X
X
Powered Subwoofer Featuring BassTrac®
Important Safety Instructions
This symbol found on the apparatus indicates hazards arising from dangerous voltages.
This symbol found on the apparatus indicates the user should read all safety statements found in the user manual.
This symbol found on the apparatus indicates double insulation.
Warning! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
This symbol found on the apparatus indicates that the apparatus must be placed in a separate collection facility for electronic waste and not disposed of with household waste.
1.Read these instructions.
2.Keep these instructions.
3.Heed all warnings.
4.Follow all instructions.
5.Do not use this apparatus near water.
6.Clean only with dry cloth.
7.Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8.Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9.Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10.Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11.Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12.Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13.Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-sup- ply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
14.Maintain a minimum distance of 50 mm around the front, rear and sides of the apparatus for sufficient ventilation. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings or placing on or around the apparatus items such as newspapers, table-cloths, curtains, etc.
15.No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
16.The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
17.Either the power inlet connector on the rear of the apparatus or the power plug at the wall must remain accessible, to be able to disconnect power from the apparatus.
18.To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.
19.The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
2
Specifications*
XB8 |
XB6 |
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Frequency Response (±3dB) 26–150Hz |
29–150Hz |
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Subwoofer Amplifier Power 900 watts dynamic power output
FTC Rated Power: 300 watts @ 50 Hz into 4 ohms at less than 1% THD+N
625 watts dynamic power output FTC Rated Power: 200 watts @ 50 Hz into 4 ohms at less than 1% THD+N
Subwoofer Crossover |
50–150Hz |
50–150Hz |
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24dB/octave low-pass |
24dB/octave low-pass |
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LFE Input |
Yes |
Yes |
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Crossover Bypass |
Yes |
Yes |
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Bass Unit |
12" (305mm) DCD |
12" (305mm) DCD |
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Enclosure Type |
Ported, Front Firing |
Ported, Front Firing |
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Dimensions (HxWxD) |
13.75 x 15.55 x 16.42" |
13.75 x 15.55 x 13.94" |
(with feet and |
(350 x 395 x 417mm) |
(350 x 395 x 354mm) |
rear connectors) |
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Weight |
31 lbs (14.1kg) |
28 lbs (12.7kg) |
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*In keeping with our policy of continual product improvements, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Description
Boston’s XB6 and XB8 subwoofers deliver the dynamic bass foundation that is essential for lifelike reproduction of movie soundtracks and music in the home. These attractive powered subwoofers will complement any stereo or home theater sound system with their impressive bass output and compact size.
Both subwoofers utilize our rugged Deep Channel® Design (DCD) bass unit designed in Boston’s state-of-the-art engineering facility in Peabody, Massachusetts. Every one is tested as it comes off the line to be within ±1dB of the lab reference unit, an incredibly tight tolerance. The amplifiers have built-in variable crossovers that allow them to easily achieve a seamless blend with the main speakers, while a 24dB/octave lowpass filter prevents the subwoofers from being easily localized by ear, increasing placement flexibility. A crossover bypass function is provided for use with home theater electronics that perform their own bass management.
Because of their high-powered amplifiers and computer-optimized tunings, the XB6 and XB8 are capable of impressive deep bass and high output from remarkably compact enclosures. In addition, they feature BassTrac®, a proprietary Boston-designed circuit that tracks the input signal to the subwoofer and prevents its amplifier from being driven into audible distortion. The benefit: the bass stays clean and strong at any listening level.
Auto on-off amplifier switching and easily accessible controls make the XB6 and XB8 subwoofers as convenient to use as they are exciting to listen to.
3
Connections
NOTE: Power is always supplied to the subwoofer electronics unless it is unplugged or switched to the off position using the power toggle switch located in the lower left corner of the rear panel. The auto-on circuitry only activates or deactivates the power amplifier. Make sure your subwoofer and receiver are unplugged when making the connection.
Line level: Use one of the “line level in” jacks with most systems. These inputs accept the line-level signal from your receiver’s subwoofer output. When using the “use crossover control” input, the subwoofer’s circuitry filters out the high frequencies and sends the remaining low frequencies to the subwoofer power amplifier.
