Energy Speaker Systems ES-12XL, e:XL-S12, e:XL-S10 Introduction, Features and Operating Controls

o w n e r s m a n u a l s u b w o o f e r s

INTRODUCTION

We are proud to welcome you as a new owner of a ENERGY Subwoofer.

ENERGY subwoofers are the result of extensive research into accurate bass reproduction and represent the leading edge in subwoofer design and performance. The finest components and cabinet materials combined with sophisticated manufacturing and quality control procedures ensure many years of exceptional performance and listening pleasure.

Please take time to read all of the instructions contained in this manual to make certain your system is properly installed and functioning correctly.

Be sure to unpack your subwoofer carefully. Retain the carton and all packing material for future use.

FEATURES AND OPERATING CONTROLS

All operating controls are conveniently located on the amplifier panel mounted on the rear of your subwoofer cabinet.

FEATURES

Auto-On/Auto-Off Circuit

Your subwoofer is equipped with a special “Auto-on/Auto-off ” circuit.This circuit automatically turns your subwoofer on as soon as it senses a program signal. At a predetermined time after the program signal ends, this circuit automatically turns the subwoofer off.

Clipping Protection Circuit

Many powered subwoofers on the market produce distorted sounds as a result of clipping at high input levels. The proprietary ENERGY Clipping Protection Circuit (CPC) continuously senses the input signal level and automatically adjusts to prevent clipping of the waveform, maintaining undistorted bass reproduction.

High Level Input and Output Terminals

The High Level inputs allow you to connect your subwoofer to the speaker outputs of any A/V Receiver or power amplifier. The signal from the High Level output terminals passes through a built-in High Pass Filter. When these terminals are connected to your main/satellite speakers, the result is increased dynamic range and power handling, which improves overall system performance. See “Subwoofer Connection to your Audio/Video System”.

Low-Level RCA Input Jacks

The two RCA Input jacks allow you to connect your subwoofer to EITHER: 1) The subwoofer mono output of an A/V Receiver/Processor OR 2) The subwoofer output of an External Crossover 3) Model ES-12XL ONLY - The left and right pre-out jacks of an A/V Receiver/Processor

NOTE: When using the External Crossover Input, the subwoofer Level Control and LP Filter Control on the subwoofer’s rear panel are bypassed and have no effect on the subwoofer. In this mode, adjustments are made using the controls provided on the optional ENERGY EAC Crossover or other External Crossovers.

Low-Level RCA Output Jacks

The output signal from these jacks is actively filtered below 80 Hz (18dB/octave). When these jacks are connected to your system’s main amplifier input (or "main-in” for many Audio/Video receivers). The result is increased dynamic range, lower distortion, and improved overall system performance. See “Subwoofer Connection to your Audio/Video System”.

OPERATING CONTROLS

Subwoofer Level Control

This rotary control adjusts the output level of your ENERGY subwoofer and should be used to balance the level of the subwoofer with that of your main satellite speakers. See “Set-up Calibration”.

LP Filter Control

This rotary control adjusts the high frequency roll-off of the subwoofer. Continuously variable from 50Hz to 100Hz, it is used to precisely match the subwoofer bass reproduction with that of your main/satellite speakers. See “Set-up Calibration”.

Variable Phase Alignment Control

This rotary control allows matching of the phase of the subwoofer with that of your main/satellite speakers. Continuously variable from 0° to 180°, it compensates for the mid-bass acoustic effects of different speaker locations and listening room acoustic effects. See Set-up and Calibration.

Low Frequency EQ. Control

In either High Level or Low Level connection, this control adjusts the extreme low frequency characteristics of your subwoofer. It is continuously variable from -3dB through 0 to +3dB to precisely match the subwoofer with the acoustics of your listening room. If bass is too “boomy” and lacks deep detailed bass, adjust this control counter-clockwise until desired perfor- mance is achieved.

ROOM ACOUSTICS &

SUBWOOFER PLACEMENT

ENERGY subwoofers can be placed virtually anywhere in your listening room without significantly affecting the stereo image of your main speakers. However, interactions between any subwoofer and a room’s acoustic properties will have some impact on the overall bass performance.

Reading this section will help you to find a placement for the subwoofer in your room which will yield the best bass performance.

CAUTION: ENERGY SUBWOOFERS HAVE A BUILT-IN AMPLIFIER AND MUST HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION FOR COOLING PURPOSES. DO NOT PLACE THE SUBWOOFER NEAR HEAT SOURCES, OR ANYTHING WHICH MIGHT OBSTRUCT VENTILATION.

Although a clear path between the subwoofer and listening position is not required, it is important to leave approximately 4 inches (10cm) of clearance between the subwoofer and walls or room furnishings.

Generally, shorter runs of hook-up cables are also preferable (and easier to hide), therefore locating your subwoofer relatively close to your audio equipment is often desirable.

The interaction between room acoustics and any subwoofer is closely related to the subwoofer’s proximity to the walls.Typically, subwoofer placement directly in or close to a corner will produce the most bass output, placement along one wall but away from a corner will produce less bass output, and placement of the subwoofer further into the room will produce the least amount of bass output.

It should also be realized that the corner location, although producing the most bass output often yields ill-defined or “boomy” bass.The latter two locations will deliver progressively more accurate bass performance.

We urge you to experiment with various subwoofer placements in your listening room to find the position which produces “deep and smooth” performance. Often, moving the subwoofer a foot or two (30- 60cm) can make a big sonic improvement.

Remember to use familiar musical recordings with an abundance of low frequency information when you experiment with subwoofer locations.

3