Sunfire Speaker True Subwoofer Signature and Standard Version User Manual

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True Subwoofer  
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Signature and  
Standard Edition  
User's Manual  
 
15. To Prevent Electric Shock, do not  
use this polarized plug with an extension  
cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the  
blades can be fully inserted to prevent  
blade exposure.  
Pour préevenir les chocs électriques ne  
pas utiliser cette Þche polariseé avec un  
prolongateur, un prise de courant ou une  
autre sortie de courant, sauf si les lames  
peuvent être insérées à fond sans laisser  
aucune pariie à découvert.  
This apparatus does not exceed the Class  
A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits  
for radio noise emissions from digital ap-  
paratus as set out in the radio interference  
regulations of the Canadian Department of  
Communications.  
ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numéri-  
que n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques  
dépassant las limites applicables aux ap-  
pareils numériques de class A/de class B  
(selon le cas) prescrites dans le règlement  
sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté  
par les ministere des communications du  
Canada.  
16. Grounding or Polarization — Precau-  
tions should be taken so that the ground-  
ing or polarization means of the Com-  
ponent is not defeated.  
WARNING:THIS SUBWOOFER IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING  
VERY HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. YOU MUST TAKE  
EVERY PRECAUTION TO PROTECT YOUR HEARING FROM  
PERMANENT DAMAGE.  
Contents  
Safety Instructions.........................................2  
Introduction ...................................................4  
Features........................................................4  
Unpacking and Care .....................................4  
Overview .......................................................5  
Control Panel Features .................................6  
Installation.....................................................9  
Connections ................................................10  
Location ......................................................11  
Room Equalization Procedure ....................12  
System ConÞgurations................................14  
Adjusting the Controls .................................18  
SpeciÞcations (Signature Edition) ...............19  
SpeciÞcations (Standard Edition)................20  
Troubleshooting Guide................................21  
Limited Warranty.........................................23  
Service Assistance......................................23  
To Þnd out more about this and other SunÞre products,  
please visit our website: www.sunÞre.com  
User's Manual  
3
 
Introduction  
Features  
2,700 watt, high efÞciency ampliÞer  
Dear Friend:  
High gloss, dark rosewood Þnish  
Automatic Room Equalization mode  
Measurement Microphone included  
Very low distortion  
Thank you for purchasing my SunÞre  
True Subwoofer EQ. I hope you enjoy  
it and the music it makes as much as I  
have enjoyed creating it for you.  
The big breakthrough features of  
the subwoofer are its uncanny track-  
ing downconverter, its long throw, high  
back-electromotive force driver, and its  
fully automatic room equalizer. Taken  
together, they provide this subwoofer with  
as much bass as you could get from sev-  
eral 15 inch drivers mounted in a cabinet  
the size of a small refrigerator.  
Long throw, premium quality drivers  
Stunning output from a small cube!  
Automatic signal-sensing turn-on and  
standby mode  
12 VDC trigger input for remote turn-on  
Balanced XLR input  
Line level unbalanced inputs  
Speaker level binding post inputs  
Line level high-pass outputs  
Continuously variable phase control  
Continuously variable crossover fre-  
quency adjustment, 35 to 100 Hz  
Unpacking  
Your SunÞre Subwoofer should reach  
you in perfect condition. If you do notice  
any shipping damage, please contact  
your SunÞre Dealer immediately.  
Continuously variable volume level  
control  
Soft clipping circuit allows graceful  
overload and prevents speaker damage  
due to clipping  
Gently lift out the unit and remove all  
the packing material. It is important to  
save all the packing materials and the  
box in case your subwoofer ever needs  
to be moved or shipped for repair.  
Gold-plated inputs and outputs.  
Care  
Make sure that you keep your sales  
receipt. It is the only way to establish  
the duration of your Limited Warranty  
and it may come in useful for insurance  
purposes.  
To maintain the speaker cabinet’s Þn-  
ish, Þrst unplug the power cord and then  
use a soft cloth to clean the surfaces.  
To keep the large rubber surrounds soft  
and supple for 20 years or more, treat  
them with MINK OIL, available at most  
shoe repair stores. Unplug the power  
cord, and rub a generous amount into the  
surrounds with a soft cloth about once  
a year (more often if you live in a dry  
climate).  
Please take a moment to Þll out and  
mail the SunÞre Customer Response  
card. Also read the serial number located  
on the control panel and record it here:  
Serial Number:  
Purchased from:  
If your SunÞre Subwoofer needs ser-  
vicing, please read the Troubleshooting  
section on page 21. If a problem still  
persists, contact your nearest authorized  
SunÞre Dealer.  
Date:  
User's Manual  
4
 
