Boston Acoustics XB6 User Manual
XB6
XB8
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.
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
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8.
9.
10.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by
12.
13.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
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.
Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
fr
om the apparatus.
the manufacturer.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning stor
or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all ser
Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way
ply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
vicing to qualified ser
vice personnel.
, such as power
ms
-sup-
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.
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
in
15. No naked flame sources, such as lighted
16. The apparatus shall not be exposed to drip-
17. Either the power inlet connector on the rear of
18. To completely disconnect this apparatus from
19. The mains plug of the power supply cor
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.
candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
ping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the
apparatus.
the apparatus or the power plug at the wall
must remain accessible, to be able to disconnect power from the apparatus.
the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply
cor
d plug from the AC receptacle.
remain readily operable.
d shall
2
Specifications*
XB8 XB6
Frequency Response (±3dB) 26–150Hz 29–150Hz
Subwoofer Amplifier Power 900 watts dynamic power output 625 watts dynamic power output
FTC Rated Power: 300 watts @ 50 Hz FTC Rated Power: 200 watts @ 50 Hz
into 4 ohms at less than 1% THD+N
Subwoofer Crossover 50–150Hz 50–150Hz
24dB/octave low-pass 24dB/octave low-pass
LFE Input Yes Yes
Crossover Bypass Yes Yes
Bass Unit 12" (305mm) DCD 12" (305mm) DCD
Enclosure Type Ported, Front Firing Ported, Front Firing
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)
rear connectors)
into 4 ohms at less than 1% THD+N
(350 x 395 x 354mm)
Weight 31 lbs (14.1kg) 28 lbs (12.7kg)
*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
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 pr
from being easily localized by ear, increasing placement flexibility. A crossover bypass function is provided for use
with home theater electr
Because of their high-power
essive deep bass and high output from remarkably compact enclosures. In addition, they feature BassTrac
impr
onics that perform their own bass management.
ed amplifiers and computer
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.
Design (DCD) bass unit designed in Boston’s state-of-the-art
events the subwoofers
-optimized tunings, the XB6 and XB8 are capable of
®
,
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:
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
out the high frequencies and sends the remaining low frequencies to the subwoofer power amplifier.
Speaker level:
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.
Power is always supplied to the subwoofer electronics unless it is unplugged or switched to the off position
“use crossover control” input, the subwoofer’s circuitry filters
Use these high-level terminals with receivers that do not have subwoofer output. The speaker inputs
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:
the speaker
To prevent electrical shock hazard, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when making connections to
.
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
e is smooth. Connect this side
the wir
to the – (black) connection. The other
side has a rib or stripe. Connect this to
ed) connection.
+ (r
the
of
Using the five-way binding posts:
The binding posts permit easy connection to banana plugs, spade lugs, and
3
bare wire. Insert the wire in the hole (as shown on left) or a
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).
/8-inch spade lug
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
CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord
before replacing fuse. For continued
protection against risk of fire, replace only
with same type fuse.
ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de
remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de
rechange de même type.
* 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.
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer;
use with sources having built-in crossover
controls or bass management (most products
with Dolby Digital or DTS).
T 2.5A L 250V
on
off
power
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
left right
speaker level in
50
80 120
150
crossover (Hz)
power indicator
0 º
180º
polarity
use
crossover
control *
bypass
crossover
control **
line level in
p
ower mode
on
auto
P
owered Subwoofer
Featuring BassTrac
®
XB6
Use only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
Use only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
RL RR
FRONT A
LL
SURROUNDFRONT B CENTER
SPEAKERSYSTEMS
FRONTA OR B, CENTER, SURR, SURR BACK
:MINIMUM
6OHMS
FRONTA AND B : MINIMUM 8 OHMS
Connecting the Subwoofer to Digital Home Theater Systems
P
owered Subwoofer
Featuring BassTrac
®
XB6
CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord
before replacing fuse. For continued
protection against risk of fire, replace only
w
ith same type fuse.
ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de
remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de
rechange de même type.
*
use crossover control: removes high
frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable
f
iltering (most products without Dolby Digital
or DTS), or where manual control is desired.
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer;
u
se with sources having built-in crossover
controls or bass management (most products
w
ith Dolby Digital or DTS).
on
o
ff
p
ower
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
A
VIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
l
eft right
speaker level in
50
80 120
1
50
crossover (Hz)
power indicator
0 º
180º
polarity
u
se
crossover
control *
b
ypass
c
rossover
control **
l
ine level in
p
ower mode
on
auto
U
se only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
T
2.5A L 250V
Digital 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 home theater electronics dedicate one channel (the “.1”) to reproduce the special low-frequency (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”.
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.
Be sur
ed) and
(r
e to connect
– to – (black).
+ to +
5
speakers
right
front
left
to main speakers
back of receiver
Powered Subwoofer
F
eaturing BassTrac
®
XB6
CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord
b
efore replacing fuse. For continued
p
rotection against risk of fire, replace only
w
ith same type fuse.
A
TTENTION: Debrancher avant de
r
emplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de
r
echange de même type.
* use crossover control: removes high
frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable
f
iltering (most products without Dolby Digital
or DTS), or where manual control is desired.
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer;
use with sources having built-in crossover
c
ontrols or bass management (most products
with Dolby Digital or DTS).
