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Subwoofer
And
Center Channel
OWNER’S MANUAL
This product is certified to meet the requirements of the European Union (EU)
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (89/336/EEC). Because the permanent
magnets attached to the loudspeaker drivers produce magnetic fields, it is
recommended that the product not be positioned in very close proximity to computer
monitors or television sets.
DESIGNED BY NEIL PATEL FOR AVALON ACOUSTICS
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3
2 Symbol Subwoofer ................................................................................................................. 4
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 4
Positioning .............................................................................................................. 4
Connections .......................................................................................................... 4
Signal Input ............................................................................................................ 5
Controls .................................................................................................................. 5
3 Center Channel ...................................................................................................................... 6
Mounting................................................................................................................ 6
Adjustment ............................................................................................................ 7
4 Low Frequency Fine Tuning .................................................................................................. 8
Placement ............................................................................................................. 8
Surround Sound Processor Tuning ..................................................................... 8
MODE SETTINGS .................................................................................................... 9
CONTOUR .............................................................................................................. 9
5 Maximize MultiChannel Performance ................................................................................. 11
Break-in .................................................................................................................. 11
Grille Assemblies ................................................................................................... 11
Speaker Placement and Symmetry ................................................................. 11
Toe-In ...................................................................................................................... 12
Mounting Feet Spikes .......................................................................................... 12
First Reflection Points ........................................................................................... 12
Corner Treatment ................................................................................................. 12
6 Break-in Period ....................................................................................................................... 14
7 Care of Your Loudspeakers .................................................................................................. 15
Cabinet (Hardwood Finish) ................................................................................ 15
Grille Assembly ...................................................................................................... 15
Drivers ..................................................................................................................... 15
8 Warranty .................................................................................................................................. 16
9 Features ................................................................................................................................... 18
10 Specifications ....................................................................................................................... 19
Symbol Center Channel ..................................................................................... 19
Symbol Subwoofer ............................................................................................... 19
11 Notes ..................................................................................................................................... 20
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1 Introduction
The Symbol MultiChannel System reflects our passion for creating loudspeakers that
capture the imagination, and accurately reproduce the three-dimensional space of
modern film soundtracks as well as discreet multi-channel musical recordings.
Drawing upon our many years of experience in loudspeaker research, design, listening,
and manufacturing, and combining the most powerful tools of modern technology with
master craftsmanship of the finest artisans, we have created an unsurpassed holistic
system.
The Symbol Center Channel integrates with the Symbol front channels to form a smooth
and uniform image. The Center Channel’s vertical and horizontal dispersion eliminates
many of the artifacts of a narrow polar response system that beams information from the
loudspeakers as the program material pans through the various channels. The Symbol
Subwoofer is engineered from the ground up to provide prodigious amounts of extremely
fast articulate low frequency output (full power to 20 Hz). The amplifier is designed by
Avalon MultiChannel Systems with power adequate for the task. This is the first multichannel system designed holistically to create space with a phase coherent blending of
the satellites, and is ready for improvements in digital storage as we approach a purely
discrete six or more channel system.
www.avalonacoustics.com
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2 Symbol Subwoofer
Introduction
Your Avalon MultiChannel Systems loudspeakers were shipped in heavily padded
cardboard containers to ensure their safe arrival. It is recommended to save these
containers for possible future use.
At least two people are required to lift the Subwoofer from the shipping container. The
carton may also be placed on its side and the Subwoofer slid out on its back so as not to
put pressure on the grille assembly.
Positioning
The Symbol Subwoofer was designed to be placed beneath a projection screen (with
Center Channel attached). The cabinet may however be placed at the center rear or
sides of the room, depending on room limitations. It is inadvisable to place the
Subwoofer in the corners of a room unless the surround sound processor has
sophisticated filter topologies capable of compensating for the inherent room loading
problems associated with corner placement.
Connections
AC INPUT: The input voltage has been factory preset for the Country of destination.
Connect a standard IEC power cord (not supplied for International use due to varying
plug configurations). Current transfer is essential for tight control of the drivers; it is
advisable that an AC connection commensurate with a high-powered amplifier be
used.
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Signal Input
Left and right balanced and single-ended inputs are provided. Most 5.1 surround sound
processors provide a single subwoofer output connection. This may be either single
ended or balanced. Only ONE (left or right) of these connections needs to be utilized for
proper performance. Certain sophisticated installations may contain stereo subwoofer
output capabilities (e.g. when using a high-end stereo preamplifier to drive a twochannel system). In such cases, both left and right inputs of The Symbol Subwoofer
should be utilized. If single-ended connections are used, the supplied XLR dummy plugs
should be installed in order to reduce air leakage. If a single balanced input is used, a
dummy XLR connector should fill the remaining balanced input port. ALL CONNECTIONS
SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE TURNING THE UNIT ON!
Controls
Once all connections have been made, the unit is powered up with the large rocker
switch at the bottom center of the amplifier panel. Upon initial power up a transient
“pop” may be heard as the unit charges; this is normal. There are no user serviceable
parts behind the amplifier panel.
After power up the digital display signifying the master gain setting will initialize and
display the previously stored settings (see below). The gain range is variable in (.5) step
increments from (45-90). Most optimal setups will fall into a range below (70) and greater
than (65). Master gain adjustments are made by pressing either the INCREASE or
DECREASE buttons.
If you would like to MUTE the Subwoofer, depress the INCREASE and DECREASE buttons
SIMULTANEOUSLY (this function should be utilized unless the unit is to be disconnected).
This will initiate a two-step process. The first step saves the current master gain setting
and the state of the low frequency filters (CONTOUR and MODE settings). This process is
confirmed by a series of four dashes (----) shown on the numeric display. The unit will then
proceed to enter the standby mode. To “wake up” or reactivate the unit, depress the
MODE button. This will cause the previously stored values to be recalled and the unit will
be returned to an operational state.
If the mains power is interrupted by either an actuation of the mains power switch or from
an interruption of the mains power itself, upon reapplication of the mains power, the unit
will initiate its recall sequence and return the unit to the previously saved state (see
above). The single mains fuse should be replaced by one of equal value if there is a
failure. Any service beyond the replacement of the AC mains fuse should be referred to
an authorized Avalon MultiChannel Systems representative.
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3 Center Channel
Figure 3.1 – Center Channel mounting holes
Holes for mounting
Center Channel to Wall
Holes for mounting
Center Channel to Sub
Mounting
1. For mounting to Symbol Subwoofer, remove four black bolts from top surface of
subwoofer cabinet.
2. Locate Center Channel / Mounting Bracket assembly over the four mounting holes as
shown in Figure 3.1. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE CENTER CHANNEL FROM BRACKET.
3. Tighten four black bolts with 5/32 Allen wrench until snug.
4. Connect Center Channel wiring via rear terminals. BE SURE TO OBSERVE PROPER
POLARITY (+ / -).
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