erating at the limit of their excursion and  
power output, or when bass requirements  
and music requirements demand maxi-  
mum output from the system. Otherwise,  
the power is shared between the two  
drivers in a way that depends on the mo-  
mentary amplitude and the momentary  
musical spectrum. It is normal for one or  
the other to move more or less than its  
mate during operation.  
Overview  
Your SunÞre True Subwoofer EQ is  
designed to give you the best possible  
low-frequency sound quality for your  
Home Theater experience. It incorporates  
a tremendously powerful built-in ampliÞer  
and a pair of drivers to produce tight,  
ßoor-rumbling, denture-rattling bass that  
you can feel as well as hear.  
The AmpliÞer  
The subwoofer is available in two ver-  
sions, and this manual covers both:  
The large movement range of the driv-  
ers creates greater air pressure inside  
the box than a conventional subwoofer.  
Therefore, the drive ampliÞer must be  
much more powerful than an ordinary  
subwoofer ampliÞer. In fact, it has to be  
so powerful, it is almost hard to believe.  
Signature Edition is a 13 inch cube, with  
an output greater than 116 dB peak  
SPL, 16 Hz to 100 Hz.  
Standard Edition is an 11 inch cube,  
with an output greater than 110 dB  
peak SPL, 18 Hz to 100 Hz.  
The power ampliÞer within your SunÞre  
Subwoofer is capable of delivering over  
2,700 watts into a 3.3 ohm resistor (the  
driver voice coil resistance). When the  
same full output is applied to the driver,  
however, the enormous back-electro-  
motive force generated as a conse-  
quence of its large motion and giant mag-  
net, causes the current ßow to be much  
less than if it were a 3.3 ohm resistor. It  
is this singular property of the driver that  
allows the subwoofer to be approximately  
ten times more efÞcient than a subwoofer  
this size would normally be.  
The subwoofer has an automatic  
equalization system which will tailor the  
subwoofer output to compensate for any  
room effects. It also has a manual equal-  
ization mode.  
The subwoofer has an adjustable high  
cut Þlter and a choice of speaker-level  
or line-level inputs for easy incorporation  
into existing systems, or as part of a  
subwoofer/satellite speaker combination.  
Controls for adjusting the volume,  
crossover frequency and phase, allow  
the subwoofer to be perfectly matched  
to any listening environment and audio  
components.  
A compressor circuit kicks in automati-  
cally if the input signal level reaches a  
level that would overload the driver. This  
maintains a ceiling on the output without  
clipping. If the input signal is driven even  
further, a ‘soft clipping’ circuit is enabled.  
This allows the subwoofer to put more  
sound into the room to satiate the power  
hungry user, but without distortion or  
damage to the subwoofer. Thus, for ex-  
plosive scenes in movies, this produces  
extremely high sound pressure levels  
(SPL) in your room without the drivers  
banging against the mechanical stops.  
The Drivers  
To have lots of bass requires moving  
lots of air. Your SunÞre Subwoofer incor-  
porates two drivers that can move back  
and forth approximately Þve times more  
than a normal subwoofer. This gives it a  
lot of air moving capacity which allows for  
majestic bass performance.  
Two drivers share the acoustic output.  
Sometimes one driver appears to be  
moving more than the other. They both  
move the same amount only when op-  
For more details of the subwoofer de-  
sign, please call us or view our website:  
www.sunÞre.com.  
User's Manual  
5
 
Control Panel Features  
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1. Volume  
3. Phase Control  
This control lets you match the output  
level of the subwoofer to the level  
of your satellite/main speakers. The  
subwoofer output will increase as this  
control is rotated clockwise. When you  
have just installed your system, turn  
this down Þrst before turning on your  
subwoofer. This will prevent any loud  
surprises.  
This control changes the relative phase  
of the subwoofer with respect to your  
other speakers. Use this control to help  
blend the subwoofer with the rest of  
your system. This is accomplished by  
adjusting the control in small incre-  
ments as you listen for the most bass  
at your listening position. As a Þnal trim,  
readjust the Crossover Frequency and  
Volume controls after the Phase has  
been set.  
2. Crossover Frequency  
This controls the high frequency cutoff  
point. With the control set to the 100  
Hz mark, the subwoofer will reproduce  
frequencies up to 100 Hz. If the control  
is set fully clockwise, the crossover is  
bypassed and the subwoofer will re-  
produce a wide frequency range. With  
the control fully counter-clockwise the  
subwoofer reproduces a narrow range,  
up to 30 Hz.  
4. Trigger Inputs  
These two inputs can be used to auto-  
matically turn on the subwoofer. To do  
this, connect 12 VDC to either of these  
terminals. Some Home Theater pre-  
ampliÞers, such as the SunÞre Theater  
Grand II and III, have matching 12 VDC  
Trigger outputs. When they are turned  
on, the subwoofer will turn on.  
Rotate the control until the bass sounds  
natural. If the mid-bass sounds natural  
but you want more low bass, turn this  
control down a little, then turn the  
Volume control up by about the same  
amount. This increases the low-bass  
output while leaving the mid-bass  
output the same.  
5. Outputs  
Line level high-pass output signals  
are available at these jacks. These  
outputs are active whenever a signal  
is hooked up to the line level inputs  
of the subwoofer. This crossover is a  
User's Manual  
6
 
passive network with a Þxed crossover  
frequency of 70 Hz and a 6 dB per  
octave slope.  
8. Speaker Level Inputs  
Under normal conditions, the preferred  
connection is through the line level  
inputs. If this is difÞcult or not possible  
in your system, then you can use the  
speaker level inputs. Also, if you expe-  
rience excessive noise or hum with the  
line level inputs, often a simple change  
to the speaker level inputs will result in  
a lower background noise level.  
We recommend using this high-pass  
function with main/satellite speakers  
that are small and not designed to  
reproduce low frequencies. If your main  
speakers are capable of operating full  
range, then you will not need to use the  
high-pass function.  
To use the high-pass outputs, connect  
the preamp outs on your preamp/  
receiver to the subwoofer’s line level in-  
puts using good quality RCA type patch  
cords. Then connect a second patch  
cord from the subwoofer’s outputs to  
the inputs of your main ampliÞer. This  
will allow your main speakers to oper-  
ate at frequencies above 70 Hz and the  
subwoofer to operate at frequencies  
below 70 Hz (see page 16).  
Connect the speaker level inputs to the  
speaker-level outputs of your ampliÞer  
or receiver using speaker wire. The  
binding posts can accept bare wire,  
banana, dual-banana or spade con-  
nections.  
Your ampliÞer or receiver MUST  
have common grounded outputs,  
or it will be damaged if connected  
to the subwoofer’s speaker level  
inputs.  
6. Line Level Inputs  
9. Line Fuse  
Connect these unbalanced inputs with  
RCA type patch cords to the line level  
outputs of your receiver or preamp.  
The subwoofer is supplied with a con-  
servative slow-blow type fuse to protect  
the electronics.  
If your preampliÞer or receiver has a  
single sub/LFE output, connect it to  
the subwoofer’s left input jack (see  
page 14). There is no need to use the  
subwoofer’s right input jack.  
Always unplug the power cord  
before inspecting or changing the  
fuse. Never use a fuse with a larg-  
er current rating than shown on the  
markings next to the fuseholder.  
If you want to run your main/satellite  
speakers full range, use a “Y” adapter  
at the preampliÞer outputs (see page  
15). In this way, you can send the  
preampliÞer’s output signal to your  
main ampliÞer and to the subwoofer at  
the same time.  
10. IEC Linecord socket  
The subwoofer comes with a detach-  
able linecord which connects here.  
US (120 VAC) MODEL: Connect  
the linecord to the subwoofer before  
connecting the other end to an 120  
Volt, 60 Hz AC outlet. The outlet must  
have a circuit rating of 8 amps or more  
(a typical home circuit is rated at 15  
amps).  
7. Balanced (XLR) Input  
Use this balanced input to connect  
to the balanced line-level output of a  
Home Theater preampliÞer or other  
source. Balanced connections offer  
superior noise cancellation over unbal-  
anced connections, so if your preamp  
has an XLR subwoofer output, we  
recommend using it.  
Never plug the US (120 VAC)  
Model subwoofer directly into  
220-240 Volts AC as this will cause  
catastrophic circuit failure.  
User's Manual  
7
 
