loudspeakers should be positioned symmetrically, facing the listening area, ideally forming an equilateral triangle with it. It is, however, possible to change these distances to reach the ideal compromise for any particular conditions (fig. C). The loudspeakers should be positioned at the same height, in the same horizontal plane. Ideally, the tweeter should be positioned at the same height as the listener’s ear when listening normally (fig. D).

Do not position your loudspeakers too close to a corner of the room and do not place them too close to a wall. If they are positioned close to a wall or a corner this has the effect of exciting certain resonances within the room and artificially increasing the bass. Conversely, if the bass level is judged to be insufficient, you could try moving the loudspeakers nearer a wall to re- balance the bass level (fig. E).

Optimization

For perfectionists, here is the formula for optimal positioning:

If A is the distance from the center of the woofer to the nearest floor or wall, B is the distance to the next closest floor or wall and C the greatest distance (A < B < C), the equation B 2 = AC defines the ideal loudspeaker position.

For example:

If the center of the woofer is 50 cm away from the back wall (A) and 60 cm from the floor (B), then the side wall will ideally be 72 cm away (C = B2/A = 72 cm) (fig. F).

Recommendations for use

The behavior of Aria 900 loudspeakers depends on the acoustics in the listening room, on the correct positioning of the loudspeakers within the room and on the position of the listener. It is possible to work these elements together to correct or improve a desired effect.

Stereo perception is imprecise and poorly centered: try moving the loudspeakers closer to one another and/or have them facing the listening point

Sound is harsh, aggressive: the acoustic in your listening room probably has too many reverberations. Consider using sound softening (carpets, upholstered furniture, wall hangings, curtains, etc.) and sound reflecting materials (furniture) to absorb or diffuse resonance.

Sound is “flat”, “strangled”: there are too many sound absorbent items in the room, the sound is soaked up, and it has no relief. Look for the best compromise between sound absorbing and sound reflecting materials in your room.

In general terms, it is good to aim for the wall behind the loudspeakers being reflective for the sound to develop correctly. The wall behind the listening position, on the other hand, is ideally sound absorbing to avoid rear reflections “contaminating” the stereo image. Furniture can be judiciously placed near the side walls of the room to diffuse sound waves and ensure certain frequency zones, particularly in the mid-range, are not excited (“flutter echo” suppression).

Choice of loudspeakers

Aria 900 loudspeakers have been developed to operate as both stereo and Home Cinema equipment. If you already own some Aria 900 loudspeakers and wish to develop your system into Home Cinema, it is crucial to use Aria 900 centre and surround speakers. This is the only practicable solution that will guarantee perfectly matched timbres and realistic, consistent distribution of 3D effects within the room.

Centre speaker placement

The center speaker must be positioned near the screen for realistic reproduction of dialogue. It can be placed under the television if there is sufficient room in the TV stand (fig. G).

If a standard projection screen is used, the center speaker should be placed at the foot of the screen for best results. If a micro perforated screen is used, it can be positioned behind the screen, towards the bottom half of the screen (fig. H).

Surround speaker placement

The sophistication of film soundtracks, especially those mixed in 5.1, or 7.1 means that a very broad range of surround-sound effects can be achieved nowadays. The choice of positioning for surround speakers is, therefore, crucial for achieving a realistic 3D sound space.

The aim is to apply basic rules to achieve sounds that are sufficiently diffused and difficult to locate.

Do not place surround speakers too far behind the listening point, as this will lead to degraded sound perception from them. Aim for placement along the side walls for more enveloping sound effects (figs. I, J)

Loudspeakers placement

• Position yourself in your normal listening point.
• Place the diagram below facing your screen
• It shows you the best locations for your satellite speakers.

Attaching the bookshelf speaker to a stand

Firstly turn the cabinet over so that it is resting on its top (on the packaging padding), taking care not to damage the cabinet-work, glass top- plate or speaker cones when carrying out this operation. Remove the four screws located on the base of the loudspeaker (fig. K), then place the stand on the base of the loudspeaker. Secure the loudspeaker the four screws provided with the stand. (see instructions manual of Focal stand S900).

Surround mounting with Polyfix wall bracket (SR900)

• Place the wall rest on to the wall and drill. Use only plugs fitting your wall material.
• If the loudspeaker cable is embedded in the wall, guide it through the wall mounted bracket’s opening as indicated.
• If the loudspeaker cable is fixed to the wall, slide it under the wall mounted bracket as indicated.
• Guide the loudspeaker cable through the Polyfix plate as indicated.
• Clip the plate on the loudspeaker to the wall mounted bracket as indicated (fig. L, M).

Accessories

Aria 900 floorstanding speakers are fitted with spikes on their metal plinth. These can be adjusted in height using the tool provided. After use, this tool is stored behind the loudspeaker protection grille (fig. N, O).

