Dymension Outdoor BL-550 - Pregnant DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL Dymension Outdoor BL-550 DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

11. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

1. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

2. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Notes on Use

• Avoid high temperatures.
• Do not let foreign objects into the unit.
• Do not let insecticides, benzene, and thinner come in contact with the unit.
• Never disassemble or modify the unit in any way.
• Naked flame sources such as lit candles should not be placed on the unit.
• Do not sit or step on unit.
• Do not place unit in standing water.

Sound United, LLC

5541 Fermi Court

Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA

1. Introduction

The Definitive Technology BL Series bollard speakers are engineered to deliver superb audio quality and durability in residential and commercial outdoor landscape audio applications. The BL Series bollards provide a wide dispersion pattern and a balanced frequency response. Pair the BL Series bollards with the Definitive Technology LS-100 subwoofer for applications that require a higher bass response.

2. Box Contents

Ensure the following items are included in the box.

Waterproof Wire Nut x2Bollard Mounting Template x1 Documentation x3

3. Planning the Installation

Before installing the speakers, consider the following recommendations for optimizing the setup.

Configuration

- Determine whether the system will operate in mono or stereo (see the example system connection diagrams in Figure 3 and Figure 4 on the next page). In some applications, the listening positions will never be equidistant from a left and right speaker, in which case mono may be the best option.

Recommended Spacing and Placement

• Minimum recommended distance between bollards: 8'; maximum recommended distance between bollards: 20'
• For optimal sound pressure levels, place the bollards as close as possible to the listening area.
- If using a subwoofer, refer to the manufacturer's installation instructions for subwoofer placement details.
- For applications that require more bass, place the bollards and/or subwoofer near an acoustically reflective surface, such as a wall or barrier, to reinforce the low frequencies.
- If possible, try placing the speakers in locations that minimize volume peaks and nulls throughout the outdoor listening area.
- To avoid potential damage from landscapers, be mindful of where you mount the speakers. Locate the speakers in an area that will not flood with standing water and away from sprinklers.

Speaker Coverage Capabilities

• Each bollard speaker will cover a listening area of approximately 50-150 square feet. Make sure to use enough BL Series bollards to provide adequate coverage and volume. See the example layout in Figure 1.

Creating Listening Areas

- For larger listening areas, surround the area with the bollards equidistant from the primary listening position, crisscrossing or alternating the left and right channels. For smaller listening areas, simply aim the bollards in toward the listening position.

Math worksheet with flower illustrations and two addition problems using icons

Figure 1

4. Amplifier Requirements and Setup

The BL Series speakers can be switched between 8Ω and 70V/100V operation using the switch located on the bottom of each speaker (see Figure 2).

8Ω Operation

The BL Series bollards can be used with a standard 8Ω amplifier. Note that only one BL Series bollard should be connected to each amplifier channel in 8Ω mode; multiple bollards should not be connected in parallel to a single amplifier channel in 8Ω mode. If using the bollards in an 8Ω application, ensure the tap switch is positioned to the 8Ω setting (see Figure 2).

See the example system connection diagrams in Figure 3 (mono operation) and Figure 4 (stereo operation). If using more than one bollard per amplifier channel, it is recommended to use the 70V/100V configuration outlined below.

70V/100V Operation

The BL Series bollards feature a built-in transformer with an adjustable tap, allowing them to be configured for 70V or 100V operation. If using the bollards in a 70V/100V system, ensure the tap is positioned to the correct 70V/100V setting.

Some 70V/100V systems may require higher and lower output levels in different areas of the listening environment. The adjustable tap allows the bollards to be adjusted for the desired output level. Note that adjusting the tap settings will impact the wattage calculations (see the Wattage Calculator at the URL below for more information).

BL-550 80 40W 20W 10W 5W

BL-650 $0 30W 75W 60W 15W

Figure 2

The maximum number of bollards that can be connected to a 70V/100V system will depend upon the amplifier's power capabilities. It is important to calculate the amplifier power required for the installation before beginning. See the Wattage Calculator on the Definitive Technology website to determine the required amplifier power based on the quantity of bollards connected to each amplifier channel and each speaker's tap setting: https://www.definitivetechnology.com/outdoor.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that the bollards are set to the correct setting for the application (i.e., 70V, 100V or 8Ω, see Figure 2). To avoid any damage to the amplifier, do not combine products set to the 70V/100V settings with products set to the 8Ω setting on a single amplifier.