Control Panel Features continued  
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EURO (230 VAC) MODEL: Connect  
the linecord to the subwoofer before  
connecting the other end to a 230 Volt,  
50/60 Hz AC outlet. The outlet must  
have a circuit rating of 8 amps or more.  
several seconds to enter the Manual  
EQ mode. See page 12 for more  
details on this and the following EQ  
controls.  
13.Microphone Input  
Never plug the Euro (230 VAC)  
model subwoofer directly into 120-  
130 Volts AC.  
This is where you plug in the supplied  
linear measurement microphone when  
you want to use the Auto EQ mode.  
11. Power Switch  
14.LED display  
The power switch is a CE requirement  
for international shipments. Leave it  
switched on at all times for normal  
operation.  
These LEDs are used during the Auto  
EQ and Manual EQ procedures.  
15.Equalizer Authority  
After a period of inactivity (i.e. with  
no input signal), the subwoofer will  
automatically turn itself to Standby  
mode, where it is effectively off. It can  
however, turn back on automatically  
when an input signal is applied, if a  
12 VDC trigger voltage is applied to the  
Trigger inputs, or if the Start button is  
pressed.  
This control's primary purpose is to  
adjust the EQ Authority. During normal  
listening, you can adjust the overall EQ  
from none (ccw, 0%), to fully equalized  
(cw, 100%). For example, if your Þrst  
band has a 6 dB boost, setting this  
control to 50% would make it boost  
only 3 dB.  
This control is also used during the  
Manual EQ mode to adjust each of the  
four internal EQ bands, and allow you  
to add "color" to the sound as desired.  
12.Start button  
Press this once to enter the Auto EQ  
mode (if the sub is out of Standby  
mode). Press and hold down for  
User's Manual  
8
 
Installation  
Observe the following general precau-  
tions and read the safety instructions on  
pages 2 and 3 before using your SunÞre  
Subwoofer.  
To move the subwoofer along the  
ßoor, rotate it onto one edge onto a  
plastic sheet or bag, and it will slide  
along easier.  
Never open the cabinet or remove  
the metal control panel as this  
might result in an electrical shock to  
you, or damage to the unit.  
Heat rise  
Allow adequate ventilation around  
the metal control panel of the  
subwoofer.  
Protect it from prolonged exposure  
to direct sunlight and other direct  
sources of heat, such as heating  
vents and radiators.  
Do not let anything come into  
contact with the panel and keep  
at least two inches away from any  
walls.  
To prevent Þre or shock, do not  
expose the unit to rain or moisture.  
If ßuid or a foreign object should  
enter the unit, immediately turn off  
the power and contact your SunÞre  
Dealer.  
The metal control plate serves as the  
ampliÞer heat sink and also as a conduit  
to remove internal heat to the outside  
and into the atmosphere. It can reach  
temperatures of 60 degrees C, which  
will feel hot to the touch, using nerves of  
ßesh and blood as temperature sen-  
sors. As uncomfortable as it may feel, 60  
degrees C cannot burn you, and in fact is  
almost cool to copper, silicon, steel, and  
aluminum, the materials from which your  
subwoofer is constructed.  
Avoid excessive exposure to  
extreme cold or dust.  
Do not place heavy objects on top  
of the unit.  
Do not place the subwoofer with its  
control panel against the ßoor.  
AC Power Considerations  
If you wish to place your subwoofer  
so the drivers face the ßoor and  
ceiling, thereby moving up and  
down, use at least 1-1/2 inch high  
spikes or feet for support. They  
may be attached either with screws  
or self-stick backing. This arrange-  
ment will impart substantial house  
and ßoor shaking motion.  
Ensure that the unit is plugged into an  
outlet capable of supplying the correct  
voltage speciÞed for your model.  
Unplug your subwoofer’s power cord  
from the electrical outlet if it will be left  
unused for a long period of time.  
Route the power-supply cord so it is not  
likely to be walked on or pinched by items  
placed upon or against it, especially at  
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the  
point where it exits from the unit.  
Four extra heavy, shock absorbing  
rubber mounting feet have been  
included. If your subwoofer tends  
to wander about slightly while in  
use, place these feet just inside  
the existing feet positions. These  
shock absorbing mounts will let  
the subwoofer rock freely, thereby  
absorbing low frequency rocking  
energy, allowing it to adhere solidly  
to the ßoor.  
Magnetic Fields  
We recommend that you place your  
subwoofer further than two feet away  
from your TV, VCR, tape deck or com-  
puter, so the speaker’s magnet won’t  
distort the colors of your TV picture or  
erase your video tapes, audio tapes or  
computer discs.  
User's Manual  
9
 
