ISW4 - Subwoofer BOWERS & WILKINS - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL ISW4 BOWERS & WILKINS

Kevlar is a registered trademark of DuPont. Speakon is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG Copyright © B&W Group Ltd. E&OE Printed in China. B&W Group (UK Sales) T +44 1903 221 500 E uksales@bwgroup.com B&W Group North America T +1 978 664 2870 E marketing@bwgroupusa.com B&W Group Asia Ltd T +852 3 472 9300 E info@bwgroup.hk B&W Group Ltd Dale Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 2BH England T +44 (0) 1903 221 800 F +44 (0) 1903 221 801 info@bwgroup.com www.bowers-wilkins.com Fold-out must be at least 3 mm smaller! II11915 Issue 2 Custom Installation Series ISW-4 SA250 Owner’s Manual Owner details Title, first name, surname Address Town, postcode, country e-mail address Product details Model Serial number Date of purchase Dealer details Dealer name Address Town, postcode, country e-mail address Dealer stampKevlar is a registered trademark of DuPont. Speakon is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG Copyright © B&W Group Ltd. E&OE Printed in China. B&W Group (UK Sales) T +44 1903 221 500 E uksales@bwgroup.com B&W Group North America T +1 978 664 2870 E marketing@bwgroupusa.com B&W Group Asia Ltd T +852 3 472 9300 E info@bwgroup.hk B&W Group Ltd Dale Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 2BH England T +44 (0) 1903 221 800 F +44 (0) 1903 221 801 info@bwgroup.com www.bowers-wilkins.com Fold-out must be at least 3 mm smaller! II11915 Issue 2 Custom Installation Series ISW-4 SA250 Owner’s Manual Owner details Title, first name, surname Address Town, postcode, country e-mail address Product details Model Serial number Date of purchase Dealer details Dealer name Address Town, postcode, country e-mail address Dealer stampTRIM FOLD FOLD Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 2

Housing Chuck Bushing Neutrik

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. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on

or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the

12. 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.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

14. 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.

15. Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or

splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the apparatus.

16. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the

AC Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.

17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall

remain readily operable.

18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as

sunshine, fire or the like. 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 the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric

shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

19. When replacement parts are required, be sure the

service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorised substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

20. For continued protection against fire hazard, use

fuses only of the correct type and rating. Mains fuses are located inside the appliance as well as on its back panel. Replacement of the internal fuse should be entrusted to an authorised operative. User-replaceable fuse types are shown in the specification.

21. Isolation of the appliance from the power supply is

by means of removal of the power cord from the rear of the appliance or removal of the power cord from the wall power outlet. Either the wall outlet or the rear of the appliance must remain freely accessible at all times while the apparatus is in use.

22. This product should be operated only from the

type of power source indicated by the marking adjacent to the power cord entry. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company.

23. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or

integral convenience receptacles, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

24. Magnetic fields – The product creates a stray

static magnetic field. Do not place any object that may be damaged by this magnetic field (eg cathode ray tube televisions or computer monitors, audio and video tapes and swipe cards) within 0.5m (2 feet) of the appliance. The appliance may cause distortion of cathode ray tube images beyond this distance. LCD and Plasma screens are not affected. 7702 ISW-4 manual.indd 6 6/4/09 10:36:437

