NHT SA-2 - Manual (Page 7)

tings on the same track. Do not attempt to evaluate the best sound while standing above the subwoofer or amplifier, as the sound at
the listening position will be significantly different.
„ Subwoofer Volume Control
The SA-2’s front panel VOLUME CONTROL allows you to adjust the volume of the subwoofer relative to the rest of the system. Many
listeners make the mistake of setting subwoofers too loud, which can cause excess bloat and loss of detail and musicality. A properly cal-
ibrated subwoofer blends in with the speakers and does not call attention to itself. Observe the following guidelines for volume setting:
Turn down the volume control of the SA-2 to its lowest position (counter-clockwise). Turn on your system, including the SA-2. Play
some music you are familiar with and set your receiver/preamplifier volume to a comfortable listening level. Slowly increase the volume
on the SA-2, listening for proper frequency balance. When the subwoofer output is balanced with the rest of the system, you will hear
improved bass extension, but you should be unaware that it is coming from the subwoofer!
From this point on, the volume control on your receiver/preamplifier will control the overall volume of your system, including the subwoofer.
„ The SA-2 and SW2Si: The SW2Pi Powered Subwoofer System
A subwoofer’s performance in the context of your audio / video system is highly dependent upon its interaction with your front L & R
speakers. Since a subwoofer is designed only to provide low frequency response, it is important to connect it in a manner that ensures
seamless integration with your speakers.
There are four possible connection methods outlined in this manual. The best method for you depends on the size of your front L & R
speakers and the connection options available on your receiver or preamplifier. To help you determine the best way to connect the sub-
woofer to your system, consider the following suggestions:
1. If you have large (full-range) L & R speakers...
If your L & R speakers have generous bass response and you are adding a subwoofer, you have the option of sending the speakers a
high-pass filtered signal (Method #2). With the low bass information removed from the signal before it reaches the speakers, all low fre-
quencies are reproduced exclusively by the subwoofer. With this configuration it is usually easier to achieve smooth low frequency
response, as the subwoofer reproduces a different frequency range than the speakers. Use the 50Hz high-pass setting.
If you want to run the L & R speakers full-range, or if you have a receiver with no “Pre-Out” and “Main-In” (see “What connection meth-
ods are available?” below), you can run the L & R speakers full range and use the subwoofer only to provide low bass reinforcement
(Connection Methods #1 and #4). Sending the speakers a full-range signal can sometimes make it difficult to integrate them with the
subwoofer, as their combined low frequency output can cause irregularities (peaks and dips) in the room’s low frequency response. In
this case, the subwoofer’s low-pass setting should be quite low and used only to fill in the lowest octave.
Method #3 is not recommended with large L & R speakers.
2. If you have small (bookshelf) L & R speakers...
If your L & R speakers are smaller bookshelf-type models with limited bass response, it is advisable to send them a high-pass filtered
signal (Method #2 or #3). With the low bass information removed from the signal before it reaches the speakers, all low frequencies are
reproduced exclusively by the subwoofer. The L & R speakers exhibit reduced distortion, greater dynamic range and power handling,
because they receive a signal containing only information that falls within their specified frequency response range. Use the 75Hz or
110Hz high-pass setting.
Alternately, you can run the speakers full range and use the subwoofer to reproduce all the low bass frequencies below their response
capabilities (Methods #1 and 4). While simple, this configuration does not remove the burden of low frequencies from the L & R speakers
and may limit their output at higher volumes.
3. What connection options are available?
a) If you are using a separate preamplifier and main amplifier, all of the connection methods are available to you.
b) If you are using an integrated amplifier or receiver (hereafter called “receiver”) with “Pre-Out” and “Main-In” jacks, all of the connec-
tion methods are available to you.
c) If you are using a receiver with “Pre-Out”, “Line Out’ or “Subwoofer Out” jacks but no “Main-In” jacks, you may use Methods #1, #3
or #4.
d) If you are using a receiver with no “Pre-Out”, “Line Out” or “Subwoofer Out” jacks, you may use Methods #3 or #4.
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1st Choice: Method #2 (SA-2 connected at line level with high-pass filter loop)
2nd Choice: Method #1 (SA-2 connected at line level, no high-pass filter)
3rd Choice: Method #4 (SA-2 connected at speaker level, no high-pass filter)
1st Choice: Method #2 (SA-2 connected at line level with high-pass filter loop)
2nd Choice: Method #3 (SA-2 connected at speaker level with fixed high-pass filter)