Wharfedale Crystal - Manual (Page 2)

Connecting Your Loudspeakers -Bi-Wiring
Bi-Amplifying (Bi-Amping)
Centre Channel and Surround Connections
Conventional Loudspeakers
CR CEN Centre Loudspeaker
Note:
Using separate cables for treble and bass units in a Bi-Wiring configuration reduces intermodulation
effects and improves headroom and clarity. To bi-wire, you will need to install two lengths of twin core
cable between the amplifier and each loudspeaker.
Unscrew each terminal a few turns and remove the metal straps. Connect the cables between the
amplifier and the loudspeakers as indicated above and re-tighten all the terminals securely.
Some amplifiers have two pairs of output terminals to facilitate bi-wiring but this is not
essential. The advantages of bi-wiring are fully retained if your amplifier has only one pair of output
terminals per channel (as in the illustration).
By connecting each loudspeaker drive unit to its own dedicated amplifier the advantages of Bi-Wiring
can be extended. If you own two identical stereo power amplifiers, your Crystal speakers may be Bi-
Amped. For further details please consult your dealer
The CR CEN and rear surround loudspeakers are intended for use specifically with Audio Visual
equipment having Centre and Rear loudspeaker outputs. Connect these loudspeakers as shown, again
observing polarity. The speakers may be connected as shown, or bi-wired.
Models CR 30 and 40 are designed to be floor standing. We suggest that they are positioned at least
200 mm from the rear walls and 700 mm from the side walls, facing slightly inwards. Models CR 8, 10
and 20 should ideally be stand or wall mounted though they may be placed on a rigid shelf. The bass
extension will improve if these speakers are operated closer to the rear walls. A useful rule of thumb is
that the listener should be as far from the loudspeakers as they are from each other.
If the loudspeakers are placed too close to the walls the bass will increase but may be boomy and
indistinct. If the loudspeakers are placed further away from the walls, the inward angle may be
increased by up to 40%, although this may restrict the width of the optimum listening position. The
speakers should ideally be positioned so that the treble units are roughly at ear level to a seated
listener. As personal taste plays a large role, experiment with different configurations and play a wide
range of programmes before finalising the position of your speakers.
The loudspeaker should be positioned centrally between the loudspeakers close to the television and
mounted either above or below the screen.
The loudspeaker should be located on a stable flat surface to avoid any danger of the cabinet moving
when it is vibrated by high sound levels. If you mount the unit on top of the television, move it forward
so that the front grilles are level with or slightly in front of the screen. This will reduce reflections from
the screen and the top of the cabinet.
Although you can place the centre channel
loudspeaker under the TV monitor, this should always
be regarded as second best. The preferred position is
always above the monitor, as shown.
The CR CEN uses screened drive units and may be
placed close to a TV screen without ill-effects.
Conventional loudspeakers should not be operated
within 500mm of a TV screen as the drive unit
magnets may interfere with the picture and cause
colour distortion.
Positioning Your Lourspeakers
.
Unpacking the Speakers
Fitting the Plinth and Spikes (CR 30, CR 40)
Stands and Brackets
CR CEN Centre Channel Loudspeaker
Choosing and Preparing Cables
Crossover Networks
Connecting Loudspeaker Terminals
Connecting Your Loudspeakers -Standard Connections
Carefully remove each loudspeaker from its packing carton. Be especially careful when removing the
polythene bag.
DO NOT attempt to lift the loudspeaker by the polythene bag.
Retain the packing for future use. If you decide to dispose of the packing, please do so safely.
Carefully invert each loudspeaker. Protect the top surface
from scratches or damage when the loudspeaker is in the
inverted position.
Each loudspeaker has four spikes. Prepare the
spikes as shown and screw them into the threads
on the base of the loudspeaker. Return the
loudspeaker to its normal position taking care
not to cause damage with the spikes. When
moving speakers, be careful not to let the spikes
pierce objects or cables which may be concealed
under the carpet. Never drag loudspeakers. If you cannot
lift them easily, get someone to assist you.
The CR 8, 10 and 20 are intended primarily for stand mounting, though they can be mounted on wall
brackets or even on sturdy shelves. The quality of loudspeaker stands makes a considerable difference
to the performance of your loudspeakers so do not use flimsy inferior products.
A set of self adhesive pads is provided. Peel off the backing material and fix a pad close to each corner of
the bottom surface of the loudspeaker.
Specialist audio cable usually offers better performance than general
purpose 'bell' or 'zip' wire.
Choose a cable of suitable diameter - cable that is too thin will limit the
dynamics of the sound and may impair the bass response. Audio cable is
polarised, with two cores of different colours, or often a raised rib or coloured
tracer in the case of twin cable.
Split the twin cores to a depth of about 40mm. Carefully strip the insulation
from each end, leaving about 10mm of bare wire. If the cable is stranded,
lightly twist to gather any loose strands.
