ARX High-Performance Loudspeakers User manual
Owner's Manual and User Guide - v1.2
Arx High-Performance Loudspeakers
Dear Arx Owner:
Thank you and con ratulations! Hi h performance Arx loudspeakers represent a number of bona
fide advances in affordable loudspeaker desi n and construction: Your adventure in affordable
reat sound be ins now.
As a new Arx owner, I wish you years of enjoyment from your purchase – I'll o into why Arx is so
special in just a moment. If you have any questions about Arx, please contact us:
Web: www.The AudioInsider.com
Email: support@theaudioinsider.com
Phone: 800-992-7252
Every Arx loudspeaker is backed by The Audio Insider's len thy experience, hours of professional
CAD and fine tunin , and seasoned production facilities, which you may have discussed with us
prior to makin your decision to own Arx. I have personally assured that each Arx model includes
exceptional components and the purist desi n and en ineerin philosophy we've built into this
product cate ory for the last four years.
As of 2010 only new Arx technolo y and desi n provides such a hi h standard at such a low cost
of acquisition. New Arx loudspeakers are the result of decades of experience combined with
expert en ineerin and thorou hly professional manufacturin .
Every Arx loudspeaker is also backed by The Audio Insider's 30 Day In-Home Trial Guarantee. If
you're not completely deli hted with your Arx purchase, simply return it to us for a prompt refund*.
The Audio Insider's Internet-direct distribution allow users access to unique, hi h value audio
products without the usual dealer mark-ups that may double the cost of competin brands.
Arx owners are also secure knowin they may thorou hly evaluate their purchase for 30 days in
their home at our risk. With Arx you et a direct conduit to some of the most advanced technolo y
ever seen at such low cost but you also enjoy plenty of time to evaluate your purchase where it
counts: in your own home.
Why is Arx so unique? There are a number of reasons why Arx delivers such a hi h level of
performance at such modest prices.
First, every Arx model includes an advanced “planar ma netic” hi h frequency transducer. Unlike
conventional tweeters, the Arx tweeter uses a thin-film thermoplastic diaphra m onto which
electrical voice coil is directly deposited. There are no other soft parts: No cone or dome, no lue
joints, no suspension or acoustically problematic movin parts. Commonly called a “ribbon”, the
Arx tweeter connects most directly to the si nal and transfers more musical detail to the listener.
Arx loudspeakers are presented exclusively by The Audio Insider
www.TheAudioInsider.com
800-992-7252
© The Audio Insider 2010. Subject to chan e without notice. pa e 1
Owner's Manual and User Guide - v1.2
Arx High-Performance Loudspeakers
Second, every Arx model also includes special XBL2 SplitGaptm low frequency drivers. Unlike all
conventional woofers and unlike virtually all common speakers on the market at Arx's low cost of
ownership, SplitGaptm provides a dramatic and audible improvement in bass fidelity and power.
SplitGaptm slashes woofer distortion by up to two-thirds and increases bass output by nearly twice,
speaker for speaker, brand for brand, and dollar for dollar.
Third, while modestly styled for lowest possible cost, Arx includes the internal quality you expect
from an expensive major loudspeaker brand from a reputable manufacturer. For Arx we provided
very hi h rade manufacturin , quality control, and testin . Every Arx model is professionally
made from precision, computer mill-cut panels of internally-braced heavy stock for stren th,
acoustical inertness, and lon life. Arx's black ash PVC jacketin is seamlessly applied to the
finished enclosure without visible joints or breaks.
Arx quality extends throu hout the loudspeaker. Arx driver frames and bezels are electrostatically
powder-coated and baked, and all woofer frames are heavy cast alloy for maximum precision and
lowest distortion. Arx crossover networks use premium film capacitors, non-inductive resistors,
and low-loss inductors placed on lass-epoxy component boards for transparency and
responsiveness you can hear.
