3
Standard accessories
DALI Helicon fl oor standing loudspeakers comes with 4 spikes for fi tting beneath
the speaker. It is extremely important that these spikes are fi tted correctly to
ensure speaker stability. Remember to tighten the lock nut well once you have
adjusted the height of the four spikes.
Running - in
Like any other mechanical system, a speaker needs to be "run in", so you can
look forward to a gradual improvement in sound quality over the initial period.
Unlike other mechanical systems, a DALI speaker does not wear out - in fact,
regular use will extend its lifetime.
Generally we recommend the use of
spikes without foundation
Installing spikes on a soft surface Installing spikes
on a hard surface
Spike
Contra nut
Foundation
Installation of spikes Screw bushes
integrated in the
plinth
4
Positioning of HELICON 400
Once you have connected your new Helicon speakers, you need to begin the
process of searching for the perfect location for the speakers in relation to your
listening position - and adjusting the surround
amplifi er, if applicable. It is worth spending a
little time experimenting, as the correct set-up
and tuning will provide a signifi cantly better
sound experience. Here are some useful pieces
of advice:
Avoid placing objects between the speakers and
your listening position, as obstructions can cause
incorrect tonal balance.
Try to ensure that the distance between the left
and right speakers is equal to the distance from
your listening position to the speakers.
DALI Helicon has been designed using the Linear
Directivity principle, which means that the tonal
balance will be perfect, even if your listening
position is not quite central. It is not necessary to
angle the front speakers towards your listening
position, unless the front speakers are very far
apart.
Listening position
Min. 25 cm
5
The listening room
Every room has its own distinctive acoustics, which influence the way we experience the sound from a speaker. In actual fact, it's a matter of how the room
accommodates the sound and then dissipates it. You can influence the acoustics
of your listening room in various ways.
Some of the sound you hear comes not from the actual speakers but from reflections from floor, ceiling and walls. These reflections are dampened by objects such
as furniture, plants and carpets. If the sound is bright, soft items such as curtains
and carpets can help. If the room has large window panes, drawing the curtains
will prevent reflections from the glass surfaces.
Both the amount and quality of the deep bass depend on the size and shape of
the room and the position of the speakers. If positioned near a side or back wall,
this will accentuate the bass. A corner location will accentuate it even more, but
will also increase the reflections. The decision is yours, so experiment with different positions to find which provides the ideal sound for you.
As a general guide, avoid large, hard reflective surfaces immediately around the
speakers, as these will act as a "phantom speaker" and ruin the spatial perspective of the sound image. Try placing a wall hanging behind the speakers, laying a
rug in front or placing a large plant at the side - it's surprising how much this can
affect the precision of the sound image.
Once you are happy with the positioning of your speakers, it is
important to ensure that they are completely stable. For floor
models it is essential that you use the accompanying spikes.
6
Connection
The connection to your amplifi er is extremely important for your sound
experience. Always turn off your amplifi er before connecting any cables or
altering any connections.
Always use cables of the same type and length for left and
right speakers. We recommend using special speaker cables
from DALI, available from your dealer.
For the perfect sound experience, the right speaker must be
connected to the output terminal marked "R" or "Right" on
your amplifi er and the left speaker to the terminal marked
"L" or "Left".
A detail that is often overlooked is connection in correct
phase, i.e. the red terminal (+) on the amplifi er should be
connected to the red terminal (+) on the speaker, and the
black terminal (-) on the amplifi er should be connected to
the black terminal (-) on the speaker. If just one speaker in a
stereo or surround sound system is not connected in phase,
the bass will be weak and the overall sound will be diffuse.
The same guidelines apply irrespective of the number of
speakers in your sound system: speakers positioned to the
right must be connected to the amplifi er output terminal
marked "R" or "Right", and any to the left must be connected to "L" or "Left".
You must ensure that the cable ends are fi rmly pushed into
the terminals, and that there are no loose wires, which could
cause a short circuit and damage the amplifi er.
