11
power amplifier driving the other speakers happens to
invert the signal, the 180° position may be preferable.
Listen with the switch in both positions and choose
the one that gives the fullest sound. If there is little
difference, leave the switch at 0°.
Surround sound processors normally have a calibrated
noise signal that can be used to set the relative levels
of all the speakers, making the task somewhat more
straightforward than for 2 channel audio. However,
do not be afraid to alter the settings to your personal
preference. It is all too easy to get carried away with
the capabilities of the subwoofer, especially with some
special low-frequency effects. Often a more realistic
portrayal, and one more satisfying in the long term, is
to be had by setting the subwoofer level lower than
the standard calibration level.
2-channel Audio
Set the system up in the preferred position and play
some material with a steady bass content.
The optimum settings of the PHASE switch and the
LOW-PASS FREQ control are inter-related and also
dependent on the low-frequency cut-off characteristic
of the satellite speakers. However, the settings
recommended above for the LOW PASS FREQ control
and PHASE switch have been chosen to integrate well
with most satellite speaker bass alignments.
Using the initial settings, first check the setting of
the PHASE switch. Choose the option that gives the
fullest sound. Normally the recommended option will
be optimum, but may not be in certain circumstances.
These may be that the power amplifiers feeding
the satellite speakers invert the signal or that the
subwoofer is not placed close to the satellite speakers.
Next, adjust the VOLUME of the subwoofer amplifier
relative to the satellite systems to your liking. Use a
wide variety of programme material to get an average
setting. A setting that sounds impressive on one
piece may sound overpowering on another. Listen at
a realistic volume level as the perception of musical
balance varies with sound level.
Finally, adjust the LOW-PASS FREQ control to give
the smoothest transition between the subwoofer and
satellite speakers.
All Applications
The BASS EXTENSION switch offers three options
of subwoofer bass extension. Position A gives the
greatest extension and position C gives the least
extension. Position B provides a compromise setting. If
the system is to be used at very high volume levels or
in a large listening room, restricting the bass extension
by selecting either B or C may help ensure that the
subwoofer is not asked to exceed its performance
limits. In most situations the BASS EXTENSION switch
should be left in position A.
The EQUALISATION switch alters the subwoofer
bass roll-off alignment appropriate to MOVIE or
MUSIC listening. The MOVIE position gives a “drier”
alignment, more suited to the demands of action
movie low frequency effects. The MUSIC position is
suited to a faster more accurate bass line. The 3.5mm
Equalisation input on the back panel is designed to
receive a 12V signal that will toggle the MOVIE/MUSIC
setting at the front panel. Set appropriately, the 12V
trigger output of a processor can automate ideal
performance of the subwoofer. If the front panel switch
is set for MOVIE, the 12V trigger will change it to
MUSIC. The reverse is also true. Care must be taken
in setup of the processor in order to take advantage of
this feature.
Running-in Period
The performance of the speaker will change subtly
during the initial listening period. If the speaker has
been stored in a cold environment, the damping
compounds and suspension materials of the drive
units will take some time to recover their correct
mechanical properties. The drive unit suspensions
will also loosen up during the first hours of use. The
time taken for the speaker to achieve its intended
performance will vary depending on previous storage
conditions and how it is used. As a guide, allow up
to a week for the temperature effects to stabilise and
15 hours of average use for the mechanical parts to
attain their intended design characteristics.
However, longer run-in periods (as long as a month)
have been reported and there is evidence to suggest
that this has little to do with the speaker changing
and more to do with the listener getting used to the
new sound. This is especially so with highly revealing
speakers such as these where there may be a
significant increase in the amount of detail compared
with what the listener has previously been used to; the
sound may at first appear too “up front” and perhaps a
little hard. After an extended period of time the sound
will seem to mellow, but without losing clarity and
detail.
Neutrik
®
and the names of Neutrik
®
products
referenced herein are either trademarks and/or service
marks of Neutrik
®
.
Limited Warranty
This product has been designed and manufactured to
the highest quality standards. However, if something
does go wrong with this product, B&W Group Ltd. and
its national distributors warrant free of charge labour
(exclusion may apply) and replacement parts in any
country served by an official B&W distributor.
This limited warranty is valid for a period of five years
from the date of purchase or two years for electronics
including amplified loudspeakers.
Terms and Conditions
1 The warranty is limited to the repair of the
equipment. Neither transportation, nor any other
costs, nor any risk for removal, transportation and
installation of products is covered by this warranty.
2 This warranty is only valid for the original owner. It
is not transferable.
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