Connections  
Please consider the following when set-  
ting up your new system :  
Whenever possible, keep the  
power cords away from the signal  
cables or speaker wires to prevent  
any hum or interference being  
heard in the speakers.  
Before making or changing any  
connections, ALWAYS make sure  
that the subwoofer and your other  
components are turned OFF. Also  
turn down the volume control of the  
subwoofer and your preampliÞer or  
receiver.  
Choose reliable, high quality inter-  
connect cables, also called patch  
cords or RCA cables. They should  
be fully shielded and as short as  
possible for the job. The longest  
cable in your system will likely be to  
the subwoofer, so choose a good  
quality brand.  
Tape Deck  
DVD  
Some patch cords can be a very  
tight Þt and there is usually a  
preferred method of getting them  
off. Some have to be removed with  
a twisting action. Be gentle or you  
may damage the jacks of the sub-  
woofer or your other components.  
Preamplifier  
Power strip  
Amplifier  
Speaker Level connections  
The subwoofer’s speaker level  
inputs can accept speaker wires  
with banana, dual-banana, bare  
wire or spade terminals. If you have  
banana type connectors on your  
speaker wire, make sure that you  
tighten the binding posts before  
inserting.  
AC outlets on the same circuit breaker  
Subwoofer  
Make sure that the negative  
speaker wires never touch the posi-  
tive wires as this will short out and  
possibly damage your ampliÞer or  
receiver.  
This diagram shows all the low  
power components sharing a power  
strip which is connected to the same  
outlet used by the ampliÞer.  
The subwoofer’s two negative  
posts are joined internally (com-  
mon-grounded). Your ampliÞer  
must also be internally common-  
grounded or you cannot use this  
connection. Contact the manufac-  
turer of your ampliÞer to make sure  
its outputs are common grounded.  
The subwoofer is connected to an  
outlet on the same circuit breaker,  
provided that the total system  
current draw does not exceed the  
breaker current rating.  
This arrangement will reduce the  
possibility of an audible hum in your  
system caused by a ground loop.  
User's Manual  
10  
 
Location  
you might be able to place the  
subwoofer. Try crouching down,  
and try the corners. Find the place  
where the subwoofer's bass output  
sounds the loudest.  
4. Shut things down and install the  
subwoofer in this position. Make  
sure the control panel is not touch-  
ing anything, and that it can receive  
good ventilation.  
Your subwoofer is designed to be  
placed in a corner and this will produce  
optimum performance.  
#1 is very good positioning.  
#2 is also excellent but may shake  
the back wall too much and cause  
things on or along the wall to rattle  
too much. If this occurs, use the #3  
position:  
Although low frequencies are non-di-  
rectional, factors such as room reßec-  
tions, standing waves, resonance and ab-  
sorption will strongly affect your subwoof-  
er’s performance. Moving the subwoofer  
from one location to another can have a  
major effect on the bass response.  
#3 Move the subwoofer approximately  
three feet away from the right wall  
and place it along the back wall  
as shown. This will substantially  
reduce the rattling of the back wall  
and will still pressurize the room  
with lots of bass.  
The Auto EQ mode will let you adjust  
for the room effects, but you should Þnd  
the best location Þrst.  
Remember to keep the subwoofer  
at least two or three feet away from  
any TV screen, computer, VCR or  
magnetic tapes and discs. This will  
reduce the chance of the magnetic Þelds  
upsetting the TV screen or erasing your  
magnetic media.  
Experiment with at least two corners  
and decide which is the best, or you can  
try the following procedure:  
1. Start by placing the subwoofer right  
on the seat of your favorite couch  
or easy chair. Take care to position  
it so it is not likely to fall off. (This  
method may seem a bit odd, but it  
is based on principles of acoustic  
physics.)  
Using Two Subwoofers  
If you wish to use two subwoofers, the  
sound output will double (an increase of  
6 dB). Locate the subwoofers with one  
in each corner and experiment with the  
location and phase control to achieve the  
best bass response.  
2. If you are using the subwoofer as  
part of a Home Theater system,  
you can either run a calibration  
test (noise) signal through the  
Always drive each subwoofer through  
the Left/Mon input even though you are  
driving one subwoofer with a right chan-  
nel drive and the other with a left channel  
drive. If your preampliÞer has a single  
sub/LFE output, use a Y cable to split it  
into two outputs.  
subwoofer, or simply plug the  
analog outputs of a CD player di-  
rectly into the subwoofer’s line level  
inputs. Turn down the subwoofer's  
volume level before turning on the  
CD, then play some of your favorite  
music samples with heavy bass.  
3. Walk around the room, listening,  
and stand in all the positions where  
User's Manual  
11  
 
Room Equalization Procedure  
Subwoofer performance is greatly af-  
fected by the room in which it is situated,  
and the positioning within the room. The  
room effects will boost and cut the output  
levels reaching your listening position.  
This gives a "Room EQ" effect which can  
often be far from wonderful.  
4. Plug the microphone into the subwoof-  
er's microphone jack.  
DIM  
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The SunÞre True Sub EQ can automati-  
cally adjust for the effects of Room EQ. It  
measures the actual frequency response  
using the supplied measurement micro-  
phone. Then it automatically compen-  
sates for peaks or dips and smooths out  
the response.  
5. Set these controls:  
• Volume to 0 dB.  
• Crossover to "Bypass."  
• Phase to "Normal."  
• Equalizer Authority to "Normal"  
6. Turn on the subwoofer AC power switch  
and press the Start button to go from  
standby to play mode. The yellow LEDs  
should light up. Press Start again to start  
the calibration.  
The following procedure will help you  
start the automatic equalization:  
Automatic EQ Mode  
7. The subwoofer will generate a test tone  
sweep, slowly increasing up the fre-  
quency scale; the microphone will take  
measurements of the sound arriving at  
your listening position. The LEDs will  
ßash randomly for a while, then the pairs  
will gradually glow constantly as each  
band is measured. This sequence will  
repeat twice until the measurements are  
complete. The LEDs will all blink once  
and stay on, and the test tones will stop.  
1. Install the True Sub EQ in the best loca-  
tion you can Þnd (see previous page).  
2. The calibration must be done while the  
listening room is quiet. Please turn off  
any noisy machinery, including heating  
or cooling systems during this process.  
Have the kids play in the backyard and  
give the dog a treat to have him stop  
barking. A small amount of noise, such  
as quiet talking or whispering, is OK.  
If you Þnd that the Þrst test tone plays  
louder and louder, and never leaves the  
Þrst band, then either the microphone is  
too far away from the subwoofer, or it is  
not plugged in correctly.  
3. Place the microphone in the listening  
position (on the couch, for example),  
pointing in the direction you’ll normally  
be facing while listening to your system.  
Only use the microphone supplied by  
SunÞre.  
8. The procedure may take several  
minutes. Do not make any loud noise  
during this process, as it may affect the  
accuracy and/or make it take longer.  
DIM  
BRIGHT  
-
STANDBY  
ON  
-
User's Manual  
12  
 