Lastly, as a final step, every Arx model is tested before bein packed carefully in heavy-duty
cartons. From desi n inception to your door, literally every component in every Arx loudspeaker is
desi ned, built, and assembled to hi h industry standards – unlike some competitors, we never
use unskilled desi n or labor at any point in the Arx process, and the finished Arx loudspeaker
clearly shows this attention to detail.
Arx is a thorou hly professional brand. Should any aspect of your new Arx loudspeakers not live
up to your expectations, let us know and we'll make it ri ht. From carton to your musical
enjoyment, Arx really is a precision device produced by industry professionals but at an
unprecedented low cost to you.
Thanks a ain for trustin Arx and the team at The Audio Insider. Arx has been a lon term project
for us and we're proud we could serve you.
Jon Lane
The Audio Insider
*subject to conditions; please consult our website for details.
Arx loudspeakers are presented exclusively by The Audio Insider
www.TheAudioInsider.com
800-992-7252
© The Audio Insider 2010. Subject to chan e without notice. pa e 2
Owner's Manual and User Guide - v1.2
Arx High-Performance Loudspeakers
Contents
Arrival, Unpackin , & Inspection 4
Model-specific Instructions 5
About the Arx Loudspeaker 8
Break-in and Sources 8
The Arx Bass System and Tunin 10
Room Setup 12
Care 13
Warranty 14
Arx loudspeakers are presented exclusively by The Audio Insider
www.TheAudioInsider.com
800-992-7252
© The Audio Insider 2010. Subject to chan e without notice. pa e 3
Owner's Manual and User Guide - v1.2
Arx High-Performance Loudspeakers
Arrival
Each Arx packa e is desi ned to protect the precision loudspeaker inside from the ri ors of round
delivery throu hout North America. Every loudspeaker ships in heavy duty packa in consistin of
a stron outer carton enclosin ru ed closed cell foam cradles that encircle the loudspeaker at
ends, corners, and in some cases, at points alon the len th of the speaker.
Upon your receipt of the carton, it is important that you perform a complete inspection, preferably
in the driver's presence. Check each of the carton's six sides for crushin , perforation, and water
dama e. The carton must be intact and should not have evidence of trauma.
(If you find what appears to be si nificant dama e, note this to the driver and ask that he or she
allow you to open the packa e to inspect the contents. If the speaker itself is dama ed, note this
to the driver, refuse delivery of that packa e, and contact The Audio Insider.)
Unpackin
Carefully unpack your new Arx loudspeakers:
•Slit the tape holdin the cartons closed.
•Provided you are sure you are physically capable of doin so, lift or slide the speaker from
the carton, includin their foam carriers
•Remove the foam carriers from the loudspeakers
•Carefully unwrap the speakers from their poly dust covers
•For stora e, shippin , or return warranty service, keep the packin materials, includin
cartons
Inspection
•Inspect the speakers for any physical blemish or dama e. All surfaces should be clean,
unmarred, solid, and true.
•Note any shippin dama e and report it to both the shipper and The Audio Insider.
Remember that while we will assist a dama e claim and will arran e both the replacement
shipment and the pickup of the dama ed product, you are the le al owner and we'll need
your assistance. Keep a record of your trackin number and provide it to both the shipper
and The Audio Insider as we claim the dama e.
Arx loudspeakers are presented exclusively by The Audio Insider
www.TheAudioInsider.com
800-992-7252
© The Audio Insider 2010. Subject to chan e without notice. pa e 4
Owner's Manual and User Guide - v1.2
Arx High-Performance Loudspeakers
•Components – bass drivers, midran e drivers, planar ma netic treble drivers, all faceplates
and chassis, ports, input terminals, rilles and bad es – must be in perfect condition
•The speaker's outer surfaces should be strai ht, flat and unblemished
•Verify that the loudspeaker's port is loaded with a charcoal-ester foam port plu
•After readin this user uide and implementin any necessary steps, move the speakers to
their final destination and connect to your amplifier or receiver
•Turn your system on at a low level and verify that all the drivers in each speaker are audible
Model-specific instructions
The Arx A1. The smallest Arx loudspeaker has only one setup variable, which is its bass
ali nment. Please read The Arx Bass System and Tunin in this user uide.
