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Wilson Electronics Alexandria XLF Owner's Manual

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A l e x a n d r i a X L F — O w n e r ' s M a n u a l

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Summary of Contents for Wilson Electronics Alexandria XLF

  • Page 1 A l e x a n d r i a X L F — O w n e r ’ s M a n u a l...
  • Page 3 a b l e o f o n T e n T s C o n t e n t s 1 — i � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7 e c t i o n n t r o d u c t i o n 1 �...
  • Page 4 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l 3 � 1 — u � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3 5 e c t i o n n c r A t i n g t h e l e x A n d r i A...
  • Page 5 a b l e o f o n T e n T s 4 � 7 — u � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5 6 e c t i o n S i n g t h e i f t t o n S t A l l...
  • Page 6 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8 3 o w e r i d r A n g e o d u l e...
  • Page 7 S e c t i o n 1 — I n t r o d u c t i o n S e c t i o n 1 — I n t r o d u c t i o n...
  • Page 9 Alexandria loudspeaker. Alexandria XLF joins the Alexandria family, not as a replacement for the Series 2, but as its even more ambitious sibling. The new XLF clearly resembles the original Al- exandria’s form factor, but its architecture has evolved to support new technology.
  • Page 10 The default configuration of the Alexandria XLF is with the bass port installed in the rear. In rooms where a front-firing port is preferable, it is a simple matter of removing the...
  • Page 11 Wilson’s mechanical engineers reworked the woofer cabinet, thickening the enclosure walls and redesigning the internal bracing geometry. Cabinet contribution in the bass region was extremely low in the Series 2 Alexandria. The Alexandria XLF is even more inert. Alexandria’s “wing” structure, which supports the midrange and tweeter modules in the upper array, is critical to the design for several reasons: It provides the infrastructure that facilitates the precise aspherical alignment of the upper modules;...
  • Page 12 Convergent Synergy™ Tweeter The magic of Wilson’s midrange driver is in no small part due to its ability to cover almost the entire mid-band without interruption of the crossover, including the male vocal region. This always meant that the driver would be large, and therefore limited in its upper frequency range.
  • Page 13 But most importantly, it is musically compelling. This is especially evident in its ability to resolve low level resolution and harmonic textures effortlessly, with no audible ringing or other distracting colorations. It is the Alexandria XLF midrange’s perfect com- panion.
  • Page 14 They are a visual meta- phor for the solution Wilson Audio pioneered to address issues of phase coherence exac- erbated by large speaker systems. Typical of the creative process, the solution itself came as a metaphor, or rather, an analogy to the field of optics and the design of wide-angle lenses.
  • Page 15 With Alexandria, for the first time ever, you and others you listen with, will hear your favorite recordings and soundtracks with true time coherency, full frequency range, unfettered dynamics, and vanishingly low distortion. The improvement in realism wrought by Alexandria XLF is delightfully revolutionary. igure ypicAl louDspeAkers exhibit less thAn optimum...
  • Page 16 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 17 S e c t i o n 2 — I n Y o u r R o o m...
  • Page 19 Final Listening Room Setup (Voicing) For a speaker system its size, the Alexandria XLF is unmatched in its ability to repro- duce the musical event. It is truly state of the art. However, room acoustics and boundary interactions affect the sound of a loudspeaker to such a large degree that poor setup can seriously degrade your enjoyment of even the finest loudspeaker.
  • Page 20 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l overly heavy, “chesty” quality because of your proximity to the rear wall. While speaking, slowly move out into the room, progressing in a direc- tion parallel to the sidewall.
  • Page 21 2 . 2 — r e C T i o n o o m e f l e C T i o n s this point with tape. The four pieces of tape now form a rectangle that es- tablishes the Zone of Neutrality for the loudspeaker located on that side of the room.
  • Page 22 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l of the room and listening for the characteristic sound of the echo in the midrange. Slap echo destroys the sound quality of a stereo system in two ways: • It adds harshness to the upper midrange and treble by storing time-domain smearing energy.
  • Page 23 2 . 2 — r e C T i o n o o m e f l e C T i o n s slap-echo, nonparallel walls allow the sound to diffuse. This approach can be accounted for during the construction process. For existing rooms, slap echo can also be controlled entirely by the application of absorptive materials to the hard surfaces.
