Bowers & Wilkins ASW608 Introduction, Environmental Information, Carton Contents, Installation

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Do not expose the device to rain, use it near water or in damp or wet conditions, or place containers on it containing liquids which might spill into any openings.

When setting up the device, make sure that the AC outlet you are using is easily accessible. If some trouble or malfunction occurs, immediately turn off the power switch and disconnect the plug from the outlet. Even when the power switch is turned off, electricity is still flowing to the product at the minimum level. When you are not using the device for a long time, make sure to unplug the power cord from the wall AC outlet.

Introduction

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 Mains cable

1 Accessory pack containing:

4 M6 spike feet

4 M6 rubber feet

4 Lock nuts (10mm across flats)

Installation

The subwoofer has been designed both for Home Theatre installations and to augment the bass performance of ‘full range’ speakers in 2-channel audio systems. All audio installations require some

thought in installation if they are to reach their full performance potential and this manual will guide you through the process.

The subwoofer requires connection to the mains power supply, so it is important that you familiarise yourself with the safety instructions and heed all the warnings. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.

The Subwoofer Connection and Control

Panel (Figure 1)

1.Status indicator.

2.On, Auto, Stand-by switch.

3.Line-level input volume.

4.Speaker level input volume.

5.Low-pass filter frequency.

6.Low-pass filter selection switch.

7.Bass extension switch.

8.Equalisation switch.

9.Phase reverse switch.

10.12V trigger input.

11.Line level input sockets (left and right).

12.Speaker level input binding posts (left and right).

13.Mains input.

14.External fuse holder.

Subwoofer Applications

The primary function of a subwoofer is to reproduce signals from an audio-visual processor Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. In addition, the processor may be configured to divert the low bass portion from some or all of the other channels and add it to the LFE information. This is usually done by selecting “small” loudspeakers in the processor set-up procedure.

In 2-channel audio applications a subwoofer is used to extend the bass response lower than that provided by the satellite speakers. The subwoofer low-pass filter should be set so that the subwoofer takes over as the output of the satellite speakers falls.

Subwoofer Positioning and Installation

The ear poorly perceives the source location of low frequency sound so the position of subwoofers in the listening room is generally less critical compared to full-range speakers. However, best results are usually obtained if the subwoofer is placed between the left and right speakers or in the vicinity of one of them. If two subwoofers are used, it is best to put one near the left and one near the right speaker. Placing a subwoofer behind the listening position, even in multi- channel surround sound installations, generally results in inferior imaging, but may be an acceptable compromise if domestic considerations dictate.

As with all speakers, the proximity of room boundaries affects the sound of a subwoofer. Bass volume increases as more surfaces come into close proximity with the speaker. Unlike full-range speakers, however, the overall system balance can be corrected by

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