For hi h output in a multi-channel system with subwoofer, we recommend that the A1 be used as a
satellite, effects, or surround speaker with the processor set to “small speaker” and with it's bass
reflex port blocked with the foam plu included. For a richer sound at more moderate levels, the
A1 is suited for use as a main speaker with its port open and with the processor set to “lar e
speaker”.
The Arx A2. The A2 model has the same convertible bass system as the A1. Please see The Arx
Bass System and Tunin for information on how to use this feature. The A2 is desi ned as a
Left/Center/Ri ht speaker (LCR), meanin that it can be used horizontally as a center channel
speaker, or vertically as a left and ri ht front main loudspeaker.
For hi h output in a multi-channel system with subwoofer, we recommend that the A2 be used as a
front satellite or center channel speaker with it's bass reflex port blocked with the foam plu
included. For a richer sound at moderate to loud levels, the A2 is suited for use as a main speaker
with its port open.
To use the A2 as a front main loudspeaker, please rotate the tweeter 90 de rees so that its lon
axis is reoriented vertically. A corner of the A2's tweeter mountin area is shown on the next pa e.
Because it is scalloped alon both the vertical and horizontal axis, it will accept the tweeter either
vertically or horizontally. Ensure that the tweeter is always ali ned vertically, re ardless of speaker
orientation.
Arx loudspeakers are presented exclusively by The Audio Insider
www.TheAudioInsider.com
800-992-7252
© The Audio Insider 2010. Subject to chan e without notice. pa e 5
Owner's Manual and User Guide - v1.2
Arx High-Performance Loudspeakers
To rotate an A2 tweeter back to vertical:
1. Remove the rille and lay the speaker on its back on a carpeted surface
2. Usin a common screwdriver, remove the four screws that hold the tweeter plate to
the enclosure and set them aside. IMPORTANT: Remove only the four outermost
screws at the extreme outside corners of the tweeter faceplate. Do not remove the
four screws at the corners of the copper-colored diaphra m's window nearer the
center of the tweeter – those four screws attach the tweeter to its faceplate.
3. Gently lift the tweeter an inch free of the front face of the speaker and rotate it 90
de rees either clockwise or counterclockwise
4. Place the tweeter back into the enclosure, takin care to ensure that the sealin
asket is in place and ali ned
5. Replace the four mountin screws and ti hten them ently, usin a back and forth
pattern to snu them all up uniformly. Take care to not overti hten, bend the
faceplate, or ti hten unevenly.
When complete, the A2's tweeter will be positioned so that the lon axis of the copper-colored
diaphra m's “window” is ali ned vertically, or alon the lon axis of the speaker itself when that
speaker is used vertically.
An A2 used horizontally as a center channel speaker should also have its tweeter ali ned vertically,
meanin that it's tweeter will be perpendicular to the speaker's lon axis. This is how the A2 ships
from The Audio Insider.
The Arx A3. The A3 also uses the convertible bass system. Please see The Arx Bass System and
Tunin for more information. For hi h output in a multi-channel system with subwoofer, the A3
Arx loudspeakers are presented exclusively by The Audio Insider
www.TheAudioInsider.com
800-992-7252
© The Audio Insider 2010. Subject to chan e without notice. pa e 6
Owner's Manual and User Guide - v1.2
Arx High-Performance Loudspeakers
may be used in “small speaker” or “lar e speaker” mode, with it's bass reflex port blocked with the
foam plu included or left open, dependin on processor settin s. For a bi , full-ran e sound at
moderate to hi h levels, the A3 is suited for use as a main speaker with its port open.
