Wharfedale DIAMOND 8.1 PRO Portable Speaker User Manual


 
make the higher frequencies at crossover, but their light weight means the cone can break up
when asked to stop and start over 4,000 times a second at typical crossover frequencies, with
resultant “cone cry”,
Crossover:
8.1 Pro: internal passive crossover, 2.2kHz
8.1 Pro: internal passive crossover, 2.0kHz
8.1 Pro-Active: internal active crossover, 2.0kHz
8.2 Pro-Active: internal active crossover, 1.9kHz
The inherent quality and correctness of the design of the Diamond components means that
simple and elegant crossover designs can be used. The lack of cone break up at high fre-
quencies means that steep and complex crossovers with their inherent phase distortions are
avoided. Both the Active and the passive versions of the Diamond Pro are essentially the
same. The crossover in the active model is at a slightly lower frequency allowing subtle
improvement in vertical integration and stability of image and sonic character.
Cables and Connections:
Always use high quality cables and connectors in hooking up audio equipment, especially in
speaker connection where higher current is likely to be seen. There are a number of high qual-
ity cables available on the market that give measurably better performance whether in low
level signal, or high current voice coil level use. Connectors should be of high quality wherev-
er possible. The Diamond Pro passive monitor features a Neutrik Speakon ™ type connec-
tion. This type of connector is specifically designed to give low resistance, high quality connec-
tion with bare metal wiping contacts.
On the Diamond Pro-Active we recommend using the XLR type connector where possible for
superior security of connection and better contact.
A/C Connection.
Make sure your power is clean and properly grounded. Experience shows that superior
sound quality can be attained through the use of “stiff” A/C power circuitry. Short runs of good
conductor diameter cabling. For high level usage take the time to monitor your power voltage.
Poor A/C wiring to the studio will show the voltage dropping momentarily during high power
transients. The effect of poor A/C distribution in your studio can be heard as soft or weak bass
and often noisy and hum through poor grounding.
Amplifier/s:
The Diamond Pro-Active has two independent power amplifiers built in -designated and opti-
mized for each of the specific duties. The low frequency amplifier is designed to output 60
Watts RMS to match the woofer. The high frequency power amplifier outputs 40 Watts. Both
amplifiers are carefully designed to provide enhanced headroom with extremely graceful over-
load characteristics. The net effect of the holistic nature of the design of each amplifier com-
bined with its paired driver is apparent and usable output is well beyond the power levels
implied in the specifications.
Installation and Application
Position & Mounting:
The Diamond Pro passive monitor is front ported to allow positioning close to the wall. Two or
three inches/50-75mm clearance is sufficient to allow normal operation.
The Diamond Pro-Active has the input and power connections on the rear, but most
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