Unicorn Mk II User Manual
Contents
1. Unicorn Mk II loudspeaker Unicorn Mk II network Network cable Figure 2 Unicorn Mk II Major Components DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH GERMAN PHYSIKS 3 PRINCIPLE FEATURES OF THE UNICORN Mk Il DDD support DDD driver lt pilas A was did Input terminals Figure 3 Principle Features of the Unicorn Mk II 4 LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT AND SET UP NOTE DO NOT place the loudspeakers close to cathode ray type monitors or projectors as the very powerful magnets used in the drivers may affect the picture We recommend a minimum separation of 2m Adjusting the Spikes NOTE We strongly recommend having an assistant help to hold the loudspeakers while the spikes are being adjusted The base of the Unicorn Mk II is fitted with four spikes These are double ended as shown in figure 4 and are locked in position with a nut You will need an open ended 10mm spanner to adjust them figure 5 EET EE II ED Figure 4 Double Ended Spike and Nut GERMAN Nf as a DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PHYSII d HIGH END TECHNOLOGY _ The round ends of the spikes should be used when the loudspeakers are to be placed on a hard floor such as tile or wood and the pointed ends should be used when the loudspeakers are to be placed on a carpeted floor The loudspeakers are shipped with the round end of the spikes facing out When placing the loudspeakers on a carpeted floor ensure that the spik2. GERMAN DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PHYSIKS Unicorn Mk II User Manual This product complies with European Union EMC Directive 89 336 EEC and the Low Voltage Directive 73 23 EC German Physiks 2007 Revision c Released 21 October 2007 We reserve the right to change the information contained in this manual without notice For the latest version please see our web site at www german physiks com GERI MAT il J e DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PH YSIKS TABLE OF CONTENTS ts INTRODUC TION EE EE EE EE GEED 3 2 UNPACKING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS iese ese ees ee ese ee ese ee eek ee ee ee ee ee ee eke ee ke ee ede ee ee ee aiae ainan 3 3 PRINCIPLE FEATURES OF THE UNICORN Mk MH esse ee ees ee ees ee ee ee ee eg ee ee ge ee ee ee ee gee ee ee ee eke ee ee 5 4 LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT AND SET UP sees sees ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee eg ee ee ge ee ee ee ee gee ee eke ee ee ee ee dee 5 Adjusting the Spike EE N ee ee ee eana 5 Listening Room Layoutess EE aa 7 Loudspeaker Placement ee ee ee 7 Distance from front wall ee ee ee ee ee 7 Distance from side wall EE ese ee ee ee ee 7 5 CONNECTING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS ee ene ee se ee see 9 High Frequency Leveli omtiol N OO se ees ese ee ee se ke ee ee 9 Low Freguencylllevell ontol maa WAN sesse se eed se ke ee ee 9 Input Terminal Connections iss aa N es BORN ee ee ee ee Re AE Be ee 10 6 REMOVING THE DDD SHIPPING COVERS STRN MA ee esse see se ee ee ee ee DN ee s
3. channel should be used for each loudspeaker network s top panel figure 7 High Frequency Level Control i Input Terminals Connect to amplifier gt Low Frequency Level Control gt MAN PHYSIKS GER Handmade in Germany D Che Figure 7 Input Terminals and Level Adjustments for the Unicorn Mk II High Frequency Level Control should be set to the flat position Make any final adjustment after the break in period Low Frequency Level Control shown below Jumper Setting Titanium DDD Driver Carbon DDD Driver No jumpers fitted Flat Flat Black jumper only 1 0dB 1 0dB Red jumper only 2 0dB 2 0dB Black and red jumpers 13 0dB 43 5dB The external network supplied with the Unicorn Mk II has both high and low frequency level controls The high frequency control allows the user to compensate for variations in the listening room high frequency absorption characteristic The low frequency control allows the used to adjust for the best bass performance in their room These controls and the input terminals are located on the external 4 settings are provided 2dB Flat 2dB and 4dB and the centre frequency is 8 000Hz To adjust the control pull the jumper out and then push it back into the appropriate pair of sockets Initially this control This is a low frequency shelf control and takes effect at 60Hz Initially this control should be set to the flat position Make any final adjustment after the break i
