Owner’s Manual

SW Fifteen

Powered Subwoofer with Built-in Active Stereo Crossover

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Congratulations on your purchase. We trust that you will enjoy the value and quality of your AudioSource SW Fifteen for many years. To ensure the best performance from your unit, please take a few moments to read this manual. Also, be sure to retain this document for future reference.

SW FIFTEEN OVERVIEW

The AudioSource SW Fifteen represents the state of the art in powered subwoofers. The highly efficient ported enclosure houses a rugged fifteen-inch, reinforced driver, a powerful two hundred-watt amplifier and an integral stereo crossover network. This precision matched combination ensures the SW Fifteen will deliver the best sound possible, under even the most demanding conditions. Both crossover frequency and input level are variable over a wide range, allowing the SW Fifteen to complement a wide variety of systems. Line level and hi level inputs and outputs are provided for fast and easy connection to virtually any system. The three-way auto power and phase reverse functions complete the generous list of features offered by the SW Fifteen.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SUBWOOFERS

Subwoofers are designed to extend the bass response of your system beyond the limitations of most speakers. This unit is to be used in conjunction with, not in place of, your existing left and right speakers. The low frequency sounds reproduced by the subwoofer will radiate equally in all directions. It is not necessary to have a pair of subwoofers. A single subwoofer can dramatically enhance a stereo TV, a stereo system, or a full fledged home theater.

The advent of digital recording has increased the amount of low frequency information found on recorded material. Subwoofers are designed to accurately reproduce this bass. Similarly, most movies intended for home viewing feature bass well below the musical range of traditional loudspeakers. However, this information is vital to the impact, ambiance, and believability of a scene. A subwoofer enhances those elements in your home theater.

Note: If any part of this product is damaged or missing, do not contact your AudioSource dealer. Please call us directly at 800-435-7115.

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PLACEMENT GUIDELINES

Prior to installing your new subwoofer, please consider the following guidelines. Placing the subwoofer near a wall or in a corner will greatly increase its bass response. As frequencies reproduced by subwoofers are long and need room to propagate, a subwoofer placed near the listening position will not sound as full as one placed farther away.

The subwoofer cabinet is designed to blend in with most decors. If you decide to place anything directly atop your subwoofer, please use great caution, as the speaker cabinet will vibrate and items placed on top may shake loose or fall.

80 Hz

40 Hz

L R

Level

120 Hz

Crossover

Frequency

180 Hz

Line

In

Line

Out

USING THE CONTROLS

Power

The power switch has three positions: on, off, and auto. The auto position is the default setting. This keeps the amplifier in a standby mode. Using sophisticated signal sensing circuitry, the amplifier is activated when a signal is detected at either of the inputs. If no signal is detected after several minutes, the amplifier switches back to the standby mode. The on and off positions override this circuit, turning the subwoofer on or off manually. The power LED indicates the subwoofer's status.

Hi Level

In

Hi Level

Out

T2A 250V

RISK OF FIRE

REPLACE FUSE

AS MARKED

0 ˚

Phase

180˚

Left

FU

SE

Power

Right

Off

Auto

On

120VAC

180 Watts

60 Hz

Phase

The default setting for the phase switch is the 0º position. As the subwoofer is sometimes placed quite a distance from the other speakers, its sound may arrive at your ears milliseconds before or after the sound from your other speakers. In the very rare instances where the subwoofer is out of phase, the bass will appear somewhat hollow, and the level control may seem to have little or no effect. Setting the phase switch to the 180º position will compensate for these effects. Note: Phase is relative and can be different from location to loca- tion. Always return to the normal listening location to evaluate any setting changes.

Level

Since your subwoofer is designed to work in conjunction with other speakers, we have provided a level control will allow you to balance the output of your unit with the rest of your system. Once set, the level control should not require further adjustment. Begin with the level control at the minimum position. Slowly increase the level until the subwoofer's output is equal to that of your other speakers. Note: Output level is relative and can be different from location to location. Always return to the normal listening location to evaluate any setting changes.

Crossover Frequency

The crossover frequency control is used to adjust the point at which the subwoofer stops reproducing the frequencies played by the other speakers in your system. Raising the crossover frequency increases the frequencies the SW Fifteen will reproduce. Lowering the crossover frequency will do the opposite. Generally, the smaller the speakers used with a subwoofer, the higher the crossover frequency should be set. We recommend starting at the 12 o'clock position (100 Hz) and moving to the left with larger speakers or to the right with smaller speakers.

CONNECTING THE SW FIFTEEN

General Information

The diagrams on the following page show four of the most common types of subwoofer connections. This information will guide you through the connection process.

All signals into your unit will first pass through the crossover. The portion of the signal below the current crossover frequency setting will be reproduced by the subwoofer. The unprocessed signal will also be passed to the hi and line level outputs. If you have a choice of connection options, remember that it may be easier to run long distances with speaker wire than with line connectors.

Hi Level In

These inputs are designed to accept an amplified signal from the speaker outputs of a receiver, power amp or other device not equipped with line level outputs.

Hi Level Out

The original amplified signal from your source is present at these outputs, for connection to the existing left and right speakers.

Line In

These RCA jacks are designed to accept a line level signal from a receiver, pre-amp, surround sound decoder or similar device. When using a single line level output from another unit, a Y connector should be used to send the signal to both the left and right inputs.

(Using the tape loop of a receiver or preamp is not recommended. Tape jacks typically send a constant level, regardless of the volume setting, unlike preamp outputs. This will affect the balance between the subwoofer and the rest of the system.)