25. Mounting – Do not place this product on an

unstable stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product may fall causing serious injury and serious damage. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not expose the device to rain, use it near water or in damp or wet conditions, or place containers on it containing liquids which might spill into any openings. When setting up the device, make sure that the AC outlet you are using is easily accessible. If some trouble or malfunction occurs, immediately turn off the power switch and disconnect the plug from the outlet. Even when the power switch is turned off, electricity is still flowing to the product at the minimum level. When you are not using the device for a long time, make sure to unplug the power cord from the wall AC outlet. Introduction Dear customer, Thank you for choosing Bowers & Wilkins. Please read this manual fully before unpacking and installing the product. It will help you to optimise its performance. B&W maintains a network of dedicated distributors in over 60-countries who will be able to help you should you have any problems your dealer cannot resolve. Environmental Information All B&W products are designed to comply with international directives on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment and the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). These symbols indicate compliance and that the products must be appropriately recycled or processed in accordance with these directives. Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance. This manual covers the ISW-4 in-wall subwoofer, its Back Box and its matching SA250 automated rack mount power amplifier. Carton Contents The product is shipped in three cartons: the ISW-4 Carton, the Back Box Carton and the SA250 Carton In addition to the Driver Panel, check the ISW-4 carton for: This manual 1 x Wall Frame 1 x Grille 1 x Cut-out template 1 x Adhesive B&W logo 1 x Paint mask 6 x M5 bolts In addition to the Back Box itself, check Back Box Carton for: 1 x Installation Instructions 1 x Gasket roll In addition to the SA250 itself, check SA250 Carton for: 1 x Mains Cable 1 x Four-pole Neutrik Speakon plug 2 x Rack Mount Brackets 6 x Short Philips screws and washers 4 x Rubber hole plugs 2 x Handles 4 x Long Philips screws and washers The ISW-4 is designed both for Home Theatre installations and to augment the bass performance of ‘full range’ speakers in 2-channel audio systems. All audio installations require some thought in installation if they are to reach their full performance potential and this manual will guide you through the process. The SA250 subwoofer amplifier requires connection to the mains power supply so it is important that you familiarise yourself with the safety instructions and heed all the warnings. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference. Subwoofer Positioning The ear poorly perceives the source location of low frequency sound so the position of subwoofers in the listening room is generally less critical compared to full-range speakers. That said however, best results are usually obtained if the subwoofer is placed between the left and right speakers or in the vicinity of one of them. If two subwoofers are used it is best to put one near the left and one near the right speaker. Locating a subwoofer on one side wall of the listening room, even behind the listening position, is also possible but generally results in inferior imaging. It may be an acceptable compromise however, especially in multi-channel AV systems, if domestic considerations dictate. As with all speakers, the proximity of room boundaries affects the sound of a subwoofer. Bass volume increases as more surfaces come into close proximity with the speaker. Unlike full-range speakers, however, the overall system balance can be corrected by adjusting the volume level of the subwoofer. The more boost gained from the room, the lower the volume can be set and the less hard the subwoofer has to work; but there is a down side. Subwoofers positioned near corners often generate more low-frequency room resonances, making the bass more uneven with frequency. Using multiple subwoofers in a single installation can improve performance in the following ways:

• Enableahighermaximumsoundoutput. In the case of two subwoofers used in a 2-channel audio system, stereo separation will only be improved if each channel has its own subwoofer located close to the appropriate satellite speaker. Subwoofer Installation The ISW-4 in-wall subwoofer is intended for installation within new build drywall (stud wall) or solid construction (brick or block-work) walls. In both cases installation must begin before plaster and/or sheetrock 7702 ISW-4 manual.indd 7 6/4/09 10:36:448 (plasterboard) is applied to the wall. It is possible to install the subwoofer in an existing drywall but the amount of subsequent wall re-build may make such an exercise impractical. Carefully consider the implications of installation in an existing wall before going ahead. The Back Box supplied with ISW-4 defines its acoustic loading and must be used for correct operation. Stage 1: Fitting the Back Box Drywall (stud wall) construction Ensure the wall studding is properly prepared so that there is sufficient clearance for the Back Box and its cable entry gland. The Back Box is intended to fit between two adjacent wall studs (battens) on standard 40cm (16 in) spacing. A cross brace (a noggin) should be positioned directly above the subwoofer. The subwoofer driver aperture should be located at the bottom. See Figure 1. To begin installing the Back Box, loosen the six M5 bolts enough so that the brackets can be adjusted. Position the right-angle ends of the brackets outboard of the sides of the Back Box so that they are in position to line-up with the inside surface of the wall studs. See Figure 2. Once the brackets are secured to the Back Box it can be fitted in the wall. Position the Back Box in the wall and screw or nail the brackets to the wall studs. Use a spirit level to ensure the box is vertical in both planes and tighten the bolts securing brackets to the Back Box. See Figure 3. Solid wall construction If the ISW-4 is to be installed in a solid wall the Back Box should be built in to the brick or block-work in a similar manner to a window frame. The brackets, bolts and washers supplied with the Back Box will not be required. Care must be taken to avoid the Back Box rattling against the wall. It should therefore be wedged in position such as to provide a clear gap all round. If the Back Box is to be settled onto the lower course of bricks, use a flexible mastic rather than cement or mortar. Remember to leave clearance for the connection gland and cable. The Back Box is not designed to take the weight of the wall above, so a suitable lintel must be used. See Figure 4. Stage 2: Routing the subwoofer cable With the Back Box fitted in the wall, the cable from the SA250 amplifier can be routed through the wall and into the Back Box via its cable entry gland. Pull around 20cm (8 inches) of cable through the gland. Secure the cable so that it cannot rattle against the studding or drywall panels and tighten the gland around the cable. Apply gasket strip around the subwoofer hole in the back box. See Figure 5. Stage 3: Plaster finishing the wall In both drywall and solid wall installations the back box should be covered with sheetrock (plasterboard) followed by a plaster skim – on the back as well as the front if the wall is a single brick thickness. Sheetrock adjacent to the Back Box should always be fixed with generous beads of mastic to ensure that no audible vibration occurs. The sheetrock that extends over the front of the Back Box must have a hole cut accurately to the necessary profile so that the Wall Frame can be subsequently fitted in place and secured. Apply the supplied gasket strip around the subwoofer hole in the back box. Apply sheetrock over the entire front of the Back Box securing it with a generous bead of mastic. Using a small sheetrock saw and, with the cutting template as a guide, cut out the aperture taking care not to damage the Back Box. Once the aperture has been cut the entire wall can be plaster skimmed. See Figure