9. The sub automatically calculates the  
best equalization, based on the mea-  
sured frequency response at your listen-  
ing position. This will be saved, before  
returning to the normal listening mode.  
adjust for the room effects. Then follow  
this manual procedure if you think the  
equalization might still need a tweak:  
1. Set these controls:  
• Volume to 0 dB.  
10. In normal listening, you can adjust the  
overall effect of the saved EQ settings  
with the Equalizer Authority control.  
Normally you would turn it to 100% for  
full equalization. You can turn it to 0%  
to judge the effect of no equalization, or  
vary it to suit your taste.  
• Crossover to "Bypass."  
• Phase to "Normal."  
• Equalizer Authority to "50%"  
2. Turn on the subwoofer AC power switch.  
3. Press and hold down the Start button  
for several seconds, until the Þrst pair of  
yellow LEDs light up.  
11. Repeat the Auto EQ procedure if you  
change the location of the subwoofer, or  
if you rearrange your furniture.  
4. A low frequency test tone will sound to  
help you adjust the lowest band.  
Manual EQ Mode  
5. Adjust the volume by turning the Equal-  
izer Authority control (or press Start to  
skip and move on to the next band).  
This mode allows you to manually  
adjust the room equalization to suit your  
taste. Some rooms may sound ßat or life-  
less without a touch of color to the sound.  
You will have to sit back in your listening  
position each time to listen for the effect,  
or seek the help of a loved one or kind  
friend to turn the control while you listen.  
6. Press the Start button to move on to the  
next band, and then adjust the Equalizer  
Authority control as needed. When you  
reach the last band, the next press will  
bring up the Þrst band again.  
7. When all bands have been equalized to  
your satisfaction, press and hold down  
the Start button for several seconds  
until all the yellow LEDS come on, and  
the test tone turns off. The Equalizer  
Authority settings will be saved for each  
band. and the subwoofer will return to its  
normal listening mode.  
The subwoofer has four EQ bands,  
each represented by two yellow LEDs.  
Each band is Þxed in frequency and  
bandwidth, but each can be adjusted in  
volume level using the Equalizer Author-  
ity control during the Manual equalization  
mode.  
This is similar to  
having sliders on  
8. Use the Equalizer Authority to adjust the  
effects level of your equalization.  
a 4-band graphic  
equalizer. except the  
settings for each band  
are stored digitally.  
Resetting the EQ  
Turn off the subwoofer using the AC  
power switch.  
The subwoofer saves the setting of the  
Equalizer Authority control for each band,  
so adjusting it for one band does not alter  
the adjustment for the other bands.  
Hold down the Start button and turn on  
the AC power switch.  
Keep the Start button held down for 10  
seconds while the yellow LEDs ßash.  
First, you should follow the Automatic  
EQ procedure, so the subwoofer will  
When the LEDS go out, the EQ is reset  
to the ßat factory setting.  
User's Manual  
13  
 
System ConÞgurations  
The following pages show some typical  
connections that you might make in your  
installation. They show how the inputs  
and outputs of the SunÞre Subwoofer  
are connected to your preampliÞer or  
receiver.  
Connections to a preampliÞer’s subwoofer output  
If your preampliÞer has a  
subwoofer output (often labeled LFE  
for Low Frequency Effects), it can be  
connected to the subwoofer’s Left  
(Mono) input as shown. This is the  
DIM  
STA  
NDBY  
BRIGHT  
ON  
-
-
simplest and recommended con-  
nection. A receiver with a sub/LFE  
output can be connected in the  
same way.  
The subwoofer will play the low  
frequency range and the other  
speakers will play the frequency  
range delivered to them by your  
ampliÞer.  
If you have a Home  
PREAMPLIFIER  
Theater preampliÞer,  
it may have an inde-  
pendent subwoofer vol-  
ume control. Make sure  
this is correctly adjusted,  
and that the SunÞre  
L
R
MAIN  
OUTPUTS  
SUB/LFE OUT  
Subwoofer’s crossover  
frequency is set to 100  
Hz. This is by no means  
an iron-clad rule, rather it  
is a good starting point.  
(See the crossover fre-  
quency control details on  
page 6 and adjustments  
on page 18).  
L
R
INPUTS  
AMPLIFIER  
You can set the subwoofer’s Vol-  
ume control to 0 dB, and then use the  
preampliÞer’s subwoofer level control for  
normal and routine adjustments.  
User's Manual  
14  
 
Connections to a preampliÞer using Y cables  
If your preampliÞer does not  
have a sub/LFE output, you can  
use “Y” cables to send its main  
outputs to both the subwoofer and  
your ampliÞer.  
The subwoofer will play the low  
DIM  
STA  
NDBY  
BRIGHT  
ON  
-
-
frequency range and your front  
speakers will play the full range.  
Although bass is commonly dis-  
tributed evenly between left and  
right channels (L+R bass), movie  
soundtracks often contain dif-  
ferential (L-R) bass. The opening  
scene in “Top Gun”, for example,  
has loads of L-R bass infor-  
mation. If this is not  
preserved, the bass  
in these scenes  
PREAMPLIFIER  
L
R
sounds anemic. The  
SunÞre Subwoofer  
utilizes differential  
gain on the left and  
right inputs to retain  
both the L+R and  
L-R information.  
MAIN  
OUTPUTS  
SUB/LFE OUT  
Therefore, systems  
which do not have a  
dedicated sub/LFE  
output should use  
both the left and the  
L
R
INPUTS  
AMPLIFIER  
right inputs as shown, for the greatest  
bass impact.  
An alternative connection method  
without using Y cables is shown on the  
next page.  
If your preamp/receiver has a dedi-  
cated sub/LFE output, then only the Left  
(Mono) input is used, as shown on the  
previous page.  
User's Manual  
15  
 
