Snell Acoustics Snell Basis 300 Powered Subwoofer Owner Manual

Basis 300 Powered Subwoofer
Owner‘s Manual
Basis 300
S A F E TSYA FI N
E TSYT RI U
N CS T IROUNCST I O N S
Warning: To reduce
the risk of fire or
electric shock, do
not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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 you 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 retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings: All warnings on the appliance
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
Follow Instructions: All operation and other
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.
Carts and Stands: The appliance should be used
only with a cart or stand that is recommended by
the manufacturer.
Wall or Ceiling Mounting: The appliance should
not be mounted to a wall or ceiling.
Ventilation: The appliance should be situated so
that its location or position does not interfere with
its proper functioning. For example, the appliance
should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may obstruct the heat sink sur-
faces; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of
air near the heat sink surfaces.
Heat: The appliance should be situated away from
heat sources, such as radiators, stoves, or other
appliances that produce heat.
Power Sources: The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in
the operation instructions or as marked on the
appliance.
Power Cord Protection: Supplies should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay
particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the appliance.
Cleaning: The appliance should only be cleaned as
recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-Use Periods: The power supply cord should
be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for
long periods of time.
Object and Liquid Entry: Care should be taken
so that objects do not fall into and liquids are not
spilled into the inside of the appliance.
Damage Requiring Service: The appliance should
be serviced if any of the following events occur:
The power supply or plug has been damaged.
Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled
into the appliance.
The appliance has been exposed to rain.
The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.
The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure is damaged.
Servicing: The user should not attempt to service
the appliance beyond what is described in the
operating instructions. For all other servicing, consult your dealer or contact Snell Acoustics.
SPECIFICATIONS
Specification
Basis300
Frequency Response (±3dB)
25-150Hz
Amplifier Power
300 watts
Crossover Low Pass for Subwoofer
Variable from 50 to 180 Hz
Crossover High Pass for Line Out
Fixed at 80Hz, 12dB/octave
Bass Unit
10-inch (250mm) custom-built bass unit with
treated paper cone and die-cast
aluminum chassis.
Cabinet Construction
⁄4-inch MDF.
Internal Double-H bracing.
Controls
Phase Switch
Turn On switch with instant On, and
3
ten-minute Off delay
Top mounted volume control
Dimensions (HxWxD)
15.5"x 15 x 15"
41cm x 40cm x 40cm
Weight
69lbs
Finish
Hand-sanded, hand-painted
Black walnut or cherry veneer
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
We designed the Basis 300 for maximum output in
an incredibly compact enclosure. With bass extension to 25Hz (-3dB) and output over 105dB at a
typical listening position in a 3,000 cubic-foot
room, the Basis 300 meets the demands of digital
5.1 formats. Yet, the Basis 300 is so compact, it
easily fits within a typical AV cabinet.
Tuned for Flexibility
We tuned the Basis 300 to match the speed and
sonic presentation of the Snell K7 and LCR7.
We included a system-specific
electronic crossover that automatically adjusts the
output of your front speakers, so you are assured
of a seamless blend between the Basis 300 and
your LCR7 or K7 speaker systems.
Plus, we incorporated a number of user-definable
settings, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune the
Basis 300 to match your existing system.
4
Power
The main power switch is located next to the
power cord socket. Push in the top side of the
switch to turn on the main power to the system. Push in the bottom side to turn off the
main power. Usually the only time the main
power switch should be turned off is when the
subwoofer will not be used for an extended
period of time, such as when you are away on
a vacation.
3 Phase Switch
Determines whether the subwoofer adds or
cancels in the crossover region. The proper setting changes based upon the current location
of the speaker.
2 Level Control/Volume
The Bass Level control adjusts the sound level
output of the Sub300 It is located on the
front (or top) of the cabinet
Line-Level Inputs
The line-level inputs incorporate a fixed 80Hz
high-pass filter. When used in conjunction with
the line level outputs, these inputs will redirect
all bass information below 80Hz from your
main speakers to the sub. Use the "High pass out" to filter the mains.