6. Once the plaster is dry use a vacuum cleaner to

remove completely any dust and debris from inside the Back Box. Stage 4: Fitting the Wall Frame The Wall Frame is secured to the Back Box using the “dog clamps” on its underside. Rotate the clamps so that they are oriented inwards and insert the Wall Frame into the Back Box so that the Wall Frame flange is flush with the plaster surface. When the Wall Frame is in position, tighten the dog clamp screws so that the frame is held securely and flat against the wall. Tighten opposite dog clamp screws in turn so that the Wall Frame is pulled flat on to the wall. Ensure that the connection cable within the Back Box has not been trapped as the Wall Frame dog clamps are tightened. See Figure 7. The wall should be decorated at this stage, with the supplied Paint Mask fitted over the Back Box aperture. Use of the Paint Mask is especially important if spray or roller painting techniques are to be employed. Stage 5: Fitting the Driver panel With the Wall Frame secured and the wall decorated, the Driver Panel can be fitted. Strip 15mm of insulation from the connecting cable within the back box and connect it to the spring-loaded connection terminals on the rear of the Driver Panel. Take care to ensure that the connection polarity is correct. Connect the positive cable to the red terminal and the negative cable to the black terminal. Seat the Driver Panel within the Wall Frame and secure it with the six bolts supplied. Tighten opposite Driver Panel bolts in turn so that it is pulled flat into the Wall Frame. See Figure 8. Once the Driver Panel is fitted the grille can be push- fitted in the slot between the panel and the Wall Frame. If the grille is to be painted, this should be done before it is fitted. The adhesive B&W badge supplied can be fitted to the grille if required. Take care to fit the badge symmetrically. Stray Magnetic Fields The subwoofer’s drive units create stray magnetic fields that extend beyond its boundaries. We recommend you keep magnetically sensitive articles (CRT television and computer screens, computer discs, audio and video tapes, swipe cards and the like) at least 0.5m (20 in) from the speaker. LCD and plasma screens are not affected by magnetic fields. Subwoofer Amplifier Installation The SA250 subwoofer amplifier is intended to be installed in standard 19 inch equipment racks. It is 7702 ISW-4 manual.indd 8 6/4/09 10:36:449 supplied with rack-mount ears but rack mount bolts and nuts are not supplied. Ensure that, once mounted in the rack, the amplifier is well ventilated and that its ventilation apertures are not obstructed. If the system is taken out of use for a long period, disconnect the subwoofer amplifier from the mains supply. Rack Mounting the SA250 The SA250 is supplied with two rack mounting brackets for installation in standard equipment racks. To install these brackets: Install the rack mount bracket, inserting three of the small Philips head machine screws through the bracket and the threaded holes in the side of the amplifier. Repeat for the bracket on the other side of the amplifier. SA250 Rack Handles The rack mount brackets are supplied with handles, which can be installed or removed. The handles are installed with two of the long Philips head machine screws inserted through the rack mount bracket and into the threaded holes in the handles. If you do not use the handles, use the rubber hole plugs supplied with the bracket hardware to fill the exposed holes. Subwoofer Amplifier Connections The SA250 subwoofer amplifier is fitted with a variety of connection sockets on its rear panel: 1 x Mains input socket: Connect mains power using the appropriate cable for your territory. 1 x Neutrik Speakon Output Socket: A four-pole Speakon enabling connection of one or two (identical) subwoofers. Speakon sockets provide a more secure and reliable connection than bare-wire or 4mm sockets. 4 x Binding Posts Outputs: Two pairs of binding posts provide alternative bare-wire or 4mm socket connection for one or two (identical) subwoofers. 1 x RCA Phono Input: Input socket for connection to an AV processor or preamplifier subwoofer output. 1 x XLR Input: Alternative balanced input socket for connection to an AV processor or preamplifier subwoofer output. 1 x RCA Phono Output: Output socket for connection to the input of a second subwoofer amplifier. 1 x XLR Output: Alternative balanced output socket for connection to the input of a second subwoofer amplifier. 