T 2.5A L 250V
on
off
p
ower
CAUTION
R
ISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
l
eft right
speaker level in
5
0
80 120
1
50
c
rossover (Hz)
p
ower indicator
0º
1
80º
p
olarity
u
se
c
rossover
c
ontrol *
b
ypass
crossover
c
ontrol **
l
ine level in
p
ower mode
on
a
uto
Use only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
Use only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
Connecting the Subwoofer to Stereo or Dolby®Pro Logic®Systems
50
80 120
150
crossover (Hz)
0 º
180 º
polarity
on
off
power
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 con-
trol.” 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.
back of receiver
Controls
Main power switch
Completely turns all
power to the amplifier
either
rides the
switch. This switch must
be turned on before
setting the power mode
switch (see next page).
on or offand over
power mode
Volume (on top panel)
Adjusts the sound level of
the subwoofer. A typical set-
-
ting is around 11 o’clock, as
shown.
ossover (Hz)
Cr
Adjusts the frequency of
the lowpass filter for the
subwoofer. This control is
inactive when using the
“bypass cr
input jack.
6
ossover contr
subwoofer out
Polarity (0° or 180°)
Selects r
egular (0°) or inverted
(180°) polarity for the subwoofer. Set this switch to provide the fullest, most dynamic
ol”
bass. The effect of phase will
be most audible on low-frequency per
cussion instr
or music with a continuously
epeating bass line.
r
uments
M
E
N
U
/
E
N
T
E
R
I
N
P
U
T
S
E
L
E
C
T
D
O
W
N
U
P
L
E
F
T/
-
R
I
G
H
T/
+
/
E
X
I
T
V
O
L
U
M
E
PO
W
ER
/ST
A
N
DB
Y
on
auto
on
auto
Controls (Continued)
power indicator
off
on
auto
ower indicator:This two-
P
color power status light will be
red when the Power Mode
Switch is set to
any audio signal present) and
green when set to “on” mode.
“auto” (without
Power mode switch
ote:The Main Power Switch needs to be in the “on”position before this switch is
N
active.
Auto:
When set to this position, the subwoofer’s auto-on
circuitry turns the amplifier on when an audio signal is
presented (turning the
“power indicator” light green), and
turns it off in approximately 15 minutes if no signal is detected (turning the
“power indicator” red).
It will not light up at all until
the Main Power switch is set
“on” position.
to the
On: When set to this position, the subwoofer’s auto-on
circuitry is bypassed and the amplifier will remain on
whether an audio signal is present or not (the “power
indicator”
light stays green).
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
7
If Speaker Wire Connections Cause the Subwoofer to Hum
50
80 120
150
crossover (Hz)
u
se
crossover
control *
bypass
crossover
control **
line level in
A
UDIO
AUDI
O
AUDIO
AUDIO
VIDEO
VIDEO
VIDEO
VIDEO
S VIDEO
S VIDEO
V
-AUX
V
-AUX
IN
IN
VCR
VCR
O
UT
O
UT
D-TV
D-TV
/CBL
/CBL
DVD
DVD
S
VIDEO
S
VIDEO
VIDEO
VIDEO
SUB
SUB
WOOFER
WOOFER
M
ONITOR OUT
M
ONITOR OUT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
M
ONITOR
M
ONITOR
O
UT
O
UT
D
-TV
D
-TV
/CBL
/CBL
DVD
DVD
C
D
C
D
F
M
F
M
ANT
ANT
IN
IN
(PLAY)
(PLAY)
M
D
M
D
/
CD-R
/
CD-R
O
UT
O
UT
(REC)
(REC)
7575ΩΩ
U
NBAL.
U
NBAL.
TUNER
TUNER
C
OMPONENT VIDEO
C
OMPONENT VIDEO
DIGITAL
DIGITAL
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
DIGITAL
DIGITAL
I
NPUT
I
NPUT
6 CH INPUT
6 CH INPUT
CD
CD
COAXIAL
COAXIAL
R
R
L
L
R
R
L
L
M
AIN
M
AIN
S
UB
S
UB
WOOFER
WOOFER
D
VD
D
VD
M
D/CD-R
M
D/CD-R
M
D/CD-R
M
D/CD-R
OPTICAL
OPTICAL
O
PTICAL
O
PTICAL
D-TV/CBL
D-TV/CBL
Y
Y
P
P
B
B
/
C
/
C
B
B
P
P
R
R
/C
/C
R
R
S
URROUNDSURROUND
C
ENTER
C
ENTER
AM
AM
A
NT
A
NT
GND
GND
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
single conductor (-) RCA to (-) RCA ground cable
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
.
back of subwoofer
back of receiver
use any
available
RCA jack
If Service Seems Necessary
First, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the XB6 or XB8. If that is not possible, write to:
Customer Service
Boston Acoustics, Inc.
300 Jubilee Drive
Or visit our web site at:
www.bostonacoustics.com
Or email us at:
custserv@bostona.com
Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.
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 nor
our responsibilities are to use the system according to the instructions supplied, to provide safe and secure
Y
transpor
tation to an authorized Boston Acoustics ser
form of your sales slip when requesting service.
Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, improper installation, accidents, shipping, or
epairs/modifications by anyone other than an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative. This warranty is
r
limited to the Boston Acoustics pr
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.
mal use of the subwoofer, without charge for parts and labor.
epresentative, and to present proof of purchase in the
vice r
oduct and does not cover damage to any associated equipment. This war
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.
ranty
142-002501-0
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