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MACARIA Owner's Manual

1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the MACO® family! We are thrilled that you have chosen our speakers to enhance your audio experience.

IMPORTANT: Review this manual carefully prior to unpacking your MACARIAS.

1.1 About Your Speakers:

  • MACO® baffles made of the highest quality materials, sourced and crafted in Canada
  • MACO® drivers are proprietary, and cannot be purchased outside of the MACARIA speaker. Each baffle includes:
  • 1 x M-15, your 15-inch full range (top) driver
  • 1 x B-15, your 15-inch bass (bottom) driver
  • MACO® legs/bases will be Floating or Grounded, depending on your order, and come standard with VIABLUE™ UFO absorbers
  • MACO® passive crossovers are made with the highest quality internal components, to make your MACARIA sing. Crossovers come with: A set of (4) VIABLUE™ jumpers (made specifically made for MACO®); Standard feet; VIABLUE™ absorbers can be purchased for your crossover as an optional upgrade

1.2 Specs:

  • Sensitivity: 92 dB/1m
  • Impedance: it has the ability to run at 4 or 8 Ohm (user selectable by cable connection)
  • Frequency response: 35-16,000 Hz

1.3 Crate Contents

Your MACARIAS will arrive in two specifically designed wood crates (one speaker per crate) with custom-fitted internal foam for maximum protection for international delivery.

Each crate contains:

  • 1 x MACO® MACARIA open-baffle speaker
  • 1 x MACO® passive crossover

Inside one of your two crates will be your set of (4) VIABLUE™ jumper cables.

Manual Date: This manual was published in October 2024.

2. UNPACKING YOUR SPEAKERS

2.1 Unpacking the Crate:

  • Your MACARIAS come in two separate crates.
  • Keep your crate horizontal, with the “feet” (i.e. base pallet) on the bottom.
  • First remove the top board of the crate (there are 8 screws total).
  • Second remove the side marked “Open this Side”.
  • Set the pieces aside (you may wish to use one piece to place things on as you unpack your MACARIAS).
  • Remove the crossover.
  • Inside ONE of the crates will be your set of (4) jumper cables; remove this package.
  • Remove the remaining foam inserts, under which will be your MACARIA speaker (some pieces of foam are glued to the inside of the crate; you do not need to remove these).
  • Your MACARIA comes loosely wrapped in a protective black fabric cover to keep the dust out. Do NOT try to lift the loudspeaker with the cloth cover off, as it will be too slippery and not allow you to get a firm grip on your speaker. Remove the fabric cover before lifting out of the crate, in particular for the granite and stone models, to ensure proper grip. Removal of the material will be easy, as it is simply folded together. Unfold the two sides while the speaker is still in the crate to reveal your MACARIA before attempting to lift it out.
  • For the final step (removal of the speaker), ensure that you have TWO PEOPLE. Due to the weight of the speakers, DO NOT try to lift or move them alone. Always wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes (shoes with protective features are the safest option, in particular with the granite and quartz models).
  • With one person stationed at the base of the speaker, and one at the head, firmly grip the speaker and gently lift out, placing the speaker on its feet. Never lift/carry/move the speakers from the drivers.
  • Repeat all of the above for the second crate.

**See Instruction Video Below - “Uncrating your MACARIAS”**

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS:

  • Due to the weight of the speakers, always use two people to lift and move them. DO NOT try to lift or move them alone.
  • To avoid injuries, wear sturdy shoes with closed toes while handling the speakers (shoes with protective features are the safest option, in particular with the granite and quartz models).
  • Never lift/carry/move the speakers using any part of the drivers.
  • Handle the speakers carefully to prevent damage or injury from drops or impacts.

2.2 Inspecting the Speakers:

Inspect the speakers for any signs of damage during shipping. If there are any signs of damage, mishandling or missing items, take photos and report this to MACO® immediately.

3. POSITIONING YOUR SPEAKERS

Before connecting the crossover, position your speakers as close as possible to your intended listening setup. While adjustments are likely as you get familiar with your MACARIAS, starting with an initial placement will minimize the need for repositioning once the speakers are connected.

