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Owners manual
DUKE 2
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Table of contents
Introduction
Marten Philosophy
Unpacking
Quick Setup
Connecting the loudspeakers
Choosing cables
Connections
Burn-in
Room Acoustics
Positioning
Loudspeaker Placement
Distance to back and side walls
Focusing the Loudspeakers
Toe-in
Enclosed CD
Care of Loudspeakers
Service
Warranty
Serial Number
Technical Specifications
2
3
3
4
4
5
6
6
7
8
8
8
9
9
10
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Introduction
Marten Philosophy
Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a pair of Marten loudspeakers.
At the forefront of current designs, the loudspeakers will reveal the full emotional
range of music with vivid dynamics and detail. Properly installed, they will give you
many years of listening pleasure.
To realize the highest sound quality, some important topics will be addressed in the
following pages. By following these suggestions, you will be able to enjoy sound that
only a pair of Marten loudspeakers can deliver.
As a Marten loudspeaker owner, you are always welcome to our visitor centre, where,
in a relaxed environment, you can listen to our full range of products.
Marten loudspeakers are extremely sensitive instruments, and will give you many
enjoyable musical moments.
The Marten loudspeakers create certain demands on the accompanying hi-fi
equipment, the burn-in process, and the placement of the speakers in the listening
room. Even small changes in any of these areas can change the sound considerably.
The sound and musicality of Marten loudspeakers depend upon such factors as your
choice of cables and source components. Even the quality of the recordings matters.
The loudspeakers will reproduce, in extremely high detail, the slightest imperfection in
recordings and in stereo systems.
The pure, present, detailed sound image and musicality of a Marten loudspeaker
defines high end. Emphasis is not only put on great sound, but on design as well. The
loudspeakers are easily integrated into any living environment.
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Unpacking
Quick Setup
When you first receive your loudspeakers, you should make sure that the shipping box
is in its original state. If that is not the case, please contact your dealer.
Unpack the loudspeaker carefully, as there are several parts that can be damaged. We
suggest that you keep your box and inserts. As you may need them for transporting
your loudspeakers when moving etc.
Make sure that each of your shipping boxes contains the following:
2 pcs Duke Loudspeakers
1 pcs Owner’s Manual
• Open the shipping boxes close to the intended listening place.
• Make sure that the box is placed upon a firm but soft surface.
• Open the box, carefully as you might scratch the speaker
• Raise the shipping box to a standing position, and slide speaker out of the box.
• Tilt the speaker over, bottom facing up.
• Remove the packing material from the bottom.
• Raise the loudspeaker upright.
• Remove the remaining cloth material from the loudspeaker.
• Carefully place the speaker on its intended place
Your loudspeakers need quite a bit of playing time in order to reach their
maximum performance.
The use of the burn-in CD enclosed with the loudspeakers is recommended to speed
up this process. Follow these steps:
1. Connect the loudspeakers to your system.
2. Put the CD in your CD player.
3. Choose track 1 and set it on repeat
4. Set the volume to a moderate level
The CD should be played for a minimum of 24 hours before attempting to adjust the
loudspeaker placement.
For more in-depth information about this process, please refer to the section
about burn-in.
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Connecting the oudspeakers
Choice of cable
Connections
To make the most of your Duke loudspeakers, please consider the
following suggestions:
The impact loudspeaker cables can have on the sound is dramatic. Be sure to use the
same brand, type, and length of cable on each channel.
Mixing different types and/or lengths of cable can upset the precise timing and
balance of your loudspeaker.
At the back of your loudspeaker, you will find one pair of terminals that will accept any
standard connection. Whatever type of connection you use, make sure that the
contact is tight, and have a proper contact area. Tighten the posts, and then retighten
after a few days to make sure that the connections haven’t loosened.
Always turn off the power of your entire system before making connections to your
speakers. We recommend using an amplifier with sufficient power (typically a
minimum of 50 watts).
In order to obtain the best localization of instruments and voices, as well as the
deepest, most natural bass, it is important to connect your loudspeakers in phase
(which means that the drivers are moving in and out in the same direction and at the
same time). The connectors on the speakers are clearly marked, and those on your
amplifier and speakers cables should be also be marked. Keep all markings consistent
in order to ensure in-phase connections.
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Burn-in
Room Acoustics
The higher the quality of a loudspeaker system, the more demanding it will be
regarding burn-in time. Your newly unpacked loudspeakers need quite a bit of playing
time to reach their optimum performance capability.
We have enclosed a CD to help you speed up this process. Please allow the CD to be
run for a minimum of 24 hours before attempting to adjust the placement of the
loudspeakers in your listening room.
Due to the high-tech materials used in the drivers, the loudspeakers will sound a bit
harsh in the beginning, but after 50 hours of playing your loudspeakers will start to
sound good.
After about 200 hours of playing, your system will be optimized. The sound will be
more open and detailed, and display more natural musical warmth.
Compare the process to that of a fine musical instrument, which has to be played for a
period of time before reaching its full musical potential.