2 x 3.5mm Jack Trigger Inputs: 12V trigger inputs to enable automated control of amplifier standby and movie/music function selection. Connecting the subwoofer amplifier to the subwoofer, including the use of Speakon plugs, is covered in the Connecting Sections below. Subwoofer Amplifier Controls The SA250 subwoofer amplifier front panel carries the following controls. Volume: Sets the overall volume of the subwoofer. Filter: Sets the low-pass cut-off frequency of the subwoofer filter. Low-pass In/Out: Engages or defeats the subwoofer filter. Phase: Reverses the subwoofer output phase. Bass Extension: Provides three bass extension options. Movie/Music EQ: Provides equalisation options for music or movie programme material. On/Auto/Standby: Provides switch-on and standby options. Status Indicator: Illuminates to indicate the amplifier is switched on. Fault Indicator: Illuminates to indicate a fault condition. Connecting the Subwoofer Amplifier All connections should be made with the equipment switched off. The SA250 amplifier has two pairs of binding post connection terminals and one four-pole Neutrik Speakon connection socket on its rear panel. The binding post terminals provide quick and easy connection of stripped wires while Speakon sockets provide a more secure and reliable connection method. Two ISW-4 subwoofers can be connected to the amplifier through use of either the two pairs of binding posts or the supplied four-pole Speakon plug. If the binding post terminals are to be used, connect the positive cable or cables to the red terminals and the negative cable or cables to the black terminals. Incorrect connection can result in poor imaging and loss of bass. Figure 9 illustrates the use of the binding post terminals to connect one or two subwoofers. If the Speakon option is to be used, disassemble the Speakon plug as shown in Figure 10 connect the positive cable to the terminal marked +1 and the negative cable to the terminal marked -1. Terminals +2 and -2 are to be used when two subwoofers are connected. Incorrect connection can result in poor imaging and loss of bass. Once the plug is reassembled it can be inserted into the socket and locked by twisting clockwise. Figure 11 illustrates the use of the Speakon plug to connect one or two subwoofers. Keep the total impedance of the speaker cable below the maximum recommended in the speaker specification. Use a low inductance cable. Connect the signal input to the subwoofer amplifier using either the RCA phono or XLR options. A second subwoofer amplifier can be daisy-chained from the first by connecting to either the RCA phono or XLR output sockets. Subwoofer Amplifier Setup and Control Before Auditioning Before auditioning the subwoofer installation and fine- tuning it, double check the connections. Make sure in particular that the phasing is correct. The positive terminals on the subwoofer (marked + and coloured 7702 ISW-4 manual.indd 9 6/4/09 10:36:4410 red) should be connected to the positive output terminals on the amplifier and the negative terminals on the subwoofer (marked – and coloured black) connected to the negative output terminals on the amplifier. Incorrect connection can result a confused sound with poor bass. Switching On and Off The subwoofer amplifier is best switched on after any other items are switched off first. The On/Auto/ Standby and Status Indicator operate as follows: On: With the switch set to “On”, the subwoofer amplifier will remain fully active and the indicator will glow green. Auto: With the switch set to “Auto”, the subwoofer amplifier will initially become fully active and the indicator will glow green. After about 5 minutes without an input signal, the subwoofer amplifier will automatically enter “sleep” mode. The indicator will glow red. When an input signal is detected, the subwoofer amplifier will automatically become active and the indicator will glow green. The subwoofer amplifier will return to sleep after about 5 minutes with no input signal. Audio-visual processors incorporating an “automatic” set up procedure may be “confused” by a subwoofer amplifier with an auto switch-on/sleep function. A potentially damaging fault condition can arise. The subwoofer amplifier is best left switched on and fully active during set up if such a processor is used. Standby: With the switch set to “Standby” the subwoofer amplifier will become active when it receives an appropriate trigger signal via its 12V Trigger Input. Turning off the 12V signal will return the subwoofer amplifier to sleep. The indicator will glow green when the subwoofer amplifier is active and red when the subwoofer amplifier is in sleep. Setting The Subwoofer Amplifier Controls There are 6 controls to consider: The VOLUME (LINE) control. The LOW-PASS FREQUENCY control. The LOW-PASS FILTER switch. The BASS Extension switch. The EQUALISATION. The PHASE switch. The appropriate settings depend on the equipment used with the subwoofer and the modes of connection. If using more than one subwoofer amplifier, ensure the controls on each one are set the same. Home Theatre Settings Set the VOLUME control initially to the 9 o’clock position. Set the LOW-PASS FILTER switch to OFF. Set the BASS EXTENSION switch initially to position A. Set the PHASE switch initially to 0°. Setting the LOW-PASS FREQ setting is irrelevant as the filter is switched OUT. Set the EQUALISATION switch to MOVIE. See the “Fine Tuning” section for more. The subwoofer and subwoofer amplifier are not a THX