  • Page 24 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l Standing Waves Another type of reflection phenomenon is “standing waves.” Standing waves cause the unnatural boosting or accentuation of certain frequencies, typically in the bass, to be found at certain discreet locations in the room.
  • Page 25 2 . 3 — r e C T i o n e s o n a n C e s speaker systems. Some benefit is achieved by placing the stereo pair of loudspeakers slightly asymmetrically in the listening room. This is so the standing waves caused by the distance between one speaker and its adjacent walls and floors are not the same as the standing wave frequencies excited by the dimensions in the other channel.
  • Page 26 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l • Structures within the listening room. • The volume of air itself within the listening room. Structural Resonance Structural resonances are familiar to most people as buzzes and rattles, but this type of resonance usually only occurs at extremely high volume levels and is usually masked by the music.
  • Page 27 2 . 4 — Y e C T i o n o u r o o m Occasionally, however, there is just enough resonance to give a little added warmth to the sound—an addition some listeners prefer. Careful placement of loudspeakers in the room can dramatically reduce the speakers’...
  • Page 28 The asymmetry of the walls in L- shaped rooms resists the buildup of standing waves (see Figure 4). Alexandria XLF in a Dedicated Home Theater Home theaters can be orga- nized many different ways. Some use rows of couches.
  • Page 29 Decide where you want your favorite listening position to be. Please remember that your Alexandria XLF will fill almost any room with the most beautiful sound available. Because the propagation delay is adjustable on the Alexandrias, if you take care in plac- ing your new speakers, you will optimize Alexandria’s performance in your room.
  • Page 30 The Wilson Audio Setup Procedure (Section 2.1) is the best method with which to posi- tion your loudspeakers. Start with the speakers about 18” from each wall and, if you need to move them relative to the side wall, move them away from the wall, not closer.
  • Page 31 Depending on the room, judicious use of sound absorbent materials will reduce the space requirement. By following the guidelines in this manual, your new Alexandria XLF loudspeakers can provide you with a lifetime of pure music reproduction. W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 32 W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 33 S e c t i o n 3 — I n i t i a l S e t u p...
  • Page 35 3 . 1 — u e C T i o n n C r a T i n g T h e l e x a n d r i a Note: You will have many modules to unpack that will need to be separated into right and left channels.
  • Page 36 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l closures and are the first components of the system to unpack (see Figure 5). Note: These two woofer enclosures are very heavy and when moving or lifting, care should be taken in order to prevent injury.
  • Page 37 3 . 1 — u e C T i o n n C r a T i n g T h e l e x a n d r i a Uncrating the Aspherical Wings Locate the two crates labeled “Wing Assembly”...
  • Page 38 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l 9 - r 8 - p igure eSiStor lAte over igure ropAgAtion elAY over the three upper modules, from each crate (see Figure 7). It is very impor- tant to ensure that each of the modules are matched to one another by se- rial number.
  • Page 39 3 . 1 — u e C T i o n n C r a T i n g T h e l e x a n d r i a number and place the covers with the corresponding channel’s modules. Crate Contents Checklist Now that you have everything unpacked, you can inventory your items.
  • Page 40 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l 6 - “B” spikes 6 - “C” spikes 6 - “D” spikes 6 - “E” spikes 12 - #1 Tether bolts 12 - #2 Tether bolts 12 - Tether bolt threaded covers 1 - Polishing cloth...
  • Page 41 S e c t i o n 4 — F i n a l S e t u p...
  • Page 43 In order to realize the capabilities of the Alexandria, we strongly recommend that you have it installed by a trained Wilson Audio installer. Your dealer will have a person trained in the art of the Alexandria installation. If you choose to do this installation yourself, here are some guidelines to assist you.
  • Page 44 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l Make sure to match each wing to its corresponding woofer module. Carefully lower the wing onto the woofer module. Locate six 1/4 inch diameter—1 1/2”...
  • Page 45 4 . 2 – g e C T i o n e o m e T r i C i m e o m a i n l i g n m e n T • Locate the propagation delay alignment plate. • Secure the plate with the four 10 - 32 x 1”...
