Specifications
page 6
THE IMPORTANCE OF "CLEAN"
AMPLIFIER POWER OUTPUT
The
power
rating
on
your
ESS
Performance
Series
loudspeaker represents the maximum amount of clean power
which the loudspeaker will handle indefinitely.
Typical recorded music has peaks about
lOdB
higher than the
average level
of
the music - unless clipping
is
allowed to
occur. Once clipping begins three bad things happen:
I)
Low frequency energy intended for the woofer
is
con-
verted to high frequency energy which ends
up
in the
tweeter.
2) The average power increases without increasing the
peak power.
3) The level
of
distortion increases dramatically.
An amplifier in light to moderate clipping delivers
as
much
power
as
an
amplifier with
25
to 50 percent greater power
output not driven into clipping.
All ESS Professional Series loudspeakers are tested with
clean power exceeding the rating of the speaker. Be assured
then that
if your amplifier
is
within the power
of
your
speaker and distortion
is
occurring it
is
your amplifier that
is
being overdriven
110t
your speaker.
Amplifier power ratings are typically based on an 8 ohm
impedance. Typically
an
amplifier will deliver 25% more
power to a 6 ohm
spea~er
and about 50% more power to a 4
ohm speaker. Please check the impedance rating on your
speaker
in
the "Specifications" section to determine the
actual power capability of the amplifier you will be
with the speakers.
As
a general rule. most popular receivers will clip at
about"
I
o'clock"
on
the volume control playing into an ESS Perfor-
mance Series speaker system.
If
your amplifier or receiver
has power output meters,
it
is
not advisable to exceed meter
readings of 0
Vu.
Driving the loudspeakers with sine wave signals
at
high
dB
output levels
is
not advisable. Driver failure from excessive
input levels, faulty electronic equipment, or owner
will not be covered under the conditions
of
the warranty.
Csed properly, the rugged, reliable components
in
your ESS
Performance Series speaker system should provide a lifetime
of outstanding service.
MULTIPLE SPEAKER
CONNECTION
ESS Performance Series speakers have
an
impedance
of
6
ohms. Most receivers and basic amplifiers have no difficulty
whatsoever with impedance loads above 4 ohms, but can
develop problems
if the load drops below 4 ohms. Connect-
ing
an
additional set
of
speakers to your Tempest will proba-
bly drop the system impedance below 4 ohms; consequently,
they should not be connected
in
parallel. If you own a re-
ceiver, driving your speakers in the A
& B mode with another
set of speakers might drop the system impedance below the 4
ohm level.
A second set
of
speakers may be connected IN SERIES.
Series connection keeps the system impedance above 4
ohms, assuring that your electronics will handle the load
properly.
Your
dealer can help to clarify and answer any
questions you may have about multiple connections to your
",
..
______
". Switching boxes are also available which simplify
series connection; your dealer can help you obtain such a
box. The basic series connection
is
diagrammed below and
should be used if you plan
to
connect another set
of
speakers
to your ESS Performance Series speakers.
AMPLIFIER
~I
I"~
~[J
SYSTEM A
G+
+~
SYSTEM B
~+
--u
~--
SERIES
SPEAKER
CONNECTION
Connections
of
additional speakers
to
a basic 4-channel con-
figuration will also require connection
IN
SERIES.
You
may
use the diagram above
as
a model for this procedure.
If
you
have a question,
it
is
wise to contact your dealer or the man-
ufacturer
of
your 4-channel receiver.
Once you understand the ramifications and procedure
of
con-
necting multiple speakers, return to "Connecting Your
Speakers."