GOLDMUND RHEA Active Speaker User Manual

For stereo setup, experiment with speaker placement in the room. Avoid corners and keep speakers at least 60 cm away from walls. Ideal listening position is 1 to 1.5 times the distance between speakers. For multi-channel systems, place speakers as shown in the figure provided in the manual.

Powering On:

Connect the loudspeaker to a mains outlet using the provided power cords.

Wiring:

Connect the digital cable from the digital input port of the RHEA loudspeaker to the output port of a digital processor.

Wireless Connection:

Consider factors like nearby WiFi devices and building materials for wireless range. Adjust media player or computer audio settings to a low output level before connecting the speakers.

Operation:

The system is configured and ready for use. Adjust volume from your computer, acoustic processor, or Wireless Hub.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Goldmund RHEA. Please take some time to read this manual. It may provide you with useful information to make your pleasure of listening to the RHEA even higher.Since 1978, Goldmund has been dedicated to developing audio equipment of the highest quality and accuracy to immerse you in the most realistic audio experience possible. At Goldmund, we are committed to being at the forefront of the creation, development, and manufacture of the industry’s most advanced technologies, including audio systems and music distribution. Our aim is to provide the most accurate sound possible, with the least possible loss of quality during the various stages. With a team of rigorous engineers, Goldmund is constantly pushing back the boundaries of the exceptional to keep developing its own ever more innovative technology.

Warning

Only careful use can provide the satisfaction you are expecting from this product.

All handling must be performed according to the following instructions to avoid deterioration of the speaker.

Nevertheless, if the instructions are carried out in full, you will notice that the use of the RHEA speaker is quite simple and convenient.

IMPORTANT

PLEASE DO NOT CONNECT ANY CABLES OR MOVE ANY PART BEFORE READING THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS.

PRELIMINARIES

The RHEA loudspeaker uses revolutionary technologies to achieve a level of definition and neutrality never reached before in a loudspeaker system.

For optimal use of your active speakers, please carefully read the following instructions. For professionals, musicians and all those who expect the very best in audio reproduction, we advocate the use of the highest quality components, especially in terms of electronics and cables.

UNPACKING

RHEA loudspeaker requires special care when unpacking. We recommend that two people unpack and install the loudspeaker, as certain operations require a great deal of attention.

ATTENTION

Should you need to return the speakers to the factory or to your local representative for warranty repair, please note that they must be repacked in the original packaging. This packaging has been specifically designed to protect the speakers during transit. Use of any other packaging will inevitably result in damage which cannot be covered by the warranty.

SELECTING THE SPEAKER LOCATION

Due to the use of Mechanical Grounding™ technology manufactured by Goldmund, it is essential to ensure a
rigid floor to attain optimum sound performance from your RHEA.
This technology uses the laws of physics to evacuate vibrations from any structure, thus reducing the resonance of the loudspeakers, but also of the electronics, where mechanical vibrations are one of the main sources of coloration, thereby preserving the naturalness of the sound.

RHEA loudspeaker is fitted with adjustable feet that prevent it from wobbling, while allowing the mechanical grounding tip to meet the floor to dissipate vibrations.
In stereo, the ideal placement of the speakers in the room should be determined by experiment.
Avoid placing the speakers in a corner of the room and try to keep them at least 60 cm (2 feet) away from an adjacent wall.
The ideal listening position is about 1 to 1.5 times the distance between the speakers at equal distance from each speaker.
If the room size allows, try to separate the speakers by at least 3 m (10’) to achieve a large stereo image.
For a multi-channel system arrangement, it is recommended to place the speakers as close as possible to the positions shown in the figure below:
Depending on the room acoustics, the speakers may be standing parallel or slightly ti lted towards the listener.

CONNECTIONS

POWERING ON

Connect the loudspeaker to a mains outlet using the provided power cords enclosed within the packaging.

WIRING

The RHEA active loudspeaker is equipped with built-in amplifiers featuring integrated input DSP crossovers. The input is an unbalanced digital connection (S/PDIF).
When utilizing a digital input signal, connect the digital cable to the digital input port of the RHEA loudspeaker. Attach the opposing end of the digital cable to the output port of a digital processor (please visit the Goldmund website to explore the current product offerings). The presence of a digital processor is essential for linking the loudspeakers to the audio source.

WIRELESS

The effective range of the wireless audio link is influenced by various factors, including the density of nearby WiFi devices in the vicinity of the RHEA system, the composition of building materials and the room’s architectural layout. Considering these variables, the maximum wireless range typically spans between 5 to 20 meters.
For optimal performance, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Place the RHEA loudspeaker, USB dongle, or Wireless Transmitter within the same room.
- Avoid introducing metallic obstacles between the USB dongle or Wireless Transmitter and the RHEA, as this could potentially disrupt the wireless connection.
- Refrain from relocating the computer along with the USB dongle during audio playback.