Speaker level: Use these high-level terminals with receivers that do not have subwoofer output. The speaker inputs accept both left and right channel speaker signals from your receiver. NOTE: Certain receivers use speaker grounding circuits that may be incompatible with external powered audio products, such as powered subwoofers. When speaker wire is used instead of line level cables, this incompatibility can sometimes result in an audible hum when the receiver is turned off or switched to a different speaker channel. See page 8 for more information.
How to Connect Using the Speaker Terminals
We recommend 18-gauge wire or thicker for runs up to 15 feet (4.5m), and 16-gauge wire or thicker for longer runs. Separate the first few inches of the wire conductors. Strip off 1⁄2-inch (12mm) of insulation from the ends of each speaker wire to expose the two conductors and tightly twist the wire strands.
WARNING: To prevent electrical shock hazard, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when making connections to the speaker.
When making all connections, be sure to connect the + (red) on the speaker to the + (red) on the amplifier, and the – (black) on the speaker to the – (black) on the amplifier.
–
+
IMPORTANT: Typically, one side of the wire is smooth. Connect this side to the – (black) connection. The other side has a rib or stripe. Connect this to the + (red) connection.
Using the five-way binding posts:
The binding posts permit easy connection to banana plugs, spade lugs, and bare wire. Insert the wire in the hole (as shown on left) or a 3/8-inch spade lug over the post and tighten. For banana plugs, remove the red and black caps from the end-holes and insert either dual or single banana plugs (as shown on right).
Using this Manual – XB6 versus XB8
NOTE: The rear amplifier panels of the XB6 and the XB8 are virtually the same. Although the instructional images on the following pages depict the XB6’s rear panel, the XB8 connects, functions and operates in exactly the same manner.
4
Connecting the Subwoofer to Digital Home Theater Systems
Digital 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 home theater electronics dedicate one channel (the “.1”) to reproduce the special low-fre- quency (LFE) information (such as explosions and thunder) contained in digitally-encoded soundtracks.
Select ”subwoofer-yes“ from your receiver’s set-up menu. Hooked up this way, the receiver’s amplifier is relieved of having to reproduce the difficult low bass signals that can drive the receiver into audible distortion.
Use an RCA cable (not included), as shown, to connect your digital receiver’s subwoofer output to the subwoofer. Connect the other end to the XB6 or XB8 jack labeled “bypass crossover control” underneath “line level in”.
XB6
Powered Subwoofer Featuring BassTrac®
* use crossover control: removes high frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable filtering (most products without Dolby Digital or DTS), or where manual control is desired.
CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord before replacing fuse. For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with same type fuse.
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power |
on |
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Use only with a 250V fuse |
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Employer uniquement avec |
off |
un fusible de 250V |
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T 2.5A L 250V
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer; |
power mode |
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use with sources having built-in crossover |
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controls or bass management (most products |
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auto |
on |
with Dolby Digital or DTS). |
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ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de |
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power indicator |
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remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de |
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rechange de même type. |
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polarity |
0 º |
180 º |
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80 |
120 |
CAUTION |
crossover |
(Hz) |
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RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK |
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DO NOT OPEN |
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AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR |
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50 |
150 |
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speaker level in |
use |
left |
right |
crossover |
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control * |
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line level in |
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bypass |
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rossover |
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** |
back of receiver
subwoofer out
If you do not wish to run RCA cables to your subwoofer, you may use speaker wire to connect the subwoofer in parallel with your main speakers (see diagram below). The subwoofer does not present any additional load to your receiver.
Select “subwoofer-no” from your receiver’s set-up menu. This sends the LFE signal to the main left and right speakers, and thus, to the subwoofer. Consult your receiver’s owner’s manual for more details.
When using the speaker wire hookup, the subwoofer’s built-in crossover is engaged. As a starting point, set the crossover control on the subwoofer about 10Hz higher than the lower limit of your main speakers’ bass response. Fine-tune the crossover setting by ear for the smoothest blend with your main speakers. The best setting of the crossover control will depend on speaker placement and personal preference.
X
Powered Subwoofer F |
ing BassTrac® |
* use crossover control: removes high frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable filtering (most products without Dolby Digital or DTS), or where manual control is desired.
CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord before replacing fuse. For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with same type fuse.
|
power |
on |
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Use only with a 250V fuse |
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Employer uniquement avec |
off |
un fusible de 250V |
|
T 2.5A L 250V
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer; |
power mode |
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use with sources having built-in crossover |
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controls or bass management (most products |
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auto |
on |
with Dolby Digital or DTS). |
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ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de |
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power indicator |
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remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de |
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rechange de même type. |
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polarity |
0 º |
180 º |
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80 |
120 |
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CAUTION |
crossover |
(Hz) |
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RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK |
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DO NOT OPEN |
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A |
LECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR |
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50 |
150 |
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speaker level in |
use |
left |
right |
crossover |
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control * |
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line level in |
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bypass |
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crossover |
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control ** |
right |
left |
to main speakers |
front speakers
R |
L |
R |
L |
R |
L |
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FR |
F |
ENTER SURROUND |
SPEAKER SYSTEMS |
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F |
T A OR B, CENTER, SURR, SURR BACK |
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: MINIMUM 6 O |
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F |
T A AND B : MINIMUM 8 OHMS |
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back of receiver
Be sure to connect + to + (red) and – to – (black).
5
Connecting the Subwoofer to Stereo or Dolby® Pro Logic® Systems
For stereo or Dolby Pro Logic systems, the easiest method is to use the same speaker wire connections as shown on page 5.
You may also use the “sub out” connection from your receiver to the input on the subwoofer marked “use crossover control.” When using speaker wire or the “use crossover control” input, the subwoofer’s built-in crossover is engaged. As a starting point, set the crossover control on the subwoofer about 10Hz higher than the lower limit of your main speakers’ bass response (for Boston Acoustics front speakers, refer to the included “Optimal Crossover Settings…”sheet). Fine-tune the crossover setting by ear for the smoothest blend with your main speakers. The best setting of the crossover control will depend on speaker placement and personal preference.
XB6
Powered Subwoofer Featuring BassTrac®
* use crossover control: removes high frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable filtering (most products without Dolby Digital or DTS), or where manual control is desired.
CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord before replacing fuse. For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with same type fuse.
|
power |
on |
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|
Use only with a 250V fuse |
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Employer uniquement avec |
off |
un fusible de 250V |
|
T 2.5A L 250V
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer; |
power mode |
|
use with sources having built-in crossover |
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|
controls or bass management (most products |
auto |
on |
with Dolby Digital or DTS). |
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ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de |
power indicator |
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remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de |
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rechange de même type. |
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polarity 0º |
180 º |
back of receiver
80 120
CAUTION |
crossover |
(Hz) |
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK |
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DO NOT OPEN |
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AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR |
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50 |
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speaker level in |
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left |
right |
rossover |
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control * |
line level in
bypass crossover control **
subwoofer out
Controls |
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power |
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on |
80 |
120 |
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c |
r (Hz) |
polarity |
0 |
180 º |
off |
50 |
150 |
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Main power switch
Completely turns all power to the amplifier either on or off and overrides the power mode switch. This switch must be turned on before setting the power mode switch (see next page).
Volume (on top panel) |
Crossover (Hz) |
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Polarity (0° or 180°) |
Adjusts the sound level of |
Adjusts the frequency of |
Selects regular (0°) or inverted |
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the subwoofer. A typical set- |
the lowpass filter for the |
(180°) polarity for the sub- |
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ting is around 11 o’clock, as |
subwoofer. This |
control is |
woofer. Set this switch to pro- |
shown. |
inactive when |
using the |
vide the fullest, most dynamic |
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“bypass crossover control” |
bass. The effect of phase will |
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input jack. |
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be most audible on low-fre- |
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quency percussion instruments |
or music with a continuously repeating bass line.
6
Controls (Continued)
Power indicator: This twocolor power status light will be red when the Power Mode Switch is set to “auto” (without any audio signal present) and green when set to “on” mode.
power indicator 
It will not light up at all until the Main Power switch is set to the “on” position.
Power mode switch
Note: The Main Power Switch needs to be in the “on” position before this switch is active.
Auto: When set to this position, the subwoofer’s auto-on |
auto |
on |
circuitry turns the amplifier on when an audio signal is |
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presented (turning the “power indicator” light green), and |
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turns it off in approximately 15 minutes if no signal is detect- |
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ed (turning the “power indicator” red). |
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On: When set to this position, the subwoofer’s auto-on |
auto |
on |
circuitry is bypassed and the amplifier will remain on |
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whether an audio signal is present or not (the “power |
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indicator” light stays green). |
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Placement
Place the subwoofer next to a wall or in a corner near your main speakers. Typically, the sound is best when the subwoofer is within 15 feet (4.5m) of the main speakers. However, the sharp 24dB/octave crossover roll-off permits placement farther from the main speakers if necessary. Since the ear is unable to localize the low frequencies of the subwoofer, the bass still appears to come from the main speakers. In most cases, the subwoofer may be placed anywhere in the listening room.