Precautions for use

The TNF tweeter uses a relatively flexible Aluminum/Magnesium alloy, with a “shape memory” enabling it to withstand the majority of small impacts in the home. Nevertheless, we recommend leaving the fabric grilles in place to protect the dome. If the dome surface is marked this could have an impact on the tweeter.

Cleaning instructions

The only maintenance required for the Aria 900 is dusting with a dry cloth. If the cabinet becomes marked, we recommend simply using a damp cloth. The glass top-plate can be cleaned using a soft cloth and a standard glass cleaning product. Never use solvents, detergents, alcohol-based or corrosive products, scrapers or scourers to clean the loudspeaker surface. Keep the loudspeakers away from sources of heat.

Choice of amplifier

It is not an excess of amplifier power that can damage your loudspeakers and drivers but a lack of power. Moreover, if the volume is turned too high, the amplifier saturates and generates parasite signals that may destroy the tweeter.

The dynamic capacity and definition of Aria 900 loudspeakers are sufficient to show up the strengths and weaknesses of whatever amplifier is connected. Your retailer will be able to guide your choice, to suit your tastes and budget.

Choosing cables

Choose good quality cables with a cross-section appropriate to their length: your retailer will be able to advise you.

Warranty terms and conditions

All Focal loudspeakers are covered by warranty drawn up by the official Focal distributor in your country. Your distributor can provide all details concerning the conditions of warranty. Warranty cover extends at least to that granted by the legal warranty in force in the country where the original purchase invoice was issued.

Fitting spike protectors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are bipolar speakers good for surround sound?****

For many moviegoers, a high-quality surround sound system requires bipolar speakers. When they’re powered by a receiver that can reproduce high- definition audio, their specific driver configuration gives you a larger field of sound and improved audio effects.

Where bipolar speakers should be placed?****

The best location for bipolar speakers in a 5.1 configuration will be right behind the listening position, facing the front speakers. They should be positioned 1 to 2 feet above the listener, parallel to or little broader than the front speakers.

Can you use bipolar speakers as front speakers?****

Not every speaker can be used as a front speaker. Bipolar speakers are made to be utilized as side or back speakers in a surround system to create ambience. Although they can be used as main speakers, they might not function as effectively as a bookshelf or floor-standing speaker in that capacity.

Are bipolar surround speakers better?****

Bipolar speakers are for you if you listen to a lot of music or if you can’t place the speakers perfectly perpendicular to the listening position.

Are bipolar speakers good for rear surround?****

Bipolar speakers typically operate as surround speakers in all surround installations with the front drivers aimed at the listener.

Are bipolar speakers good for Atmos?****

Due to their inherent imprecision, dipole and bipolar speakers cannot be relied upon to accurately locate Atmos sound objects. Choose traditional speakers for the rear channels if you’re using Atmos.

How far away should surround speakers be?****

They ought to be elevated to a height of about six feet, and ideally there ought to be a minimum distance of six feet between them as well.

Why do older speakers sound better?****

At the time, less bass-enhancing equipment was being used in the music industry. Vintage speakers often create more potent lows as a result, enabling listeners to distinguish between upright bass and double bass.

Do speakers sound better in series or parallel?****

Speakers wired in parallel will always be louder. Less voltage per speaker due to series wiring results in increased impedance, which reduces speaker volume.

Do surround speakers need to match front speakers?****

They ought to be elevated to a height of about six feet, and ideally there ought to be a minimum distance of six feet between them as well.

Why do speakers sound better in a corner?****

At the time, less bass-enhancing equipment was being used in the music industry. Vintage speakers often create more potent lows as a result, enabling listeners to distinguish between upright bass and double bass.

What is better 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound?****

A 5.1 surround sound system generates surround sound using 6 channels that are sent to 6 speakers. 8 channels are used in 7.1 surround sound systems. There is a minor improvement in audio quality because to the two additional sound channels and speakers.

Is True HD better than Atmos?****

When a device can support both of them, Dolby Atmos is prioritized over Dolby True HD. To put it another way, if you play a movie that has Atmos audio, your speaker system will decode the Atmos data and generate sound from it.

When should I use bipole speakers?****

Bipole speakers are for you if you listen to a lot of music or if you can’t place the speakers perfectly perpendicular to the listening position.

Is it better to overpower or Underpower speakers?****

A speaker will certainly die sooner if they are overpowered. If you are very careful and don’t turn it up to the point of clipping, under powering can be safer.

What happens when you put too many watts in a speaker?****

The speakers may clip or experience distortion if the amplifier produces more electrical energy than they can manage, but damage is unlikely.

How many watts is a good sounding speaker?****

A decent rule of thumb is that 50 watts per channel are required for high- quality sound. However, you might want to think about an amplifier to increase the power output if you’re seeking for a sound system that is really potent.

What happens if AMP is too powerful for speakers?****

When speakers are connected to amps with an excessive power rating, the speakers suffer.

Should speaker wattage be higher than amplifier?****

No, it is always advised to use an amplifier with around twice the power of the speaker’s rated wattage.

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