8 Handmade Cabinets
Our cabinet department hand assembles each
unit, and then hand sands each several times.
The result is a cabinet of exceptional workmanship, with sharp corners and smooth sides.
7 Bass Driver
The Sub300 uses a 10-inch (250 mm) custom-built bass unit with aluminum cone
and a die-cast aluminum chassis.
6 Speaker-Level Inputs
The Sub300 utilizes high-level inputs. The
A removeable wire block faciliates easy connection of bare wire.
1 Low-Pass Filter/Crossover
5
This control sets the frequency of the low-pass
filter, and is fully adjustable from 50 to 125Hz.
If you choose to allow your processor to low pass
filter the B300, use the "SUB IN" RCA connector.
To use the internal lowpass, use the "Low Level In".
CONNECTIONS
Line-Level Input: Line level is the preferred choice in systems using a separate amp and preamp or in receivers that
have a line level or preamp out. These inputs include a built-in fixed high-pass filter at 80Hz. You should use this
input for ”SUBWOOFER OUT“ connections.
Speaker-Level Input: Use these inputs if your receiver does not allow access to the preamp.
GENERAL GUIDELINES ON WIRING
Warning: To reduce the risk of electric shock, always switch off the subwoofer and the amplifier and or
receiver when making connections to the subwoofer and speakers.
When to use line connections in conjunction with the internal crossover:
As a general rule, the best results come from using the line-level connections, where sound is passed from
the preamplifier‘s outputs to the subwoofer and on to the amplifier. Many receivers and integrated amplifiers include a ”PREAMP OUT“ and ”AMPLIFIER IN“ on the back panel. If this is the case with your electronics, or if you are using separates, use this input. Use the "Low Level in". Then set the variable low-pass
filter for an appropriate frequency.
When to use the line connection without the internal crossover:
Most surround sound receivers and preamps now offer a ”SUBWOOFER OUT“ feature.
When using this option, the subwoofer filter will most likely be set within the electronics.
You should then use the Sub300 "SUB IN" connection.
When to use the speaker-level connections:
If your receiver does not offer a ”SUBWOOFER“ or ”PREAMP OUT“ option, or if you wish to run your main
speakers full range, you should use the speaker-level connection.
Speaker-Level Wiring
The simplest way to wire the subwoofer is via the
speaker connections. This does not present any
additional load to your amplifier. The Sub300 is
not sensitive to wire length, therefore you may
want to use long wires at first to allow for experimentation with placement. There are three options
for wiring using speaker-level inputs. Which option
you select will probably be influenced by the placement of the speakers in relation to each other and
the electronics. The resulting sound will be the
same.
NOTE: Be sure to maintain a consistency of + to +
(positive) to (positive) and - to - (negative) to
(negative).
The 5-way binding posts permit easy connection to
banana plugs, spade lugs, and bare wire.
WIRING FOR 2-CHANNEL AUDIO
Using speaker-level wiring
Option 1
Connect from the main speaker out on the receiver
to the sub. Connect the main speakers to the
output of the subwoofer.
NOTE: The main speakers will be high pass filtered
in this configuration.
Receiver
L
Main
Speakers
R
+
Amplifier Panel
HIGH LEVEL IN FROM AMP
+
L
–
+
R
HIGH LEVEL OUT TO MAIN SPEAKERS
–
Option 2
Connect both the subwoofer and the main speakers
to the back of the receiver.
Receiver
L
Main
Speakers
R
+
Amplifier Panel
HIGH LEVEL IN FROM AMP
+
L
–
+
R
–
HIGH LEVEL OUT TO MAIN SPEAKERS
Option 3
Connect the amplifier to the main speaker system
and the main speaker system to the subwoofer in.