SETUP PROCEDURE

Connect the USB dongle to a USB port on your computer or connect the Wireless Transmitter to the corresponding output channel of your acoustic processor or Wireless Hub.

CONNECTIONS (Ctd.)

If using the USB dongle, access your computer’s audio settings to designate the USB dongle as the preferred audio output. Alternatively, if employing the Wireless Transmitter, get in touch with your Goldmund representative, who can assist in loading and modifying the configuration file within your acoustic processor.

The system is now configured and ready for operation. Volume adjustments can be made directly from your computer (when using the dongle), or from the acoustic processor (when utilizing a Transmitter), or directly on the Wireless Hub.
The RHEA and the associated USB Goldmund dongle are delivered prepaired. However, if you would like to do a re-pairing of the speaker with the dongle for any reason, please follow these steps:
- Either plug the USB dongle into your computer or link the Wireless Transmitter to your acoustic processor or Wireless Hub.
- In the event that multiple speakers are active, the dongle will automatically identify and connect with the nearest pair of speakers compatible with the Goldmund WiFi protocol.
- Please note that the dongle can only connect to one pair of speakers at a time. If you wish to pair a different set of speakers, deactivate the currently connected pair and activate the desired set.
- The pairing process will occur automatically.

Should the USB dongle be misplaced, a replacement can be ordered from your distributor, who will also facilitate the pairing process with your loudspeakers.
The digital signal undergoes processing through the Proteus technology. RHEA does not employ active filtering (hardware crossover). Instead, the RHEA utilizes comprehensive digital filtering, with the crossover operation executed through software integrated within the DSP speaker board.
- ATTENTION:
  - Due to RHEA’s high gain, please ensure that the media player / computer audio settings are set to a low output level before connecting the speakers.

Modification and loading of the configuration file should only be undertaken by an authorized Goldmund representative. Please refrain from making changes yourself. Incorrect settings can cause damage to the speakers.
Factory modifications not approved by an official Goldmund representative will not be covered under warranty.
The RHEA active loudspeaker is designed to power on automatically upon receiving modulation.

In instances where the digital input remains inactive for a duration of 3 seconds, the speaker drivers will enter a muted state.
This muting is lifted promptly upon the presence of a signal on the digital input.
Please do not disconnect the main power while the RHEA is not muted. Allow a 3-second pause after the music stops before disconnecting the mains power.

RUNNING IN

The RHEA active speaker undergoes thorough factory testing. However, akin to any high-quality speaker system, the RHEA requires several days of playing music to reach its peak sonic performance as intended. The initial few hours of usage might prove challenging for discerning listeners.
Feel free to play the speakers at a reasonably high volume for a period to facilitate optimal performance before proceeding with system adjustments or positional fine-tuning.

MAINTENANCE & CLEANING

For cleaning the metal case of the speaker, employ a clean, soft cloth that has been slightly dampened with water or a mild detergent solution. Avoid the use of abrasive or harsh cleansers containing substances such as sodium carbonate.

The identification plate features a precious metal plating. A soft cloth suffices for its cleaning; there is no need for any chemical solutions.

TECHNICAL DATA

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

26.5 Hz (-6 dB) > 25 kHz

AMPLIFIER

Built-In 650 W Telos amplifier per unit:

2 x 175 W for tweeter and medium.

1 x 300 W for woofer.

DRIVERS

1 x soft dome tweeter

1 x 7” medium
1 x 12” woofer

BASS LOAD

Vent loading

INPUTS

1 x digital S/PDIF input

1 x wireless audio input

VOLTAGE

Nominal range: 115 V or 230 V (+/-15 %)

Fuses: 8 A slow-blow type for 115 V & 230 V

RATED POWER CONSUMPTION

440 W per unit

SIZE & WEIGHT (per unit)

45 W x 135 H x 54 D (cm); 17.7 W x 53.15 H x 21.26 D (inch)
125 kg

Contact Information

Information and product specifications contained in this manual are subject to change without prior notice.
Visit our website at www.goldmund.com

FAQs

Q: What type of input connection does the RHEA active loudspeaker have?

A: The RHEA active loudspeaker has an unbalanced digital connection (S/PDIF) input.

Q: How should I set up the speakers for optimal stereo performance?

A: Experiment with speaker placement, keep them away from walls, and ensure an ideal listening position based on the distance between speakers.

Q: What should I do before connecting the speakers due to RHEA’s high gain?

A: Set your media player or computer audio settings to a low output level before connecting the speakers.

Documents / Resources

GOLDMUND RHEA Active Speaker [pdf] User Manual
RHEA Active Speaker, Active Speaker, Speaker

References

User Manual

GOLDMUND RHEA Active Speaker