4
SUB CONNECTION
Do not install the spikes at this time. Without the
spikes, the SUB THREE can easily be pushed
across the carpet to try different locations. The SUB
THREE(s) should be placed on the same wall as the
main speakers with just a couple of inches of
clearance for amplifier ventilation.
Two 20-foot lengths of speaker cable and two dual
banana plugs are provided with each SUB THREE
for connection to the main amplifier. Attach a dual
banana to one end of each cable to plug into the
SUB THREE. Leave the cables full length so you
can try the sub in different positions for the SUB
THREEs once the Break-in period has elapsed.
With the M5-HP crossover installed in the signal
path just before the main amplifier, connect the SUB
THREE(s) in parallel with the main speakers, as
shown in the illustrations. With stereo subwoofers,
only one input on each subwoofer is connected. In
bi-wired systems, three sets of wires are attached to
the main amplifier. Use spade lugs on the amplifier
end of the wires going to the main speakers and
banana plugs on the subwoofer end of the
subwoofer wires. After the main speaker wires are
connected, insert the subwoofer's banana plugs into
the amplifier's binding posts.
If your amplifier has connections for two sets of
speakers (i.e., A & B), do not connect the main
speakers to one and the subwoofer to the other.
Often there are differences between the two sets of
outputs. Some systems may also benefit from
connecting the SUB THREE with the same cable
type as the main speakers.
All connections must be in the proper polarity. If one
of the SUB THREE's inputs is connected out-of-
phase from the other input in a mono subwoofer
system, the inputs will cancel. With stereo
subwoofers, connecting one subwoofer out-of-phase
from the other will seriously affect the amount and
quality of bass.
Once the crossover and cables are correctly
installed in the system, the subwoofer should be
plugged into a non-switched AC outlet. As it is
plugged in, the SUB THREE should produce a low-
frequency thump.
SUB PLACEMENT
While the SUB THREE(s) should be on the same
wall as the main speakers and close to the wall the
exact placement will probably depend as much on
practical as acoustic considerations. Placement
affects the subwoofer's sound, so you should try all
the placements that will work in your domestic
situation. Be flexible; it is only important that a single
subwoofer be centered when it is mated with small,
limited range main speakers. With full-range main
speakers, the subwoofer may work better in the
corner. In general, a subwoofer will sound fuller and
more powerful when it is in a corner and leaner
when it is and away from walls. The SUB THREE's
adjustable Q allows some compensation for these
effects and expands the placement options in most
rooms.
As you try different placements, you may also have
to readjust the SUB THREE's sensitivity and/or Q
setting to maintain the best balance with the main
speakers' considerations and redo the room EQ
settings outlined later in this manual.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR BI-AMPED
SYSTEMS
In horizontally bi-amped systems, install the M5-
HP crossover before the bass amplifier: Connect the
bass amplifier to the SUB THREE(s). In vertically bl-
amped systems, install the M5-HP before the channels
being used for bass. Connect the bass channels to the
SUB THREE(s).
SUB
M5-HP
M5-HP
SUB
THR
