™
™
P A S S A G E
u s e r ’ s m a n u a l
MA R T I N L O G A N®
the loudspeaker technology company
INSTALLATION
Placement
To achieve maximum performance, it is recommended that
the Passage not be installed near a room corner or directly
behind furniture. When used as a front left/right channel, it
is recommended that the listening position be no closer to
the wall then the distance between the speakers.
Horizontal Installation
Although most users will mount the Passage in a vertical
orientation, it can also be mounted in a horizontal ori-
entation (for use as a center channel). If you plan to use
the Passage in a horizontal orientation, it will cross drywall
studs and the wall will require modification. A bonded
contractor should be contacted to mount the Passage in a
horizontal orientation.
Installing the Passage
NOTE: These instructions must be carefully followed to
assure that your Passage is safely installed. Study them
thoroughly before installing your Passage's.
NOTE: The following instructions assume the mounting
surface is of standard wood frame and standard sheet rock
construction. If you wish to mount the Passage to another
type of material, you should consult a bonded contractor.
Warning! Before installing check
for obstructions behind the drywall
(electrical, plumbing and other
fixtures). To do this make a small
hole, cutting at a 45° angle (this
will make the hole easier to patch
if obstructions are found). Only
cut the mounting hole after
you have verified there are no
obstructions behind the wall.
Figure 1. The Passage is designed for both vertical and horizontal installation.
Installation
3
Required tools (included):
4mm Allen bit
(2) Push pins
Required tools (not included):
Stud finder
Sharp pencil or pen
Level
Dry wall knife/saw
Wire strippers
Electric drill (with clutch)
Tape measure
Depth required behind wall surface:
3 3/16" (8.1cm)
Required wall opening (includes tolerance):
7 1/2" x 22 15/16" (19.1cm x 58.3cm)
Figure 3. Side view.
Figure 4. Top view.
Figure 2. The Passage is designed to mount anywhere between studs.
4
Installation
Figure 5. Installation steps 1–3.
Figure 6. Installation step 4.
1
Using a stud finder, locate the final speaker position
between studs.
4
Use a dry wall knife/saw to cut out the opening.
WARNING! Absolutely no part of the template
should overlap a stud.
2
3
Insert top push pin (provided). Level template. Insert
bottom pushpin (provided). Recheck level.
Mark cutout through slots in template. Remove Template.
Installation
5
Figure 7. Installation step 5.
Figure 8. Installation step 6.
5
If the tweeter is above or below ear level, position the
marked woofer closest to ear level (see sticker on the
back of speaker).
6
Connect speaker cable. Be consistent when connect-
ing speaker leads to the terminals on the back of the
Passage. Take great care to assign the same color to
the (+) terminal on both the speaker and the amplifier.
WARNING! Turn your amplifier off before
making or breaking any signal connections!
6
Installation
Figure 9. Installation step 7.
Figure 10. Installation step 8.
7
Place speaker in hole.
8
Use a 4mm Allen bit (provided) and an electric drill to
lock all 8 mounting locks in place. Use a low clutch
setting on the drill.
Installation
7
Figure 11. Installation step 9.
Figure 12. Installation step 10.
9
Aim the tweeter toward the primary listening position by
gently pushing the edge of the tweeter globe (which is
capable of 20° tilt in all directions).
10 Gently bend the grill cover into place.
The Passage tweeter should always be orientated so that
the long dimension of the tweeter is vertical (see tweeter
position in figure 1). To accommodate both horizontal and
vertical orientations, the tweeter globe can rotate 90°.
WARNING! Do not turn the tweeter more
than 90° in either direction. Turning the tweeter
globe too much may cause wires to disconnect.
8
Installation
INSTALLING AN IR REPEATER
WARNING! These instructions are written
based on commonly available IR repeaters that
mount in a 1/2" diameter hole. Before beginning
this installation, please refer to the instructions
that came with your IR repeater to verify this
hole size. If your IR repeater requires a hole size
1
other than /2" diameter, adjust these instruc-
tions accordingly. Before drilling the mounting
hole, a 1/8" pilot hole should always be drilled
from the back regardless of the final mounting
hole diameter.
Required tools (not included):
Electric drill
1
/8" drill bit
1
/2" drill bit
1
2
Prepare a flat surface with a cushion and/or blanket to
protect the Passage. Place the Passage driver side down.
WARNING! Be careful to put no weight on
the tweeter globe.
From the rear of the speaker and at the location shown
in figure 13, use a 1/8" drill bit to drill a pilot hole.
3
4
Turn the Passage over so that it is driver side up.