4. off the diaphragm Dust has no affect on its performance and may be safely ignored NEVER attempt to clean the speakers with any abrasive materials or any cleaners containing ammonia alcohol or other solvents as these may damage the finish The only maintenance the speakers will require is periodic dusting to remove dust and any finger prints from the cabinets Please use the cleaning cloths supplied with the loudspeakers These cloths should be used dry Do not use any form of liquid with them Additional cloths may be obtained via local your German Physiks dealer national distributor or direct from German Physiks 9 WARRANTY Your German Physiks loudspeakers are warranted to be free from defects if used under normal conditions for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase provided that the customer registers their purchase by completing and returning the registration form at the end of this manual within 7 days of purchase They must also return a copy of the receipt issued at the time of purchase If this is not done the warranty period will be 5 years from the date of shipment from the factory This warranty is transferable to subsequent owners who must register their purchase with us Modifications or repairs performed by the factory or by an authorised repair agent shall be guaranteed for the remaining period of the warranty or for 1 year which ever is greater Any unauthorised modifications or repairs will invalidate the war
5. CKING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS NOTE To allow the packing to be lifted off the loudspeakers ensure that the room where the loudspeakers are to be unpacked has at least 135cm of clearance between the top of the carton and the ceiling When lifting the loudspeakers out of the packing hold them around the cabinet Do not lift them by the DDD driver support pillars figure 3 as this may damage the DDD driver The DDD drivers may be protected with clear film or cardboard covers We recommend that these be left in place until the loudspeakers have been placed in their final location so as to guard against accidental damage during handling The Unicorn Mk Il weighs approximately 56kg 123lbs and should not be lifted be one person alone Always have help Each Unicorn Mk Il is supplied in an individual shipping carton Both external networks are packed together in a third carton The Unicorn Mk II cartons must be kept upright as shown in figure 1 Before opening the cartons please inspect them for damage If you see any damage please contact the supplying audio dealer immediately and provide them with a full description of the damage Do not attempt to unpack the cartons until you have spoken with the dealer and have been advised how to proceed 4 A q B Figure 1 Unicorn Mk II Shipping Carton 3 GERMAN J e DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PH YSIKS To unpack the loudspeakers please follow the instructions below 1 Remov
6. Wave Converter Input connectors 1 set of binding posts Driver 1 x Titanium DDD driver 1 x Carbon DDD driver Dimensions 550mm W x 1 241mm H x 460mm D Speaker 21 7 W x 48 9 H x 18 1 D 270mm W x 173mm H x 230mm D PERE 10 6 W x 6 8 H x 9 1 D Weight Approx 56 0kg Speaker Approx 123 2lbs Crossover 4 4kg 9 7lbs Warranty 5 years As part of our process of continually improving our products we reserve the right to change specifications without notice 13 ve IE RT MAI l DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PHYSIKS 13 WARRANTY REGISTRATION In order to register your purchase and obtain the full 5 year warranty Please complete the form below within 7 days of purchase and return it by post together with a copy of the receipt of purchase to DDD Manufactur GmbH Gutenbergstra e 4 D 63477 Maintal GERMANY Name Address Country Zip Post Code Speaker Model Unicorn Mk Il DDD Type Titanium Carbon Delete as necessary Serial Number See label under speaker Finish Date of Purchase Where Purchased Address Country Zip Post Code 14
7. e ee ee ee ee se ed ee ee ee ge ee ee ee ee ee 10 7 LOUDSPEAKER BREAK IN mm es AN ER se sesse ee se ees se ee dese ee ae ee ee ee 10 8 CARE OF YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS SSA A eee ees se ee ee se ee ese ede 11 9 WARRANTY MA ur oe AN ME BE ees ese see ee ee ee se ee Ke ee 11 10 SERVICE ANDISUPPORT ME ae N esse sesse ss N saber aa ee se Ge ee AE Re AR ee be de 11 11 HOW TO CONTACT US SEE Me N sesse N one esse ee AE Re AR ee se de 12 12 UNICORN MK II SPECIFICATIONS ie Ee ee ee ee ke ede se ee eke ee se ed ee Aa ee de Re ee Re AA ee de Re Ke ee 13 13 WARRANTY REGISTRATION EES EMM ees sesse ee de ek ee ee Ge ee AE Re AR ee 14 GERMAN TE a DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PHYSII d 1 INTRODUCTION Thank you for selecting the German Physiks Unicorn Mk II loudspeakers The Unicorn Mk II is a full range loudspeaker using a single DDD driver operated in both its bending wave and piston modes In the bending wave mode it radiates sound directly and in the piston mode it radiates via a horn The Unicorn Mk II is entirely handmade and is built and tested by highly skilled technicians at our factory in Maintal in Germany Every step in the design and manufacture of this product has been dedicated to producing a loudspeaker that will provide a lifetime of musical enjoyment We strongly recommend that you read this manual before attempting to use the loudspeakers as it will enable you obtain the best performance from them 2 UNPA
