AESPRIT 308 - Speaker Acoustic Energy - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Active subwoofer loudspeaker
Brand	Acoustic Energy
Model	AESPRIT 308
Amplifier power	200 watt RMS into 8 ohms
Frequency response	25 Hz to 180 Hz
Crossover frequency range	35-180 Hz
Signal-to-noise ratio	> 75 dB
Driver unit	One front facing 220 mm pulp cone
Connections	Gold-plated RCA line level jacks; 8-way binding posts for speaker level
Cabinet construction	Real wood veneer, 15 mm MDF wrap, 30 mm MDF front baffle
Bass reflex port	Ground firing, high power, low turbulence design
Remote control	Infra-red, controls volume and crossover frequency
Weight	23 kg (excluding packaging)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	410 x 369 x 295 mm
Power supply	110-120V AC or 220-240V AC (depending on version)
Phase switch	0° / 180°
Controls	Crossover frequency, sub level, power switch
Accessories included	Rubber feet and spikes with lock nuts
Warranty	3 years against original defects
Recommended placement	Corner or near a back wall for best performance
Ventilation clearance	At least 10 cm from walls or soft furnishings

Frequently Asked Questions - AESPRIT 308 Acoustic Energy

How do I connect the AESPRIT 308 to my amplifier if it has a subwoofer output?

Use a single RCA cable from the subwoofer output on your amplifier to either of the line input jacks on the AESPRIT 308. Alternatively, use a 'Y' connector to connect to both inputs for a stronger signal. The stereo speakers continue to be driven directly for higher definition.

What are the recommended crossover frequency and volume settings for small satellite speakers?

For small speakers, set the crossover frequency between 80 and 100 Hz and adjust the sub level to blend seamlessly. Start with a low crossover (40-60 Hz) and gradually increase until the bass integrates well without sounding boomy.

Can I use two AESPRIT 308 subwoofers in my system?

Yes, using two subwoofers often improves bass uniformity and dynamics. Connect each subwoofer to the corresponding left and right high-level speaker terminals on your amplifier using parallel speaker cables. Position them near the left and right main speakers, ideally in corners.

What is the effect of the phase switch and how do I set it?

The phase switch controls whether the subwoofer cone moves in sync (0°) or opposite (180°) to the main speakers. Set it to 0° initially, then listen with both positions and choose the one that gives the most solid, impactful bass. The correct setting depends on subwoofer placement relative to the main speakers.

Why doesn't the AESPRIT 308 turn on automatically?

If the power switch is set to AUTO, the subwoofer turns on when it detects an audio signal at the inputs. If it doesn't, check that the source is playing and that the volume is not too low. Ensure the power cord is securely connected and the main power supply is active. Also verify that the signal cables are properly attached to both the amplifier and subwoofer.

How should I clean the subwoofer cabinet?

Unplug the subwoofer from the wall before cleaning. Use only a clean, dry cloth. Do not use any liquid cleaners, solvents, or spray products, as they may damage the real wood veneer or other components.

What does the 3-year warranty cover and how do I claim it?

The warranty covers original defects in materials, manufacture, and workmanship for 3 years from the date of purchase. Acoustic Energy will repair or replace defective parts at no charge. To claim, contact your dealer first with proof of purchase. The warranty is valid in the UK and excludes damage from misuse, accident, or unauthorised modification.

Is it safe to place the subwoofer directly on the floor?

No, the AESPRIT 308 has a ground-firing bass reflex port on the bottom. It must be installed using the supplied rubber feet or spikes to allow air to escape properly. Placing it directly on the floor would obstruct the port and degrade performance.

Which power supply version do I need for my country?

Check the rear panel label for the correct voltage. Use only the version matching your local mains voltage (110-120V or 220-240V). Connecting to an incorrect supply can damage the subwoofer and is not covered by warranty.

How does the remote control work with the subwoofer?

The included infra-red remote lets you adjust volume level and crossover frequency from your listening position. Ensure the IR sensor on the front panel is not blocked and aim the remote directly at the subwoofer. The range is typical for IR devices; avoid direct sunlight on the sensor.

USER MANUAL AESPRIT 308 Acoustic Energy

AESPR ⁸⁰ 308

Owner's manual

AESPRIT

308

(AE)

ACOUSTIC ENERGY

Congratulations on choosing the Acoustic Energy AESPRIT 308, a powerful, active subwoofer loudspeaker which is capable of outstanding Hi-Fi and home cinema performance.

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

The AESPRIT 308 is capable of handling 200 watt RMS with a clean bass response extending to 25 Hz in the listening environment. Flexibility in its operation and connection mean the AESPRIT 308 will compliment a wide range of high quality hi-fi and home theatre systems.

Correctly installed the sense of power and weight of its bass output can add substantially to the enjoyment of high quality music and prove indispensable for thrilling and realistic home theatre sound.

Before applying power

The AESPRIT 308 is available in two main power versions to enable this product to be used globally, one to operate from 220-240V AC line main power and one from 110-120V AC line main power. Please ensure you have the correct version that relates to your country's main power before use.

NOTES: Our warranty does not cover damage caused by using the incorrect version relative to the main power supply. The grille is designed to protect the bass unit from possible damage and should not be removed.

Please read all operating and safety instructions before use retaining them for future reference. Adhere to all warnings on the product or in this manual.

Power sources - The subwoofer should be connected only 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. Consult your dealer.

Water and moisture - The subwoofer should not be used near water, i.e. near a washbowl, basin, in a wet basement or swimming pool 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. Do not insert objects into the reflex port. Never attempt to dismantle the subwoofer as serious electric shock might 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.