1
From the front of the speaker, use a /2" drill bit to
widen the hole for the IR repeater.
5
Follow the instructions that come with the IR repeater to
finish installation.
Figure 13. Installing an IR repeater—location to drill hole.
Installing an IR Repeater
9
REMOVING THE END CAPS FOR PAINTING
Figure 14. Removing the end caps step 2.
Figure 15. Removing the end caps step 3.
Required tools (not included):
Philips head scrwedriver
1
Prepare a flat surface with a cushion and/or blanket to
protect the Passage. Place the Passage driver side down.
WARNING! Be careful to put no weight on
the tweeter globe.
2
3
4
Using a Phillips head screwdriver remove 2 screws from
the back/bottom of the Passage (see figure 14).
Using a Phillips head screwdriver remove three screws
from the bottom edge of the Passage (see figure 15).
The end cap may now be safely removed (see figure 16).
Repeat steps 2–4 to remove other end cap.
Figure 16. Removing the end caps step 4.
10
Removing the End Caps for Painting
ATF (ADVANCED THIN FILM)
ATF Operation
Push-Pull Operation = Ideal Linearity
The MartinLogan ATF transducer (based on RADIA planar
technology) consists of a micro-thin, low-mass Kaladex
diaphragm with an ultra-light, etched conductive alumi-
num surface suspended between two high field strength
neodymium super magnet arrays (see figure 17). When an
electrical current (music signal) passes through the etched
aluminum on the diaphragm's surface it is simultaneously
pulled towards one of the neodymium arrays and pushed
away from the opposing array. When the direction of current
is reversed the diaphragm is simultaneously pushed and
pulled in the opposite direction, thus producing sound.
Linearity is another factor contributing to a loudspeaker's
ability to achieve ultimate clarity, detail and resolution. By
positioning neodymium magnet arrays in a push-pull con-
figuration, MartinLogan ATF transducer technology maintains
uniform diaphragm control, regardless of position as it
traverses the entire audio signal. The push-pull concept is
a major contributor to the linearity and sonic superiority of
ATF transducers.
Direct Full-Surface Drive
Provides Outstanding Clarity
Unlike traditional voice coil driven systems, ATF diaphragms
are directly and uniformly driven throughout their entire
surface. This full-surface drive system results in ultra-fast
transient response with no cone break up and the ability
to accurately reproduce sound with great delicacy, nuance
and clarity.
Extremely Low-Mass Diaphragm
—Blazing Speed and Inner Detail
Low-mass diaphragms are crucial to a loudspeaker's ability
to accurately reproduce sound. As the mass of a transducer's
diaphragm decreases, its ability to resolve detail increases.
With extremely low-mass characteristics, the ATF transducer
tracks the audio signal with almost perfect accuracy.
MartinLogan ATF diaphragms are constructed of extremely low
mass Dupont Kaladex® PEN (polyethylene naphthalate)—a
material chemically similar to the low-mass PET (polyethylene
terathylate) film used in MartinLogan's generation 2 electro-
static transducers, yet capable of handling the high thermal
requirements required for stable magnetic thin film operation.
High Field Strength
—Superb Control and Efficiency
With a field strength almost 2000% more powerful than
traditional systems, Neodymium iron boron (NIB) rare-earth
super magnets are one of the world's strongest commer-
cially available magnetic materials. This incredible field
strength proves ideal for maintaining perfect control over
the low-mass Kaladex diaphragm. Super-low distortion
levels, high-resolution, and crystal-clear transparency are
just a few of the benefits resulting from this superb combi-
nation of low-mass diaphragm and high field strength.
Figure 17. Cut away view of an ATF transducer. Note the simplicity due
to minimal part usage.
ATF (Advanced Thin Film)
11
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND TROUBLESHOOTING
Frequently Asked Questions
Troubleshooting
How do I clean my speakers?
Output
Just use a dust free cloth or a soft brush to remove the
dust from your speakers. We recommend a specialty
com) that cleans your speakers better than anything
else we have tried. Do not spray any kind of clean-
ing agent on or in close proximity to the ATF
element.
• Check that all your system components are turned on.
• Check your speaker wires and connections.
• Check all interconnecting cables.
What size amplifier should I use?
We recommend an amplifier with 100 watts per channel
for most applications. Probably less would be ade-
quate when used in home theater where a subwoofer
is employed. Our hybrid designs will perform well with
either a tube or transistorized amplifier, and will reveal
the sonic character of either type. However, it is impor-
tant that the amplifier be stable operating into varying
impedance loads: a stable amplifier will be able to
deliver twice its rated wattage into 4 Ohms and should
again double into 2 Ohms.
