DIM
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BRIG
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True Subwoofer
DIM
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STAN
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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,
User's Manual
3
Introduction
Features
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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
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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.
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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.
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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:
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 :
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Ω impedance)
control fully clockwise
*
High Cut Filter
Input Impedance:
30 Hz - 100 Hz adjustable, with a
"Bypass" position.
30 kΩ for Line-Level inputs
56 kΩ for Hi-Level inputs
40 kΩ for 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 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 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 (3.3Ω impedance)
control fully clockwise
*
High Cut Filter
Input Impedance:
35 Hz - 100 Hz adjustable, with a "By-
pass" position.
30 kΩ for Line-Level inputs
56 kΩ for Hi-Level inputs
40 kΩ for 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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