VRM80/90 manual v3 11/28/01 12:58 PM Page 1 VR-M80 VR-M90 Reference Series High Performance Floorstanding Speakers VRM80/90 manual v3 11/28/01 12:58 PM Page 2 Specifications Frequency Response (±3dB) Recommended Amplifier Power Nominal Impedance Sensitivity [1 watt (2.83v) at 1m] Bass Units Midrange Tweeter VR-M90 36­20,000Hz 50­350 watts 8 ohms 89dB 2 x 61/2" (165mm) DCD copolymer 31/2" (89mm) 1" (25mm) black anodized aluminum dome with AMD VR-M80 42­20,000Hz 50­250 watts 8 ohms 90dB 2 x 51/4" (135mm) DCD copolymer 1" (25mm) black anodized aluminum dome with AMD 2500Hz 333/4 x 91/4 x 12" (857 x 235 x 305mm) 58 lbs. (26.3kg) Cherry wood veneer with cast aluminum baseplate Crossover Frequency Dimensions (HxWxD) Weight Finish 350, 2500Hz 371/4 x 91/4 x 14" (946 x 235 x 357mm) 65 lbs. (29.5kg) Cherry wood veneer with cast aluminum baseplate Description The VR-M80 and VR-M90 are monitor-quality floorstanding speakers designed to deliver accurate, natural reproduction, with an elegant appearance. All the exposed surfaces of the VRM-80 and VR-M90 are clad in a hand-rubbed cherry hardwood veneer. Extra thick, 11/8-inch MDF is used for the cabinet side walls, to maximize cabinet rigidity and minimize coloration. A vertical brace runs the entire height of both cabinets, to further reduce unwanted cabinet resonance. The rearmounted vent is smoothly flared at both ends to reduce port turbulence, and both speakers feature dual gold-plated binding posts, allowing bi-wiring or bi-amping with virtually any cable. Special care has been taken to optimize the speakers' components for maximum performance: The bass units utilize diecast aluminum baskets that keep the critical moving parts in precise alignment for exceptionally accurate response. The cast baskets also conduct heat away from the voice coil, increasing power handling and maximizing output. The woofer cones and surround geometry were designed and optimized with Boston's Finite Element Analysis (FEA) computer modeling technology, for strong bass and smooth midrange. High frequencies are handled by Boston's patented 1-inch (25mm) aluminum tweeter with Amplitude Modification DeviceTM (AMD). This remarkable driver produces an extremely smooth, flat response well beyond the audible range. A die-cast, multi-finned aluminum heatsink attached to the tweeter's backplate dissipates heat quickly and efficiently, assuring cool, trouble-free operation, even at very high power levels. All the drive units are designed at Boston's Peabody, Massachusetts facility using state-of-the-art computer-design programs, and are built on Boston's proprietary production lines to an incredible ±1dB--perhaps the industry's tightest tolerance. Both systems feature MagnaGuard® magnetic shielding for compatibility with home theater systems. A new 31/2-inch (89mm) midrange driver is being used for the first time in the VR-M90. Its cast-aluminum basket has an integrated yoke for its neodymium magnet, assuring extraordinary heat dissipation characteristics. The injection molded polypropylene cone is molded with the surround, eliminating a glue joint. This reduces the mass of the moving parts of the driver, and improves power handling and high frequency performance. The crossovers for the VR-M80 and VR-M90 have been enhanced to maximize sound quality and improve power handling. An extra-thick glass epoxy printed circuit board supports thicker traces. The connecting wires are 16 gauge, and all connections are gold plated. The cast aluminum base plate provides additional coupling of the speaker to the floor, while enhancing its handsome aesthetic. Each speaker is furnished with height adjustable, rubber capped feet as well as two lengths of carpet spikes. Also included are gold-plated hex caps, for a more elegant appearance. 