The level of bass output from the subwoofer will vary at different positions in a room. When placed near walls, its loudness is emphasized. Corner placement provides the most bass output, while placement near only one wall will provide somewhat less bass. Placement completely away from walls may produce too little bass. Regardless of how you place the subwoofer, you can adjust the subwoofer’s level with its volume control. If you move the subwoofer, recheck the setting of the polarity switch. Use the setting that yields the louder and more dynamic sound.
IMPORTANT: Do not place the subwoofer where there is a chance of contact between the rear panel and drapes or furniture.
Position subwoofer
in corner for maximum bass output
If Speaker Wire Connections Cause the Subwoofer to Hum
Certain receivers use speaker grounding circuits that may be incompatible with external powered audio products, such as powered subwoofers. When speaker wire is used instead of line level cables, this incompatibility can result in an audible hum when the receiver is turned off or switched to a different speaker channel.
If this should happen with your Boston Acoustics subwoofer, you will need to make a ground cable and connect it to either RCA line input on the subwoofer and any unused RCA line input or output on your receiver (see diagram). The proper ground cable for this application should consist of two male RCA plugs that have their negative outside terminals (or "sleeve") connected to each other by any length of single conductor copper cable. The inside positive (or "pin") terminals should not be wired in either plug.
If you do not wish to make your own use either RCA jack grounding cable, please contact the 
Boston Acoustics Customer Service 
Department directly (see below) and we 
will promptly ship one to you of suitable length at no charge.
DIGITAL |
6 CH INPUT |
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INPUT |
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MAIN |
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CD |
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SURROUND |
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COAXIAL |
SUB |
CENTER |
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OPTICAL |
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WOOFER |
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D-TV/CBL |
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DVD |
CD |
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MD/CD-R |
IN |
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(PLAY) |
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MD |
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/CD-R |
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OUT |
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(REC) |
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R |
L |
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MD/CD-R |
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OPTICAL |
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DIGITAL |
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AUDIO |
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OUTPUT |
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AUDIO |
VIDEO |
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R |
L |
S VIDEO |
VIDEO |
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V-AUX |
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TUNER |
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AM |
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ANT |
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IN |
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COMPONENT VIDEO |
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VCR |
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GND |
PR/CR |
PB/CB |
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DVD |
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OUT |
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75Ω UNBAL. |
D-TV |
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/CBL |
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D-TV |
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FM |
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** |
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/CBL |
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ANT |
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MONITOR |
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OUT |
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DVD |
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SUB |
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WOOFER |
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S VIDEO |
VIDEO |
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OUTPUT |
MONITOR OUT |
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use any available RCA jack
If Service Seems Necessary
back of receiver
First, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the XB6 or XB8. If that is not possible, write to:
Customer Service |
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Boston Acoustics, Inc. |
Or visit our web site at: |
Or email us at: |
300 Jubilee Drive |
www.bostonacoustics.com |
custserv@bostona.com |
Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A. |
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|
We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your unit to the factory, please ship it prepaid. After it has been repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in the U.S. and Canada.
Limited Warranty
For one year from the date of purchase, Boston Acoustics will repair for the original owner any defect in materials or workmanship that occurs in normal use of the subwoofer, without charge for parts and labor.
Your responsibilities are to use the system according to the instructions supplied, to provide safe and secure transportation to an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative, and to present proof of purchase in the form of your sales slip when requesting service.
Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, improper installation, accidents, shipping, or repairs/modifications by anyone other than an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative. This warranty is limited to the Boston Acoustics product and does not cover damage to any associated equipment. This warranty does not cover the cost of removal or reinstallation.
This warranty is void if the serial number has been removed or defaced.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
300 Jubilee Drive Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A. 978.538.5000 www.bostonacoustics.com
BassTrac, Boston, Boston Acoustics, Deep Channel are registered trademarks of Boston Acoustics, Inc. Dolby and Pro Logic are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
© 2006 Boston Acoustics, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice.
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