Acurus ARIES, User Manual, Page: 7 / 20

system planning and
optimizing
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In order to experience the best performance from your
integrated amplifier, the entire system needs to be planned
and components carefully selected to work together. Your
authorized Acurus dealer is trained to be able to help you
ensure your components work well together.
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The following are some helpful guidelines to ensure your
Acurus integrated amplifier is well-matched to the other
components in your system.
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1. Quality loudspeakers can have a dramatic impact on
overall sound quality in a system for a given room
environment. When planning or upgrading a system, as
a rule of thumb, we recommend budgeting for
loudspeakers at or somewhat above the price of your
amplifier electronics. Your Acurus dealer will be able to
advise you on best loudspeaker selection for your
electronics, your environment, and, most importantly,
your listening preferences.
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2. Using higher-efficiency loudspeakers (87dB/W/m or
greater) will reduce the average amount of amplifier
power consumed to produce a target listening loudness.
This effectively helps reserve greater peak amplifier
power when loud transient passages are reproduced.
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3. High-power amplifiers (over 100W continuous into 8
ohms) are generally OK to pair with speakers with
slightly lower power ratings, particularly if subwoofers
are involved. Higher-power amplifiers will tend not to go
into clipping distortion as readily as lower-powered
amplifiers or receivers. Clipping is a type of distortion
that is prone to damage loudspeakers.
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4. Preamps should be chosen with output voltage swing
capability equal to or greater than the amplifier
sensitivity spec for full rated power output (for example,
1.42V for full rated output). Similarly, an ideal preamp
choice has a noise spec less than or equal to that of the
power amplifier. Using the Aries line output with other
Acurus-branded amplifiers ensures a perfect match.
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ARIES placement and
setup
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An enjoyable home entertainment experience always begins
with carefully planned placement and setup of system
components. This section will provide guidance on how to
best install your new Acurus integrated amplifier.
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Shelf Mounting
"
When planning to mount on a shelf, be aware of the physical
dimensions of your Acurus integrated amplifier as outlined in
the section entitled “Technical Specifications”.
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It is ALWAYS advisable to: #
1. Provide ample space above the unit (1-2 inches is the
minimum preferred)
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2. Provide plenty of room (at least 1-2 inches) between the
sides of the unit at nearby surfaces or other components
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3. Locate the unit near an AC outlet or power conditioner
and avoid using extension cords or power strips
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4. Locate the integrated amplifier as close as possible to
audio source units such as optical players or music
servers
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5. Use as short length wire leads as practical, especially
on the amplifier inputs
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6. Connect the integrated amplifier to the same mains
circuit as audio source units
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It is NEVER advisable to:
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1. Enclose the unit in a cabinet without air flow or
adequate ventilation, particularly across the heat fins
along the side and back of the unit.
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2. Place the unit near a source of moisture such as a
window or a live plant
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3. Place other components in a stack on top of the
amplifier
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4. Place the amplifier on a carpeted surface #
5. Remove the safety ground connector from the AC mains
cord
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Rack Mounting "
Your Acurus integrated amplifier can easily be configured to
mount in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet with an optional
Acurus rack mount accessory kit, ARM-3. Hardware and
detailed installation instructions are included with the kit. See
your authorized retailer or contact Acurus to obtain a rack kit
for your Aries.
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7 ACURUS ARIES INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER USER GUIDE
Revision 10302014 Document 1000189