An Overview of the
Citation System 5000
The Citation System 5000 represents a systems approach to designing an affordable high-end group of
products (controller, amplifier, speakers) designed to complement each other. Unlike a system
incorporating a mix and match approach, with results that are often unpredictable, the System 5000
provides repeatable, documentable performance.
The heart of the System 5000 is the new Citation 5.0 Analog/Digital AV Controller (described in a
complementary paper). Two other key system elements are the 5.1 Multi-channel Amplifier and the 5
Series Loudspeakers.
The 5.1 Amplifier
Identical to the well reviewed Citation 7.1 in circuit design and similar in physical appearance, the 5.1
differs only in available voltage (wattage) provided to the loudspeaker load. The 5.1 is rated at 100 watts
@ 8 ohms x 4. The 5.1 features include:
zCircuit topology with high open loop gain and low negative feedback — only 20dB of negative
feedback is applied in the 5.1.
zA linearizing circuit which reduces high frequency distortion at high output levels without
requiring high negative loop feedback.
zAn output stage with ample SOA (safe operating area). The 5.1 can comfortably and reliably drive
difficult loudspeaker loads of two ohms unbridged or four ohms bridged. Most other bridgeable
amplifiers are only capable of driving speaker loads of eight ohms or higher.
zA shielded, toroidal transformer with four secondary outputs each with its own bridge rectifier.
This power supply design approach provides performance akin to using four separate
transformers. Individual channels are not affected by instantaneous current/voltage demands being
made on the others channels simultaneously. No rubber band power supply in the 5.1! Total
system capacitance is in excess of 80,000 MFD. To assure superior high frequency performance,
multiple smaller value capacitors are utilized in parallel.
zThe input and driver stages are fed by regulated high voltage power supplies, operating
independently of the power supply driving the output stage. This virtually eliminates
intermodulation distortion, crosstalk and compromised headroom.
Each stage of the 5.1 signal path employs solid state devices carefully selected for their uniform
operating characteristics.
The 5.1 is an amplifier that not only measures well but listens well! It is non-fatiguing to listen to for
hours at a time, particularly important whether watching a two or three hour action film or listening to
an opera.
Sonic performance aside, the 5.1 features other mechanical and hardware enhancements:
Pa
g
e 1 of 4
zA turn on/off circuit is activated by a low voltage trigger signal — available from the Citation 5.0.
When used in multiples, the first 5.1 turns on and stabilizes and then sends a trigger signal to the
next amplifier in the chain. This prevents circuit breaker overload that would normally occur if
multiple amplifiers all turned on simultaneously.
zHigh quality mechanical construction. Each 5.1 is constructed from heavy gauge steel and
aluminum chassis components. The fascia is machined from aluminum plate, machined, brushed
and then anodized. A complete 5.1 weighs over 60 lbs (28 kg).
zHigh quality gold plated input/output connectors are used for audio input and speaker outputs.
zThe 5.1 is CE/FCC/UL/CSA approved for worldwide sales. Available in 100-130 or 200-230 Volt
50/60Hz versions.
zThe 5.1 is THX Conditional Use Certified when used to drive Citation or Fosgate Audionics Dual
Drive dipole surround speakers.
5 Series Loudspeakers
The individual loudspeaker models that form the 5 Series have been manufactured employing purposely
designed drivers — selected for their ability to best meet the design criteria. The 5.2 LCR and the 5.4
subwoofer are finished in a semi-gloss black lacquer finish applied over oak veneer. The 5.3 Dual Drive
dipole is available in a matte black finish or eggshell white.
5.2 LCR
This compact mains speaker can deliver high output beyond its proportion to cabinet size. The 5.5 inch
mid/woofer has a three inch voice coil! This robust design can provide very high sound pressure levels
in typical domestic listening rooms.
The one inch soft dome tweeter is step aligned with the woofer/mid. A 2.5kHz crossover provides a
seamless transition from one driver to the other and a coherent sound stage. Strips of wool padding
around the perimeter of the tweeter mounting area reduce diffraction effects for improved imaging and
smoother response.
The 5.2 must be used with a controller, such as the Citation 5.0, which incorporates an electronic
crossover.
5.3 Dual Drive Dipole
A look at the rear panel of the 5.3 provides an immediate indication that this is no ordinary surround
speaker. Two sets of input terminals — one for each array and each driven by a separate output from the
5.0 controller and 5.1 amplifier — enable the 5.3 to deliver the best of all worlds. It can provide the
razor sharp surround channel imaging that only a point source radiator can deliver, or it can provide an
enveloping diffuse soundfield that is characteristic of a true dipole.
Years ago, Citation design staff determined that one type of surround speaker could not deliver the best
p
erformance with varying program sources. As an example, some music is best suited to subtle surround
enhancement — the type of enhancement provided by a diffuse soundfield. Other varieties, such as rock,
new age, live concert performances, are enhanced by the strengthened imaging that only a point source
speaker can deliver. And likewise with film soundtracks. Some films employ subtle, ambient surround
tracks — best served by a diffuse dipole — while others of the action/adventure genre are often
enhanced with point source radiators.
