Connecting Your Loudspeakers
Figure 3 – Wiring and Polarity
Strip 1/4" (6mm) wire.
1
2
1. Unscrew binding post and insert wire.
2. Tighten until wire is secure.
Wiring Options: High Level, High Level and LFE w/ "Y" Connector
VERY IMPORTANT:
Do not use your receiver's auto setup functions as they are often
ineffective in setting up and adjusting speakers with built-in
powered subwoofers!
Use the manual speaker setup func-
tions in your receiver to set speaker
configuration, speaker distance and
channel balance. Consult your
receiver's or processor's manual to
learn how to access and use the setup
menus. Use the settings called for in
Figure 4.
Figure 4 – Receiver Settings
Subwoofer
LFE
level
"Y" Connector *available from dealer
Speaker Setup
Speaker
Sub
Large
Yes
Powering the Active Subwoofer
Your Bipolar STs contain a built-in subwoofer amplifier that must be plugged into
an electrical socket. When powering up from being unplugged, the LED on the
amplifier panel will flash for 30 seconds while the firmware is loading. The
Bipolar ST has a special circuit which automatically turns on when a signal is fed
to the loudspeaker. The LED on the back panel will light up when a signal is
sensed and the amplifier turns on. After the cessation of a signal, it may take up
BIPOLAR SUPERTOWER
+
-
Identify markings on wire and assign +/-.
Receiver/Amplifier
RECEIVER/
AMPLIFIER
Ensure that the speaker is always con-
nected to the receiver or amplifier + to +
and – to –.
Subwoofer
Connection Option 1
level
on/off LED
Speaker Setup
Speaker
Sub
Large
No
Connection Option 2
LFE
LFE
speaker output
Right
Left
Receiver/Amplifier
to an hour for the amplifier to turn off. Due to stray radio signals (RF) in your
area, the LEDs may not turn off. Do not be concerned, the amplifiers draw little
power when they are idle.
Setting Your Speakers' Low-Frequency Level Control
Your Bipolar STs have bass level controls which allow you to adjust the output
level of the powered subwoofers to match your room and personal listening
preferences. Please note that there are no controls to
vary the crossover points or phase. The crossover
points and phase have been factory-calibrated to
provide perfect blending. We suggest beginning with
the level control set at approximately 12 o'clock.
Each speaker's bass controls can also be set differently
in order to allow you to compensate for asymmetrical
positioning of the speakers in your room (i.e., when
one is closer to a side wall or corner, etc.).
Complete Home Theater System
We strongly suggest that you use matching Definitive center channel and
rear/surround speakers to complete your Definitive home theater system. Please
note that you can use Definitive Bipolar SuperTowers as rear or side surround
speakers with excellent results for both music and movies.
Troubleshooting
If you experience any difficulties with your Bipolar ST loudspeakers, try the
suggestions below. If you still have problems, contact your Definitive Technology
Authorized Dealer for assistance.
1. Audible distortion when the speakers are playing at loud levels is caused
by turning up your receiver or amplifier louder than the receiver or the
Receiver/Amplifier
speakers are capable of playing. Most receivers and amplifiers put out their
LFE
full-rated power well before the volume control is turned all the way up, so
speaker output
the position of the volume control is a poor indicator of its power limit. If
your speakers distort when you play them loud, turn the volume down!
2. If you experience a lack of bass, it is likely that one speaker is out of phase
(polarity) with the other and needs to be rewired with closer attention to
connecting positive to positive and negative to negative on both channels.
Most speaker wire has some indicator (such as color-coding, ribbing or
Subwoofer
level
writing) on one of the two conductors to help you maintain consistency.
It is essential to connect both speakers to the amplifier in the same way
(in phase).
3. Make sure all your system interconnects and power cords are solidly in place.
4. Should you hear hum or noise coming from your speakers, try plugging
the speakers' power cords into a different AC circuit than your amplifier.
5. The system has sophisticated internal protection circuitry. If for some
reason the protection circuitry trips, turn off your system and wait five
minutes before trying the system again. If the speakers' built-in amplifier
should over-heat, the system will turn off until the amplifier cools down
and resets.
6. Check to be sure that your power cord has not been damaged.
7. Check that no foreign objects or liquid has entered the speaker cabinet.
8. If you cannot get the subwoofer driver to turn on or if no sound comes out
and you are sure the system is set up properly, please bring the loudspeaker
to your Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer for assistance; call first.
OWNER'S MANUAL
Min
Max
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