Using the line level high-pass outputs  
If you are using a preampliÞer  
which does not have a sub/LFE  
output, you can send its left  
and right front output into the  
subwoofer’s Line Level inputs  
and then connect the subwoof-  
er’s High-Pass outputs to the  
DIM  
STA  
NDBY  
BRIGHT  
ON  
-
-
inputs of your ampliÞer.  
The subwoofer will play  
the low frequencies and your  
ampliÞer and front speakers  
will play the frequency range  
above the subwoofer’s Þxed  
high-pass crossover point.  
The signals coming  
out of the subwoof-  
er’s high-pass  
PREAM  
PLIFIER  
outputs are not  
L
R
affected by any of  
the controls. They  
are just a copy of  
the signals going  
in except that the  
low bass is Þltered  
out. This uses  
MAIN  
OUTPUTS  
the subwoofer’s  
passive crossover  
network, rather than  
the active network  
and controls.  
L
R
INPUTS  
AM  
PLIFIER  
This is an excellent method if your  
speakers are small satellites or mini-  
monitors, and/or your power ampliÞer is  
of limited power, such as a tube amp.  
T
O
FR  
ONT SPEAKERS  
User's Manual  
16  
 
Using the speaker level inputs  
If you are using a receiver  
which does not have a sub-  
woofer output or line level  
outputs (pre-outs), you can  
connect its speaker outputs  
to the subwoofer’s speaker-  
level inputs. The front speakers  
can still be connected to your  
receiver.  
DIM  
STA  
NDBY  
BRIGHT  
ON  
-
-
The subwoofer’s internal  
ampliÞer supplies the power to  
reproduce the low frequency  
range. It receives a sample of  
the signal going to your front  
speakers. (An insigniÞcant frac-  
tion of your receiver’s power is  
transferred to the subwoofer).  
There is no  
need to use the  
speaker level  
inputs if you are  
using a separate  
ampliÞer and pre-  
ampliÞer. Such  
RECEIVER  
MAIN  
OUTPUTS  
L
R
systems are  
best connected  
using the line level  
inputs as shown in the previous  
diagrams.  
If you are using the line  
level inputs and there is a  
excessive amount of noise  
or hum present, using the  
speaker level inputs may yield a  
lower background noise level.  
TO  
FR  
O
NT SPEAKERS  
Your receiver MUST have common  
grounded outputs, or it will be dam-  
aged if connected to the subwoof-  
er’s speaker level inputs.  
User's Manual  
17  
 
Adjusting the controls  
There are two main methods for adjust-  
ing the level, crossover frequency and  
phase of the SunÞre Subwoofer to match  
a system:  
Step 4. Use the phase control to make  
the response even smoother. It has its  
biggest effect at the crossover frequency.  
You can iterate between the crossover  
and the phase controls. Keep your hands  
off the level control! It was set correctly  
in step 2.  
Bob Carver’s preferred method:  
By listening and making the  
adjustments to suit your taste.  
Step 5. Listen to the subwoofer.  
Resist all temptations to turn up the level  
control. Play something with really deep  
bass to conÞrm that your subwoofer is  
working.”  
Laboratory method: By measuring  
the output and adjusting for a ßat  
frequency response.  
Excellent results can be obtained if you  
make the adjustments based on simply  
listening. This is SunÞre’s preferred meth-  
od as it allows the system to be voiced  
based on what sounds the best, whereas  
laboratory-ßat frequency response can  
often be clinical and less than exciting.  
Control settings  
Use this drawing to record some of  
your favorite settings.  
The following procedure is for those  
who prefer a more methodical and scien-  
tiÞc approach. This excerpt is from “The  
Audio Critic,” issue 24, page 31, written  
by contributing editor David Rich, and is  
reprinted here with their kind permission.  
You will need a test CD with low-fre-  
quency warble tones, and a sound pres-  
sure-level meter. The Radio Shack® SPL  
meter will do Þne, as will the Stereophile®  
test CD.  
“Step 1. Disconnect the subwoofer and  
run the main speaker with a tone in its  
passband (80-100Hz). Measure the level.  
Step 2. Disconnect the main speaker  
and reconnect the subwoofer. Set the  
subwoofer to its highest crossover  
frequency. Set the level control of the  
subwoofer to give the same sound pres-  
sure level with the same tone you used  
in Step 1.  
Step 3. With both the subwoofer and  
the main speaker connected, measure  
the level of the tones at the available  
frequencies. Because the crossover  
is set too high, you will have a peaked  
response. Adjust the crossover control to  
get the smoothest response.  
User's Manual  
18  
 
SpeciÞcations (Signature Edition)  
0.75 Vrms from right input with volume  
control at 0 dB, 200 mVrms volume  
AmpliÞer Output  
2,700 watts rms (3.3 impedance)  
control fully clockwise  
*
High Cut Filter  
Input Impedance:  
30 Hz - 100 Hz adjustable, with a  
"Bypass" position.  
30 kfor Line-Level inputs  
56 kfor Hi-Level inputs  
40 kfor XLR input, each leg balanced  
to ground  
Frequency Response  
16 Hz - 100 Hz  
XLR Input  
Power Line Voltage  
Pin 1  
Pin 2  
Pin 3  
Ground  
Positive  
Negative  
US model  
120 VAC 50/60 Hz  
International model  
230 VAC 50/60 Hz  
Driver: 12 inch  
Dimensions  
Extra large magnet and long throw  
mechanical design yield very high  
back-emf. The result is extraordinarily  
high operating efÞciency – that is, more  
acoustic output for each watt of input.  
13" x 13" x 13"  
Weight  
53 lbs  
Internal System Gain:  
Finish  
50 dB from left input jack to speaker  
with volume control at 0 dB, 62 dB with  
control fully clockwise  
High gloss, dark rosewood Þnish.  
Line Power Consumption:  
*
40 dB from right input jack to speaker  
with volume control at 0 dB, 52 dB with  
800 watts average, at maximum continu-  
ous output. 8 watts at idle.  
control fully clockwise  
2,700 watts peak, time limited basis  
*
The SunÞre True Subwoofer utilizes  
Output Levels:  
*
differential gain on the left and right  
Greater than 116 dB peak SPL (includes  
room gain) from 16 Hz to 100 Hz. Mea-  
surement is one meter, anechoic.  
inputs to retain both L+R and L-R  
information.  
A typical SunÞre subwoofer can be  
expected to ‘best’ its speciÞed minimum  
peak SPL by several decibels.  
12 VDC Trigger Input  
Input voltage range: 5 -18 VDC  
Impedance: approx 600  
(20 mA @ 12 V)  
Removable terminal block, and one 1/8”  
Mono minijack, tip positive.  
Total Harmonic Distortion  
Typically less than 1/10 of the funda-  
mental between 18 to 80 Hz.  
Input Sensitivity for full  
output:  
250 mVrms from left input with volume  
control at 0 dB, 60 mVrms volume con-  
trol fully clockwise  
*
User's Manual  
19  
 
