INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing B&W.
The DM™605 S2 consists of passive midrange and tweeter sections together with an active bass section powered by an internal 130 watt amplifier. This enables the system to function as a combined full range loudspeaker and subwoofer, allowing the user to save space in a home theatre installation by avoiding the need for a separate subwoofer unit.
Please read this manual fully before unpacking and installing the product. It will help you to optimise its performance. As the loudspeaker is mains powered, you should pay particular attention to the safety warnings.
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
(figure 1)
•Fold the carton flaps right back and invert the carton and contents.
•Lift the carton clear of the contents.
•Remove the inner packing from the product.
We suggest you retain the packing for future use.
Check in the carton for:
•4 spike feet with lock nuts.
•Mains power lead
POSITIONING
Do not fit the spike feet until you have found the best position for your speakers.
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 from the speaker.
Stereo Audio (figure 2)
As an initial guide:
•Position the speakers and the centre of the listening area approximately at the corners of an equilateral triangle.
•Keep the speakers at least 1.5m apart to maintain left-right separation.
•Keep the speaker baffles at least 0.5m clear of walls.
Home Theatre (figure 3)
If used for front left and right channels, place the speakers between 0.5m and 1m from each side of the screen. If used as surround speakers, place them to left and right and behind the listeners. Because the speaker is not magnetically shielded, it is only suitable for centre channel use
if you are using a projector TV. In that case it may be placed directly below the centre of the screen if there is sufficient room.
CONNECTIONS
All connections should be made with the equipment switched off.
Full range input (figure 4)
There are 2 pairs of terminals at the back of the speaker which permit bi-wiring if desired. On delivery, the separate pairs are connected together with high-quality links for use with a single 2-core cable. For single cable connection, leave the links in place and use either pair of terminals on the speaker. (figure 4a)
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.
To bi-wire, remove the links by loosening the terminal caps and use a separate 2-core cable from the amplifier to each pair of terminals (figure 4b). This can improve the resolution of low-level detail. Observe the correct polarity as before. When bi-wiring, incorrect connection can also impair the frequency response.
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.
Low-frequency effects (LFE) input (figure 5)
The LFE or subwoofer output of your decoder is connected to the LFE input of one of the speakers using line level coaxial cable terminated by an RCA Phono plug. Connect the second speaker LFE input socket to the LFE link out socket of the first speaker.
Connection to the mains power supply Ensure that the voltage indicated on the amplifier panel matches that of the power supply. Should you need to change the setting, perhaps because you have moved to an area having a different supply voltage, slide the voltage selector switch to the other position WHILE THE SPEAKER IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE MAINS POWER SUPPLY.
A3-core mains power lead appropriate to the country of sale is supplied that fits the IEC mains input socket (figure 6A) in the amplifier panel. The same value mains fuse is used whatever the supply voltage and it is fitted in a tray at the bottom of the mains input socket (figure 6B).
REPLACEMENT FUSES MUST ALWAYS BE OF THE SAME TYPE AND RATING AS ORIGINALLY SUPPLIED.
The speaker features auto-sensing of the input signal to switch it between the standby and fully on modes. This feature only operates if the AUTO SENSE switch (figure 6C) is set to ON.
On first connecting the speaker and turning the POWER switch ON, the initial surge is enough to turn the amplifier fully on and the LED (figure 7) near the logo at the bottom of the front panel glows green. If no signal is detected after a period of approximately 5 minutes, the amplifier switches automatically to standby and the LED glows red. In this mode the power consumption is approximately 4 watts. If a signal is detected at the input to the speaker, the amplifier automatically switches fully on within 0.5 seconds.
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.
If the bass is uneven with frequency it is usually due to the excitation of resonance modes in the room. Even small changes in the position of the speakers or the listeners can have a profound effect on how these resonances affect the sound. 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 8)
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. Reduce them by the use of irregular shaped surfaces such as bookshelves and large pieces of furniture.
Ensure the speakers stand firmly on the floor. Whenever possible fit the spike feet supplied after you have optimised the positioning. They are designed to pierce through carpeting to the floor surface. Initially, screw the lock nuts fully onto the spikes and screw the spikes fully into the threaded inserts in the base of the speaker. If the cabinet rocks, unscrew the appropriate spikes until the speaker stands firmly on the floor and lock them in place by tightening the lock nuts against the base. If you do not have a carpet, use a protective disc under the spikes to protect the floor surface.
If you want to raise or lower the bass level with respect to the midrange and tweeter level, change the setting of the LEVEL control