Crystal loudspeakers use a specially designed bi-wireable
crossover panel with four terminal binding posts. Please
follow the drawing carefully to see the correct orientation
of the loudspeaker terminals. The upper terminals connect
to the treble unit, the lower pair to the bass unit. As
supplied, the treble terminal pair is connected to the bass
terminal pair via removable metal straps. These should be
left in place for standard installations.
Unscrew the terminal. Thread the bared end of each cable through the hole in the bottom of the
terminal post. Ensure that there are no loose strands which may touch adjacent terminals. Retighten
the terminal securely. The drawing above illustrates the method.
: When connecting loudspeakers, the cables to left and right channels should be of equal length,
regardless of the distance of the speakers from the amplifier. This applies to front and rear channels.
Choose a suitable length of twin core speaker cable for each channel, and prepare the ends as described
above. Unscrew each terminal a few turns but leave the straps in place.
Connect the red, positive (+) terminal of the Left loudspeaker to the corresponding red, positive (+)
amplifier terminal. Connect the black, negative (-) terminals similarly. Tighten the terminals securely.
Repeat this procedure for the Right Channel.
NOTE
Wharfedale Crystal Series Installation and User Guide
Introduction
The Wharfedale Crystal Series is a range of versatile loudspeakers using advanced materials and the latest
precision drive units. The CR10 and 20 are small stand mounting loudspeakers. The CR30 and 40 are
floor-standing models. The range includes a centre channel, CR CEN. The CR8 may be used as either
surround sound speakers in Home Theatre applications, or as the main speakers in a small stereo system.
To complement your system, choose from our range of Powercube powered subwoofers for the perfect Home
Cinema experience. Thank you for purchasing Wharfedale. We hope your loudspeakers will give you a
rewarding listening experience for many years .
Before making connections to any part of your sound system make sure the amplifier and all connected
sources are switched off.
When you switch on your system or change sources, set the volume control to minimum and turn up the
level gradually.
DO NOT use your amplifier at full volume. The position of the Volume Control is NOT a reliable
guide as to the maximum volume level or capabilities of your sound system. Playing the system with
extreme high settings of volume and tone controls will result in distorted sound and may damage the
amplifier and loudspeakers.
DO NOT connect loudspeaker terminals to the mains supply.
Ensure that all loudspeakers in the system are correctly wired and are in phase.
DO NOT subject your loudspeakers to excessive cold, heat, humidity or sunlight.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock do not expose this product to rain or moisture.
The product must not be exposed to dripping and splashing and no object filled with liquids such as a
vase of flowers should be placed on the product.
No naked flame sources - such as candles - must be placed on the product.
DO NOT place heavy objects on top of loudspeaker cabinets.
NEVER let anyone, especially children push anything into holes, slots or other opening in the case.
If you wish to play your loudspeakers with their
grilles removed be careful to protect the drive units from children and pets.
DO NOT use makeshift stands. Always fit a manufacturer's approved stand according to the instructions
and using the fixings provided. Your dealer will advise you.
Please read these instructions carefully before installing your Wharfedale loudspeakers.
NEVER touch the drive units which are easily damaged.
Preparing and Connecting Your Loudspeakers
LEFT RIGHT
Links between
Treble & Bass
terminals
removed
Bass
Treble
FRONT
LEFT
FRONT
RIGHT
The Home Theatre Environment
Care and Maintenance
Front and Effects Channels
Setting Loudspeaker Sizes
Setting Levels
Delay Settings
LFE
Phase
Hiding Cables
Running In
Guarantee & Service
Conclusion
Many digital AV Processors require you to specify the size of speakers in all channels.
Always choose 'Small' for the Surround channels and Centre channel whether you are using a
subwoofer or not.
Set the Front Speakers to ‘Large’. Set the ‘Subwoofer’ option on
the processor to 'Off' or ‘No'. The Front channels will now receive all the system bass.
: When set to ‘Small’ all the system bass will go into the subwoofer. If
you choose ‘Large’ the Front channel bass will be reproduced from the Front speakers. Bookshelf
speakers should be set to ‘Small’, large floor standing units may be set to ‘Large’.
Once the loudspeaker settings have been finalised, put the AV amplifier into its “Test” mode (see
instructions supplied with your processor). Adjust the level of each channel in turn until all channels
are reproduced at equal loudness.
On some programme material the surround channel may seem lower than the front. Do not readjust
this level. You may, however, need to adjust the subwoofer output level. Avoid setting too high a level
or you will swamp the sound with bass which be tiring to listen to and may limit the subwoofer’s ability
to respond to large bass transients. You should also set a sensible level going into the subwoofer from
the AV processor.
Many AV processors feature delay settings to enable surround and dialogue information to arrive at the
listener’s ears at the same time as the Front channels, even when the listening seat is in a non-ideal
position.
If the listening position is equidistant from the Front and Rear speakers, set a low delay
setting. The closer the listener is to the Rear speakers the higher should be the delay setting used.