  • Page 46 • Alexandria Propagation Delay Alignment Tables from Section 8 Propagation Delay Alignment Propagation delay alignment accuracy of the Alexandria has been established and verified by Wilson Audio. The graphs and charts used in this section are a result of this testing. Room Setup...
  • Page 47 Remove the Propagation Delay Tables from Section 8 in this booklet and place them close by for easy reference. This information is also contained in the Wilson Audio Appli- cation, available on Apple iTunes. Make sure that you are in your intended listening position.
  • Page 48 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l the floor directly below your ear. You should be relaxed in your chair, as you would be when listening to music (see Figure 13). Now measure the distance (on the floor) from the point on the floor below your ear to the base of the loudspeaker, as shown in Figure 13.
  • Page 49 4 . 3 — m e C T i o n o u n T i n g p p e r r r a Y o d u l e s • The correct four remaining tether bolts for the upper two modules as deter- mined by the table in Section 8.
  • Page 50 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l ing through the slots provided in the module handle. There are alignment tracks that accommodate the spikes. Refer to the Propagation Delay Table to determine the numbered indent in which to rest the rear spike.
  • Page 51 Wilson Audio. The design goal was to create a connector with supe- rior overall sound quality, consistency, and longevity. A note about these connectors: You risk breaking the binding post if they are over- tightened.
  • Page 52 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l 17 - r igure eAr view Showing cAble chAnnelS the hole located in the wing support and through a corresponding hole located on the module support blade just below the speaker terminal (see Figure 18).
  • Page 53 4 . 5 — l e C T i o n o C k i n g o w n p p e r o d u l e s 18 - c � igure onnect cAbleS to the upper moduleS Section 4.5—Locking Down The Upper Modules Materials Required Refer to “Identification of Alignment Spikes and Tether Bolts”...
  • Page 54 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l 19 - i � c � igure nStAll the tether boltS utAwAY of lexAndriA Showing bolt ASSemblY • 2 - Tether bolt caps nuts for each loudspeaker’s lower midrange module (LMRM).
  • Page 55 4 . 6 — s e C T i o n p i k e n s T a l l a T i o n Installing The Tether Bolts Note: Do not use any tools to tighten the tether caps. Hand tighten only. Over ten- sioning of the bolts can damage the module.
  • Page 56 Note: This is a two person job. Do not attempt this by yourself. The Alexandrias weigh over 700 LBS and may seriously injure someone if tipped over. • 8 sets of assembled spikes • The Wilson Audio Jack • The jack socket wrench • Swivel caster wrench...
  • Page 57 Installation Procedure • Slide the Wilson Audio Jack under the front of the Alexandria, centered be- tween the casters, so that the jack’s lift bolt is exposed. Place the lift plate so it is positioned about an inch behind the front facade of the Alexandria woofer enclosure (see Figure 21).
  • Page 58 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l Note: An assistant should stand to the rear of the Alexandria to steady it. • Attach the wrench to the lift bolt and begin to slowly raise the front of the Alexandria by turning the bolt clockwise (see Figure 21).
  • Page 59 4 . 7 — u e C T i o n s i n g T h e i f T T o n s T a l l p i k e s floor. If the bubble is leaning toward the outside of the room, you will have to lengthen one of the outside spikes down toward the floor.
  • Page 60 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l • To find out which spike to lower, grasp the Alexandria channel and rock it back and forth. This will identify the spike that is out of level from the other three.
  • Page 61 By removing the back cover of your Alexandrias, you may gain access to the resistor plate (see Figure 23). These resistors serve several functions. Note: Only Wilson Audio replacement resistors should be used in your Alexandrias. Changing the value or brand...
  • Page 62 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l Additionally, these two resistors can be used to tailor the output of the corresponding driver to overcome tonal balance issues that result from room acoustics.
  • Page 63 In systems where the XLF is replacing a MAXX or other rear-firing bass port system, it is generally recommended that the rear-firing port configuration be initially installed. Warning: The bass performance of the Alexandria XLF will be severely compromised if the port is not installed in one of its two locations.
