Bowers & Wilkins XT4 owner manual English, Limited Warranty

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English

Limited Warranty

Dear customer,

Welcome to B&W.

This product has been designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. However, if something does go wrong with this product, B&W Loudspeakers 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

1The 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.

2This warranty is only valid for the original owner. It is not transferable.

3This warranty will not be applicable in cases other than defects in materials and/or workmanship at the time of purchase and will not be applicable:

a.for damages caused by incorrect installation, connection or packing,

b.for damages caused by any use other than correct use described in the user manual, negligence, modifications, or use of parts that are not made or authorised by B&W,

c.for damages caused by faulty or unsuitable ancillary equipment,

d.for damages caused by accidents, lightning, water, fire heat, war, public disturbances or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of B&W and its appointed distributors,

e.for products whose serial number has been altered, deleted, removed or made illegible,

f.if repairs or modifications have been executed by an unauthorised person.

4This guarantee complements any national/regional law obligations of dealers or national distributors and does not affect your statutory rights as a customer.

How to claim repairs under warranty

Should service be required, please follow the following procedure:

1If the equipment is being used in the country of purchase, you should contact the B&W authorised dealer from whom the equipment was purchased.

2If the equipment is being used outside the country of purchase, you should contact B&W national distributor in the country of residence who will advise

where the equipment can be serviced. You can call B&W in the UK or visit our web site to get the contact details of your local distributor.

To validate your warranty, you will need to produce this warranty booklet completed and stamped by your dealer on the date of purchase. Alternatively, you will need the original sales invoice or other proof of ownership and date of purchase.

Owner’s manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing B&W.

Please read this manual fully before unpacking and installing the product. It will help you to optimise its performance.

B&W maintains a network of dedicated distributors in over 60 countries who will be able to help you should you have any problems your dealer cannot resolve.

Unpacking

Check in the carton for:

2 foam plugs

4 spike feet with lock nuts

4 stabilisers

4 M6 cap head screws

4 self-adhesive clear rubber feet

3mm Allen key

5mm Allen key

Positioning

As an initial guide:

2-channel audio (figure 1)

Position the speakers so they subtend an angle of approximately 60º at the centre of the listening area

Keep the speaker baffles at least 0.5m clear of walls. Clearance from the rear wall improves the impression of depth in the sound image.

Multi-channel audio front left and right (figure 2)

The speakers may be placed closer together than for 2-channel audio, because the surround channels tend to widen the image. The angle subtended at the centre of the listening area may be reduced to 40º.

Home theatre front left and right (figure 3)

Position the speakers approximately 0.5m (20 in) from the sides of the screen, to keep the sound image in scale with the visual image on screen.

Stray magnetic fields

The speaker drive units create stray magnetic fields that extend beyond the boundaries of the cabinet. We recommend you keep magnetically sensitive articles (CRT television and computer screens, computer discs, audio and video tapes, swipe cards and the like) at least 0.5m from the speaker. LCD and plasma screens are not affected by magnetic fields.

Connections (figure 4)

All connections should be made with the equipment switched off.

Feed the cable through the half-round aperture at the bottom rear of the cabinet, up through the cable channel in the cabinet extrusion to the terminal panel.

Connect the positive terminal on the speaker (upper terminal marked + and coloured red) to the positive output terminal of the amplifier and negative (lower terminal marked - and coloured black) to negative. Incorrect connection can result in poor imaging and loss of bass.

Ask your dealer for advice when choosing cable. Keep the total impedance below the maximum recommended in the specification and use a low inductance cable to avoid attenuation of the highest frequencies.

Fine Tuning

Before fine tuning, double check that all the connections in the installation are correct and secure.

Moving the speakers further from the walls will reduce the general level of bass. Space behind the speakers also helps to create an impression of depth. Conversely, moving the speakers closer to the walls will increase the level of bass.

To reduce the bass level without moving the speakers further from the wall, fit one or both foam plugs in the port tube (figure 5). To access the ports, remove the grille by gently pulling it away from the cabinet.

Uneven bass is usually due to resonance modes in the room and it is worth experimenting with both speaker and listener position. Try mounting the speakers along a different wall. Even moving large pieces of furniture can have an effect.

If the central image is poor, try moving the speakers closer together or toeing them in so they point at or just in front of the listeners. (figure 6)

If the sound is too harsh, increase the amount of soft furnishing in the room (for example use heavier curtains), or reduce it if the sound is dull and lifeless.

Test for flutter echoes by clapping your hands and listening for rapid repetitions. They can be reduced by the use of irregular shaped surfaces such as bookshelves and large pieces of furniture.

Ensure the speakers stand firmly on the floor. If they stand on a carpet, fit the spike feet and stabilisers supplied after you have optimised the positioning. The spikes are designed to pierce through carpeting to the floor surface. (figure 7)

First fit the stabilisers to the base of the speaker. Locate the split pin of each stabiliser in the clearance hole in the base and secure using the M6 cap head screws and 5mm Allen key provided.

Screw the lock nuts fully onto the spikes and screw the spikes fully into the threaded inserts in the stabilisers.

If the cabinet rocks, screw down the appropriate spikes from above using the

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XT4 specifications

Bowers & Wilkins has long been recognized for its commitment to high-fidelity audio and cutting-edge technology, and the XT4 is a perfect embodiment of this reputation. This floorstanding speaker has been designed to elevate the listening experience through meticulous engineering and innovative features.

One of the XT4's standout characteristics is its striking design. The sleek, modern aesthetic complements a variety of home decors, making it an appealing choice for both casual listeners and audiophiles alike. The cabinet is constructed from premium materials that not only enhance visual appeal but also contribute to acoustical performance. The elegant finish options allow consumers to choose a look that best fits their living space.

At the heart of the XT4's performance lies its double-dome tweeter technology. This design consists of a dodecahedron-shaped tweeter that minimizes distortion and produces an exceptionally clear and detailed high-frequency response. Coupled with a Continuum cone midrange driver, the speaker offers a smooth transition between frequencies, ensuring that vocals and instruments sound lifelike.

The dual 6.5-inch bass drivers are engineered to deliver powerful and deep low-end performance. The bass reflex system, employing a rear-firing port, allows for an expansive soundstage and effective low-frequency extension. Whether it’s classical, rock, or any genre in between, the XT4 is capable of reproducing crisp mids and enthralling bass with remarkable clarity.

Bowers & Wilkins has integrated advanced technologies into the XT4 to enhance its overall performance. The use of Flowport technology minimizes turbulence and allows for a more controlled bass response, while high-grade internal components ensure quality signal handling. The speaker is built to handle high power levels, providing the ability to fill larger rooms with immersive sound without compromising clarity.

Versatility is another key aspect of the XT4. Though designed for high-end stereo setups, it can easily integrate into a home theater system, making it a valuable addition for those looking to enhance their cinematic experience. Its compatibility with various AV receivers makes it an ideal choice for those wanting high-quality audio across multiple platforms.

In summary, the Bowers & Wilkins XT4 is a fusion of elegant design and groundbreaking technology, offering music lovers and home theater enthusiasts an enriching audio experience that stands the test of time. With its exceptional sound quality, thoughtful engineering, and stylish presence, the XT4 is a worthy investment for anyone seeking to elevate their listening environment.