Fig. 2. Terminal connection
7
We recommend DALI Silver Wave Four for bi-wiring.
Bi-wiring and Bi-amping
Bi-wiring or bi-amping improves the sound quality signifi cantly and is highly
recommended. Bi-wiring provides greater openness in the sound image and
reduces distortion. Bi-amping provides even greater openness in the sound image
and expanded dynamic range.
Bi-wiring
The top terminal pair are connected to the high frequency section of the crossover
network, and the bottom terminal pair are connected to the bass section of
the crossover network. When employing bi-wiring or bi-amping, the metal links
between the terminals should be removed.
In the case of bi-wiring, the speaker cable is connected via a terminal pair on each speaker to the
respective output terminals on the amplifi er - and
then the cable from the speaker's other terminal pair
is connected to the same output terminals on the
amplifi er (Fig. 3).
Bi-amping
We recommend using identical stereo amplifi ers. One
amplifi er supplies the speakers with the signal for
the high frequency section of the crossover network,
and the other amplifi er supplies the bass section.
The left speaker's bass terminals (the bottom ones)
should be connected to the left channel on one of
the amplifi ers, and the right speaker's bass terminals
to the right channel on the same amplifi er. The same
principle should be followed for connecting the high
frequency terminals of the speakers (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3. Bi-wiring
Fig. 4. Bi-amping
8
Connection of S600 subwoofer
When using the Helicon S600 subwoofer with active crossover and built-in power
amplifier in your stereo or surround system, there are several connection options.
If in doubt about these connections, please consult your dealer. Regardless of
connection method, we recommend the use of high-quality cables, such as DALI
Wave 5000.
Connecting to a stereo signal with full frequency range
If you want to connect the subwoofer directly to a preamp without built-in cross-
over network of high quality, we recommend that you connect the subwoofer
inputs „LINE IN - LEFT/RIGHT” to a full-range signal from a normal preamplifier
output. This way, the built-in crossover network of the subwoofer takes care of
filtering the signal, resulting in the subwoofer exclusively reproducing the lowest
notes of the signal.
When the subwoofer inputs „LINE IN
- LEFT/RIGHT” are fed a full-frequency
stereo signal, it is possible to tap a high-
pass filtered signal from the „LINE OUT
- LEFT/RIGHT” sockets. This means that
the low frequencies, which will be handled
by the subwoofer, have been filtered out.
The high-pass filtered signal is then fed to
the power amplifier that drives the main
speakers, resulting in these speakers no
longer having to handle the demanding
low frequencies, which in turn means
enhanced clarity from the main speakers.
Connec ting to a stereo sig nal with f ull frequency range
LINE IN
POWER AMPLIFIER
LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUT
PRE-AMPLIFIER
LINE OUTPUT
9
Connecting to a mono signal with full frequency range
If you want to connect the subwoofer to just one channel, for instance when
using two units in a stereo set-up, and if you still want to utilize the built-in
crossover network of the subwoofer to divide the signal as described in the
section concerning connection to a stereo
signal, the subwoofer input „LINE IN
- LEFT” should be used. As with the stereo
connection, the built-in crossover networks
of the subwoofer split the audio signal,
resulting in the subwoofer exclusively
reproducing the low frequencies. From the
output socket „LINE OUT - LEFT” a high-
pass filtered signal may be tapped, as when
using a stereo connection. Please note that
there is no signal available on the „LINE
OUT - RIGHT” socket.
Connecting to a low-pass filtered mono signal
If you want to use the subwoofer with a surround amplifier or other sound equip-
ment giving access to a filtered mono output for subwoofer use, it is advanta-
geous to connect this signal to the subwoofer´s input marked „LFE”. When the
subwoofer is connected via „LFE“, the signal bypasses the crossover network
and goes directly to the amplifier, meaning
also that there is no signal available at the
output „LINE OUT”. Any adjustment of the
crossover frequency takes place elsewhere
in the system, and the manual for the
relevant unit should be complied with.