licensed component, but may be used with a THX

controller is used, ensure that the subwoofer function is enabled. This incorporates all the filtering and level setting required for the subwoofer in all modes. For level calibration, the internal test noise and channel level controls in the THX

controller should be used. In all cases the levels should be set to obtain 75dB SPL (C-weighted) at the listening position from the controller’s internal noise test signal. With other processors, configure the front and surround speakers to “large” or “small” as appropriate before setting the levels. Use the internal noise test signal and volume controls of the processor to set the levels of all the speakers. Only change the VOLUME control on the subwoofer amplifier if there is not enough range in the processor to achieve the correct levels. Inexpensive sound level meters are readily available from electronics stores and can be used to calibrate the levels. Refer to your processor manual for further details on how to set the levels. 2-channel Audio Settings Set the VOLUME control initially to the 9 o’clock position. Set the LOW-PASS FILTER switch to ON. Set the BASS EXTENSION switch initially to position A. Set the PHASE switch initially to 180°. Set the EQUALISATION switch to MUSIC. Set the LOW-PASS FREQ control to match the -6dB low frequency cut-off frequency of the satellite speakers. Note: Both -3dB and -6dB figures can be found in the specification of each B&W speaker model. If the satellite speaker manufacturer quotes only a – 3dB frequency, the optimum setting for the LOW-PASS FREQ control should be between 0.6 and 0.9 times that figure. The more gradual the low frequency roll- off of the satellite speakers, the lower the frequency should be set. See the Fine Tuning section for more. Fine Tuning Before fine tuning, make sure that all the connections in the installation are correct and secure. Home Theatre In home theatre systems, the subwoofer (LFE) signal is a separate channel rather than an extension of the signal to the satellite speakers. The LOW-PASS FILTER is switched off (or set to maximum), because the processor provides all the filtering for any speakers set to “small”. However, the position of the PHASE switch must still be assessed. Normally the phase will be set to 0°, but if the subwoofer is positioned at a distance significantly different from the other speakers, or the 7702 ISW-4 manual.indd 10 6/4/09 10:36:4511 power amplifier driving the other speakers happens to invert the signal, the 180° position may be preferable. Listen with the switch in both positions and choose the one that gives the fullest sound. If there is little difference, leave the switch at 0°. Surround sound processors normally have a calibrated noise signal that can be used to set the relative levels of all the speakers, making the task somewhat more straightforward than for 2 channel audio. However, do not be afraid to alter the settings to your personal preference. It is all too easy to get carried away with the capabilities of the subwoofer, especially with some special low-frequency effects. Often a more realistic portrayal, and one more satisfying in the long term, is to be had by setting the subwoofer level lower than the standard calibration level. 2-channel Audio Set the system up in the preferred position and play some material with a steady bass content. The optimum settings of the PHASE switch and the LOW-PASS FREQ control are inter-related and also dependent on the low-frequency cut-off characteristic of the satellite speakers. However, the settings recommended above for the LOW PASS FREQ control and PHASE switch have been chosen to integrate well with most satellite speaker bass alignments. Using the initial settings, first check the setting of the PHASE switch. Choose the option that gives the fullest sound. Normally the recommended option will be optimum, but may not be in certain circumstances. These may be that the power amplifiers feeding the satellite speakers invert the signal or that the subwoofer is not placed close to the satellite speakers. Next, adjust the VOLUME of the subwoofer amplifier relative to the satellite systems to your liking. Use a wide variety of programme material to get an average setting. A setting that sounds impressive on one piece may sound overpowering on another. Listen at a realistic volume level as the perception of musical balance varies with sound level. Finally, adjust the LOW-PASS FREQ control to give the smoothest transition between the subwoofer and satellite speakers. All Applications The BASS EXTENSION switch offers three options of subwoofer bass extension. Position A gives the greatest extension and position C gives the least extension. Position B provides a compromise setting. If the system is to be used at very high volume levels or in a large listening room, restricting the bass extension by selecting either