CAUTION: The amplifier should not be connected to AC power until all speaker wire connections have been made and secured. High-power 70V/100V amplifiers present a serious shock hazard.

graph TD
    A["Speaker OUT"] --> B["MONO CHAN 1"]
    A --> C["MONO CHAN 2"]
    A --> D["MONO CHAN 3"]
    A --> E["MONO CHAN 4"]
    B --> F["4"]
    C --> G["4"]
    D --> H["3"]
    E --> I["1/2"]
    F --> J["Speaker Out"]
    G --> J
    H --> J
    I --> J
    J --> K["Speaker Out"]

Figure 3

graph TD
    A["Speaker Out"] --> B["Channel 1"]
    A --> C["Channel 2"]
    A --> D["Left Right"]
    A --> E["Left Right"]
    A --> F["Right Right"]
    G["LEFT (1) / RIGHT (1)"] --> H["Speaker Out"]
    I["RIGHT (2) RIGHT (2) LEFT (2) LEFT (2) RIGHT (2)"] --> H
    H --> J["Speaker Out"]
    K["Speaker Out"] --> L["Channel 1"]
    K --> M["Channel 2"]
    K --> N["Left Right"]
    K --> O["Left Right"]

Figure 4

5. Preparing for Speaker Installation

Recommended Items

• Included mounting template
• Rubber mallet (for softscape installations using the included spikes)
• Shovel
• Wire stripper that accommodates up to 14-gauge wire
  • Round cable stripper or utility knife
• Speaker wire spool with sufficient speaker wire for the planned installation
• Wire/zip ties
• Electrical tape
• Measuring tape
• Drill/hardware (for hardscape installations)

Prepare Installation

1. Set the bollards, and the subwoofer if used, in the approximate mounting locations determined in section 3 "Planning the Installation."
2. Prepare a 4–5" deep trench between the speaker locations for running the speaker wires. Be sure to follow local codes for trenching limitations.
3. Run the speaker wire through the trench as described in the wiring instructions in section 6 "Installing the Speakers" on the next page.

IMPORTANT: To prevent potential damage to the amplifier caused by short circuiting of the speaker wires, do not connect the speaker wires to the amplifier until after all speaker connections are made and secure.

Wiring

We recommend using color-coded, 4-conductor direct-burial speaker wire, such as '14/4' (14-gauge, 4-conductor). Refer to the wiring chart below to determine the minimum required wire gauge for a given distance.

Wire Gauge Distance

16 AWG Up to 150' (45 meters)

14 AWG Up to 250' (80 meters)

NOTE: Use only direct-burial wire to prevent corrosion and prolong signal integrity. Alternatively, low-voltage lighting wire can be used, but note that it is only available as a 2-conductor wire. If using a 2-conductor wire, run two pairs of wires: one for the left amplifier channel/speakers and one for the right.

6. Installing the Speakers

IMPORTANT: Ensure the speaker load presented to the amplifier is within its published specifications. Miswiring may result in an unacceptable load, which might damage the amplifier.

Using 4-Conductor Direct-Burial Wire

1. Unwind the 4-conductor wire spool towards the amplifier from the furthest speaker, leaving the wire attached to the spool at the amplifier end. Do not connect the wires to the amplifier at this time.
2. Starting at the speaker furthest from the amplifier, strip 3/4" of insulation on the cut end of the burial wires for the appropriate amp channel according to the tables below, then strip insulation from the ends of the corresponding speaker's pigtail. Wrap any unused wires in electrical tape to protect them from moisture and short-circuiting (see Figure 5).
3. Connect the burial cable to the speaker pigtail using a wire tie (see Figure 5).
4. Twist to combine all the positive (+) wires together and combine all the negative (-) wires together according to the tables below.
5. Twist the provided silicone-filled wire nuts onto the combined positive wires and onto the combined negative wires, ensuring that no copper is exposed. Wrap each wire nut connection in electrical tape to protect it from moisture.
6. Leave 14-16" of excess wire at the speaker so that the wire doesn't kink or pull taut during burial, then move to the next speaker along the cable.
7. At the next speaker, use a round cable stripper or utility knife to remove 8" of the outside wire jacket, exposing the four insulated wires.
8. Cut the correct two wires for the left or right speaker (see the tables below) and strip 3/4" of insulation on the exposed ends of the burial wires, then strip 3/4" insulation from the ends of the corresponding speaker's pigtail (see Figure 6).
9. Create a loop of approximately 10", and use a wire tie to hold the wire loop and speaker pigtail in place to provide strain relief, as shown in Figure 6.
10. Repeat steps 4-6 then continue for each remaining bollard speaker along the cable. For subwoofer installation, refer to the guide included with the subwoofer.