2 VRM80/90 manual v3 11/28/01 12:58 PM Page 3 How to Connect Your Speakers Correctly wiring your speakers is important for achieving the best sound quality. Wiring should take just a few minutes, but it's important to do it carefully, since incorrect wiring (such as reversed connections) can result in a poor soundstage and poor bass. We recommend 16-gauge wire or thicker for runs up to 15 feet (4.5m), and 14-gauge wire or thicker for longer runs. (see Speaker Cable section on page 5). Separate the first few inches of the wire conductors. Strip off 1/2" (12mm) of insulation from the ends of each speaker wire to expose the two conductors and tightly twist the wire strands. WARNING: To prevent electrical shock hazard, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when making connections to the speaker. When making all connections, be sure to connect the + (red) on the speaker to the + (red) on the amplifier, and the ­ (black) on the speaker to the ­ (black) on the amplifier. IMPORTANT: Typically, one side of the wire is smooth. Connect this side to the ­ (black) connection. The other side has a rib or stripe. Connect this to the + (red) connection. Using the five-way binding posts: The binding posts permit easy connection to banana plugs, spade lugs, and bare wire. Insert the wire in the hole and tighten. Checking the Speaker Connections It is important that your speakers are hooked up with similar polarity or "in phase." A simple listening test will tell you if your speakers are connected properly. Place the speakers face to face, as closely together as possible. While listening to music with your amplifier set to MONO, reverse the connections at one speaker only. You'll hear a dramatic change in sound. The connection that yields the fuller bass and louder sound is correct. 3 VRM80/90 manual v3 11/28/01 12:58 PM Page 4 Connecting the VR-M80 or VR-M90 to Your Amplifier or Receiver Basic Hookup 1. Connect the speaker terminals to the amplifier speaker outputs. 2. Make sure the speaker terminal jumper straps are in place on the back of the speaker. 3. When making all connections, be sure to connect + to + (red) and ­ to ­ (black). speaker terminal with jumper strap in place amplifier or receiver Bi-wiring Bi-wiring increases the flow of current and decreases intermodulation of different frequencies by providing separate inputs to the woofer and midrange/tweeter sections. Bi-wiring will usually improve the sound quality, although the improvement may be quite subtle. If you choose to bi-wire, use the same type and length of wire for all connections. When making all connections, be sure to connect + to + (red) and ­ to ­ (black). 1. Unscrew both sets of terminals and remove the jumper straps. 2. Connect the wires from the amplifier's speaker terminals to each individual set of terminals on the back of the speaker as shown. amplifier or receiver 4 VRM80/90 manual v3 11/28/01 12:58 PM Page 5 Bi-amplification Bi-amplification requires using separate amplifiers dedicated to high and low frequencies. Using more than one amplifier can enhance the dynamic performance of your system. "Splitting the load" between two amplifiers lets each amplifier work less hard, increasing the available current to the drive units. When making all connections, be sure to connect + to + (red) and ­ to ­ (black). 1. Unscrew the terminal collars of both sets of terminals and remove the connector straps. 2. Connect the wires from the bottom set of terminals to the amplifier driving the woofers. 3. Connect the wires from the top set of terminals to the amplifier driving the midrange/tweeter. right speaker left speaker low frequency amplifier high frequency amplifier CAUTION: Do not use an external active crossover with your VR-M speakers. The external crossover and the VR-M's internal crossover can interact and distort the phase and frequency response of the system. Speaker Cable You should always use high quality speaker cable for optimum audio results. The thickness or gauge of the cable is equally important. Use the following length to diameter guidelines to maintain the minimum gauge for a particular length: Length Less than 15ft. (4.5m) Less than 30ft. (9m) More than 30ft. (9m) Diameter 3/64 in. (1.3mm) 1/16 in. (1.6mm) 5/64 in. (2.0mm) Gauge 16 awg 14 awg 12 awg 5 VRM80/90 manual v3 11/28/01 12:58 PM Page 6 How to Place Your Speakers The VR-M80 and VR-M90 were designed to deliver exceptional bass extension and tonal balance, regardless of where they are placed. However, for optimal results, it is advisable to position the rear of the speaker to be at least 3 inches (76cm) or more away from the wall or curtains that are behind it. The speakers should also be at least 2 feet (0.6m) from the corners of the room. Putting the speakers