Line Out

The original signal from your source is present at these outputs for connection to another subwoofer or power amplifier.

Receiver

CD

INPUT

TUNER

INPUT

PHONO

INPUT TAPE LOOP

LEFT

RIGHT

PREAMP

OUTPUT

POWER AMP

INPUT

LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

+ –

Right Speaker Left Speaker

Level

80 Hz

40 Hz

L R

120 Hz

Crossover

Frequency

180 Hz

Line

In

Line

Out

Hi Level

In

Phase

180˚

Left

Power

Right

Off

Auto

On

Hi Level

Out

T2A 250V

RISK OF FIRE

REPLACE FUSE

AS MARKED

FU

SE

120VAC

180 Watts

60 Hz

+ +

Line Level Connections

In this example, the pre-amp outputs of a stereo receiver are connected to the SW Fifteen line inputs. The line outputs on the SW Fifteen return the line level signal to the power amp inputs on the stereo receiver, which in turn powers the left and right speakers.

Receiver

CD

INPUT

TUNER

INPUT

PHONO

INPUT TAPE LOOP

LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

+ –

Right Speaker Left Speaker

Level

80 Hz

40 Hz

L R

120 Hz

Crossover

Frequency

180 Hz

Line

In

Line

Out

Hi Level

In

Phase

180˚

Left

Power

Right

Off

Auto

On

Hi Level

Out

T2A 250V

RISK OF FIRE

REPLACE FUSE

AS MARKED

FU

SE

120VAC

180 Watts

60 Hz

+ +

Hi Level Connections

Here the signal is already amplified as it leaves the receiver/ amplifier. The speaker terminals of this unit are connected to the hi level inputs of the SW Fifteen. The left and right speakers receive the original amplified signal from the SW Fifteen hi

level outputs.

Receiver

CD

INPUT

TUNER

INPUT

PHONO

INPUT TAPE LOOP

SUB

OUT

PREAMP

OUTPUT

POWER AMP

INPUT

LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

+ –

Right Speaker

Level

80 Hz

40 Hz

L R

120 Hz

Crossover

Frequency

180 Hz

Line

In

Line

Out

+ -

Hi Level

In

0 ˚

Phase

180˚

Left

Power

Right

Off

Auto

On

Hi Level

Out

T2A 250V

RISK OF FIRE

REPLACE FUSE

AS MARKED

FU

SE

120VAC

180 Watts

60 Hz

Left Speaker

+

Dedicated Subwoofer Connections

Many surround sound decoders, home theater processors and audio/video receivers are equipped with a dedicated subwoofer line output. In this case, the signal is already processed and does not need to return to the system or other speakers.

Connect this line output to the line inputs of the SW Fifteen.

A Y connector should be used to feed this single output to both the left and the right line inputs.

Level

80 Hz

40 Hz

L R

120 Hz

Crossover

Frequency

180 Hz

Line

In

Line

Out

Hi Level

In

0 ˚

Phase

180˚

Left

Power

Right

Off

Auto

On

Hi Level

Out

T2A 250V

RISK OF FIRE

REPLACE FUSE

AS MARKED

FU

SE

120VAC

180 Watts

60 Hz

OUTPUT

VARIABLE

OUTPUT

FIXED INPUT

VIDEO

LEFT

RIGHT

Television

Television Enhancement

Many newer television sets are equipped with variable stereo outputs. The signal available at these outputs varies with the television volume. In this situation, these variable audio outputs can be connected directly to the SW Fifteen line inputs to enhance the bass response of the television's built-in speakers.

Enjoy your purchase. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up your equipment.

Our commitment to your satisfaction doesn't end there. We also offer friendly, toll-free assistance.

1.800.HELP.115

Safety Instructions

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN.

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

Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back); no user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

Caution: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.

Attention: Pour eviter les chocs electriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu'au fond.

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 electrical 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 appliance.

Read Instructions

All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.

Retain Instructions

The safety and operating instructions should be adhered to.

Heed Warnings

All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

Follow Instructions

All operating and use instructions should be followed.

Water and Moisture

The appliance should not be used near water. For example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.

Ventilation

The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in situation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.

Heat

The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Power Sources

The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.

Grounding or Polarization

Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.

Power Cord Protection

Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed on or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.

Cleaning

The speaker should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.

Power Lines

An outdoor antenna should be located away from power lines.

Non-Use Periods

The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

Object and Liquid Entry

Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.

Damage Requiring Service

The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:

a) The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged;

b) Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance;

c) The appliance has been exposed to rain;

d) The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or

e) The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

Servicing

The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

Product Servicing

In the event your SW Fifteen fails to operated properly, please contact the dealer where you purchased the unit. Or you may contact AudioSource directly for further assistance.

SW Fifteen Specifications

Amplifier Power Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200 Watts

Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Hz to 250 Hz

Signal to Noise Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .>90 dB

Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15" Reinforced

Subwoofer Crossover Frequency . . . . . .40 Hz to 180 Hz

Functions . . . . .Power (On, Auto, Off), Phase (0º, 180º),

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Input Level, Crossover Frequency

Inputs . . . . . . . . . . .Hi Level (Speaker) & Line (RCA) In

Outputs . . . . . . . .Hi Level (Speaker) & Line (RCA) Out

Dimensions . . . . . . . . .21.5" H x 16" W x 19" D, 68 lbs.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

9300 North Decatur

Portland, Or. 97203

Tel. 503.286.9300

Fax 503.978.3302

[email protected] Printed in Canada www.audiosource.net

© 1999 AudioSource, Inc.