Limited Warranty

the speaker, which points towards the positive lobe. (figure 5)

To optimise the smoothness of sounds panning from the front of the room to the back and vice versa when speakers are used in dipole mode, we recommend that the side speakers have their positive lobes (arrows) pointing towards the front of the room and the rear speakers have their positive lobes (arrows) pointing towards the centre of the rear wall. (figure 6)

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 (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 (figure 7)

All connections should be made with the equipment switched off.

Ensure the positive terminal on the speaker (marked + and coloured red) is connected to the positive output terminal of the amplifier and negative (marked – and coloured black) to negative. Incorrect connection can result in poor imaging and loss of bass.

The terminals accept 8mm (5/16 in) spades, bared wire ends or round pins up to 5mm (3/16 in) diameter and 4mm banana plugs.

Important safety notice:

In certain countries, notably those in Europe, the use of 4mm banana plugs is considered a potential safety hazard, because they may be inserted into the holes of unshuttered mains supply sockets. In order to comply with European CENELEC safety regulations, the 4mm holes in the ends of the terminals are blocked by plastic pins. Do not remove the pins if you are using the product where these conditions apply.

Always screw the terminal caps down tightly to optimise the connection and prevent rattles.

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.

Fixing the speaker in place

The speakers may be fixed to a wall using screws in the range 5mm to 6mm diameter (No.10 to No.12). On the back of the cabinet are three wall plates. The screw head should be inserted into the round part of the aperture and slid fully along one of the slots. (figure 8)

Ensure, especially when fixing to drywall panels, that the screw length and wall plug security are sufficient to hold the weight of the speaker. B&W can accept no liability for any failure of wall or ceiling fixings.

Use the template provided to mark the screw positions. The outside dimensions of the template correspond to the rear of the cabinet.

Stick 4 of the clear self-adhesive rubber pads to the rear panel of each speaker, one close to each of the small bumps in the corners. These stop the speaker vibrating against the surface and help keep it in position. (figure 9)

Adjust the protrusion of the screws such that the rubber pads are a friction slide on the surface when the wall plates are hooked over the screw heads. (figure 10)

Always check and ensure that:

•All the screws slide right to the ends of the slots in the wall plates.

•Screw protrusion is adjusted so that the rubber pads provide enough friction to prevent the speakers sliding out of position.

The cable may be routed in the grooves in the rear panel.

Shelf mounting is not recommended as the moulded cabinet has a draft taper and will lean forward.

Mode selection (figure 11)

Use the switch on the front baffle to select between monopole and dipole modes. In the ● position, the speaker is monopole and in the ●● position it is dipole.

Experiment to find the settings best suited to your requirements. Typical combinations are:

•All surround speakers monopole

•Side speakers dipole, rear speakers monopole

•All surround speakers dipole

It would be unusual, but not impossible, to set side speakers to monopole and rear speakers to dipole.

Aftercare

The cabinet surfaces usually only require dusting. If you wish to use an aerosol or other cleaner, remove the grille first by gently pulling it away from the cabinet. Spray aerosols onto the cleaning cloth, not directly onto the product. Test a small area first, as some cleaning products may damage some of the surfaces. Avoid products that are abrasive, or contain acid, alkali or anti-bacterial agents. Do not use cleaning agents on the drive units. The grille fabric may be cleaned with a normal clothes brush whilst the grille is detached from the cabinet. Avoid touching the drive units, especially the tweeter, as damage may result.

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

DS3 specifications

The Bowers & Wilkins DS3 is a high-performance speaker designed for home audio enthusiasts who demand quality and versatility. Renowned for its exceptional sound reproduction, the DS3 integrates advanced technologies tailored to deliver an immersive listening experience.

One of the standout features of the DS3 is its innovative speaker design. It utilizes a specially crafted twisted polypropylene cone that minimizes distortion and enhances sound clarity. This design ensures that audio is reproduced accurately across a broad frequency range, providing listeners with a rich and vibrant sound profile.

The DS3 is equipped with a sophisticated tweeter that employs Bowers & Wilkins’ proprietary Decoupled Double Dome technology. This feature allows for precise high-frequency response, producing shimmering highs without the harshness often associated with traditional tweeters. The result is a balanced soundstage, where every note is clear and defined.

In addition to its exceptional drivers, the DS3 incorporates advanced crossover technology. The meticulously designed crossover network ensures seamless integration between the woofer and tweeter, enabling smooth transitions and preserving the integrity of the original recording. This attention to detail is essential for audiophiles seeking an authentic listening experience.

For added versatility, the DS3 offers multiple connectivity options, including wired and wireless capabilities. This flexibility allows users to connect their preferred audio sources effortlessly, whether it's a turntable, a computer, or streaming devices. The speaker's compatibility with various systems makes it an ideal choice for any audio setup.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the DS3 is its sleek and modern design. Available in multiple finishes, it seamlessly blends with any home decor, making it not just an audio device but also a stylish addition to the living space. The design is optimized for both aesthetics and acoustics, ensuring that it delivers high-quality sound without compromising on elegance.

Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins DS3 represents the pinnacle of home audio technology. With its cutting-edge features, superior sound quality, and striking design, the DS3 is engineered to satisfy even the most discerning listeners, solidifying Bowers & Wilkins’ reputation as a leader in high-end audio equipment. Whether you're an audiophile or a casual listener, the DS3 offers a premium listening experience that will elevate your audio enjoyment.