too close to a corner can produce an unnatural bass reinforcement that detracts from their balanced, uncolored sound. For optimal bass performance when a speaker must be placed in or near a corner, position it so that the distance to the side wall is different than the distance to the rear wall. Most people like to hear a realistic soundstage, as they would from a good seat in a concert hall. To achieve this effect, place the speakers 6 to 12 feet (2-4m) apart, so they form a triangle with your favorite listening position. If your listening position happens to be less than the distance that the speakers are apart, then you may prefer to "toe-in" the speakers slightly. 2 feet (.6m) or greater 6 to 12 feet (2 to 4m) Boston Boston 6 5 7 4 8 3 9 2 10 1 1 1 0 volume 12 80 120 set none 0 ° 180 ° 50 150 crossover Hz crossover polarity 3 inches (76cm) or greater Listening Room Considerations The listening room's dimensions, furnishings and wall types will all contribute to the way any loudpeaker will respond. If your room is square (same length and width), you may experience low frequency standing waves that can reduce overall clarity. Experiment with different placements and toe-ins to avoid this. Also, the more fabric material there is in a room (curtains, sofas carpets, etc), the more that high and mid-range frequencies will be dampened. Conversely, the more exposed bare walls that there are in the room, the brighter the speakers will sound. Thus, you may also want to experiment with speaker placements with these considerations in mind. 6 VRM80/90 manual v3 11/28/01 12:58 PM Page 7 Leveling Your Speakers and Adjusting the Height of the Sonic Image The cast aluminum base plate provides additional coupling of the speaker to the floor by utilizing height adjustable, rubber capped feet (factory installed) or two lengths of carpet spikes which are included in the hardware bag. Both the feet and the spikes are threaded through the base plate and can therefore can be screwed in or out to change the speaker's height at each corner. Independently adjusting the height of each corner can serve two functions: 1) Leveling a speaker that is placed on an uneven floor surface. 2) Raising or lowering the sonic image of the speaker. While these speakers have been designed to have exceptional vertical dispersion, by changing their "rake" or audio projection angle, you can optimize their sonic image to your preferred listening height. If your seating position is in a low slung chair or sofa, you may want to rake the speaker slightly forward. If you listen in taller chairs or sofas or prefer to stand a lot or move about the room, then you may want to rake the speaker slightly backward. Refer to the diagram below on how to change the height or projection angle of your speakers using the rubber capped feet. The process is the same using the spikes except there is no hex nut, thus the included wrench will not be used. Instead, the spike features a knurled surface at the end of its threaded section to facilitate screwing it in or out using your fingers. IMPORTANT: Whether you use the rubber capped feet or the carpet spikes, be sure to remove the decorative gold-plated hex cap nuts before you make your adjustments. Once your adjustments are final, replace the cap nut and tighten it firmly by hand, locking your setting into place. IMPORTANT! Remove gold-plated hex cap nuts before adjusting height Turn to lower Engage wrench on to hex nut Turn to raise Listening Levels and Power Handling The listed power recommendations in the Specifications section assume you will operate your system in a way that will not produce distortion. Even these rugged speakers can be damaged by a modest amplifier if it produces distortion. If you hear a harsh, gritty noise, turn down the volume. Prolonged or repeated operation of your speaker with a distorted signal from the amplifier can cause damage that is not covered by the warranty. 7 VRM80/90 manual v3 11/28/01 12:58 PM Page 8 Grille Removal Instructions We recommend keeping the grille on the cabinet to protect the speaker and maintain its proper appearance. If you must remove the grille, please follow these instructions: If you are leaving the grille on, just pull the plastic strip out from either side. 1) Gras ...