When using the input socket „LFE”, the
level and phase controls of the S600 are
still active, and these should be adjusted
as recommended in the section concerning
adjustments.
Connec ting to a low-pas s filtered mono sig nal
Connec ting to a mono signal with full frequency range
LINE IN
POWER AMPLIFIER
LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUT
PRE-AMPLIFIER
LINE OUTPUT
PRE-/SURROUND
AMPLIFIER
SUB OUTPUT
LINE IN
POWER AMPLIFIER
LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUT
10
Adjustment of S600 subwoofer
When you have decided upon which method of connection you want and
positioned the subwoofer, you can commence the exciting process of tuning the
system. Please note that positioning the subwoofer will have a lot of influence on
its contribution to the overall sound. If for example, the S600 is positioned in a
corner, the bass will be much heavier than if it is positioned midway between two
corners. If using the S600 in conjunction with the C200 center loudspeaker, the
S600 should be positioned so that the C200 can stand on top of the S600.
The following tuning methods are recommended to achieve the best results. Use
a piece of music you know well, and that preferably includes rhythmic bass such
as kettle drums, bass guitar etc.
Start with "Volume" and "Crossover" in
the middle of the dial (12 o’clock). Turn
the "Phase" switch to position 180°, and
"Power" to the "ON" position.
Level adjustment
Adjust the volume of the S600 so that the bass matches the level of the front
speakers. You should be able to appreciate the S600's contribution to the sound,
without it ever being over-powering. Bass must be tight and accurate, so that the
subwoofer reproduces the exact amount of bass present in the music/soundtrack,
no more and no less. If installing the S600 in a surround system, it is practical to
select a fixed level on the S600 and adjust subwoofer output using the surround
amplifier's set-up function. If bass levels are set too high, distortion will reduce
the quality of your listening experience. Please note that the position of the
subwoofer will have major influence on its sonic contribution.
11
Adjusting the crossover frequency
Once the volume level is fi nalised, you can start on the equally important adjust-
ment of the overlap between the front loudspeakers and the S600. To do so,
adjust up and down using "Crossover" until you can hear that the bass is even
and with no drop-out. You may have to adjust the volume again.
Setting phase
Try both settings – if necessary combined with new adjustment of volume and
crossover frequency. In any event, it is a good idea to listen to the system for
a few days before making any fi nal adjustments. Using the same setting for
surround and 2-channel stereo does not always achieve the best results. It is
therefore a good idea to note the setup you prefer for surround and stereo.
Selecting Auto function
The "Auto" function puts the S600 into stand-by after approx. 10 minutes with
no signal received at the input. When S600 receives a signal once more, the
subwoofer’s amplifi er starts up automatically.
The "Power" button is the main on/off switch. We recommend switching off the
system when it is not to be used for long periods. When connecting or changing
connections, always disconnect the mains electricity.
Overloading
If the S600 is seriously overloaded, the built-in safety circuit will cut the power
off. If this occurs, turn the system down and the S600 will automatically come
on-line again after a short period.
The built-in safety circuit is not a
guarantee against damage as a
result of overloading, which is why
the recommendations ref. sound
pressure etc., to be found on page
14 should be followed.
12
Wall-mounting the Helicon W200
The Helicon W200 is designed to hang on a wall. The special adjustable fittings
ensure perfect stability and discreet mounting. The loudspeaker cables can be
concealed in the countersunk channels on the back. The wall brackets MUST
be fitted with rawlplugs suitable for the wall material. The brackets must be
mounted absolutely horizontal.
The bracket must be screwed firmly in place. We recommend using
a spirit level to ensure the bracket will be mounted absolutely
level.
The enclosed bushing is mounted on the pin in the middle of the
bracket.
The two side-screws are inserted
so that there is approx. 14 mm
between the bracket and the lower
lip of the screw head.
14 mm
13
High level wall mounting of the Helicon W200
Mounting the Helicon W200 close to the ceiling is done without the use of the
bushing and adjustment screws. Rubber bumpers are fitted to the wall bracket
instead, as can be seen in the photo. The loudspeaker is then suspended over the
bracket and secured using the vertical pin in the middle of the bracket.