Could you suggest a list of suitable electronics and
cables that would be ideal for MartinLogan speakers?
The area of electronics and cable choice is probably
the most common type of question that we receive. It is
also the most subjective. We have repeatedly found that
brands that work well in one setup will drive someone
else nuts in another. We use many brands with great
success. Again, we have no favorites; we use electronics
and cables quite interchangeably. We would suggest
listening to a number of brands—and above all else—
trust your ears. Dealers are always the best source for
information when purchasing additional audio equipment
or cables and will be well versed in the subject of special
safety requirements for in-wall cable.
Will exposure to sunlight affect the life or perfor-
mance of my speakers?
We recommend that you not place any loudspeaker
in direct sunlight. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun
can cause deterioration of grill cloth, speaker cones, etc.
Small exposures to UV will not cause a problem. In
general, the filtering of UV rays through glass will greatly
reduce the negative effects.
12
Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting
GENERAL INFORMATION
Specifications
Warranty and Registration
System Frequency Response
45–20,000 Hz ± 3 dB
Your Passage speaker is provided with an automatic Limited
90 Day Warranty coverage.
Sensitivity
90 dB/2.83 volts/meter (mounted on wall)
You have the option, at no additional charge, to receive a
Limited 5 Year Warranty coverage. To obtain the Limited
5 Year Warranty coverage you need to complete and return
the Certificate of Registration, included with your speakers,
and provide a copy of your dealer receipt to MartinLogan
within 30 days of purchase.
Impedance
6 ohms
Crossover Frequency
2200 Hz
For your convenience MartinLogan also offers online warranty
Components
Air core coils, metal film and low dissipation electrolytic
capacitors
MartinLogan may not honor warranty service claims unless
we have a completed Warranty Registration on file!
Woofer Type
If you did not receive a Certificate of Registration with your
new Passage speaker, you cannot be assured of having
received new units. If this is the case, please contact your
authorized MartinLogan dealer.
Two 6.5” (16.5cm) magnetically shielded high rigidity alu-
minum cones with extended throw drive assembly
ATF High Frequency Driver
1.5" x 2.25" (3.8cm x 5.7cm) ATF Transducer
Service
ATF High Frequency Driver Range of Motion
20° tilt in all directions. 90° rotation.
Should you be using your MartinLogan product in a country
other than the one in which it was originally purchased,
we ask that you note the following:
Power Handling
150 watts
1 The appointed MartinLogan distributor for any given
country is responsible for warranty servicing only on
units distributed by or through it in that country in
accordance with its applicable warranty.
Weight
16 lbs. each (7.3 kg)
Overall Size
8.9375” inches W × 4.93755” inches D × 24.5” inches H
(22.7cm W × 12.5cm D × 62.2cm H)
2 Should a MartinLogan product require servicing in a
country other than the one in which it was originally
purchased, the end user may seek to have repairs per-
formed by the nearest MartinLogan distributor, subject
to that distributor’s local servicing policies, but all cost
of repairs (parts, labor, transportation) must be born by
the owner of the MartinLogan product.
Required wall opening (including tolerance)
7.5" x 22.9375" (19.1cm x 58.3cm)
Projection from wall surface
1.75" (4.4cm)
3 If, after owning your speakers for six months, you
relocate to a country other than the one in which
you purchased your speakers, your warranty may be
transferable. Contact MartinLogan for details.
Depth required behind wall surface
3.1875" (8.1cm)
General Information
13
GLOSSARY OF AUDIO TERMS
AC. Abbreviation for alternating current.
DC. Abbreviation for direct current.
Active crossover. Uses active devices (transistors, ICs,
tubes) and some form of power supply to operate.
Diffraction. The breaking up of a sound wave caused by
some type of mechanical interference such as a cabinet
edge, grill frame or other similar object.
Amplitude. The extreme range of a signal. Usually mea-
sured from the average to the extreme.
Diaphragm. A thin flexible membrane or cone that vibrates
in response to electrical signals to produce sound waves.
Arc. The visible sparks generated by an electrical dis-
charge.
Distortion. Usually referred to in terms of total harmonic
distortion (THD) which is the percentage of unwanted har-
monics of the drive signal present with the wanted signal.
Generally used to mean any unwanted change introduced
by the device under question.
ATF. The abbreviation for advanced thin film.
Bass. The lowest frequencies of sound.
Bi-Amplification. Uses an electronic crossover, or line-
level passive crossover, and separate power amplifiers for
the high and low frequency loudspeaker drivers.
Driver. See transducer.
Dynamic Range. The range between the quietest and the
loudest sounds a device can handle (often quoted in dB).