A good listening room has just the right amount of reflection and absorption. The
performance of any loudspeaker depends upon the speaker’s location in the room and
the acoustical conditions in that part of the room. Furnishings, size, and proportions all
effect tonal balance, imaging, and bass characteristics.
To test the sonic balance of your room, stand in the location where the loudspeakers
will be installed and clap your hands two or three times. If the room is reverberant, you
will hear a sharpness or echo. If the room is dull, the sound of the clap will decay
rapidly and there will be little or no echo.
Large areas of glass, mirrors, or wood panelling will reflect sound waves and often
result in brittleness and extreme brightness. You can correct this by breaking up these
sound waves with softer surfaces like draperies or wall hangings. Try to create random
reflections. Put a lot of time into the placement of the speakers. Experimenting with
this will be well worth the effort.
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Positioning
Loudspeaker Placement
Distance to back and side walls
Focusing the Loudspeakers
Toe-in
Every room is shaped and decorated differently, and is therefore presents unique
requirements for the positioning of any loudspeaker. Your Marten loudspeakers will
function at their best when placed on a flat, stable surface. As an option you are able
to buy a specially designed speaker stand for Duke.
The space between the loudspeakers should be free. Ideally, the space should be
symmetrical in the area around the loudspeakers. We recommend experimenting with
the placement of your loudspeakers in order to obtain the best balance, openness, and
perception of depth.
One of the things that make Marten loudspeakers different is that they have been
designed to stand relatively close to the back wall of your listening room.
Other manufacturers usually recommend that their loudspeakers be free-standing in
the room to avoid reflection from the back wall. However, for good results, the Marten
loudspeakers should be no closer than 40 cm (15.7 Inch) from the rear wall.
Marten loudspeaker should not be placed close to a side wall, as reflections from these
can disturb the depth of the sound image.
Due to their highly advanced technology, the loudspeakers will deliver excellent
imaging, even at a relatively close listening distance. The distance ultimately depends
on the room’s shape, size, and your listening taste. Please use track 2 of the enclosed
CD as a guide to focusing the sound image.
The goal is to have balanced sound. Ideally, you should be able to place the recorded
voice in the middle of your speaker arrangement. Ultimately, the shape, size, and
furniture in the listening room all influence the end result, so take some extra time to
experiment with the position of the loudspeakers.
The loudspeakers should normally have a slight toe in toward the listening area to
focus the sound. The amount of toe-in will depend upon your listening preferences
and the room environment and dimensions.
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Enclosed CD
Care of loudspeakers
Service
1. Burn in Sweep
2. Focusing the Loudspeakers
Track 2 taken from the CD – “Feathers” with Jeanette Lindström & Steve Dobrogosz.
© 200, PROPHONE RECORDS AB
For more information of the CD “Feathers” please visit www.prophonerecords.se
Marten loudspeakers require no special treatment apart from the kind of handling you
would apply to any high-tech product in your home.
Because many different materials are used in the making of the loudspeakers, all-in
one cleaning materials should not be used. Never apply abrasive/ aggressive cleaning
fluids to the outside of the unit.
The cabinet and other parts should only be cleaned with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth.
Do not attempt to open the unit’s case.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
In the event your loudspeakers need to be serviced, please contact your dealer, who
will decide whether the problem can be remedied locally, or whether to contact
Marten for service.
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Warranty
Warranty Exclusions
Serial Number Your unique serial number is: ............................................................................................
Marten provides a transferable, limited manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty covers
faults or defects in material or production only. Damage caused by abuse or misuse, or
by the use of defective electronics, is not covered by warranty.
Please contact your local Marten dealer for more information about this warranty.
Transportation damage, visible or hidden. Damage should be reported immediately to
the transport company. Registration of the complaint should be sent to the Marten distributor.
Scratches in paint, wood, metal or carbon surfaces. Complaints should be made to the
dealer within three days after the sale.
Damage due to illicit handling and inappropriate use.
Transportation costs to service station or factory.
Damage through unauthorized repair and/or modification.
Subsequent damage to other appliances.
Refund of costs in case of unauthorized repair.
Malfunction caused by use for commercial or professional purposes.
All claims on Marten products obtained through unauthorized sources, with or without
correct serial numbers.
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Technical Specifications Duke 2
Frequency range:
Power rating:
Sensitivity:
Impedance:
Type:
Drive units:
Crossover frequency:
Terminals:
Cabinet:
Dimensions (WxHxD):
Net weight:
Finishes:
Marking of the ”CE” symbol indicates compliance of this device with the
EMC and LDV standards of the European Community.
38-40000 Hz +-3dB
150 W
88 dB/2.83 V
4 ohm (3.7ohms minimum)
2-way ported (39 Hz)
7” ceramic, 1” ceramic
Second order, 3000 Hz
Single-wiring WBT
23 mm veneered MDF
22 x 40 x 32 cm (8.6” x 15,7” x 12.6”)
13 kg (28,6 lbs)
High Gloss Walnut, matt Walnut and piano Black