The A3 ships with its base platform detached to facilitate packin . To attach the base platform:
1. Set the entire speaker upside down on a firm surface covered so as to protect the top of the
speaker
2. The A3's platform “foot” has a curved front ed e and is bull-nosed around its upper
circumference. Place the platform so that the curved ed e faces the front of the speaker,
and the bull-nosed ed es are facin down toward the inverted speaker. Firmly ti hten the
three screws that attach the base to the speaker. Do not overti hten.
3. If desired, insert four threaded feet into the base and ti hten
4. Carefully invert the speaker back to upri ht and install for use
The A3 has a mass-loadin option built into its base. A small plu seals a chamber beneath the
bass enclosure and this chamber may be filled with a ranular material that lends the speaker
mass and stability. Loadin this chamber may also improve bass definition and is recommended
for best sound.
To fill the Arx A3's mass-loadin chamber:
1. Invert the speaker as before, takin care to protect its top.
2. Remove the screws attachin the base platform to the speaker and lift it off.
3. Remove the plu sealin the lower chamber.
4. Carefully fill or partly fill the chamber with a dry, clean, inor anic and inert material such as
dry, washed sand. We recommend white silica or plaster sand, available at any buildin
supply outlet. Use such materials with due care and observe the manufacturer's safety
instructions, includin clean up procedures.
5. Firmly replace the plu and ensure that it is fully seated.
6. Replace the base platform, usin the instructions above.
7. Invert the speaker back to normal and install for use. Take reat care with this step as the
speaker will now wei h more than it did when you first inverted it for this step.
NOTE: usin the mass-loadin function may add appreciable wei ht to the A3. Do not attempt this
option if you are unable to mana e and move a heavier speaker. Please do not attempt this work
alone.
Arx loudspeakers are presented exclusively by The Audio Insider
www.TheAudioInsider.com
800-992-7252
© The Audio Insider 2010. Subject to chan e without notice. pa e 7
Owner's Manual and User Guide - v1.2
Arx High-Performance Loudspeakers
About the Arx Loudspeaker
An Arx loudspeaker houses an impressive array of technolo ies – Arx's low cost is a testament to
excellent desi n choices, no-frills stylin , hi h-value professional manufacturin , and direct
distribution.
Arx loudspeakers use a special “SplitGap” low frequency system coupled to a radical “planar
ma netic” hi h frequency transducer technolo y. Some upcomin Arx models may also include
dedicated midran e sections. Arx SplitGap low frequency drivers incorporate two voice coil aps,
doublin the cone's linear excursion limits, and makin Arx amon the most musically powerful
speakers even at a number of times their cost.
Arx also includes adequate “diffraction step” compensation in the crossover filterin between its
multiple drivers. Diffraction step compensation means that each Arx speaker is suitable for main
channel use away from boundaries like walls.
Break-in and Sources
A new, “ reen” Arx loudspeaker fresh out of the carton will likely not develop its full sense of depth,
richness, and smooth, musical detail and life for some time. While speaker break-in is a potentially
controversial subject, we've found that one must exercise the new hi h-excursion Arx loudspeaker
extensively over a period of days to have it settle into its final sonic nature, as subtle as this effect
may be to some.
We recommend simply installin the speakers and playin them as you normally would as much as
possible durin the first 30 days. Do not over-drive them durin this period or at any other time
durin the speaker's life, but do subject them to at least the avera e use you normally ive your
system. Expect them to become smoother and more lifelike after at least a dozen hours of normal
on-and-off use. We recommend as much as a hundred hours of cumulative use before the
speaker is assured of havin thorou hly conditioned every component in the system.
A loudspeaker is also subject to environmental variables. For example, very hi h humidity can
temporarily “load” the or anic movin parts such as paper and cloth to dull the sound, whereas a
moderate humidity and temperature will provide best results.
Positionin in the room is also important. Later in this setup uide we discuss how best to position
your new Arx loudspeakers.