Receiver
L
Main
Speakers
R
+
Amplifier Panel
HIGH LEVEL IN FROM AMP
+
L
–
+
R
HIGH LEVEL OUT TO MAIN SPEAKERS
–
PLACEMENT
Subwoofers often are smoothest when placed snugly against a side or back wall. Placement in a corner
generally offers up the smoothest response. These positions will also increase the subwoofers‘ sensitivity,
allowing you to run them at a reduced power. Experiment with subwoofer placement while at the same
time adjusting crossover frequency, output level, and phase. (See section on Fine-Tuning Your Subwoofer
below.)
Choose a source with a heavy and continuous bass line, repeat a short section until you have a firm
impression of it in your mind then try another speaker location. Repeat this process until you are content
with the bass response you are getting. Strive for a solid bass region with no undue emphasis on any frequency.
FINE-TUNING YOUR SUBWOOFER
Setting the Internal Crossover
If you are using a ”sub in" the internal low-pass crossover is bypassed.
If you are using line-level inputs and returning the high-pass filtered signal to the amplifier, begin by setting the crossover at 100Hz. Some rooms naturally overemphasize bass in this region, creating an undesirable ”bump“ or ”boomy“ quality in the sound. If this is the case with your room, try turning the crossover
down to 80Hz. On the other hand‚ some rooms have a natural tendency to ”swallow up“ the bass in the
100Hz region, causing the sound to appear thin. In rooms of this type, try setting the crossover at 125Hz.
This may help to round out the overall sound.
If you are running your main speakers full range, set the crossover close to the cut-off frequency of your
mains. This will help achieve a smooth, seamless blend between your speakers and the subwoofer.
Experiment until you are happy with the mix you are getting.
Crossover versus Bass Level
Interplay between the crossover control and the bass-level control can affect the balance between upper
and lower bass frequencies. If you are experiencing too much midbass, adjust the crossover frequency
down while increasing the bass level. While decreasing midbass, this procedure will also increase the
amount of lower bass energy. Conversely, turning down the bass level while slightly increasing the
crossover frequency will increase the ratio of upper bass to lower bass. The result will be a sound with a
”quick“ quality. Experiment while listening to a variety of sources. If the subwoofer is identifiable as a separate entity, reduce the bass level and further experiment with the settings.
Setting the Phase
The proper setting for the Phase Switch changes based upon the current location of the speaker. To properly ascertain the correct setting for your room, use a source with a full and continuous bass line. Have a
second person repeatedly switch the Phase Switch from one position to the other. You will notice that
one position will deliver a fuller midbass. This is the proper position for the Phase Switch. If the midbass
now seems too full, compensate by slightly lowering the crossover frequency or the output level.
LIMITED WARRANTY
During the warranty period, Snell Acoustics will repair, for the original owner, any defect in materials or
workmanship that occurs in normal use of the speaker system, without charge for parts and labor. The
warranty period for all parts of the Basis 300, except the amplifier, is five (5) years. The warranty period
on the amplifier is one (1) year.
Your responsibilities are to use the product according to the instructions supplied, to provide safe and
secure transportation to an authorized Snell Acoustics service representative, and to present proof of purchase from an authorized Snell dealer in the form of your sales slip when requesting service.
Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, accidents, shipping, repairs, or
modifications by anyone other than an authorized Snell Acoustics service representative. This warranty is
void if the serial number has been removed or defaced.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to
state.
If Service Seems Necessary
Contact the dealer from whom you purchased the speaker system. If that is not possible, call us at
978-538-6262, or write to:
Snell Acoustics
300 Jubilee Drive, PO Box 3717
Peabody, MA 01961-3717
We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your speaker system to the
factory, please ship it prepaid in the original factory packaging. Please note that Snell Acoustics will not
be held liable for shipping damage due to improper packaging. After it has been repaired, we will return it
freight-prepaid in the U.S. or Canada.
©2004 Snell Acoustics. All rights reserved.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Covered by patents issued and or pending.
Part #542-1033
300 Jubilee Drive, PO Box 3717
Peabody, MA 01961-3717
978-538-6262 phone
978-538-6266 fax