ELAC Carina FS247.4-SB Floorstanding Speaker User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your ELAC Carina FS247.4-SB Floorstanding Speaker. The Carina series combines elegant design with advanced audio technology, featuring ELAC's JET tweeter and a specially developed compound curvature woofer for a wide dynamic range and minimal distortion. Please read this manual thoroughly before using your speaker to ensure optimal performance and safety.

2. Safety Information

Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent damage to the speaker or injury to yourself.

• Placement: Place the speaker on a stable, level surface to prevent tipping. Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the speaker. Do not block any ventilation openings.
• Connections: Before making any connections, ensure all audio equipment is turned off and unplugged from the power outlet.
• Power: This is a passive speaker and requires an external amplifier. Do not connect directly to a wall outlet.
• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the package:

• ELAC Carina FS247.4-SB Floorstanding Speaker (1 unit)
• Binding post straps (pre-installed or included for single-wire connection)
• Outrigger feet
• Spikes
• Discs (for use with spikes on delicate floors)
• User Manual (this document)

Image: Front view of the ELAC Carina FS247.4-SB Floorstanding Speaker, showcasing its sleek satin black finish and driver configuration.

4. Setup

4.1 Attaching the Outrigger Feet and Spikes

The outrigger feet provide stability and improve sound performance by decoupling the speaker from the floor.

1. Carefully lay the speaker on its side on a soft, non-abrasive surface to avoid scratching the cabinet.
2. Attach the four outrigger feet to the bottom of the speaker using the provided screws. Ensure they are securely fastened.
3. Thread the spikes into the outrigger feet. If placing the speaker on a hard surface (wood, tile), place the protective discs under each spike to prevent damage to the floor. For carpeted surfaces, the spikes can penetrate the carpet for direct contact with the subfloor.
4. Carefully stand the speaker upright. Adjust the height of each spike by rotating it until the speaker is level and stable. Use a spirit level for precision.

Image: Angled view of the ELAC Carina FS247.4-SB speaker, showing the outrigger feet and spikes providing stability.

4.2 Speaker Placement

Proper speaker placement is crucial for optimal sound quality.

• Stereo Setup: For a traditional stereo setup, place the speakers equidistant from your primary listening position, forming an equilateral triangle.
• Distance from Walls: Experiment with placing the speakers away from walls (especially corners) to reduce bass boom and improve imaging. A good starting point is 1-3 feet from the rear wall and side walls.
• Toe-in: Slightly angle the speakers inward towards the listening position (toe-in) to fine-tune the soundstage and focus.

Image: An ELAC Carina speaker positioned in a room, demonstrating typical placement for home audio.

4.3 Connecting to an Amplifier

The Carina FS247.4-SB features high-quality binding posts for secure connection to your amplifier.

1. Ensure your amplifier is turned off and unplugged from the power outlet.
2. Identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both your speaker and amplifier. The speaker terminals are typically color-coded (red for positive, black for negative).
3. If using a single speaker cable per speaker, ensure the binding post straps are in place, connecting the upper and lower terminals.
4. Connect the positive (+) terminal of the speaker to the positive (+) terminal of the corresponding amplifier channel.
5. Connect the negative (-) terminal of the speaker to the negative (-) terminal of the corresponding amplifier channel.
6. Ensure all connections are tight and secure to prevent signal loss or short circuits.

Image: Detailed view of the rear panel of the ELAC Carina FS247.4-SB speaker, showing the dual binding posts for amplifier connection.

5. Operating

Once properly set up and connected, operating your ELAC Carina FS247.4-SB speakers is straightforward.

• Power On: Turn on your amplifier and any source components (e.g., CD player, streamer).
• Volume Control: Start with the amplifier volume at its lowest setting and gradually increase it to a comfortable listening level.
• Break-in Period: Like all high-fidelity speakers, the Carina FS247.4-SB will benefit from a break-in period. Allow approximately 50-100 hours of normal listening before the drivers reach their optimal performance. During this time, the sound may evolve and improve.
• Listening Levels: Avoid excessively high volume levels that cause distortion, as this can damage the speakers and your hearing.

6. Maintenance

To keep your ELAC Carina FS247.4-SB speakers in excellent condition, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning the Cabinet: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down the speaker cabinet. For stubborn marks, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but ensure no moisture enters the drivers or ports. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or polishes.
• Cleaning the Drivers: Do not touch the speaker drivers (tweeter and woofers) directly. Dust can be gently removed with a soft brush or compressed air from a distance.
• Grilles: If your speakers come with removable grilles, they can be gently cleaned with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner on a low setting.
• Environment: Keep the speakers in a stable environment, away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight, which can cause fading or material degradation over time.

7. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your ELAC Carina FS247.4-SB speakers, consult the table below for common problems and solutions.

If the problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact ELAC customer support or your authorized dealer.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

9.1 Warranty Information

The ELAC Carina FS247.4-SB Floorstanding Speaker comes with a Full Warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official ELAC website for detailed terms and conditions regarding coverage, duration, and claims procedures. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.

9.2 Customer Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or service inquiries, please contact ELAC customer support.

• ELAC Website: www.elac.com
• Contact Information: Refer to the "Contact Us" section on the ELAC website for phone numbers, email addresses, or support forms specific to your region.
• Authorized Dealers: For local support, you may also contact the authorized ELAC dealer from whom you purchased the product.