SpeciÞcations (Standard Edition)  
0.75 Vrms from right input with volume  
control at 0 dB, 200 mVrms volume  
AmpliÞer Output  
2,700 watts rms (3.3impedance)  
control fully clockwise  
*
High Cut Filter  
Input Impedance:  
35 Hz - 100 Hz adjustable, with a "By-  
pass" position.  
30 kfor Line-Level inputs  
56 kfor Hi-Level inputs  
40 kfor XLR input, each leg balanced  
to ground  
Frequency Response  
18 Hz - 100 Hz  
XLR Input  
Power Line Voltage  
Pin 1  
Pin 2  
Pin 3  
Ground  
Positive  
Negative  
US model  
120 VAC 50/60 Hz  
International model  
230 VAC 50/60 Hz  
Driver: 10 inch  
Dimensions  
Extra large magnet and long throw  
mechanical design yield very high  
back-emf. The result is extraordinarily  
high operating efÞciency – that is, more  
acoustic output for each watt of input.  
11" x 11" x 11"  
Weight  
48 lbs  
Internal System Gain:  
Finish  
50 dB from left input jack to speaker  
with volume control at 0 dB, 62 dB with  
control fully clockwise  
High gloss, dark rosewood Þnish.  
Line Power Consumption:  
*
40 dB from right input jack to speaker  
with volume control at 0 dB, 52 dB with  
600 watts average, at maximum continu-  
ous output. 8 watts at idle.  
control fully clockwise  
2,700 watts peak, time limited basis  
*
The SunÞre True Subwoofer utilizes  
Output Levels:  
*
differential gain on the left and right  
Greater than 110 dB peak SPL (includes  
room gain) from 18 Hz to 80 Hz. Mea-  
surement is one meter, anechoic.  
inputs to retain both L+R and L-R  
information.  
A typical SunÞre subwoofer can be  
expected to ‘best’ its speciÞed minimum  
peak SPL by several decibels.  
12 VDC Trigger Input  
Input voltage range: 5 -18 VDC  
Impedance: approx 600 Ω  
(20 mA @ 12 V)  
Removable terminal block, and one 1/8”  
Mono minijack, tip positive.  
Total Harmonic Distortion  
Typically less than 1/10 of the funda-  
mental between 18 to 80 Hz.  
Input Sensitivity (full output):  
© 2004 SunÞre Corporation.  
All rights reserved. SunÞre Corporation  
reserves the right to improve its products  
at any time. Therefore, speciÞcations are  
subject to change without notice.  
250 mVrms from left input with volume  
control at 0 dB, 60 mVrms volume con-  
trol fully clockwise  
*
Manual 913-103-00 Rev B  
User's Manual  
20  
 
Troubleshooting  
The SunÞre Subwoofer is expertly  
designed and built to provide years of  
trouble-free performance. Most problems  
that occur can usually be solved by  
checking your setup or making sure  
that the components connected to the  
ampliÞer are on and fully operational.  
Check that your preampliÞer or  
receiver’s sub output is turned on. Some  
systems only have a sub output signal  
when the front speakers are set to  
“small.”  
If the preampliÞer’s subwoofer/LFE  
output has an adjustable crossover  
frequency, make sure that the SunÞre  
subwoofer’s own crossover point is set  
higher or part of the bass range will be  
missing.  
The following information will help you  
deal with common problems you may ex-  
perience during normal use. If a problem  
still persists, please contact your SunÞre  
Dealer for assistance.  
Not enough bass in a 5.1  
system  
Not enough bass  
Check that your preampliÞer’s outputs  
are connected to the subwoofer’s line  
level inputs and not to the line level high  
pass outputs. If they are connected to  
the outputs by mistake, the bass will be  
weak but the subwoofer will still func-  
tion.  
5.1 Home Theater preampliÞers usually  
have a bass management system which  
allows the bass to be redirected among  
your speakers. For example, the bass  
normally present in the front speak-  
ers can be redirected to play in the  
subwoofer, or the subwoofer can play  
the bass from all the speakers, in addi-  
tion to its dedicated LFE (low frequency  
effects) channel. Make sure that all of  
the bass management options are cor-  
rectly set. The preampliÞer may have a  
way of turning the subwoofer output off  
entirely, so check that it is always on.  
If your preampliÞer has a single  
subwoofer/LFE output jack, make sure  
it connects to the subwoofer’s Left  
(Mono) input. If the bass is still not  
enough after checking all the remaining  
points, use a Y cable to connect the  
preampliÞer’s single subwoofer/LFE  
output to the subwoofer’s right and left  
inputs.  
Check that the preampliÞer calibration  
procedure is correctly adjusted. Usually,  
the preamp will send a test tone through  
all the speakers in your system, allowing  
you to adjust (trim) the volume of each  
channel until they are all playing at the  
same level.  
Make certain the subwoofer is in a  
corner location, Þring at 45 degrees  
into the walls formed by the corner.  
This is not absolutely essential, but will  
maximize the bass output and give the  
smoothest possible response. If you  
place the unit so one of the drivers is  
Þring into one of the walls, leave three  
inches of clearance between the driver  
and the wall.  
If the bass is weak only when playing  
5.1 surround sources, check that your  
preampliÞer is correctly set to decode  
the 5.1 surround modes, such as Dolby  
Digital or DTS.  
Home Theater preampliÞers usually  
have a way of adjusting the level of the  
subwoofer/LFE output, either using a  
remote control or with a small volume  
knob on the back panel. Make sure that  
this is adjusted correctly.  
DVD discs have a menu which allows  
you to select which soundtrack to play.  
Check that the correct 5.1 surround  
audio soundtrack is selected, otherwise  
it may just play stereo into your preamp  
and you won’t get the true LFE signal  
into the subwoofer.  
User's Manual  
21  
 