8. e loudspeaker can be rocked in the 2 o clock to 8 o clock direction lean the loudspeaker to the left and screw in the right hand front spike by the amount of movement you saw at the base of the cabinet It is best to have an assistant to help you hold the loudspeaker Stand the loudspeaker back up and repeat the process until the loudspeaker is sitting squarely on its spikes Lean the loudspeaker to the left again and tighten the nut on the right front spike figure 5 taking care not to change the spike s setting Loosen Figure 5 Adjusting a Spike Nut ai ae mae j ERI AAT i DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PHYSIKS Listening Room Layout The following points will help you optimise your listening room layout 1 The left and right sides of the room should be symmetrical If the room is asymmetrical this will degrade the quality of the stereo image This is because most of the sound energy that you hear is reflected before it reaches your ears 2 Place the loudspeakers symmetrically in the room i e the same distance from the centre line of the room and the same distance from the front wall 3 Avoid placing the speakers similar distances from the side and front walls as this may lead to an uneven bass response 4 Avoid having any hard surfaces between your listening position and the loudspeakers This will generate additional reflections that may degrade the stereo image For this reason where ever possible equipment sh
9. e the top of the carton item A in figure 1 2 Remove the foam packing piece from the top of the main body of the carton item B in figure 1 3 Lift off the main body of the carton item B in figure 1 Make sure that you have sufficient clearance between the top of the carton and the ceiling above 4 Lift the loudspeaker off the lower packing tray by holding it around the cabinet Do not lift the loudspeaker by the DDD driver support pillars figure 3 5 Remove the clear film from around the loudspeaker taking care not to scratch the finish Do not use a knife 6 Remove the foam protective strip from the top and bottom of the loudspeaker cabinet Please confirm that the cartons contain the following items Item Quantity Description 1 2 Unicorn Mk II Loudspeakers 2 2 Unicorn Mk II Networks 3 2 Network Cables 4 1 Unicorn Mk II User Manual 5 2 Cleaning Cloths If any items are missing or shows signs of damage please contact the supplying dealer immediately Please retain all of the packing as you will need this should it be necessary in the future to ship the loudspeakers Should you need to return the loudspeakers to the factory you must use the original packing The use of any other packing may result in the loudspeakers sustaining damage in transit Such damage is not covered by the warranty Should you require replacement packing please contact your German Physiks dealer the national distributor or the factory directly
10. ect them whilst in transit This should now be removed The film should be peeled off by hand Do not use a knife To remove the cardboard protector slit the adhesive tape securing it by sliding a short bladed knife between the two layers of cardboard whilst holding the knife as shown in figure 8 Do not cut in the way shown in figure 9 as there is a danger that you will cut the DDD driver diaphragm Figure 8 The Correct Way to Figure 9 The Wrong Way to Remove the DDD Driver Cover Remove the DDD Driver Cover 7 LOUDSPEAKER BREAK IN Like all audiophile equipment German Physiks loudspeakers require a break in period from new before they reach their optimum level of performance The music used for the break in should be dynamic in order to properly exercise all the components of the loudspeaker For the first 10 hours play the loudspeaker at low level only This is a level where you would easily be able to carry out a conversation without needing to raise your voice 10 a ea did AAT DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PHYSIKS After this the speaker may be played at normal listening levels The break in process will be complete after 200 to 300 hours 8 CARE OF YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS NOTE NEVER attempt to open the cabinets There are no user serviceable parts inside the loudspeakers NEVER touch the diaphragm on the DDD driver or allow any object to come into contact with the diaphragm NEVER attempt to clean the dust