B or C may help ensure that the subwoofer is not asked to exceed its performance limits. In most situations the BASS EXTENSION switch should be left in position A. The EQUALISATION switch alters the subwoofer bass roll-off alignment appropriate to MOVIE or MUSIC listening. The MOVIE position gives a “drier” alignment, more suited to the demands of action movie low frequency effects. The MUSIC position is suited to a faster more accurate bass line. The 3.5mm Equalisation input on the back panel is designed to receive a 12V signal that will toggle the MOVIE/MUSIC setting at the front panel. Set appropriately, the 12V trigger output of a processor can automate ideal performance of the subwoofer. If the front panel switch is set for MOVIE, the 12V trigger will change it to MUSIC. The reverse is also true. Care must be taken in setup of the processor in order to take advantage of this feature. Running-in Period The performance of the speaker will change subtly during the initial listening period. If the speaker has been stored in a cold environment, the damping compounds and suspension materials of the drive units will take some time to recover their correct mechanical properties. The drive unit suspensions will also loosen up during the first hours of use. The time taken for the speaker to achieve its intended performance will vary depending on previous storage conditions and how it is used. As a guide, allow up to a week for the temperature effects to stabilise and 15 hours of average use for the mechanical parts to attain their intended design characteristics. However, longer run-in periods (as long as a month) have been reported and there is evidence to suggest that this has little to do with the speaker changing and more to do with the listener getting used to the new sound. This is especially so with highly revealing speakers such as these where there may be a significant increase in the amount of detail compared with what the listener has previously been used to; the sound may at first appear too “up front” and perhaps a little hard. After an extended period of time the sound will seem to mellow, but without losing clarity and detail. Neutrik

and the names of Neutrik

products referenced herein are either trademarks and/or service marks of Neutrik

Limited Warranty This product has been designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. However, if something does go wrong with this product, B&W Group Ltd. and its national distributors warrant free of charge labour (exclusion may apply) and replacement parts in any country served by an official B&W distributor. This limited warranty is valid for a period of five years from the date of purchase or two years for electronics including amplified loudspeakers. Terms and Conditions 1 The warranty is limited to the repair of the equipment. Neither transportation, nor any other costs, nor any risk for removal, transportation and installation of products is covered by this warranty. 2 This warranty is only valid for the original owner. It is not transferable. 7702 ISW-4 manual.indd 11 6/4/09 10:36:4512 3 This warranty will not be applicable in cases other than defects in materials and/or workmanship at the time of purchase and will not be applicable: a. for damages caused by incorrect installation, connection or packing, b. for damages caused by any use other than correct use described in the user manual, negligence, modifications, or use of parts that are not made or authorised by B&W, c. for damages caused by faulty or unsuitable ancillary equipment, d. for damages caused by accidents, lightning, water, fire heat, war, public disturbances or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of B&W and its appointed distributors, e. for products whose serial number has been altered, deleted, removed or made illegible, f. if repairs or modifications have been executed by an unauthorised person. 4 This guarantee complements any national/regional law obligations of dealers or national distributors and does not affect your statutory rights as a customer. How to claim repairs under warranty Should service be required, please follow the following procedure: 1 If the equipment is being used in the country of purchase, you should contact the B&W authorised dealer from whom the equipment was purchased. 2 If the equipment is being used outside the country of purchase, you should contact the B&W national distributor in the country of residence who will advise where the equipment can be serviced. You can call B&W in the UK or visit our web site to get the contact details of your local distributor. To validate your warranty, you will need to produce the warranty booklet completed and stamped by your dealer on the date of purchase. Alternatively, you will need the original sales invoice or other proof of ownership and date of purchase. Français Manuel d’utilisation et de réglage IMPORTANTES INSTRUCTIONS

