Bowers & Wilkins CDS6 T R O D U C T I O N, P a C K I N G, M P I N G T H E W a L L C a V I T Y

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I N T R O D U C T I O N

Thank you for purchasing B&W CDS6 Dipole Surround speakers.

These surround speakers conform to the specifications of Lucasfilm Home THX and differ from most conventional speakers in that they have a dipolar radiation pattern.

The sound is projected mainly backwards and forwards, with drive units mounted on opposite sides of the cabinet. Sound radiated in one direction has the reverse polarity to that radiated in the opposite direction. In a plane at right angles to these two lobes, the sound is substantially cancelled out. This is the so called null plane.

The speakers are used with the null plane directed towards the listeners, who therefore hear very little direct sound. Most of the sound they hear is reflected off the surfaces of the room and is diffuse in nature. This gives the enveloping and atmospheric sound field that is necessary for good Home THX, Dolby Pro Logic and AC3 reproduction.

The CDS6 incorporates a woven Kevlar® cone bass drive unit for lowest coloration and maximum definition. It also has two paper midrange/high- frequency units to ensure dipolar dispersion and maintain dynamics to high sound levels.

However, no matter how good the speakers themselves, they must work well into the listening room and time spent on planning the installation will reap the reward of many hours listening pleasure. Please read through this manual fully. It will help you optimise the performance of the system.

B&W distribute to over 50 countries world-wide and maintain a network of dedicated distributors who will be able to help should you have any problems your dealer cannot resolve.

U N P A C K I N G

Check the contents:

2 x Baffle with drive units, crossover and foam

2 x Wall frame

2 x Loudspeaker grille

1 x Alignment template

1 x Accessory pack containing:

20 x Spring clips + self tapping screws + washers 8 x Machine screws (fixing baffles to wall frames)

We suggest you retain the packaging for future use. Remove the grilles and baffles from the wall frames and, to avoid damage, keep them in their plastic bags (and preferably in the carton) away from the work area until you are ready to fit them.

P O S I T I O N I N G (figure 1)

Always mount the speakers with the midrange/high-frequency units pointing towards the front and rear walls. They should preferably be mounted in the side walls of the room in line with the centre row of listeners at, or just over, 0.6m (2ft) above head height. If side wall mounting is not possible, mount the speakers in the ceiling in line with the listeners, one close to each side wall.

Check that there is no conflict with other in-wall installations (pipe work, air conditioning, power cabling etc.). In existing construction, use a stud-finding tool to map the wall construction accurately and a pipe detector to scan the proposed installation position. Avoid installing the speakers in the same cavity of the wall as flimsy ducting, which may be induced to rattle. The speakers are designed to operate satisfactorily in a wide range of cavity volumes, ideally above 15 litres (0.5 cu ft).

D A M P I N G T H E W A L L C A V I T Y

A foam pad is supplied to damp the area behind the drive units.

In addition, loosely fill the whole section of the wall cavity with wadding. Fibreglass and mineral wool matting supplied for heat insulation are suitable, but not closed cell foam or expanded polystyrene. Check that there is no debris that may fall into the speaker (especially in ceiling mount situations).

IMPORTANT: YOU SHOULD CHECK THAT THE MATERIALS YOU USE MEET THE LOCAL FIRE AND BUILDING REGULATIONS.

F I T T I N G T H E W A L L F R A M E

A l l M e t h o d s

Apply sealing compound or mastic to the back side of the outer lip of the wall frame to provide a seal and prevent rattling.

N e w C o n s t r u c t i o n (figure 2)

Fit the separately available pre-mount kit - PMK8-to the studding before the drywall panels are fitted, following the instructions supplied with the kit. The drywall panels should be fitted up to the pre-mount box and plastered over.

Screw, but do not tighten, 6 of the screws plus washers provided through the slots in the wall frame into the pilot holes in the pre-mount box.

E x i s t i n g C o n s t r u c t i o n (figure 3)

Push out the slots in the template provided. Position the template on the wall as required. Mark along the inside edges of the slots and cut out the aperture neatly.

Ten spring clips are supplied for each wall frame. Screw, but do not tighten, sufficient of them via the holes in the rear surface of the wall frame to ensure that it sits properly on the wall surface. Use extra clips around areas of particular unevenness.

A l l M e t h o d s

Align the frame squarely and tighten down the screws. A certain amount of flexing of the wall frame is allowed to take up unevenness in the wall surface, but do not over tighten the screws as excessive distortion of the frame may impede the fitting of the baffle.

C U S T O M I S I N G

The wall frame is pre-finished in white primer paint, ready if necessary to be re-finished to match your own decor. Decorate before the baffle is fitted.

Do not paint the baffle. Remove it before re-decoration. Avoid touching the drive units, as damage may result.

F I T T I N G T H E B A F F L E

 

A N D C O N N E C T I O N S

(figure 4)

The baffle is secured to the wall frame by 4 machine screws in the corners. All connections should be made with the equipment switched off .

To ensure the correct dipolar sound field, the speakers are handed left and right. When each speaker is positioned at the correct side of the room, the positive terminal (coloured red) is nearer the screen.

The terminals accept bare wires. Connect the red (+ve) terminal to the positive terminal of the amplifier and the black (-ve) to the negative (figure 5). Failure to observe correct polarity will result in ill-defined panning of sounds and strange phase effects.

When choosing cable, keep the total electrical impedance (out and back) below the maximum recommended in the specification. Ask your dealer for advice, as the optimum cable will depend on the length required. Cut off excess length and tie down loose cable to prevent rattles.

NOTE: Certain power amplifiers cause a polarity reversal between input and output. Ensure the polarity convention for all the amplifiers you use is consistent to avoid ill-defined images. Amplifiers carrying the Lucasfilm THX symbol are required to be non-inverting.

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CDS6 specifications

Bowers & Wilkins, a name synonymous with high-fidelity audio, has consistently pushed the boundaries of sound engineering and design. One of their standout offerings is the CDS6, a state-of-the-art compact speaker that encapsulates the brand's commitment to acoustic excellence.

The Bowers & Wilkins CDS6 is designed to deliver a remarkable listening experience while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. One of its main features is the incorporation of advanced driver technology. The speaker is equipped with a specially designed 6.5-inch Kevlar bass driver. Kevlar, known for its strength and lightweight properties, ensures that the bass produced is not only deep but also well-controlled. This results in an impressive low-end response, allowing listeners to experience music as it was meant to be heard.

Another crucial feature of the CDS6 is its integrated tweeter design. With a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, this speaker provides clarity and accuracy in the high-frequency range. The aluminum construction helps minimize distortion, ensuring that vocals and instrumentals are reproduced with lifelike fidelity. Coupled with Bowers & Wilkins’ advanced crossover technology, the transition between the bass and treble is seamless, creating a balanced soundstage.

The enclosure of the CDS6 is engineered to enhance acoustics. Utilizing a solid cabinet design and premium materials, the speaker minimizes unwanted resonance. The result is a pure audio experience devoid of coloration, enabling the listener to immerse themselves fully in the music. Moreover, the sleek finish and modern design ensure that the CDS6 complements any interior décor.

In terms of connectivity, the Bowers & Wilkins CDS6 supports a variety of input options, making it versatile for both home theater setups and music systems. From analog to digital connections, users have the flexibility to integrate this speaker into their existing audio configurations seamlessly.

Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins CDS6 is a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation and quality in sound reproduction. With its cutting-edge driver technologies, superior cabinet construction, and elegant design, it stands as an exceptional choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Whether it's for enjoying music, movies, or gaming, the CDS6 promises to deliver an audio experience that captivates the senses and enhances the joy of sound.
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