FRONT PANEL

1. Crossover frequency knob

Adjusts the balance at the crossover point between the bass (low frequencies) from the AESPRIT 308 and the treble (high frequencies) continuing to the main stereo front speakers.

2. Sub level volume control knob

Adjusts the volume level output of the subwoofer, allowing you to balance the volume of the AESPRIT 308 to blend in with your main stereo speakers.

Turning the knob clockwise increases the volume level, and turning the knob counter clockwise decreases the level.

3. Infrared sensor

The sensor must be kept clear to ensure proper working of the remote control.

BACK PANEL

4. Power switch

Switches the power ON and OFF. By switching to AUTO the power is automatically switched ON when a signal is applied to an input.

5. Power indicator light

This indicator lights green when the power is switched ON, and lights red when in STANDBY mode.

6. Power cord socket

Connect the cord supplied to a 110-120V or 220-240V AC main power outlets.

7. 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 AESPRIT 308 relative to your main stereo speakers

8. Line in jacks (RCA-type pin-plug)

Used to connect the subwoofer to the PRE-OUT jacks of the amplifier.

9. Line out jacks (RCA-type pin-plug)

Used to connect back to the power amp inputs on your amplifier.

10. From

amplifier-Hi-level speaker in terminals

Used to connect the FRONT SPEAKER terminals of the amplifier to this unit.

11. To speaker-Hi-level speaker out terminals

Used to connect the front speakers with this unit, via the 75 Hz 1st-order crossover.

Positioning

The AESPRIT 308 is virtually omni-directional, so it can be positioned 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 AESPRIT 308 located in another position in the room helps to 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 AESPRITs 308 are used, they should ideally be positioned in the corners near the respective units of the stereo loudspeaker pair.

This subwoofer may be installed using the four rubber feet or spikes with lock nuts, both supplied. It may not be placed directly onto the floor since the reflex port is firing to the ground.

When positioned correctly ensure space is left to the rear of the subwoofer since all operation switches are on the rear panel.

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 having a subwoofer Out jack:

Connect from the dedicated subwoofer line output on the amplifier to the line input(s) on the AESPRIT 308. (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 having line level pre-amp jacks:

The pre-amp outputs of your amplifier can be connected to the line-level inputs on the AESPRIT 308. The line level outputs on the AESPRIT 308 are then connected back to the power amp (main) inputs on your amplifier. This provides the greatest power handling for the stereo speakers.

3. For use with amplifiers not having either a subwoofer Out jack or Line level pre-amp jack

Using speaker cable from the speaker terminals on your amplifier, connect to the Hi-level speaker input terminals on the AESPRIT 308, and then a further set of cables from the Hi-level output terminals to your main stereo/satellite speakers. (The stereo speakers receive the original amplified signal minus the frequencies used by the subwoofer). This provides greatest power handling for the system with good overall performance.

4. For use with televisions with a variable audio output.

Some of the latest televisions are equipped with variable audio output. These can be connected directly to the line level inputs on the AESPRIT 308 to enhance the bass response of the television's built-in speaker.

OPTION:

5. For use with two AESPRITs 308

Using parallel speaker cables from the speaker terminals on your amplifier connect to the High level speaker inputs on the corresponding left/right AESPRIT 308.

The diagrams show only the most common applications of the AESPRIT 308 and the associated wiring for each. Specific needs will vary and these diagrams should act as a guide only.

How to use SUB VOLUME CONTROL knob, CROSSOVER FREQUENCY knob and PHASE switch.

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 100 Hz) 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 when 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.

The ideal is for a seamless blend of extended low bass from the subwoofer leaving the clean upper bass response of the stereo system largely undisturbed.

FRONT SPEAKER	CROSSOVER	PHASE	SUB LEVEL
Large speaker	40-60Hz	0
Medium speaker	60-80Hz	0
Small speaker	80-100Hz	0

Caution

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 control or loudness control.

Specifications

Warranty

Amplifier	200 watt RMS into 8 ohm
Unit	One front facing 220mm pulp cone unit
S/N ratio	>75 dB
Crossover frequency range	35-180 Hz
Connections	Line level gold-plated RCA phono jacks 8 way binding posts.
Cabinet	Real wood veneered. 15 mm MDF wrap. Full circumferential brace. High power, low turbulence, ground firing bass reflex port. 30 mm MDF front baffle.
Remote control	Infra-red, volume level and crossover frequency controls
Weight (excl. packaging)	23kg
Dimensions (WxHxD)	410 x 369 x 295 mm

Your Acoustic Energy loudspeakers are guaranteed against original defects in materials, manufacture and workmanship for 3 years from the date of purchase. Please retain all original packaging materials for possible future use. We suggest that you complete details of purchase now and keep this information in a safe place for future reference.

Under this warranty Acoustic Energy agrees to repair any defect or, at the company's discretion, replace the faulty component(s) without charge for parts or labour. This warranty does not imply any acceptance by Acoustic Energy or its agents for consequential loss or damage and specifically excludes fair wear and tear, accident, misuse or unauthorised modification.

This warranty is applicable in the United Kingdom only and does not in any way limit the customer's legal rights. Claims and enquiries under the warranty for AE products purchased outside the UK should be addressed to the local importers or distributors.

If you have reason to claim under the warranty please contact your dealer in the first instance.

Dealer's name:......

Address:......

......

Date of purchase:......

Serial numbers:......

Acoustic Energy Limited

16 Bridge Road, Cirencester

Gloucestershire GL7 1NJ

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

Web www.acoustic-energy.co.uk

ACOUSTIC ENERGY