6
allæ
6 Introduction and Positioning
Naim loudspeakers are precision acoustic instruments that will only achieve optimal
performance if installed and set up carefully. Please read these instructions before
installing and using the loudspeakers. Please also retain the packaging for future
use.
The performance of any loudspeaker will be influenced by the room and position in which it is
located. Even small changes of loudspeaker position can significantly influence the sound. Choose
a site where the loudspeakers can be located between 1.2m and 4m apart (4ft and 13ft), clear of
room corners, and where each loudspeaker is between 10cm and 45cm (4” and 18”) away from a
solid rear wall. The distance between the speakers and the rear wall is the aspect of positioning most
likely to require adjustment as you become familiar with the characteristics of the loudspeakers in
your room.
The
allæ
is not magnetically shielded and should be kept well away from CRT displays. Should a
display suffer picture distortion caused by the proximity of
allæ
contact your dealer or installer for
advice.
Loudspeakers, like many hi-fi components, will take time to stabilise and “run-in” and can be
expected to improve with use even over a period of weeks. For this reason it is prudent not to finalise
allæ
positioning until the system has been operating for at least one week.
6.1 Installation
Stage 1
Each
allæ
loudspeaker comprises two separate cabinet
components, the
Upper Cabinet,
containing the bass/mid
driver, and the
Lower Cabinet,
containing the tweeter. These
Components can be identified through diagram 6.3.
To begin installation, first fit the floor spikes and lock-nuts to the
base of each
Lower Cabinet plinth.
The cabinets can safely be
turned upside-down to aid fitting the spikes. If the loudspeakers
are to stand on a thick carpet, leave a generous length of
spike protruding past the lock-nut. If they are to stand on thinly
carpeted or plain floor, the spike length should be reduced. In
either case, best results will be achieved when the spike length
is set to the minimum required for the spike lock-nuts to sit just
above the carpet pile or floor surface.
Note:
The metal bar across the rear underside of the allæ that
attaches the Lower Cabinet to the Plinth is intended to be slightly
loose.
With the floor spikes fitted, each
Lower Cabinet
can be
placed in the appropriate position. Take care not to place the
loudspeakers so close to the wall that the rear spikes foul any
carpet gripper that may be fitted. With the cabinets in position,
adjust the spikes so that the cabinets are upright (a small
spirit level will help) and do not rock. Tighten the lock-nuts with
an appropriate spanner. Check again, once the lock-nuts are
tightened, that the cabinets do not rock on the spikes.
Note:
With thick carpet and underlay it can be difficult to ensure
that the spikes are resting on the floor. Small slits cut into the carpet
once the loudspeaker position is finalised will help.
Note:
If you intend to install the allæ on a non-carpeted floor the
spikes should be used in conjunction with Naim Floor Protectors
(see Diagram 6.4) and set up so that just the tip extends beyond
the lock nut. Your retailer or distributor will be able to supply Floor
Protectors.
Stage 2
The pack containing this manual also contains six small
Precision Interface Pins (PIPS).
Fit three
PIPS
in the three
holes in the top surface of each
Lower Cabinet.
There are two
holes at the front and one at the back. The
PIPS
should be a
loose fit in the holes.
Take each
Upper Cabinet
in turn and carefully lower it onto
the appropriate
Lower Cabinet
locating the
PIPS
in the
corresponding holes on its underside. The loose fit of the
PIPS
allows some adjustment of the alignment of the two cabinets.
Stage 3
Remove the protective tape from the high frequency drivers
mounted in the front of each
Lower Cabinet.
Fit the grilles to
the front of each
Upper Cabinet
by locating the grille studs in
the corresponding holes in the cabinet.