11. ers or any part of them to the factory you will be given a Return Authorization RA number This number must be clearly marked on the outside of the packing Returns made without a RA number will not be accepted Any returned items must be shipped in the original packing German Physiks will not be responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of the use of non standard packing Returns received in non standard packing will be replaced with new packing at the owner s expense If you need new packing please contact your German Physiks dealer or the factory For items returned to the factory under warranty during the first year German Physiks will pay for the shipping charges both ways A shipping company approved by German Physiks must be used and the items will be returned to the customer using the same carrier or an equivalent service For loudspeakers returned to the factory under warranty after the first year the customer is responsible for paying all shipping and related charges back to the factory A shipping company approved by German Physiks must be used Providing this condition is met German Physiks will pay the cost of shipping the loudspeakers back to the customer German Physiks will not pay any shipping costs if a Loudspeakers or parts are returned without a RA number b No fault is found c If the fault is judged to be due to misuse such as but not limited to burnt out voice coils and dents or scratches on driver diaph
12. es are set to protrude sufficiently from the base to pass through the carpet and make firm contact with the underlying floor The easiest way to adjust the spikes is to lay the loudspeaker on its side To protect the finish we suggest that you use a clean soft blanket to lay the speaker on Set the two spikes at the back and the left hand front spike to protrude approximately the same amount within 1 or 2mm and then tighten the locking nut Set the right hand front spike to protrude the same amount but do not tighten the locking nut Stand the loudspeaker up and place it in its initial position Please refer to figure 6 for guidance on positioning If the Unicorn Mk II is placed on a carpet push downwards on the top of the cabinet and ensure that the spikes are in contact with the underlying floor Do not push on the top of the DDD driver To check that the loudspeaker is sitting squarely on the spikes 1 If the loudspeaker can be rocked in the 10 o clock to 4 o clock direction lean the loudspeaker to the left and screw out the right hand front spike by the amount of movement you saw at the base of the cabinet It is best to have an assistant to help you hold the loudspeaker Stand the loudspeaker back up and repeat the process until the loudspeaker is sitting squarely on its spikes Lean the loudspeaker to the left again and tighten the nut on the right front spike figure 5 taking care not to change the spike s setting 2 If th
13. n period To adjust the control set the jumpers as GERMAN J e DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PH YSIKS Input Terminal Connections NOTE The loudspeaker input terminals should be tightened as firmly as possible by hand Do not use pliers or any other tools as this may damage the terminals Use the cable supplied to connect the input sockets on the back of the loudspeaker figure 3 to the output sockets on the side of the external network Ensure that the two red sockets are connected together and that the two black sockets are connected together Connect the amplifier to the input terminals on the top of the external network Do not connect the amplifier directly to the Unicorn Mk II as this may result in damage to the DDD driver which will not be covered under the warranty We recommend that you use loudspeaker cables terminated with high quality spade lugs as these provide the best electrical connection The lugs should be either soldered or crimped to the cable the latter is preferred We do not recommend the use of bare wire to connect to the loudspeaker terminals This produces an inferior connection that will degrade as the bare conductors become tarnished NOTE Do not switch the amplifier on until the DDD covers have been removed as shown in section 6 6 REMOVING THE DDD SHIPPING COVERS If your loudspeakers are fitted with titanium DDD drivers these will be covered with either a layer of clear film or cardboard to prot
14. ould be located at the side of the room If you have a hard floor tile or wood it may be advantageous to place a carpet on the floor covering the area between the loudspeakers and the listening position as this will reduce unwanted early reflections 5 Avoid having the listening position closer than 1 2m from the rear wall as early reflections from the wall will degrade the stereo image Loudspeaker Placement Distance from front wall We recommend that you start with the Unicorn Mk II positioned 1 0m from the front wall and set facing directly down the room as shown in figure 6 As you move the speaker closer to the wall the level of the bass response will increase The converse will be true as you move the speaker away from the front wall The Unicorn Mk II should not be placed closer than 20cm from the front wall and no further away than 4 metres If the loudspeaker is placed too close to the wall the amount of bass will be high but it will not be well controlled and the stereo imaging will be degraded due to an increase in early reflections Aim to find a position that provides an even bass response so that all the bass notes in the music are reproduced at an equal level combined with well focussed stereo images Be sure that the recording you use to check this has an even bass response In some rooms it may be beneficial to toe the loudspeaker in towards the listening position This will have the effect of reducing the amount of bass whils