+ ADD ELECTRICAL TAPE TO EACH WIRE END. FROM AMPLIFIER

Figure 5

FROM AMPLIFIER TEMPER SPEAKER

Figure 6

Polarity Burial Wire Speaker Pigtail

+ White Red

- Green Black

Left Amp Channel

Polarity Burial Wire Speaker Pigtail

+ Red Red

- Black Black

Right Amp Channel

Using 2-Conductor Wire or Low-Voltage Lighting Wire

1. Unwind the 2-conductor wire spool towards the amplifier from the furthest speaker, leaving the wire attached to the spool at the amplifier end. Do not connect the wires to the amplifier at this time.
2. Starting at the speaker furthest from the amplifier, strip 3/4" of insulation on the cut end of the burial wires for the appropriate amp channel according to the tables below, then strip insulation from the ends of the corresponding speaker's pigtail (see Figure 7).
3. Connect the burial cable to the speaker pigtail using a wire tie (see Figure 7).
4. Twist to combine all the positive (+) wires together and combine all the negative (-) wires together according to the tables below.
5. Twist the provided silicone-filled wire nuts onto the combined positive wires and onto the combined negative wires, ensuring that no copper is exposed. Wrap each wire nut connection in electrical tape to protect it from moisture.
6. Leave 14-16" of excess wire at the speaker so that the wire doesn't kink or pull taut during burial, then move to the next speaker of the same channel (left or right) along the cable.
7. At the next speaker, use a round cable stripper or utility knife to remove 8" of the outside wire jacket, exposing the two insulated wires.
8. Cut the two wires for the left or right speaker (see the tables below) and strip 3/4" of insulation on the exposed ends of the burial wires, then strip 3/4" insulation from the ends of the corresponding speaker's pigtail (see Figure 8).
9. Create a loop of approximately 10", and use a wire tie to hold the wire loop and speaker pigtail in place to provide strain relief, as shown in Figure 8.
10. Repeat steps 4-6 for each remaining bollard speaker along the cable. For subwoofer installation, refer to the guide included with the subwoofer.
11. Repeat steps 1-10 for the other amp channel.

Polarity Burial Wire Line 1 Speaker Pigtail

• Positive Red
• Negative Black

Left Amp Channel

FROM AMPLIFIER

Figure7

FROM AMPLIFIER: TENTR Speaker

Figure 8

Polarity Burial Wire Line 2 Speaker Pigtail

• Positive Red
• Negative Black

Right Amp Channel

Softscape Mount Installation

Use the three included softscape spikes to secure the bollard in place (see Figure 9). See the instructions included with the mounting template.

NOTE: Be careful not to hit the bollard with the rubber mallet as this can mar the painted finish. For precautionary measures, we recommend wrapping the rubber mallet with the large plastic bag that you removed from the bollard before installing the spikes.

Line drawing of a cylindrical object with a petal-like top and base, no text or symbols present

Figure 9

Hardscape Mount Installation

See the instructions included with the mounting template and use it to mark and pre-drill the mounting holes. Orient the speaker in the appropriate direction and set the base of the bollard on the surface, aligning the holes in the base with the pre-drilled mounting holes. Insert sufficiently sized screws and tighten in a uniform fashion so they all make contact with the bollard base before final tightening (see Figure 10).

Technical line drawing of a cylindrical object with a flanged top and base, showing internal structure and alignment markers (no text or symbols)

Line drawing of a cylindrical object with a textured base and top surface (no text or symbols)

Figure 10

Skirt Installation

Once secured, slide the included skirts over the bollards as shown in Figure 11. Orient each skirt so that the notch, near the cord exit, is aligned to the rear of the bollard.

