108 Sub - Subwoofer Acoustic Energy - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Active subwoofer
Brand	Acoustic Energy
Model	108 Sub
Category	Subwoofer
Series	1SERIES
Driver Configuration	Down-firing drive unit, unprotected
Volume Control	Rotary knob
Crossover Frequency Control	Rotary knob
Phase Switch	0° / 180° selectable
Power Switch	On/Off
Remote Control	IR remote for volume and standby
Power Supply	Switchable 110-120V / 220-240V AC
Connections	Line-level inputs and outputs; TV variable audio output
Compatible With	Amplifiers with subwoofer out, pre-amp jacks, TVs
Placement	Omni-directional; corner or near back wall recommended
Feet/Spikes	Rubber feet covers for hard floors; spikes for carpet
Ventilation	Keep 10 cm clearance from walls and soft furnishings
Cleaning	Unplug; use clean dry cloth only
Safety	Avoid water/moisture/heat; never dismantle
Serviceability	No user-serviceable parts; contact dealer/qualified electrician
Manual	Free PDF download, 2 pages, English

Frequently Asked Questions - 108 Sub Acoustic Energy

How should I set the volume and crossover frequency on the 108 Sub?

Start with the crossover frequency low, around 50-60 Hz, and adjust the volume knob to achieve the desired low bass level. Then fine-tune the crossover frequency, volume, and phase together to get the cleanest and most extended bass. Remember that raising the volume also raises the effective system crossover point.

Where is the best place to position the 108 Sub?

The subwoofer is virtually omni-directional, so it can be placed in almost any location. For best performance, position it in a corner or near a back wall. If you use two 108 Subs, place them in corners near the respective stereo speakers for more uniform bass.

How do I connect the 108 Sub to an amplifier with a Subwoofer Out jack?

Connect the dedicated subwoofer line output on the amplifier to the line input(s) on the 108 Sub. You can use a single lead to either input or a Y connector to both inputs. Keep the stereo speakers connected directly to the amplifier for higher definition.

How do I connect the 108 Sub using line-level pre-amp jacks?

Connect the pre-amp outputs of your amplifier to the line-level inputs on the 108 Sub, then connect the subwoofer's line-level outputs back to the power amp (main) inputs on your amplifier. This gives the greatest power handling to your stereo speakers.

Can I use the 108 Sub with a TV?

Yes. If your TV has a variable audio output, connect it directly to the line-level inputs on the 108 Sub to enhance the bass response of the television's built-in speaker.

What does the phase switch on the 108 Sub do?

The phase switch changes the subwoofer's phase. The normal setting is 0°. Switching to 180° can vary the tonal quality of the bass, depending on the location of the 108 Sub relative to the main stereo speakers.

How do I use the remote control supplied with the 108 Sub?

The remote control increases (+) or decreases (-) the volume level and turns the subwoofer in or out of stand-by mode when powered on. Keep the infrared sensor on the front clear of obstructions and within line of sight of the remote.

Why is there no sound coming from my 108 Sub?

Check that the power switch is on, the correct voltage setting is selected, the volume control is not turned down, and all cables are properly connected. If the subwoofer was left in stand-by mode, use the remote control to wake it up. Also check the crossover and phase settings, and ensure the amplifier has a valid subwoofer output signal.

How should I clean and maintain the 108 Sub?

Always unplug the subwoofer from the wall power outlet before cleaning. Use only a clean, dry cloth. Do not use cleaners, liquids, or solvent-based preparations. Also ensure good ventilation and keep the subwoofer at least 10 cm from walls or soft furnishings.

What power supply does the 108 Sub require?

The 108 Sub has a switchable power rating for use on 220-240V AC or 110-120V AC mains. Make sure the switch at the bottom left corner of the rear amp panel is in the correct position for your country before connecting to power. Using the wrong position may damage the unit.

USER MANUAL 108 Sub Acoustic Energy

4. Power switch

Switches the power ON and OFF.*

Remote Control

*For added convenience the 108 Sub comes with a simple remote control that can be used to increase (+) or decrease (-) volume level and turn the subwoofer in or out of "Stand-by" mode when powered ON. The infrared sensor on the front of the 108 Sub must be kept clear of obstructions to line of sight of the remote control to function effectively.

How to use the volume, crossover and phase controls

The volume control, frequency knob and phase switch can be adjusted to match the condition of the listening room and/or the characteristics of the left and right front speakers.

Due to the positioning of the subwoofer in the room and the associated room boundaries, the available bass response from the existing speakers and whether or not the filtered connection (nominally 100Hz) is used, the actual settings used on the subwoofer control panel will vary considerably.

The Sub volume control and the crossover frequency knobs should be used together while setting the correct bass response required. For example, raising the volume level will also raise the effective system crossover point, while reducing the volume has the converse effect of lowering the frequency range of the subwoofer. This is caused by the way the various responses and outputs blend together in the listening environment.

Initially set the crossover frequency fairly low, e.g. 50-60Hz, and use the volume control knob on the Sub to set the low bass level required. When the correct balance is almost achieved, the crossover level, volume level and phase setting may be adjusted together to fine tune the sound and achieve the cleanest, most extended and suitably powerful bass.

