English

Owner’s manual

Dear customer,

Thank you for choosing Bowers & Wilkins. 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.

Environmental Information

All B&W products are designed to comply with international directives on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and

electronic equipment and the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). These symbols indicate compliance and that the products must be appropriately recycled or processed in accordance with these directives. Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance.

Carton Contents

Check in the carton for:

1 Speakon plug

2 x foot brackets

4 x M6 bolts

2 x Foam Plugs

2 x Baffle Gaskets

1 x Panel Gasket

1 x 5mm Allen Key

Speaker Installation

The CT8.2 speaker is intended for use in home theatre front and centre channel applications. In centre channel applications it can be used in either standard vertical (portrait) orientation or reconfigured to horizontal (landscape) orientation by swapping the positions of its mid/high frequency driver module and upper bass driver module. Reconfiguring a CT8.2 for horizontal centre channel use is covered in a later section of this manual.

The CT8.2 is intended to be either floor mounted or incorporated within custom- built furniture. Foot brackets are supplied to secure the speaker. The foot brackets are designed to stop the speaker toppling forward if standing on the floor, a shelf or other flat supporting structure. The foot brackets attach to the back of the CT8.2s via M6 threaded holes. Using the supplied M6 bolts, securely attach the foot brackets to the CT8.2 back panels. The brackets should be secured such that their flat section rests on the floor. The single slotted hole can then be used to attach the bracket to the supporting surface. Use an appropriate screw and a plug if necessary. Figure 1 Illustrates use of the foot bracket.

Regardless of the style of installation, take care when lifting the speaker into position. It is unwieldy and heavy and best handled by two people working together. B&W can accept no liability for any failure of walls, floors, furniture and/or fixings.

Speaker Positioning

CT8.2 speakers used for the front channels in a home theatre system should be positioned on the floor or built in to furniture units one on each side of the screen. They should be within approximately 0.5m (20 in) of the sides of the screen to help keep the sound image in scale with the visual image. See Figure 2.

A CT8.2 speaker used for the centre channel in a home theatre system should be positioned in horizontal orientation centrally either directly above or below the screen. In the case of acoustically transparent screens, the centre channel speaker should be positioned centrally behind the screen. In this case, standard vertical configuration of the CT8.2 may be appropriate. See Figure 2.

CT8.2 Landscape Centre Channel Configuration

The CT8.2 can be reconfigured to operate as a horizontal (landscape) format centre channel speaker by swapping the positions of its upper bass driver and mid/high frequency driver modules. The mid/high frequency driver module must also be rotated by ninety degrees. The procedure is described below and illustrated in the accompanying figures.

You will need an M5 and an M4 hexagonal driver, and space to lay the speaker on its back and work around it. A second person to assist is also recommended. Take great care throughout the procedure. The speaker drivers in particular are delicate, precision components that can be damaged by inappropriate handling. It is therefore also recommended to use the tweeter protection cover throughout the entire procedure.

Step 1 (Figure 3a)

With the speaker upright, unscrew and remove the four M5 bolts retaining the mid/ high frequency driver module in the cabinet. Restrain the module with one hand as the last bolt is removed to negate the possibility of it falling. Put the screws, washers and the trim plate to one side.

Step 2 (Figure 3a)

The module may begin to fall forward as you remove your hand. If it does, it may be drawn carefully away from the cabinet. If it does not, you may need to tip the cabinet forward slightly in order to free the module and gain some purchase on it. Keep a hand on the module as you tip the cabinet.

Step 3 (Figure 3b)

As the mid/high frequency driver module is moved away from the cabinet, its connecting cables will be revealed. The in-line connector positioned halfway along the cables must be disconnected. While a helper supports the driver module, hold each side of the connector and pull it apart.

Step 4 (Figure 3b)

Once the mid/high frequency driver module is disconnected, it can be withdrawn completely from the cabinet and placed to one side. The wadding material from behind the module should also be removed and placed to one side. The mid/high frequency driver module sealing gasket should be removed and discarded.

Step 5 (Figure 3c)

The speaker should now be gently laid on its back for removal of the upper bass driver module. Remove the four M5 bolts retaining the bass driver module in the cabinet. Place the bolts and washers to one side.

Step 6 (Figure 3c)

Push the bass driver module from behind to release it. In order to gain access to the back of the module the removable panel in the cabinet behind the mid/high frequency driver module must be removed. Unscrew and remove the eight M4 bolts securing the panel and drop it through the hole. Remove and discard the gasket. Place the bolts to one side. Put your hand through the hole to reach the back of the bass driver module and carefully push it upwards.

Step 7 (Figure 3d)

Once the bass driver module has been pushed upwards slightly from inside the cabinet it can be lifted away. After noting the orientation of the coloured cables, disconnect the driver by pulling the tags off the connection spades. Place the bass driver module to one side. The wadding material from behind the module should also be removed and placed to one side. The bass driver module sealing gasket should be removed and discarded.

Step 8 (Figure 3e)

The cables for the bass driver module and mid/high frequency module can now be swapped to their new locations. Feed the mid/high frequency cables, including the attached internal panel, through the cabinet to the region vacated by the bass driver module. Feed the bass driver cables to the region of the cabinet vacated by the mid/ high frequency module.