  • Place the speakers on a stable, flat surface.
  • For optimal sound, position the speakers:
    At ear level when seated;
    With a slight toe-in;
    If possible, approximately 4 feet from the back wall and 4 feet apart.

4. CONNECTING YOUR CROSSOVER

Your speakers are equipped with two passive MACO® crossovers, which divide the audio signal into different frequency ranges for the drivers.

NOTE: DO NOT open the crossover enclosure; the internal structure has very tight tolerances and may require special tools or strength, posing a risk of damage if not handled properly. Opening your crossover will void the Warranty.

4.1 Connecting the Harness to the Drivers:

  • The VIABLUE™ harness has color-coded wires for easy identification.
  • Connect the red wires to the positive (red) binding posts and the black wires to the negative (black) binding posts of each driver.
  • There are three sets of pins in total
  • The pins at the end of the harness get connected to the top driver; the other two sets of pins get connected to the bottom (bass) driver
  • The driver buttons are push/release.
  • It is usually easiest to start from the bottom and work upwards; the pins at the very bottom of the bass driver get inserted facing upwards; the middle pins (at the top of the bass driver) facing downwards, and the top pins facing down.
  • The MACARIAS can be run at 4 or 8ohm. To run at 4 ohm, connect the harness to both sets of pins on the bass driver (as per instruction video below). To run at only 8ohm, connect to only one set of pins on the bass driver (either top or bottom). VERY IMPORTANT: insulate the non-connected harness pins from each other to avoid any kind of short circuit.

**See Instruction Video Below - “Connecting the Harness to the Drivers”**

4.2 Connecting the Jumpers to the Crossover:

  • Your MACARIAS come with a set of (4) VIABLUE™ jumper cables, one red and one black for each crossover.
  • The red jumpers connect to the red binding posts and the black jumpers connect to the black binding posts.
  • Connect the jumpers’ spades to the top binding posts.
  • Before connecting the spades, loosen the top binding posts to allow the spade to fit. Once connected, tighten the binding post to hold the spade in position. Avoid over-tightening.
  • Always connect your amp cables to the top binding posts; the jumpers are designed for bass transmission (see next section: 3.3 Connecting your Amp to the Crossover).
  • Connect the jumpers’ banana plugs to the bottom binding posts.
  • “H” (HIGH) and “L” (LOW) is engraved in the crossover plate to serve as a reminder / guide.
Jumpers connected to Binding Posts
Binding Posts with H and L Indicators

NOTE: If you wish to bi-amp, do not use the jumpers but rather connect your two amps directly to the crossover. Connect one amplifier to the high-frequency binding posts and the other to the low-frequency binding posts on each speaker.

**See Instruction Video Below - “Connecting the Jumpers to the Crossover”**

4.3 Connecting your Amp to the Crossover

IMPORTANT! Always ensure your amplifier or receiver is COMPLETELY POWERED OFF before connecting it to the crossover. Failure to do so could result in significant damage from accidental shorting of the speaker cables.

The crossover binding posts are compatible with banana, pin, or spade connectors. Ensure they are tightened securely; avoid over-tightening. Maintaining correct polarity (or phase) is essential for optimal imaging and bass performance.

Connect one speaker at a time to guarantee a proper connection. The red (+) terminal of the amplifier should be linked to the red (+) binding post on the crossover. The same procedure applies to the black (–) amplifier terminals. Ensure all wires are securely fastened. After making the connections, it’s advisable to review each one to confirm the correct polarity.

**See Instruction Video Below - “Connecting your Amp to the Crossover”**

5. FINAL SET-UP

5.1 Testing Your Speakers:

Play a test track to ensure all drivers are functioning correctly.

5.2 Break-In Period:

Your MACARIAS and crossovers will require a break-in period. The sound of your speakers will continue to improve over time, with the most noticeable changes occurring within the first few days. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to play your new speakers continuously at a moderate volume for at least 200 hours before engaging in any critical listening. While high volumes aren’t necessary, consistent playback will help achieve the best results.