Like all performance-oriented loudspeakers, an Arx speaker will also take on the sound of the
drivin electronics and sources, whether LP, CD, or DVD. An Arx loudspeaker does not need a
reat deal of power, and we neither recommend very lar e amplifiers nor do we recommend a
Arx loudspeakers are presented exclusively by The Audio Insider
www.TheAudioInsider.com
800-992-7252
© The Audio Insider 2010. Subject to chan e without notice. pa e 8
Owner's Manual and User Guide - v1.2
Arx High-Performance Loudspeakers
small amplifier driven over its limits and into audible distortion, or clippin .
We recommend “hi h-current” amplification, or in the case of a transistor amplifier, an amplifier
whose power ratin is appreciably hi her into four ohms versus the usually specified ei ht – in
some cases this difference can be as much as 100%. Such an amplifier exhibits hi h peak current
delivery that may enhance its audible control over the speaker.
With a ood quality, hi h-current amplifier of even 30 watts per channel, you may expect to hear a
more lifelike, smoother sound, with better definition and enerally more pleasant and enjoyable
sonic si nature, Vacuum tube amplifiers are also potentially a reeable with a loudspeaker
desi ned and voiced for best musical authenticity. As the final sta e of the desi n process prior to
production, all Arx models are tuned usin a hi h performance amplifier and both analo and
di ital sources.
Arx loudspeakers are presented exclusively by The Audio Insider
www.TheAudioInsider.com
800-992-7252
© The Audio Insider 2010. Subject to chan e without notice. pa e 9
Owner's Manual and User Guide - v1.2
Arx High-Performance Loudspeakers
The Arx Bass System and Tunin
Each Arx loudspeaker includes a double-duty bass ali nment feature. The charcoal-colored foam
port plu s included with the speaker converts the speaker's bass system from bass reflex (open
port) to acoustic suspension (closed port). Before you insert or remove the port plu s, let's review
how each “ali nment” affects your home theater or music system's setup and use.
The closed-port option provides a hi her bass cutoff point (the bass frequency at which the
speaker be ins its radual decline in loudness as the frequencies decrease). Removin the port
plu rants the speaker a deeper bass cutoff frequency – published Arx specifications rate the
speaker by this second, lower fi ure.
Each of an Arx loudspeaker's two bass tunin options includes a distinctly different cutoff rate. The
bass reflex ali nment attenuates decreasin bass frequencies at approximately twice the rate of
the acoustical suspension ali nment. A summary:
•Port closed – acoustic suspension – hi her bass cutoff frequency – shallow cutoff
attenuation rate
•Port open – bass reflex – lower bass cutoff frequency – sharp cutoff attenuation rate
How you use the Arx loudspeaker will determine which of these two options you select. We'll
explain that next.
As mentioned, each Arx loudspeaker is desi ned to be used as a main speaker and does not need
the further boundary reinforcement from a wall or lar e surface bookshelf and desktop speakers
may be desi ned to require for full, neutral sound across the entire audible spectrum.
A loudspeaker with powerful bass and midbass ener y may then naturally become overpowerin if
pressed into service a ainst a back wall or inside a furniture unit. This variable affects all
loudspeakers with flat, neutral response down to their bass cutoff frequency.
Where the loudspeaker is to be used in close quarters, to miti ate this effect the user may simply
reduce the speaker's ability to plumb the lowest frequencies. Convertin the speaker's bass cutoff
attenuation profile to a more radual, shallower rate further aids the oal of inte ratin it into such
a placement with a subwoofer. Fortunately both features are achieved in one setup, which is to
select the closed-port acoustic suspension ali nment.
On the other hand, many Arx users will want to experience the full wei ht and impact of the special
SplitGap low frequency drivers, and will also have the ability to use the speakers in a conventional
settin , meanin with their faces three or more feet from the back wall. In this case the port plu s
may be removed and stored. The Arx speaker will develop maximum bass ener y and will also
Arx loudspeakers are presented exclusively by The Audio Insider
www.TheAudioInsider.com
800-992-7252
© The Audio Insider 2010. Subject to chan e without notice. pa e 10
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