1. This device does not cause harmful interference and

2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation. SA250 7702 ISW-4 manual.indd 102 6/4/09 10:37:25103 ISW-4 Description In wall subwoofer system with external rack-mount amplifier Drive unit 2 x ø200mm (8 in) Paper/Kevlar

cone Frequency range -6dB at 17Hz and 290Hz adjustable (EQ at A) Frequency response ±3dB 21Hz – 200Hz adjustable (EQ at A) Bass extension -6dB at 17Hz (position A) -6dB at 21Hz (position B) -6dB at 24Hz (position C) Power Handling 200 watts 8 ohms (min 6.3 ohms) Dimensions Height: 524mm (20.6 in) Width: 294mm (11.6 in) Depth: 93mm (3.7 in) Depth with grille: 114mm (4.5 in) Cut-out Height: 485mm (19.1 in) Width: 255mm (10 in) Net weight 6.4 kg (14.1 lb) Finish Frame/Grille Semi-matt white suitable for customising or pre-painting Accessories Pre-mount kit for new construction Back Box Box Height: 1406 mm (55.4 in) Width: 345 mm (13.6 in) Depth: 86 mm (3.4 in) Net Weight 9.6 kg (21.2 lb) Material MDF 7702 ISW-4 manual.indd 103 6/4/09 10:37:26104 SA250 Description Dedicated Inwall Subwoofer rack-mount single channel 250W amplifier Amplifier functions Front panel controls: Rotary volume (line in) Rotary low-pass filter frequency (4th-order Linkwitz, 40Hz - 140Hz) Low-pass filter defeat 2-position switch Phase 0/180 2-position switch Bass extension 3-position switch Movie/music EQ 2-position switch On/auto/standby 3-position switch Status LED Fault LED Amplifier inputs Line In (XLR & RCA Phono) 1x RCA phono socket, line in 1x RCA phono socket, link out 1x XLR socket, line in 1x XLR socket, link out 3.5mm jack - 12V trigger on/standby (overrides manual standby setting) 3.5mm jack - 12V trigger equalization movie/music Amplifier outputs 1x Speakon 4-pole speaker socket 2x pair of Binding Posts Amplifier power output 250W Input impedance 33kΩ Signal / noise >80dB Rated power 95W Consumption (1/8) 30W - Idling 3W - Standby Dimensions Height: 100mm (3.9 in) [88.5mm (3.5 in) plus feet] Width: 430mm (16.9 in) Depth: 322mm (12.7 in) Front panel Height: 2U 88.1mm/3.5 in Net weight 5.4kg (11.9 lb) Finish Black SA250 7702 ISW-4 manual.indd 104 6/4/09 10:37:27Kevlar is a registered trademark of DuPont. Speakon is a registered trademark of Neutrik AG Copyright © B&W Group Ltd. E&OE Printed in China. B&W Group (UK Sales) T +44 1903 221 500 E uksales@bwgroup.com B&W Group North America T +1 978 664 2870 E marketing@bwgroupusa.com B&W Group Asia Ltd T +852 3 472 9300 E info@bwgroup.hk B&W Group Ltd Dale Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 2BH England T +44 (0) 1903 221 800 F +44 (0) 1903 221 801 info@bwgroup.com www.bowers-wilkins.com Fold-out must be at least 3 mm smaller! II11915 Issue 2 Custom Installation Series ISW-4 SA250 Owner’s Manual Owner details Title, first name, surname Address Town, postcode, country e-mail address Product details Model Serial number Date of purchase Dealer details Dealer name Address Town, postcode, country e-mail address Dealer stamp