Avalon Acoustics Sentinel - Manual (Page 34)

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7 Maximizing Performance
These details are imperative to obtaining optimum results from your Avalon
Acoustics loudspeakers.
Break-in
The break-in period is critical to maximizing sonic performance and should
take place before other adjustments (see the discussion on page 29). The
break-in should begin with three to six hours of quiet music, followed by 200 to
300 hours of loud and dynamic source material.
Separate Left / Right Amplifiers
It is recommended to separate the amplification into left and right channels,
by using two mono amplifiers. Separating the left and right channel
amplification minimizes cross coupling effects between the channels and
provides for better noise rejection, resulting in improved focus, dynamics, and
low-level detail. See page 28 (Connecting Speaker Cable to the Amplifier).
Felt Anti-diffraction Masks
The felt anti-diffraction masks are integral elements of the reference system
design. Unlike many other products, Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers are
designed to be used with the felts in place while listening, and removing them
will degrade the system's performance. It is very important that the felt
anti-diffraction masks make physical contact with the face of the
loudspeakers, as air space between the felt and the speaker face will
adversely affect sound quality. Since this is especially important near the
tweeter and midrange, applying gentle pressure to the felt near these drivers
is recommended. Take care not to damage the transducer diaphragms.
WARNING: The transducer diaphragms are very fragile and are easily
damaged. Do NOT touch the diaphragms while positioning and installing felts.
The upper felt is beveled around the openings for the tweeter and midrange
drivers. If the felts are removed, be sure to re-install them with the correct
inside-outside orientation: the driver openings are beveled on the side that
faces the listener (away from the speaker). Figure 3.7 on page 22 displays the
proper installation.