Capacitance. That property of a capacitor which determines
how much charge can be stored in it for a given potential
difference between its terminals, measured in farads, by
the ratio of the charge stored to the potential difference.
Efficiency. The acoustic power delivered for a given elec-
trical input. Often expressed as decibels/watt/meter
(dB/w/m).
Capacitor. A device consisting of two or more conducting
plates separated from one another by an insulating mate-
rial and used for storing an electrical charge. Sometimes
called a condenser.
ESL. The abbreviation for electrostatic loudspeaker.
Headroom. The difference, in decibels, between the peak
and RMS levels in program material.
Clipping. Distortion of a signal by its being chopped
off. An overload problem caused by pushing an ampli-
fier beyond its capabilities. The flat-topped signal has
high levels of harmonic distortion which creates heat in a
loudspeaker and is the major cause of loudspeaker com-
ponent failure.
Hybrid. A product created by the marriage of two different
technologies. Meant here as the combination of a dynam-
ic woofer with an electrostatic or ATF transducer.
Hz (Hertz). Unit of frequency equivalent to the number of
cycles per second.
CLS. The abbreviation for curvilinear linesource.
Imaging. To make a representation or imitation of the
original sonic event.
Crossover. An electrical circuit that divides a full band-
width signal into the desired frequency bands for the
loudspeaker components.
Impedance. The total opposition offered by an electric
circuit to the flow of an alternating current of a single fre-
quency. It is a combination of resistance and reactance and
is measured in ohms. Remember that a speaker’s imped-
ance changes with frequency, it is not a constant value.
dB (decibel). A numerical expression of the relative loud-
ness of a sound. The difference in decibels between two
sounds is ten times the Base 10 logarithm of the ratio of
their power levels.
14
Glossary of Audio Terms
Inductance. The property of an electrical circuit by which
a varying current in it produces a varying magnetic field
that introduces voltages in the same circuit or in a nearby
circuit. It is measured in henrys.
Resistor. A device used in a circuit to provide resistance.
Resonance. The effect produced when the natural vibra-
tion frequency of a body is greatly amplified by reinforcing
vibrations at the same or nearly the same frequency from
another body.
Inductor. A device designed primarily to introduce induc-
tance into an electrical circuit. Sometimes called a choke
or coil.
Sensitivity. The volume of sound delivered for a given
electrical input.
Linearity. The extent to which any signal handling process
is accomplished without amplitude distortion.
Stator. The fixed part forming the reference for the moving
diaphragm in a planar speaker.
Midrange. The middle frequencies where the ear is the
most sensitive.
THD. The abbreviation for total harmonic distortion. (See
Distortion)
NAC. The abbreviation for natural ambience compensation.
TIM. The abbreviation for transient intermodulation distortion.
Passive crossover. Uses no active components (transis-
tors, ICs, tubes) and needs no power supply (AC, DC,
battery) to operate. The crossover in a typical loudspeak-
er is of the passive variety. Passive crossovers consist of
capacitors, inductors and resistors.
Transducer. Any of various devices that transmit energy
from one system to another, sometimes one that converts
the energy in form. Loudspeaker transducers convert elec-
trical energy into mechanical motion.
Phase. The amount by which one sine wave leads or lags
a second wave of the same frequency. The difference is
described by the term phase angle. Sine waves in phase
reinforce each other; those out of phase cancel.
Transient. Applies to that which lasts or stays but a short
time. A change from one steady-state condition to another.
Tweeter. A small drive unit designed to reproduce only
high frequencies.
Pink noise. A random noise used in measurements, as it
has the same amount of energy in each octave.
Wavelength. The distance measured in the direction of
progression of a wave, from any given point characterized
by the same phase.
Polarity. The condition of being positive or negative with
respect to some reference point or object.
White noise. A random noise used in measurements, as it
RMS. Abbreviation for root mean square. The effective
value of a given waveform is its RMS value. Acoustic power
is proportional to the square of the RMS sound pressure.
has the same amount of energy at each frequency.
Woofer. A drive unit operating in the bass frequencies only.
Drive units in two-way systems are not true woofers but
are more accurately described as being mid/bass drivers.
Resistance. That property of a conductor by which it
opposes the flow of electric current, resulting in the gener-
ation of heat in the conducting material, usually expressed
in ohms.
Glossary of Audio Terms
15
MA R T I N L O G A N ®
the loudspeaker technology company
2101 Delaware Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66046, USA tel 785.749.0133 fax 785.749.5320 www.martinlogan.com
Rev. #080604
©2004 MartinLogan. All rights reserved.
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