The hook bracket on the back of the loudspeak-
er fits over the wall bracket.
Carefully position the loudspeaker over the wall
bracket so that all the screw heads match up to
the holes in the loudspeaker cabinet.
Tighten the screws using the enclosed Allen key.
Minor unevenness can be compensated at this
stage. We recommend re-tightening all screws
after approx. 14 days.
14
Power and acoustic pressure
How loud a speaker is able to play and still sound good is completely dependent
on the signal it has to reproduce. So, in practice, you cannot define an unequivocal
level for use in comparing different speakers.
Obviously, lots of pure, undistorted output from a large amplifier is better than
a distorted signal from a small amplifier stretched beyond its capacity. The
signal from a distorting (clipping) amplifier contains much more high-frequency
information than an undistorted signal, and therefore puts a heavy strain on the
high-frequency driver. Consequently, speakers are most often damaged by small
amplifiers having to work too hard - and very rarely by large amplifiers, which are
practically running idle.
It is worth noting that when the tone controls are turned above the neutral setting
this significantly burdens both speakers and amplifier. In a good sound system
tone controls should only be used to compensate for poor recordings and not to
permanently compensate for weaknesses elsewhere in the system. So, DALI recommends that the tone controls generally be set to the neutral position, and you
achieve your desired sound image through correct positioning of the speakers.
Ensuring that you keep the volume low enough so the sound remains clear and
undistorted will minimise the strain on both speakers and amplifier.
15
DALI - more than meets the eye
Your DALI speakers have been designed on the basis of a long succession of
technical solutions based on many years' intensive development work. Most of
this is not seen - but it can be heard and experienced, including:
Even frequency response ensures that your DALI speakers reproduce all tones
and kinds of music faithfully and without emphasis.
Sound distribution and correct timing are among DALI's specialities, as all
DALI speakers are designed for optimum performance in a real home environment and not just in a specially-constructed listening room. The perfect timing in
the sound reproduction ensures that a light beat on a snare drum, for example, is
reproduced as the light, sharp tap that it really is - without the drums filling and
muddying the sound image.
Extremely low loss in movable parts and linear impedance means that the
speakers can reproduce very fine details, even at low sound levels, and that DALI
speakers will load your amplifier very evenly, and the sound will therefore not be
"strained".
Internal cables and crossover networks are an important but frequentlyoverlooked point. The internal cables in your DALI speakers are our own Cordial
cables, and the crossover networks, as with the rest of the speaker, have been
assembled by hand using top-quality components.
The loudspeaker units in your DALI speakers have been developed based on
our ultimate sound requirements. This ensures that the most delicate details, such
as a harp string or a puff of air, will be reproduced just as convincingly as the
powerful sound of a car door slamming, etc.
At DALI the cabinet is both a piece of furniture and the speaker's sound base,
and is therefore constructed from acoustically-correct materials. As with all the
other components, the cabinets undergo a rigorous final inspection, guaranteeing
that only perfect speakers leave the DALI factory.
16
Maintenance
Clean the cabinets with a soft, dry cloth. If the cabinets are dirty, wipe with a soft
cloth dipped in all-purpose cleaner and then well wrung out. Be very careful when
wiping the speaker membranes, as they are very fragile. Fabric frameworks can
be vacuumed and wiped with a well-wrung, lint-free cloth and mild all-purpose
cleaner
DALI - quality in all aspects
We wish to congratulate you once again on your investment, and to inform you
that your authorised Helicon agent will be happy to provide you with advice on
both connection and adjustment of your stereo/surround equipment. Finally we
would like to invite you to visit our website - www.dali.dk - where you can read
more about the Helicon range, including the implemented technology behind the
series, other aspects of quality and the stunning story of DALI.
