THE ULTIMATUM XLi LOUDSPEAKER
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Congratulations on choosing the ULTIMATUM XLi loudspeakers. Please read the following notes in order to get the
best from them.
RUNNING IN
A 'running in' period of at least 200 hours is necessary for optimum performance.
SETUP
The XLi loudspeakers are packed in two crates, with the plinths and fixings located above the speaker itself.
Place the enclosure upside-down on a clean, non-abrasive surface (the ethafoam packing sheets are suitable).
Place the plinths onto the bottom of the cabinet and line up the screw-holes with those on the cabinet. Fit the long
M6 screws with the supplied 4mm allen key.
Fit the locking rings to the spikes and screw them into the bushes on the bottom of the plinth. Return to upright and
level the speaker by adjusting the spikes. Once level, ensure that the locking rings are tight.
PLACEMENT IN THE ROOM
Room acoustics vary tremendously and there are few hard and fast rules about placement. A degree of
experimentation is necessary for optimum placement but a
starting point
of 50 cm from rear walls and 60 cm from
side walls is suggested, with a toe-in of 10-20 degrees. Generally, bass output increases as distance from the rear
wall, or room corner, decreases. Stereo depth and associated effects improve as the speaker is brought away from
room boundaries.
Perseverance at the setup stage will be rewarded. Move the loudspeaker in small increments (2-3 cm) and assess
the changes until satisfied with the in-room balance.
Often, very small changes of the loudspeaker position can result
in a substantial improvement in performance.
CONNECTIONS
The ULTIMATUM XLi is supplied with bi-wiring/bi-amplification terminals, which are fitted with links in order to
facilitate single wiring.
Bi-wiring
is effected by running two sets of cable from the amplifier output terminals. Connect one set to the lower
and one set to the upper terminals on the rear of the speaker. Take care to ensure correct phasing (i.e. red and black
connections maintained at amplifier and speaker). Bi-wiring can bring about a significant change in performance and
this should be evaluated on an individual basis. Some amplifiers will respond better than others, whilst personal taste
is also a strong factor.
Bi-amplification
is highly recommended. This involves the use of 2 stereo amplifiers (or 4 mono amplifiers). When
this mode of operation is being considered, it is advisable to consult a dealer, or Neat Acoustics, for advice.