While we at Citation cannot make the listening decision for you, we can give you the tools for the best
surround playback — our Dual Drive Design. Everything happens transparently:
Select Dolby ProLogic and the signals sent to each array of 5.3 are out of phase (polarity) with each
other and create a diffuse soundfield which enhances monophonic surround tracks.
Select 6-Axis, Dolby Digital or DTS™ and in phase signals are sent to each array — creating a point
source soundfield. The 5.0 menu system also allows you to customize the soundfield of various surround
modes.
Besides making the listening experience more real and exciting, the 5.3 provides other benefits as well.
Because the signal levels to each array can be raised or lowered independently of each other during the
setup phase of installation at the 5.0 controller, a pair of 5.3 dual drive dipoles do NOT need to be
s
y
mmetricall
y
mounted in the room. The
y
don’t even have to be mounted flankin
g
the listenin
g
area like
Pa
g
e 2 of 4
conventional dipoles. You can compensate for such variances simply and quickly during installation.
Performance and flexibility truly describe the 5.3 Dual Drive Dipole Surround Speaker. This is not only
our opinion but the opinion of leading reviewers in the US and abroad who have ranked Citation Dual
Drive Surround Speakers as among the very best available.
5.4 Subwoofer
As you lift the 5.4 out of the shipping carton you realize it is not just another subwoofer. The weight of
the 5.4 is an indication of how solidly constructed it is. High output levels are not a problem with the
5.4. A twelve inch bass driver with a three inch high temperature and edge wound voice coil, assures
years of reliable and enjoyable listening.
Scaling the 5000 System to Meet Specific Listener Needs
The word System implies a group of components engineered to work together in harmony. The 5000
System is, indeed, just that: a group of harmonious, matched electronic and acoustical components.
Although one system cannot meet all requirements there are means of making the 5000 System
applicable to a wide range of room size and listener preferences.
Low Frequency Performance
One of the most critical elements of system performance is low frequency extension. This simply means
the system must produce low distortion bass into the 30Hz range and at high levels when playback
demands it.
In a smaller room, a single woofer may suffice, but as room size increases, the severity of room modes
can increase along with the amount of air that must be moved. The most effective method of
compensating is to add a second woofer.
With the 5000 System this is easily accomplished. Not only can a second subwoofer be added, but an
additional pair (a total of four in larger rooms) provides the modal smoothing and coupling necessary to
deliver effortless, palpable bass.
System Flexibility
The basic System 5000 consists of one 5.0 AV Controller, three 5.1 amplifiers, two 5.4 subwoofers,
three 5.2 LCRs and two 5.3 Dual Drive surround dipoles, configured as follows:
Amplifiers:
Amplifier number one drives the three 5.2 LCRs. For larger rooms, bridge one pair of channels to drive
the center channel 5.2.
Amplifier number two drives the two 5.4 subwoofers. Each subwoofer is driven by a bridged pair of
channels. For larger rooms, add an additional pair of 5.4 subwoofers (for a total of four) and drive each
subwoofer separately using the four channels of amplification available. An input Y-connector is used to
drive the dual L and R channel pairs.
Amplifier number three drives the two 5.3 Dual Drive dipoles. The Left Side/Left Back and the Right
Side/Right Back arrays are driven individually.
System Design Options for Larger Rooms (over 6x8 meters)
The Citation 5000 series speakers are derivatives of the highly acclaimed 7000 series speakers and are
voiced to work together. 7000 Series speakers can augment the 5000 series for larger room applications.
It may be desirable to substitute the more efficient, higher output 7.2 LCR speakers instead of the 5.2.
The substitution of the 7.3 Dual Drive dipoles will also provide a closer timbre match to the 7.2s than
the 5.3 Dual Drive dipoles.
The 7.4 subwoofer used in pairs or multiples may also be preferred by those whose preferences lean
towards music as much or more than films.
System Design Options for Smaller Rooms (3x5 meters or smaller)
A System 5000 consisting of one 5.0 AV Controller, two 5.1 amplifiers, one 5.4 subwoofer, three 5.2
LCRs, two 5.3 Dual Drive dipoles, is configured as follows:
Amplifier number one:
Drives three 5.2 LCRs and one 5.4 subwoofer. The addition of a second 5.4 subwoofer, if desired, will
p
rovide an averaging effect to help smooth room modes. When used in a smaller room, one or two
woofers
(
wired in
p
arallel
)
are easil
y
driven to hi
g
h levels b
y
one channel of a 5.1 multi-channel
Pa
g
e 3 of 4
amplifier. The remaining three channels power the 5.2 LCRs.
Amplifier number two:
Provides the necessary four channels of amplification required to drive a pair of 5.3 Dual Drive Dipoles.
System Summary
The Citation System 5000 components represent a complementary mix of AV controller/preamp,
amplifiers and speakers that will satisfy demanding listeners whose tastes range from movies to Mahler.
Performance upgrade options, including 7000 series components, can be added as required assuring long
term satisfaction and freedom from obsolescence.
Pa
g
e 4 of 4
/