Specifications
There are countless methods for evaluating speakers. However, none of them
actually represent how a speaker really sounds. It is up to the individual to decide
whether one speaker sounds better than another. So we only give you the specifi-
cations that are of real value to you. The DALI Helicon range has been designed to
reproduce music as honestly as possible - and we know we have succeeded. Enjoy
your new speakers!
17
HELICON C200
Center Spe aker
HELICON W200
Wall Speaker
HELICON S600
Active Subwoof er
Frequency Range +/- 3dB (Hz) 49 – 27000 41 - 27000 25 - 175
Crossover Frequencies (Hz) 2800 / 13000 3000 / 1300 0 45 - 120
Sensitivity (2.83 V/1m) 90.0 89.0 -
Nominal Impedance (Ohm) 4.0 4.0 20 kOhm
Minimum Impedance ( Ohm) 3.8 4.0 20 kOhm
Maximum SPL (dB) 111 108 117
Recommended amp. power 40 - 250 30 – 150 -
Amplifier - -
300 (RMS)
600 (Peak)
Terminal Dual Dual Phono
High Frequency Drivers
1 x 25mm soft dome
1 x 10 x 55mm ribbon
1 x 25mm soft dome
1 x 10 x 55mm ribbon
-
Midrange drivers - - -
Low Frequency Drivers 2 x 6½” 1 x 6½” 2 x 12" Long Throw
Bass Reflex System Resonance (Hz) 36 - -
Dimensions (HxWxD) (inch) 8.27 x 25.59 x 17.13 17.80 x 12.83 x 8.13 25.28 x 16.54 x 16.34
Weight (lb) 40.5 20.9 88.1
HELICON 800
Main Spea ker
HELICON 400
Main Spea ker
HELICON 300
Compact sp eaker
Frequency Range +/- 3dB (Hz) 31 - 27000 31.5 – 27000 37 – 27000
Crossover Frequencies (Hz) 580 / 3000 / 13000 (700) / 3000 / (13500) 3400 / 13000
Sensitivity (2.83 V/1m) 89.5 dB 88.0 86.0
Nominal Impedance (Ohm) 4.0 4.0 4.0
Minimum Impedance ( Ohm) 3.6 3.7 4.3
Maximum SPL (dB) 113 111 108
Recommended amp. power 50 – 400 50 – 300 50 - 200
Terminal Dual Dual Dual
High Frequency Drivers
1 x 25mm soft dome
1 x 10 x 55mm ribbon
1 x 25mm soft dome
1 x 10 x 55mm ribbon
1 x 25mm soft dome
1 x 10 x 55mm ribbon
Midrange drivers 1 x 6½” - -
Low Frequency Drivers 2 x 8” 2 x 6½” 1 x 6½”
Bass Reflex System Resonance (Hz) 28.5 32.0 34.5
Distance From Wall (cm) > 25 > 25 > 25
Dimensions (HxWxD) (inch) 44.33 x 10.04 x 19.41 40.39 x 8.62 x 17.99 17.13 x 8.19 x 14.02
Weight (lb) 90.1 69.7 21.6
18
The lightning flash within an e quilat eral
triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulated „dangerous voltage“
within the product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute an electric
shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
tria ngle is intended to alert you to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
RISK OF E LECT RIC SHO CK
DO NOT OP EN
CAUTION : RISK OF EL ECTR IC SHOC K DO NOT OPE N
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE BACK PANEL.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is
operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near water - for example, near a bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool and the like.
6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand if recommended by the
manufacturer.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended
by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with
proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar
surface that may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase
or cabinet, that mayimpede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.
10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in
the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
11. Power Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked
on or pinched by items placed on or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from appliance.
12. Cleaning - Do not use any liquid cleaners. Use only a dry cloth to wipe off dust and grease.
13. Non-use Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left
unused for a long period of time.
14. Object and Liguid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled
into the enclosure through openings.
15. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced by qualified personnel when:
a) The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
b) Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
c) The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
d) The appliance does not appear to operate normally, or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
e) The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
16. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the opera ting instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
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