We have selected the finest crossover components available. We have specified ClarityCap film capacitors in custom-built precision values. These capacitors contribute to the exceptional vocal- range clarity of the SMS1 speakers. Likewise, we have specified precision wound air-core inductors and have eliminated the more typical iron-core inductors. Air-core inductors totally eliminate the distortion that can be caused by core materials.
Magnetic Interference Loudspeaker drivers are electro-magnetic devices. They emit magnetic fields that may interfere with older CRT-type monitors. Do not place magnetic items near the drivers. Magnets and magnetic materials can damage the drivers. SMS1 Instruction Manual Rev B Page 4...
Height The SMS1 should be mounted so that the tweeters are at ear height, or a few inches above ear height. If the speakers must be mounted higher or lower than this, they should be angled so that the tweeters point directly toward or slightly above the listener's ears.
Amplifier Selection Recommended amplifier power is 30 - 200 Watts. The Benchmark AHB2 is an ideal match for the SMS1 speakers. The AHB2 delivers 160 Watts per channel into the 6-Ohm SMS1. There is no need to run the AHB2 in mono mode as this will overpower the SMS1 speakers.
Break-In Period The SMS1 speakers require a 20 to 30 hour break-in period to reach full performance. Speaker drivers are electro-mechanical devices and the materials used in these devices undergo minor mechanical changes during the break-in period. You should hear increased energy in the lowest octave, and a more relaxed midrange, when the break-in period is completed.
IMD (intermodulation distortion) and may improve the sound quality. Please note that it is not necessary to use a Benchmark AHB2 in BI-AMP mode. The AHB2 is virtually distortion free, and the use of bi-amplification will not reduce distortion. However, bi- amplification can offer an opportunity to add separate active filters for the high-frequency and low- frequency drivers.
In our listening tests, we preferred the clean sound of the 100% air-core design. Strategic Crossover Layout Crossover inductors can interact with each other and with the voice coils on the drivers. The SMS1 crossover placement and layout are specifically designed to minimize these inductive interactions.
Use a pair of two-pole NL2 to NL2 cables to connect one AHB2 power amplifier to a pair of SMS1 speakers operating in NORMAL mode. Use a pair of four-pole NL4 to NL4 cables to connect two AHB2 power amplifiers to a pair of SMS1 speakers operating in BI-AMP mode.
The SMS1 is an acoustic suspension loudspeaker; it has a sealed cabinet, without ports. By nature, it is more linear than a ported design. It can still produce impressively deep bass. The trade-off is efficiency.
Specifications The SMS1 is a 2-way passive acoustic-suspension monitor/loudspeaker with BI-AMP capabilities. Drivers 170 mm Custom Copolymer Low-Frequency Driver 25 mm Soft Dome High-Frequency Driver Passive Crossover Air-Core Inductors for Minimal Distortion - Custom Built for Benchmark ...
The blue curve shows the far-field response measured at a distance of 6 feet. The measurement system combines the near-field and far-field measurements in order to calculate the anechoic combined response shown by the green curve. SMS1 Instruction Manual Rev B Page 13...
(European Union) directive 2002/95/EC, or, RoHS (Restrictions of Hazardous Substances). As of July 01, 2006, All Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. products placed on the European Union market are compliant (containing quantity limit weight less than or equal to 0.1% (1000 ppm) of any homogeneous Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI), and flame retardant Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) or Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)).
In the event of failure of a product under this warranty, Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. will repair, at no charge, the product returned to its factory. Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. may, at its option, replace the product in lieu of repair.
Benchmark Extended Warranty Options The Benchmark Extended 5-Year Warranty * Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. optionally extends the standard 1-year warranty to a period of five years from the date of delivery. *For the extended warranty to become effective, the original purchaser must register the product at the time of purchase either by way of the enclosed registration card or through the product registration section of the Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.
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