Step 9 (Figure 3f)

Position and re-secure the internal panel in the new mid/high frequency region of the cabinet using a new gasket and the eight M4 bolts. Tighten the bolts to a torque of 1.70Nm. Be careful that no wadding gets trapped as the panel is screwed down.

Step 10 (Figure 3g)

Replace the wadding in the mid/high frequency module cavity and position a new gasket on its cabinet mating surface. Take the mid/high frequency module, reconnect the in-line connector and position the module on the cabinet rotated by 90° so that the tweeter is positioned adjacent to one edge. Position the trim plate and replace the four M5 screws and washers. Tighten the screws to a torque of 1.70Nm.

Note: It is not generally significant which side of the cabinet the tweeter is located (i.e. if the mid/high frequency module is rotated 90° clockwise or anti-clockwise).

Step 11 (Figure 3h)

Replace the wadding in the bass driver module cavity and position a new gasket on its cabinet mating surface. Take the bass driver module, reconnect the push-on tags to the driver and position the module on the cabinet. Replace the M5 screws and washers and tighten them to a torque of 1.70Nm. The reconfigured CT8.2 is now ready for use as a landscape format centre channel speaker.

Note: It is potentially possible to reconnect bass driver with the wrong polarity. To check bass driver polarity following reconnection, briefly connect a 1.5V battery to the bass input terminals, with the positive terminal of the battery connected to the positive input terminal. Both cones should move outwards.

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 (20 in) from the speaker. LCD and plasma screens are not affected by magnetic fields.

Connections

All connections should be made with the equipment switched off.

CT8.2 speakers have two pairs of binding post connection terminals and one

Neutrik® Speakon connection socket on their back panels. The binding post terminals provide quick and easy connection of stripped wires while Speakon sockets provide a more secure and reliable connection method. Both Speakon and binding post terminal connection methods provide the opportunity to bi-wire the speakers.

To connect the speakers in conventional single-wire mode using the Speakon option, insert a short length of stripped cable through the body of each binding post terminal and tighten the terminal head then disassemble the Speakon plug as shown in Figure 4a and connect the positive cable to the terminal marked +1 and the negative cable to the terminal marked -1. Incorrect connection can result in poor imaging and loss of bass. Once the plug is reassembled it can be inserted into the socket and locked by twisting clockwise.

To connect the speakers in conventional single-wire mode using the binding post terminals, insert a short length of stripped cable through the body of each terminal and tighten the terminal head. Connect the positive cable to one of the red terminals and the negative cable to the corresponding black terminal as illustrated in Figure 4b. Incorrect connection can result in poor imaging and loss of bass.

To connect the speakers in bi-wire mode using either the binding post terminals or the Speakon socket

If the Speakon option is to be used, disassemble the Speakon plug as shown in Figure 5a and connect one pair of positive and negative cables to the terminals marked +1 and -1 and the second pair of positive and negative cables to the

CT8.2 LCR specifications

The Bowers & Wilkins CT8.2 LCR is a high-performance loudspeaker designed for home theater and music listening environments. Known for its versatility and exceptional sound quality, this speaker integrates seamlessly into various systems, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

One of the standout features of the CT8.2 LCR is its unique design, which allows for positioning both vertically and horizontally. This flexibility enables it to be used as a center channel speaker, front left or right speaker, or even as a surround speaker, catering to diverse room layouts. The speaker's sleek and discrete aesthetic ensures it blends well with modern home decor, enhancing both sound and style.

At the heart of the CT8.2 LCR are advanced driver technologies that contribute to its remarkable audio performance. The speaker employs a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, known for its clarity and precision in reproducing high frequencies. This is complemented by dual 5-inch woven composite cones, which deliver a rich and dynamic midrange and bass response. This combination ensures a broad frequency range, delivering nuances in both music and movie soundtracks.

The CT8.2 LCR is engineered using Bowers & Wilkins' proprietary technologies, including its Flowport design, which helps to minimize turbulence and distortion while enhancing bass output. This technology allows for deeper bass without compromising clarity, making it suitable for a wide variety of genres, from orchestral music to blockbuster action films.

In terms of build quality, the CT8.2 LCR makes use of high-grade materials, ensuring durability while maintaining audio fidelity. The speaker features a robust cabinet construction that reduces resonance, meaning unwanted vibrations do not interfere with audio performance. Additionally, the speaker's magnetic grill system provides an elegant finish that can be easily removed for a more aesthetic look.

The Bowers & Wilkins CT8.2 LCR speaker is not just about advanced technology and quality materials; it also offers user-friendly features. Its adjustable mounting system allows for easy installation, whether on a wall or on dedicated speaker stands. This aspect is particularly important for home theater enthusiasts looking to create the perfect soundstage.

Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins CT8.2 LCR stands out as a versatile and high-fidelity loudspeaker. With its combination of sophisticated technologies, elegant design, and superior build quality, it delivers an immersive audio experience that suits any listening environment. Whether used for music or movies, it is sure to please even the most discerning audiophile.