5.3 Adjusting Placement for Optimal Sound:

Adjust the positioning of the speakers for the best sound. Experiment with the angle and distance of the speakers from the listening area to find the best soundstage. Remember, ideal positioning is personal and subjective—finding the best spot may take some trial and error.

6. MAINTENANCE AND CARE

6.1 Cleaning the Speakers:

  • Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the speakers.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
  • For thermal-treated wood speakers (Walnut, Maple and Ash), wood oil such as Tung Oil can be used twice a year as required to maintain its pristine look.

6.2 Care for the Drivers:

  • You can blow with compressed air, at a maximum of 30psi to get rid of dust accumulation.
  • Do not touch the paper or the phase plug.
  • Avoid getting any part of the drivers wet.

6.3 Environmental Considerations:

  • Avoid placing the speakers in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation around the speakers.

6.4 Regular Inspection:

  • Periodically check the connections and cables for wear and tear.

6.5 Troubleshooting Common Issues:

  • If you experience any issues, contact customer support.

7. WARRANTY

7.1 New MACARIAS:

A 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects is provided to the original owner of new/unopened MACARIAS purchased directly from MACO® or from authorized retailers (e.g. MACO® Ambassadors). Warranty term begins from purchase date (i.e. Receipt / Invoice Date). The warranty is not transferable.

Each pair of MACARIAS has a unique serial number located on the lower back of each speaker. This unique number is associated with both the purchaser (i.e. the original owner of the MACARIAS) and the speaker and is required for Warranty application.

7.2 Open-Box / Demo / Show Models and Unicorns:

Open-Box, Demo / Show Models and/or Unicorns purchased directly from MACO® or from authorized retailers (e.g. MACO® Ambassadors) are covered for a period of 1 year, during which time they would be eligible for repair or replacement. Warranty term begins from purchase date (i.e. Receipt / Invoice Date). The warranty is not transferable.

7.3 Warranty Exclusions:

  • Normal wear and tear, as well as cosmetic damage from reasonable use or environmental deterioration.
  • Cases of misuse, alteration, dismantling, or any other incorrect operation
    Situations where the crossover warranty is void due to the enclosure being opened
  • Accidents, misuse, poor maintenance, or electrical overloads.
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, chemicals, or contaminants.
  • Damage caused by incorrect installation, connection, handling, or failure to follow user instructions.
  • Issues resulting from the use of unsuitable or faulty equipment.
  • Damage from commercial use, acts of God (such as lightning or power surges), or improper voltage or power irregularities.
  • A unit purchased through resale; the warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original owner.
  • Instances where a valid purchase document is not provided.
  • Units with altered, removed, or illegible serial numbers.
  • A unit purchased from unauthorized retailers, dealers, or distributors, including grey market imports or items sold ‘as is’ or ‘with faults’.

7.4 How to Make a Claim:

When an issue is detected, first contact MACO to help trouble-shoot the issue. If it cannot be resolved, Warranty coverage provides for a replacement of the affected component. Shipping costs in the event of the replacement of a product under warranty are excluded.

To make a warranty claim, email us at warranty@macosound.com with your name, serial number and proof of purchase.

8. LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

MACO® and its retailers (such as MACO® Ambassadors) cannot be held responsible or liable for any incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages, even if advised of the potential for such damages.

This product is large and heavy, so it is important to exercise reasonable care, precautions, and good judgment when handling it. Customers are responsible for ensuring the safety of pets, children, and others around MACO® products. MACO® cannot be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from products being knocked over, mishandled, or moved improperly, such as not using adequate assistance or appropriate footwear.

Customers indemnify MACO® against any claims arising from improper use or handling.

9. SUPPORT/QUESTIONS

9. SUPPORT/QUESTIONS

For additional assistance, contact us by email at contact@macosound.com or by phone at +1-647-270-5496 

MACO®, 122 Brock Ave, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6K 2L4 Tel: +1 647-270-5496
contact@macosound.com http://www.macosound.com

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All pictures and product information are property of MACO® and cannot be used, copied or shared without the prior written consent.

MACO® reserves the right to make changes to products, finishes, features, and more without prior notice.

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