NOTCH

Figure 11

7. Finalizing the Installation

Note that sound tuning is subjective and varies between each listening position, so there are no hard and fast rules for optimizing the sound of the system. It is highly recommended to take the time to experiment and tune the system to achieve the best sound quality.

Equalization

If equalization is available from the receiver or source device, it can help in further fine tuning of the sound system. Note that equalization is not a substitute for proper speaker placement and orientation. Equalization should be used in moderation to make the fine-tuning adjustments as needed. Note that excessive equalization at high power can cause damage to amplifiers and speakers.

For support, FAQs or more information about these products, please visit www.definitivetechnology.com or scan the QR code.

BL-550 Specifications

Speaker Type / Electrical

5.25" woofer x1
Drivers	5"x 8" pressure-coupled bass radiator x125 mm aluminum-oxide dome tweeter x1
Supported Amplifier Configurations 8Ω, 70V, 100V
Frequency Response (-3dB) 84 Hz to 24 kHz
Nominal Impedance 4Ω (8Ω compatible)
Recommended Amp Power 100W
Sensitivity (2.83 V @ 1 m) 86 dB SPL

Physical

Enclosure Material PP +30% mineral fill

Rating IP56 rated for outdoor use

Mounting Options Hardscape or softscape

Product Dimensions (W x D x H) 270 mm (10.63") x 248 mm (9.76") x 435 mm (17.13")

Product Weight 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

BL-650 Specifications

Speaker Type / Electrical

Drivers

6.5" woofer x15.5"x 10" pressure-coupled bass radiator x125 mm aluminum-oxide dome tweeter x1

Supported Amplifier Configurations 8Ω, 70V, 100V

Frequency Response (-3dB) 68 Hz to 24 kHz

Nominal Impedance 4Ω (8Ω compatible)

Recommended Amp Power 100W

Sensitivity (2.83 V @ 1 m) 87 dB SPL

Physical

Enclosure Material PP +30% mineral fill

Rating IP56 rated for outdoor use

Mounting Options Hardscape or softscape

Product Dimensions (W x D x H) 302 mm (11.89") x 272 mm (10.71") x 510 mm (20.08")

Product Weight 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Limited 5-Year Warranty (United States and Canada)

Definitive Technology, LLC (herein "Definitive") warrants to the original purchaser only that this Definitive Loudspeaker Product (the "Product") will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a limited period of five (5) years from the date of original retail purchase from a Definitive Authorized Dealer. However, this Warranty will automatically terminate prior to the expiration of the five (5) years if the original retail purchaser sells or otherwise transfers the Product to any other party. The original retail purchaser shall hereinafter be referred to as "you." To allow Definitive to offer the best possible warranty service, please visit the website on the Product Registration Card(s) and fill out the form within ten (10) days of the date of purchase.

Defective Products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid insured to the Definitive Authorized Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or an authorized service center. Products must be shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent; in any case the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by you. If upon examination at the Factory or Definitive Authorized Dealer it is determined that the Product was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this Warranty period, Definitive or the Definitive Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this Product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts and Products become the property of Definitive. Products replaced or repaired under this warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight prepaid.

This warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defect in materials or workmanship, or service, repair, or modification of the Product which has not been authorized or approved by Definitive. This warranty shall terminate if the Serial number on the Product has been removed, tampered with or defaced. This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed Warranties. If this Product is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will Definitive be liable to you for any incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the Product, even if Definitive or a Definitive Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. All implied warranties on this Product are limited to the duration of this expressed Warranty. Some states or provinces do not allow limitation on how long an implied Warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights which vary from state to state or province to province. Definitive has no liability for acts of third parties. Definitive's liability, whether based on contract, tort, or any other theory, shall not exceed the purchase price of the Product for which a claim has been made. For U.S. warranty claims, the consumer agrees and consents that all disputes shall be resolved in accordance with California laws in San Diego County, California. Definitive reserves the right to modify this warranty statement at any time.

This Warranty applies only to Products purchased in the United States of America, its possessions, and U.S. and NATO armed forces exchanges and Canada, except Quebec. Residents of Quebec are governed by that province's consumer protection legislation. The Warranty terms and conditions applicable to Products purchased in other countries are available from the Definitive Authorized Distributors in such countries. Please see the warranty guide specific to Products purchased in countries or territories not referenced herein.