hum is caused by the cable TV line, then  
you will need a “ground-loop isolator.”  
This is an inexpensive device Þtted in  
line with the coaxial cable feed.  
Hum  
Adding any component such as a sub-  
woofer to an existing system will often  
give rise to a hum which wasn’t there  
before. Your Þrst thought may be that  
the subwoofer has a problem, but this is  
more than likely caused by a “ground-  
loop” in your system.  
If the hum persists, disconnect all the  
source components one at a time from  
the back of the preampliÞer until you  
identify the problem.  
Follow these steps to isolate the main  
cause of the ground-loop hum (there  
may even be more than one cause).  
If you are using the subwoofer’s line  
level inputs and there is a excessive  
amount of noise or hum present, using  
the speaker level inputs may yield a  
lower background noise level.  
Try to have all of your equipment on  
the same electrical outlet or circuit, see  
page 10 for more details.  
Ground-loop isolators are available for  
audio lines and video. Once you have  
identiÞed which components are causing  
a problem, you can Þt the isolators be-  
tween the component and the preampli-  
Þer.  
If your subwoofer is a fair distance  
away from your other equipment, you  
may use a 15 amp extension cord as  
long as it has a ground connection.  
NOTE: Never remove the ground  
pin from any power cords. This is  
very dangerous.  
The subwoofer won’t turn off  
The subwoofer should turn itself off after  
approximately Þfteen minutes with no  
audio signal present. If not, check there  
is no background hum. The subwoofer  
may sense hum as a small signal and  
stay on. See the above hints to eliminate  
the hum.  
Turn off all components in your system,  
including the subwoofer, ampliÞers and  
the preampliÞer, before disconnecting  
or connecting cables.  
First remove every connection from the  
subwoofer to the rest of your system.  
Plug the subwoofer power cord back in  
and check for the hum. If it is still there,  
try plugging it into a different outlet in  
case it is picking up interference on the  
AC line.  
The subwoofer won’t turn on  
automatically  
The subwoofer should turn on when an  
audio signal is applied, or 12 VDC is ap-  
plied to the Trigger inputs, or if the Start  
button is pressed. If it does not turn on,  
check the following:  
If you have followed the above guide-  
lines for the power connections and a  
hum is still present, then there is one  
very common problem to consider: a  
“ground-loop” introduced by connecting  
a cable TV line to a VCR or TV, which is  
then connected to the preamp. This can  
be addressed as follows:  
The subwoofer’s volume control may  
be turned down, or no signal is received  
from your preampliÞer.  
Check the input connections.  
Check the Mode switch or menu on sur-  
round systems to be certain that a bass  
signal is being sent to the subwoofer.  
Disconnect all cables which come from  
outside the room, such as cable TV,  
satellite TV, or roof top antennas. Make  
sure that they are disconnected where  
they Þrst enter the room, so they are  
making no connection to your preampli-  
Þer, TV, or any other component. If the  
Use the 12V Trigger for the most reliable  
on/off operation.  
User's Manual  
22  
 
Limited Warranty  
SunÞre Corporation is proud of its  
products which have been built with care  
using advanced technology and premium  
component parts. Your unit has been  
crafted to perform properly for many  
years. SunÞre Corporation offers the  
following Warranty to you, the owner of a  
new SunÞre product:  
Some states do not allow limitations on  
how long an implied warranty lasts and/or  
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of  
incidental or consequential damages, so  
the above limitations or exclusions may not  
apply to you.  
This Warranty gives you speciÞc legal  
rights, and you may also have other  
rights which vary from state to state. We  
suggest that you attach your purchase  
receipt to this Warranty and keep these in  
a safe place. Thank you for your choice  
of a SunÞre Corporation product.  
The SunÞre Corporation Warranty  
for the True Subwoofer EQ is in effect  
for TWO years from the date of original  
retail purchase. The SunÞre Corporation  
Warranty covers defects in materials and  
workmanship. The following, however,  
are excluded:  
Service Assistance  
a) Damage caused during shipment.  
We suggest that you read the Limited  
Warranty completely to fully understand  
your Warranty/Service coverage.  
b) Damage caused by accident, mis-  
use, abuse of operation contrary  
to the instructions speciÞed in the  
SunÞre Corporation user’s manual  
If your SunÞre Corporation product ever  
requires service, write to us, or call:  
SunÞre Corporation  
c) Units where the serial number  
has been defaced, modiÞed or  
removed,  
Technical Services Department  
P.O. Box 1589  
d) Damage resulting from modiÞcation  
or attempted repair by any person  
not authorized in writing by SunÞre  
Corporation.  
Snohomish, WA 98290  
Tel (425) 335-4748  
Fax (425) 335-4746  
You will be directed to an authorized  
SunÞre Corporation Service Station or  
receive instructions to ship the unit to the  
factory. Please save the original shipping  
carton and packing materials in case  
shipping is required. Always use the origi-  
nal cloth bag and packaging materials  
and method, or the Þnish may be dam-  
aged. Please do not ship Parcel Post.  
e) Units purchased from unauthorized  
dealers.  
The SunÞre Corporation Warranty ex-  
tends to the original owner or subsequent  
owner(s) during the two year warranty  
period so long as the original dated  
purchase receipt is presented whenever  
warranty service is required.  
All implied warranties, including war-  
ranties or merchantability and Þtness  
for particular purposes, are limited in  
duration to the two year length of this  
Warranty, unless otherwise provided by  
state law.  
NOTE: Before sending in your unit for  
repair, you must call SunÞre for return  
authorization.  
Include a complete description of the  
problem, indicating how you have it  
connected, the associated equipment in  
your system and a copy of your purchase  
receipt. Initial shipping costs are not paid  
by SunÞre Corporation; return ground  
shipping costs will be prepaid if repairs  
were covered by the scope of this War-  
ranty.  
SunÞre Corporation’s liability is limited  
to the repair or replacement, at our op-  
tion, of any defective product and shall  
not in any event include property or any  
other incidental or consequential dam-  
ages which may result from the failure of  
this product.  
User's Manual  
23  
 
Manual part number 913-103-00 Rev B  
 

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