NOTE: An excessive input level to the subwoofer may impair the sound quality or damage the unit. Do not increase the output of the amplifier to a high level while the low-frequency level is enhanced by the amplifier's tone or loudness controls. If the subwoofer displays signs of distress (e.g. an obvious "clapping" noise from an over-exerted drive unit) turn it down.

Acoustic Energy Ltd

16 Bridge Road, Cirencester

Gloucestershire GL7 1NJ

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

www.acoustic-energy.co.uk

ACOUSTIC ENERGY

1SERIES

108

Congratulations on choosing the Acoustic Energy 108 Sub, a powerful, compact, active subwoofer which is capable of outstanding Hi-Fi and Home Cinema performance.

Please take a few moments to read this guide, the advice it contains will enable you to get the very best performance out of your Acoustic Energy subwoofer.

Unpacking

Please take care when removing the 108 from it's packaging as the drive unit at the bottom of the cabinet is not covered by a protective grille for performance reasons and can incur damage from improper handling. Rubber feet covers are attached for use on hard flooring, when using on carpeted flooring simply pull these off to expose spikes for improved ground coupling.

SAFETY

Before applying power

The 108 Sub has switchable power ratings to enable it to be used globally, one to operate from 220-240V AC line mains power and one from 110-120V AC line mains power. Please ensure the switch (bottom left corner of rear amp panel) is in the correct position that relates to your country's mains power before use.

NOTE: Our warranty does not cover damage caused by using the incorrect switch position relative to local mains supply.

Power sources

The 108 should only be connected to a power supply of the type described on its rear panel. If you are not sure consult your dealer or a qualified electrician.

Power cord

Power supply cords should be routed so as not to be walked on or caught under or against items.

Ventilation

To ensure reliable operation and to prevent the subwoofer from overheating, ensure good ventilation. Do not cover the subwoofer and do not place it closer than 10cm from walls or soft furnishing. Do not use in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

Water and moisture

The subwoofer should not be used near water, i.e. near a washbowl, basin, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool or jacuzzi area.

Temperature

The subwoofer may not function correctly at extremely low or freezing temperature. The subwoofer should also be sited away from heat sources such as radiators or other electrical equipment that produces heat, including other amplifiers.

Electric shock

Care should be taken so that objects are not inserted into connectors or other apertures and that liquid does not spill into the enclosure. Never attempt to dismantle the subwoofer as serious electric shock may occur if the internal parts are touched.

Cleaning

Unplug the subwoofer from the wall power outlet before cleaning. Use only a clean, dry cloth. Do not use cleaners, liquids or solvent-based preparations to clean the cabinet.

Smells

If an abnormal smell or smoke is detected, immediately turn the power off and unplug the subwoofer from the wall power outlet.

POSITIONING

The 108 Sub is virtually omni-directional, so it can be placed in almost any location in the room. For the best performance in the ideal room the subwoofer should be positioned in a corner of the room or near a back wall. In certain circumstances the addition of a second 108 Sub located in another position in the room helps achieve a more uniform bass.

The use of two subwoofers often provides a greater than expected increase in sound quality and bass dynamics, worth more than the additional cost would suggest. If two 108 Subs are used, they should ideally be positioned in the corners near the respective units of the stereo pair.

CONNECTIONS

Check that both your amplifier and subwoofer are switched off before connection. Failure to do so may result in speaker or amplifier damage. It is sometimes recommended that over-long low cost cables are used initially to facilitate experimentation with positioning, and only then purchase and install using the final cable choice.

1. For use with amplifiers with a "Subwoofer Out" jack

Connect from the dedicated subwoofer line output on the amplifier to the line input(s) on the 108 Sub. (A single lead to either input or a "Y" connector to both inputs may be used). The stereo speakers are run direct for higher definition.

2. For use with amplifiers with line level pre-amp jacks

The pre-amp outputs of your amplifier can be connected to the line-level inputs on the 108 Sub. The line level outputs on the 108 Sub are then connected back to the power amp (main) inputs on your amplifier. This provides the greatest power handling to your stereo speakers.

3. For use with televisions with a variable audio output

Some modern televisions are equipped with variable audio outputs. These can be connected directly to the line level inputs on the 108 Sub to enhance the bass response of the television's built-in speaker.

NOTE: If unsure about any wiring options please refer to the connected amplifier manual or ask your local dealer for further advice.

OPERATION

1. Volume knob

Adjusts the volume level output of the subwoofer, allowing you to balance the volume of the 108 Sub to blend in with your main stereo speakers. Turning the knob clockwise increases the volume level, turning the knob anti-clockwise decreases the volume level.*

2. Crossover frequency knob

Adjusts the balance at the crossover point between the bass (low frequencies) from the 108 Sub and the treble (high frequencies) continuing to the main stereo front speakers.

3. Phase switch

The normal setting for the phase is the 0° position. Switching to 180° will change the subwoofer phase and vary the tonal quality of the bass, which is also dependant on the location of the 108 Sub relative to your main stereo speakers.