15. ragms or cabinets Customers are responsible for all freight duties and related shipping charges for loudspeakers returned for non warranty repairs 11 HOW TO CONTACT US If you wish to get in touch with us please use the contact information shown below Please note that our office hours are from 9 30 a m to 5 00 p m Monday to Thursday excluding public holidays and that we cannot respond to enquiries outside of these hours Where ever possible you contact us by email This will allow us to give your enquiry more consideration and so provide a more detailed reply Address DDD Manufactur GmbH GutenbergstraBe 4 D 63477 Maintal GERMANY Telephone 496109 50 29 823 Fax 496109 50 29 826 Email service german physiks com Web www german physiks com 12 ve IE RI MAI DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PHYSIKS 12 UNICORN MK II SPECIFICATIONS Version With Titanium DDD Driver With Carbon DDD Driver Impedance 4 ohms 4 ohms Frequency Response 55 21 500Hz 40 24 000Hz Power Handling Nominal 80W 100W Short term 100W 140W Amplification required Minimum 60W 4 ohms High frequency adjustment 2dB flat 2dB and 4dB centred at 8 000Hz Low frequency adjustment Flat 1 0dB 2 0db and Flat 1 0dB 2 0db and 43 0dB starting from 60Hz 43 5dB starting from 60Hz Sensitivity 87 70B for 1W at 1m 88 0dB for 1W at 1m 1 way full range loudspeaker with 360 surround radiation using Eperannaipuineipie the DDD Bending
16. ranty The warranty will also be invalidated if German Physiks determines that the unit has been subject to misuse including but not limited to burnt out voice coils and dents or scratches on driver diaphragms or cabinets There is no other express warranty on German Physiks products This warranty shall not extend beyond the stated warranty period No responsibility is assumed for incidental or consequential damage 10 SERVICE AND SUPPORT In the first instance please contact your local German Physiks dealer or distributor They will diagnose the fault and liaise with German Physiks to decide the best way to affect a repair If they unable to assist you please contact German Physiks by phone on 49 61 09 50 29 823 by fax on 4961 09 50 29 826 or by email at service german physiks com You can also contact us via our web site at www german physiks com Please take into account time differences between Germany and where 11 ai ae maa j ERI AAI i DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PHYSIKS you are calling from should you need to phone us Email is our preferred method of initial contact Please supply the model name and serial numbers of your loudspeakers and as much detail of your problem as possible The serial number is printed on a label attached to the underside of the loudspeaker s base plate In most cases the repair will be dealt with by sending spare parts from the factory If it becomes necessary to return your loudspeak
17. t improving bass control Distance from side wall We recommend that the distance between the centres of the loudspeakers be 2 3 of the distance of the loudspeakers from the listening position Moving the speakers further apart will degrade the stereo image We do not recommend placing the loudspeakers closer than 20 cm from the side walls as the early reflections will degrade the stereo image Positioning the loudspeakers too close to the side walls will also lead to an uneven bass response Aim to find the position that provides the best defined and most realistic stereo image combined with an even bass when you are seated at the listening position Figure 6 gives a general guide to speaker positioning and the location of the listening position Note how the recommended listening position varies with the separation between the loudspeakers GERMAN DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH PHYSIKS Minimum Minimum 20cm 8 inches 20cm 8 inches M Distance d 1 5 to 2 times d Listening Position Do not have the listening position closer than 1 2 from the rear wall Figure 6 Listening Room Arrangement DDD MANUFACTUR GMBH GERMAN PHYSIKS 5 CONNECTING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS NOTE The Unicorn Mk Il must be used with the external network supplied Do not connect it directly to the power amplifier An amplifier capable of delivering at least 60W rms into 4 ohms per
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search