If the Centre speaker is level with (or slightly behind) the Front speakers, set the delay
to zero. If the Centre speaker is forward of the Front speakers, increase the delay.
In the cinema the Low Frequency Effects channel is an extra bass channel with its own subwoofer and
not a regular subwoofer channel. In domestic systems the LFE channel typically feeds into the
subwoofer. Where no subwoofer is used, the LFE signal is combined with Front Channel information.
When you set the LFE level at your AV processor, use care as the powerful low frequencies can overload
domestic loudspeakers.
If you hear popping or thumping noises coming from the front loudspeakers or subwoofer, immediately
turn the AV Processor's volume level down and then back off the LFE level. This should cure the problem.
If it does not, back off the volume level at the subwoofer (if you are using one) until the problem
disappears.
Please read the relevant sections of your AV amplifier manual and familiarise yourself with the various
issues. If you are unsure, consult your dealer for help.
A Home Theatre system should have a precise front stage, a diffuse rear stage and good localisation of
dialogue. If the colours on the loudspeaker terminals do not correspond with those on the amplifier, the
sound will appear poorly focussed or ‘out of phase’. For this reason it is essential that the speakers are
connected according to the wiring diagrams in this manua
When mounting a loudspeaker on a wall the connecting cables may be unacceptably obvious. Whilst
cables can be routed from the loudspeaker to the floor, it may be less obtrusive to route cables from the
loudspeaker to the ceiling and then within the ceiling (or possibly coving) or immediately underneath
the ceiling (or coving). The cable may then return to floor level at a convenient room corner.
The loudspeaker cabinets can be cleaned with a damp cloth or with a spray furniture polish and a soft
cloth. Apply the spray sparingly to the cloth and then polish the cabinet. Never apply spray directly to
the cabinet. Grilles should be removed and gently brushed with a soft brush.
In the unlikely event that your unit develops a fault you should return it to your Wharfedale dealer using
the original packing to ensure safe shipping.
The terms of your guarantee may vary in different countries but in all cases the guarantee excludes:
All damage caused through accident, misuse, wear and tear, neglect, incorrect installation, adjustment
or repair by unauthorised personnel.
Liability for damage or loss occurring in transit to or from the purchaser.
Wharfedale will not be liable for any consequential damage, loss or injury, arising from or in
conjunction with this equipment.
The Crystal series is just one of an extensive and world-acclaimed range from Wharfedale, one of the
world’s oldest and most distinguished loudspeaker manufacturers. Thank you for purchasing
Wharfedale; we hope this product brings you many years of reliable service and good music.
If you are not using a subwoofer:
If you are using a subwoofer
Rear Delay:
Centre Delay:
l.
Cleaning
The front loudspeakers are placed on either side of the television screen, 2 to 3 metres apart. The
speakers should be angled slightly so they are aimed towards the listeners.
As the rear surround channels are the ‘effects’ channels the reproduced sound should be as room filling
as possible. We recommend placing the speakers in a high position, behind the listener’s head and
angled towards the listener. If the rear wall is more than 1metre behind the listening seat, position the
units on the side walls. If the walls are a long way from the listening seat, consider stand mounting.
Most of the dialogue comes from the centre loudspeaker. Speech should appear to originate from the
actors’ mouths. Operating height is important. Ideally the front and centre channel speakers should be
at the same height. For this reason the centre channel speaker is best operated on top of the TV monitor.
The front faces of the centre and surround loudspeakers should also be in line as far as possible.
As the ear is unable to detect the direction from which deep bass originates, this allows you freedom to
position the unit. Varying the distance from the wall alters the bass. Placing the subwoofer across a
corner boosts the bass but may impair clarity.
The performance of Home Theatre systems can often be enhanced by using a pair of subwoofers.
Loudspeakers are electro-mechanical and, like all mechanical systems, they need a 'running in' period.
For the first 50 hours or so exercise care and play your system at reasonable volume levels. After
running in, you will notice a significant sonic improvement.
Subwoofer
REAR
RIGHT
REAR
LEFT
FRONT
LEFT
FRONT
RIGHT
CENTRE
ALTERNATIVE
POSITIONS
ALTERNATIVE
POSITIONS
SUB
BASS
UNIT
CENTRE FRONT REAR
LEFT LEFT RIGHT RIGHT SUB
WOOFER
REAR
RIGHT
REAR
LEFT
CENTRE
LEFT RIGHT
FRONT
LEFT
FRONT
RIGHT
2 - 4 metres
>0.7metre
CR 30 CR 40
>200 mm
CR 8,10,20
>50 mm
15 -
40
º
VIDEO/DVD
RACK
TV
Caution - Connecting Wires
When connecting your loudspeakers,
avoid trailing cables across open floor
spaces where they can be a source of
danger.
Route cables safely under carpets or
along room boundaries.