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4. Positioning 5. Connecting
Connecting your Linear Threes is fundamentally a
simple process, however, there are some choices
to be made and issues to consider concerning
connection mode, connectors and cable type.
Each Linear Three is fitted with two pairs of
binding-post terminals - one pair each for the
low frequency and high frequency drivers. Two
pairs of terminals enables Linear Threes to be
connected conventionally (single wire), bi-wired
or bi-amplified. As supplied, the high and low
frequency terminals are connected together by
metal links ready for conventional connection.
The terminals can accept either stripped wires,
spade connectors, or 4mm plugs. Each of these
termination methods is potentially equally effective
and the choice is likely to be influenced by type of
speaker cable used. Your dealer, distributor or cable
manufacturer will be able to offer advice.
Conventional [single wire] connection
Conventional connection requires that the shorting links remain in place
between the high and low frequency terminals. Simply connect the speaker
cable to either pair of terminals ensuring correct connection polarity as
described below.
Bi-Wire Connection
Bi-wiring separates the low and high frequency connections and can provide
enhanced sound quality. A second set of cables (or alternatively, a multi-way
bi-wire cable) is required. The shorting links should be removed and stored for
any subsequent single wire use.
The two cables for each speaker should be connected in parallel to the
amplifier terminals. At the speaker, one cable should connect to the high
frequency terminals and one to the low frequency terminals. Ensure correct
connection polarity as described below.
Bi-Amplifier Connection
Bi-amplifier connection adds a second power amplifier to the system so that
high and low frequency sections have dedicated amplifiers. Significantly
enhanced sound quality is possible. One stereo amplifier should be connected
to the high frequency terminals of each speaker and a second stereo amplifier
connected to the low frequency terminals. The shorting links should be
removed and stored for any subsequent single wire use. Ensure correct
connection polarity as described below. Follow the amplifier manufacturer’s
guidence on connecting the amplifier input signals.
The shorting links must be removed for bi-amplifier connection. Failure
to do so will likely result in damage to the amplifiers.
Connection Polarity
It is important when connecting speakers to ensure that each terminal is
connected with the correct polarity. Positive speaker terminals should always
be connected back to amplifier positive terminals, and negative speaker
terminals connected back to amplifier negative terminals. Performance will be
seriously degraded if connections are made with incorrect polarity.
Take care when connecting cables not to touch the negative and positive
terminals together and “short-circuit” the amplifier. Make connections with
the amplifier switched off.
Choice of cable type will be influenced by the characteristics of other
components in your hi-fi system and your dealer or distributor will be able to
advise. Even so, there are some simple guidelines to consider:
• Cable runs to each speaker should be kept as short as possible
consistent with each being of equal length.
• Short cable runs are especially important if the cable is of relatively small
cross-sectional-area.
• If the cable is advertised as “directional” care should be
taken to ensure that its orientation is as recommended.
