Bowers & Wilkins CDM CSE Introduction, Unpacking, Positioning, Connections, Fine Tuning

GB

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing B&W.

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.

UNPACKING

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•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 self-adhesive rubber pads.

POSITIONING

If using a projection television with an acoustically transparent screen, place the speaker behind the centre of the screen. Otherwise position it directly above or below the screen, whichever is closest to ear level. Align the front of the speaker approximately level with the screen.

Fix the 4 self-adhesive pads to the base of the speaker. They give a degree of vibration isolation, especially useful if placing the speaker directly on top of a fairly flimsy television. The flat area on top of the television may be smaller than the base of the speaker, so position the feet accordingly.

Stray magnetic fields

The speaker drive units are magnetically shielded such that the stray magnetic field outside the boundaries of the cabinet, except the front, is too low to cause distortion of the television picture in the vast majority of cases.

There are, however, some extremely sensitive televisions - some that even have to be adjusted according to their alignment with the earth’s magnetic field. If you have a problem, first de- gauss the television set with the speaker in place. Some have a button specially for this purpose. If not, switch off the set at the mains for 15 minutes and switch on again. Merely putting the set into standby mode is not sufficient.

If you still have a problem, try moving the speaker either forwards or backwards a little to get a more favourable juxtaposition, or space the speaker further from the television until the distortion disappears.

Because of the higher stray magnetic field in front of the speaker, we recommend you keep magnetically sensitive articles (computer discs, audio and video tapes, swipe cards and the like) at least 0.2m from the speaker.

CONNECTIONS

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All connections should be made with the equipment switched off.

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.

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. 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.

FINE TUNING

For greatest realism in home theatre installations it is important to balance the speakers and adjust the acoustic image to match the size of the screen. With smaller screens it may be more realistic to have the left and right speakers closer together than you might for audio alone.

Adjust the levels of the three front speakers to get a smooth transition of sounds as they pan across the screen. Adjust the level of the surround speakers so that, except for special effects, your attention is not unduly attracted to them.

Sit in all likely listening positions when deciding on the optimum levels.

Consult your decoder manual for further information on how to set the levels.

AFTERCARE

The cabinet surface usually only requires dusting. If you wish to use an aerosol cleaner, remove the grille first by gently pulling it away from the cabinet. Spray onto the cleaning cloth, not directly onto the cabinet. 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.

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