Maintenance; Home Theater - Sonus Faber Olympica I User Manual

insTallaTion
RecommendaTions:
in The lisTeninG
enviRonmenT
Sonus faber's Olympica speakers were designed to
be easily driven by the amplifier, and just as easy to
integrate into the listening environment. A series of
design solutions was implemented (for example high
structural rigidity, the asymmetric cabinet shape and
the angle of the speaker for perfectly positioning the
drivers) which makes speaker interaction with the
environment less problematic and ensure immediate
satisfaction in listening without requiring special
attention and ability.
The most significant characteristic of Olympica, as far
as integration in the environment is concerned, is the
"Stealth Ultraflex" side reflex channel combined with
the possibility of using each speaker freely on the right
or left. This means the owner can choose to position
the speakers with the reflex channel outlet facing the
pair internally or externally, according to the acoustic
conditions of the room used for listening, or indeed
personal taste (fig.15). Undoubtedly, particular
advantages for enthusiasts are easy integration of the
speaker in an environment and the possibility of fine
tuning the whole system.
For those who wish to obtain the best possible
performance, these suggestions may be useful:
1. The Olympica I stand model is recommended
for medium and small rooms. For bigger
rooms, the Olympica II and Olympica III are
an excellent choice. Should you wish to set up
a multi-channel or home theater system, the
perfect solution is the Olympica center;
2. The choice of listening room and the speaker
position have an influence on the output of the
whole system. A room with an irregular shape
is preferable; this type of room improves the
response in the environment because it limits the
formation of standing waves;
3. rugs and curtains (without exaggerating)
positively influence the acoustic response,
because they contribute to the absorption of
reflections and standing waves that are created
in the listening room;
4. There are no hard and fast rules on speaker
setup which are valid for every environment. A
good approach to the problem, however, is to
divide the listening room into three equal parts,
as shown by the broken lines in figure 16. At this
point, position the speakers on the first of the
broken lines and well away from the side walls.
The listening position should be placed on the
second broken line, as shown in fig.16, position
"A". In this manner the presence of a good
quantity of air all around the subjects involved
in the stereo reproduction can be guaranteed
because the speakers are in a position where they
can work in a completely free manner and the
listener is not struck by the acoustic reflections
that generate near the walls and corners of the
room. Fig.16, position "A", also shows how the
speakers should be angled to converge towards
the listening point, so creating an 'isosceles
triangle' configuration. This final adjustment,
consisting of angling the speakers literally
towards the ears of the listener, greatly improves
the focus of the stereophonic image;
5. realizing that many of our clients will not be
able to create listening conditions similar to
those described, because of objective problems
connected with the living surroundings of homes,
we advise positioning the speakers away from
the room corners and keeping them at a distance
of 70-80 cm from the side and back walls.
Keeping a distance of 150-250 cm between the
speakers improves stereo reproduction.

home TheaTeR

and mulTi-channel
sysTems
In addition to being used for traditional stereo
listening, our speakers can also be used with home
theater and multi-channel systems. Considering the
above mentioned placement suggestions for the main
channel speakers (front), those for the rear channels
should be positioned as shown in fig.17, with
the center speaker exactly in line with the vertical
axis passing through the center of the video screen
(either above or below it). The subwoofer can be
positioned nearly anywhere in the room, although
we recommend avoiding the corners. For additional
suggestions on the best setup, we advise reading the
indications supplied with your amplification system.

mainTenance

The speakers do not require any special maintenance
other than periodic general cleaning. Do not use
products such as wax or detergents to clean the
cabinet, which could stain or damage the wood, the
leather finishes or the drivers. We recommend using
a clean soft cloth, (microfiber for example), possibly
slightly damp. Any dust on the unit, front panels or
drivers must be removed using a soft paintbrush,
being very careful not to damage their delicate
membranes, in particular those of the tweeter.
Wood is a natural material that can be affected by
environmental conditions. We advise keeping the
speakers distant from heat sources or windows, in
particular during the summer months. We advise
keeping the speakers away from direct sunlight.
These simple guidelines will help to keep your
precious speakers perfect for many years.
Time will help improve the sound by breaking in
the moving parts of the speaker (membranes and
suspensions), and the acoustic chamber will become
accustomed to music being played the more it is
used – much like what happens with acoustic string
instruments!
LEATHER:
There are many words to describe leather: fine, soft,
original, smooth, nice. Only one, however can sum
up its essence: natural. Natural because the animal
leaves the marks of its life on its hide: scratches, scars,
surface unevenness that tell the story of the product
and its authenticity. As a result you may find slight
differences between the leather on the speakers, even
though the most prestigious and carefully selected
bullhide is used.
Finally, we advise cleaning when necessary using a
soft microfiber cloth, even slightly damp.
GuaRanTee
The Olympica speakers by Sonus faber have been
designed and built following the highest quality
standards.
In spite of this, should a fault or malfunction occur,
the speakers you have purchased are covered by
Guarantee according to the country in which
they were purchased. Should such an event occur,
please contact the Sonus faber Dealer where the
speakers were purchased and refer to the mentioned
guarantee.
For your benefit, please note the following:
• Keep the document that proves purchase in
order to show it to the retailer if necessary;
• return speakers in need of repair in their
original packaging in order to transport them
safely to an authorised Service Centre, together
with a description of the malfunction or defect;
• The guarantee covers the speakers for any
construction faults as long as they have not
been dismantled, modified, tampered with or
used for purposes or in ways that have not been
outlined in this manual.