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10. SPEAKER DAMAGE & HOW TO AVOID IT
An important factor to consider with any loudspeaker system is the potential for speaker damage. Even though
your M&K Satellites have extremely high power handling ability (especially for Satellite speakers), they still can be
damaged by relatively low powered amplifiers.
While very few M&K Satellites are actually returned for service, the vast majority of those returned are not for
manufacturing defects. Instead, they are returned because they have been overdriven, almost always because the
amplifier or receiver used was driven into clipping distortion. This damage is considered abuse, and is not necessarily
covered under warranty.
This clipping distortion occurs when the demands of the music are greater than the amplifier's available power.
It can occur at 20 watts with a small amplifier, or at 400 watts with a large amplifier. When this happens, the amplifier's
output waveform (which should look like a smooth arc) is "clipped" off, exhibiting a flat top instead of the arc.
This flat top contains multiples of the original amplified frequencies, sometimes at higher levels than the original
signal itself. For tweeters, this can be very damaging, as this distortion is well above the audible range (where you are
unable to hear it), and where the tweeter is most vulnerable to damage.
When an amplifier clips, its sound becomes harsh and grating, and a break-up is often audible in the bass
frequencies. It will become uncomfortable to listen to, especially when compared to a slightly lower volume level. When
you are listening at high volume levels, be aware of the onset of clipping distortion, and turn the volume down slightly
if the sound takes on the character described above.
When tone controls or equalizers are used to boost frequencies, the problem occurs much more rapidly. Even
a small boost of low or high frequencies can easily double the power requirement and lead to amplifier clipping at
moderate levels. Therefore, you should use your tone controls judiciously, avoiding extreme boosts of the bass and
treble controls, especially when you are listening at high volume levels.
The best way to avoid speaker damage is to use common sense. Use moderate boosts of tone controls or
equalizers, at the very most. Listen carefully for any harshness and break-up, especially at high volume levels, and
turn down the volume when needed. If you cannot get enough volume, you may need to consider a higher-powered
amplifier. If you have any questions about this, please contact M&K, and we will be happy to discuss it with you further.
11. BI - AMPLIFYING YOUR SATELLITES
WITH M&K HIGH PASS FILTERS
One excellent way to improve the sound of your Satellite speakers (and protect them if you listen at high volume
levels to music with substantial deep bass output), is by using an M&K High-Pass Filter. The M&K LP-1S and
VF-100 High-Pass Filters improve the performance of any system that allows for separation of its preamp and power
amp stages, by filtering the bass signal fed to the main amplifier and Satellite speakers.
These filters will give you greater dynamic range, lower distortion, and an increased maximum output level. If you
have any questions about the suitability of your components, please contact your M&K dealer or the factory.
To use these filters with an integrated amp or receiver, the amp/receiver MUST have back panel RCA jacks
labelled Preamp/Main Output AND Power Amp/Main Input (or Front Out/Front In). There may be a switch or jumper
connections between them. If you can use one of these filters, you simply connect one set of shielded RCA - RCA
interconnect cables between the receiver, amp or preamp's Main Output and the LP-1S or VF-100, with a second set
between the LP-1S or VF-100 and the Main Input of the receiver or amplifier, and a third set from the LP-1S or
VF-100 to the Subwoofer. See the instruction sheet that comes with the High-Pass Filter for more information.
12. IF YOU NEED SERVICE
Contact your dealer or M&K with a complete description of the problem. Please have the unit's model and serial
numbers (found on the back of the cabinet), date of purchase, and your dealer's name. You can call M&K between
8:30 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, at (310) 204-2854. If you call outside these hours, leave
a message, and we will return your call promptly.
DO NOT RETURN YOUR SPEAKERS TO THE FACTORY FORDO NOT RETURN YOUR SPEAKERS TO THE FACTORY FOR
DO NOT RETURN YOUR SPEAKERS TO THE FACTORY FORDO NOT RETURN YOUR SPEAKERS TO THE FACTORY FOR
DO NOT RETURN YOUR SPEAKERS TO THE FACTORY FOR
SERVICE WITHOUT OBTAINING PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONSERVICE WITHOUT OBTAINING PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
SERVICE WITHOUT OBTAINING PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONSERVICE WITHOUT OBTAINING PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
SERVICE WITHOUT OBTAINING PRIOR AUTHORIZATION