  • Page 64 All audio equipment will sound its best after its components have been broken in for some period of use. Wilson Audio breaks in the crossovers, tweeters, and midrange drivers for a 48 hour period. All components are then tested, calibrated, and matched for their acoustical properties.
  • Page 65 S e c t i o n 5 — C a r e o f t h e A l e x a n d r i a...
  • Page 67 5 . 1 — C e C T i o n a r e o f T h e a i n T e d i n i s h Section 5.1—Care of the Painted Finish Your Alexandria loudspeak- ers are hand painted with WilsonGloss™ paint and hand polished to a high luster.
  • Page 68 Often Wilson speaker owners desire to change the look of their listening room W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 69 T r u C T i o n by changing the color of their speaker grilles. In addition to basic black, Wilson Audio offers a variety of grille colors to match most WilsonGloss finishes. Contact your local dealer for grille cloth samples or to order replacement grilles for your Alexandria XLF.
  • Page 70 The combination of the best in composite materials and adhesive technology, pro- vided to us by the leaders in their industries, allows us to design an enclosure with unmatched performance. The Alexandria XLF’s upper and lower cabinet modules have been designed to eliminate vibration and cabinet signature while maintaining an internal acoustical integrity.
  • Page 71 S e c t i o n 6 — T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g S e c t i o n 6 — T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g...
  • Page 73 6 — T e C T i o n r o u b l e s h o o T i n g One channel is not operating: C h e c k t h e i n t e r c o n n e c t s f r o m s o u r c e . C h e c k t h e c o n n e c t i o n s o n t h e s p e a k - e r c a b l e s , b o t h a t t h e a m p l i f i e r a n d s p e a k e r e n d s .
  • Page 74 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l r e a r r e s i s t o r p l a t e . L o c a t e t h e a p -...
  • Page 75 6 — T e C T i o n r o u b l e s h o o T i n g m a y b e a p r o b l e m w i t h t h e c r o s s o v e r o r t h e s p e a k e r ’s i n t e r n a l w i r i n g .
  • Page 76 W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 77 S e c t i o n 7 — S p e c i f i c a t i o n s S e c t i o n 7 — S p e c i f i c a t i o n s...
  • Page 79 7 . 1 — s e C T i o n p e C i f i C a T i o n s Section 7.1—Specifications: Enclosure Type Woofer: XLF port, adjustable rear or front firing Enclosure Type Midrange: Rear Vented Enclosure Type Tweeter: Sealed Woofers:...
  • Page 80 Section 7.2 Alexandria XLF Dimensions - 27 igure W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 81 S e c t i o n 8 — A l i g n m e n t T a b l e s...
  • Page 83 8 — p e C T i o n r o p a g a T i o n e l a Y a b l e s Lower Midrange Module Data Lower   M idrange   M odule   S pike   L ength Listening  ...
  • Page 84 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l High Frequency Module Data High   F requency   M odule   S pike   L ength Listening  ...
  • Page 85 8 — p e C T i o n r o p a g a T i o n e l a Y a b l e s Upper Midrange Module Data Upper   M idrange   M odule   S pike   L ength Listening  ...
  • Page 86 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l Lower Midrange Module Tether Bolt Table W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 87 i g h r e q u e n C Y o d u l e e T h e r o l T a b l e High Frequency Module Tether Bolt Table W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 88 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l Upper Midrange Module Tether Bolt Table W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 89 S e c t i o n 9 — Wa r r a n t y I n f o r m a t i o n...
  • Page 91 Wilson Audio, an authorized Wilson Audio Dealer Technician or a service or repair center authorized by Wilson Audio to service or repair the product. Contact Wilson Audio at (801) 377-2233 for information on location of Wilson Audio Dealers and authorized service and repair centers.
  • Page 92 Purchaser must pay for shipping to Wilson Audio, and Wilson Audio will pay for shipping of its choice to return the product to purchaser. A RETURNED PRODUCT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT.
  • Page 93 Wilson Audio by the dealer at dealer’s sole expense. Wilson Audio will pay return freight of its choice. A returned product must be accompanied by a written description of the defect.
  • Page 94 x l F O ’ l e x A n d r i A w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...