Infinity Modulus 2 Owners manual

MODULUS®II

HOME THEATER SYSTEM

Owner’s Guide

ii

MODULUS II HOME THEA TER SYSTEM

Read First!

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 a 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. Use only with the cart,stand,
tripod,bracket or table specified
by the manufacturer or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is
used,use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way,such
as power-supply 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.

15. Do not use attachments not recommended by
the product manufacturer,as they may cause
hazards.

16.This product should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the marking
label.If you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your home,consult your product dealer
or local power company.For products intended to
operate from battery power,or other sources,
refer to the operating instructions.

17. If an outside antenna or cable system is
connected to the product,be sure the antenna or
cable system is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-up
static charges. Article 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides
information with regard to proper grounding of
the mast and supporting structure,grounding of
the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit,size
of grounding conductors,location of antenna­discharge unit,connection to grounding
electrodes,and requirements for the grounding
electrode.See Figure A.

18.An outside antenna system should not be
located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or
other electric light or power circuits,or where it
can fall into such power lines or circuits.When
installing an outside antenna system,extreme
care should be taken to keep from touching such
power lines or circuits,as contact with them might
be fatal.

19. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords,
or integral convenience receptacles,as this can
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

20. Never push objects of any kind into this
product through openings,as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that
could result in a fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the product.

21. Do not attempt to service this product
yourself,as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards.Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.

22.When replacement parts are required,be sure
the service technician has used replacement
parts specified by the manufacturer or that have
the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock or other hazards.

23. Upon completion of any service or repairs
to this product,ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the
product is in proper operating condition.

24.The product should be mounted to a wall
or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.

Figure A.
Example of Antenna Grounding as per
National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70

I

MPORTANTSAFETYPRECAUTIONS

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock,

do not remove cover (or back).

No user-serviceable parts inside.

Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

CAUTION: 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.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to

“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

alert the user to the presence of uninsulated

Antenna Lead-In Wire

Ground Clamp

Antenna Discharge Unit (NEC Section 810-20)

Grounding Conductors (NEC Section 810-21)

Electric Service Equipment

Ground Clamps

Power Service Grounding Electrode System
(NEC Art. 250, Part H)

iii

MODULUS II HOME THEA TER SYSTEM

Table of Contents

ii Important Safety Precautions
iv Introduction
iv Technology
iv Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragms(CMMD™)
iv Room-Friendly Acoustical Design

1 Unpacking the System
2 Planning Your System
2 Placement
5 Center and Satellite Speaker Connections
6 Subwoofer Controls
7 Subwoofer Connections
8 Operation

9 Room Adaptive Bass Optimization System™(R.A.B.O.S.™)
10 Contents of the R.A.B.O.S.Test CD
10 R.A.B.O.S.Sound-Level Meter (RSLM)
15 What You Measure,What To Do
18 Adjusting the R.A.B.O.S.Equalizer
19 Final System Balance
19 Maintenance and Service
20 Specifications
21 R.A.B.O.S.Measurement Templates

MODULUS®II HOME THEATER SYSTEM OWNER’S GUIDE

I

NTRODUCTION

The Infinity Modulus II Home Theater System is a compact,
efficient,universal satellite,center channel and subwoofer system
that is ideal for reproducing multichannel audio and home
theater sound.With their versatile design,the satellite speakers
can be placed virtually anywhere on shelves or stands, or
mounted on a wall using the supplied base.The center channel
can easily be placed on top of,or on a shelf below,the television.
The powered subwoofer delivers tremendous bass performance
from a compact,easy-to-place design.

About This Manual

To start enjoying your new Modulus II Home Theater System,read
and then follow all instructions listed in this guide,as well as
those found in the owner’s manuals of associated components in
your audio system.Save all instructions for future reference.

T

ECHNOLOGY

Modulus II loudspeakers incorporate several innovative
technologies that,when implemented by our exceptionally talented
engineers after hours upon hours of subjective listening
evaluations,result in a loudspeaker that realistically and accurately
reproduces the signal source with minimal distortion and
coloration.

CeramicMetalMatrixDiaphragms(CMMD™)

For decades,loudspeaker engineers have known that the ideal
transducer should be stiff,yet light, and have high internal
damping (damping is a material’s ability to absorb energy).
Infinity’s patented CMMD transducer is a significant advance in
transducer technology.Ceramic,a class of material new to
loudspeakers,offers better performance than other materials.
Ceramic is stiffer than metals and lighter than plastics and
typical composite materials;it also offers improved damping.
These ceramic-based transducers take us a giant step closer
to the ever-elusive “ideal transducer.”

In tweeters,CMMD technology offers stiffness and damping
superior to that of traditional metals and soft-dome materials.
In woofer and midrange applications,it offers accurate pistonic
operation over the entire frequency range of the driver,
completely eliminating coloration due to cone breakup and
dramatically reducing distortion. And when ceramic-metal-matrix
transducers are exposed to moisture,sunlight or extreme
temperatures,their performance does not deteriorate.

In addition to ceramic diaphragms,all the transducers incorporate
magnetic shielding and rigid cast-frames that,through our FEA
computer modeling and scanning-laser-vibrometer measurements,
have been optimized to reduce resonances. This ensures minimal
distortion and incomparable performance.

Room-Friendly Acoust ical Design

Driver quality is not the only requirement for exceptional
performance.Infinity’s engineers understand that the room
in which the loudspeaker is placed can greatly affect its
performance.To ensure that Modulus II loudspeakers will sound
exceptional in even the most unexceptional listening environment,
Infinity has developed the proprietary Room Adaptive Bass
Optimization System

™

(R.A.B.O.S.™).With a single band of
parametric equalization,the Modulus II subwoofer can be
adjusted to tame any problematic room-bass resonances
below 80Hz.

We hope you enjo yed this brief introduction to the technology
featured in the Modulus II Home Theater System.If you would like
to further explore Modulus II’s technology and design,please ask
your Infinity dealer for the CMMD and R.A.B.O.S.White Papers.
The White Papers can also be downloaded from Infinity’s Web site
at www.infinitysystems.com.

iv

MODULUS II HOME THEA TER SYSTEM

1

MODULUS II HOME THEA TER SYSTEM

Unpacking the System

Carefully unpack the system.If you suspect damage from
transit,report it immediately to your dealer and/or delivery
service.Keep the shipping carton and packing materials for
future use.Open the package and verify the following contents:

• (1) Modulus II Powered Subwoofer

• (1) Modulus II Center Channel Speaker

• (4) Modulus II Satellite Speakers (With Attached Base)

• (4) Modulus II Wall-Mount Brackets (Attached to Base of
Satellites)

• (1) Wall-Mount Bracket With Bubble Level for Use as Mounting
Template.

• Hex Wrench
(Located Behind Rubber Cap of Satellite Base)

• Warranty Statement

• (1) R.A.B.O.S.Kit, Containing:

Sound-Level Meter R.A.B.O.S.Test CD

Graph T emplates Bandwidth Selector

-1

-2

-3

-4

-5

-6

-7

-8

-9

-10

-11

-13

-15

-18

U-R
Batt

2

P

LANNINGYOURSYSTEM

Before deciding where to best place your speakers, survey your
room and study Figures 1 and 2.

FIGURE 1

–

In this overhead view of a typical installation,satellite
speakers are used to reproduce sound for the front and surround
channels.The center channel reproduces sound and dialogue. The
powered subwoofer provides bass for effects and music.

FIGURE 2

– This figure shows an alternative layout which may be

more suitable for some rooms.

P

LACEMENT

NOTE:The satellite speakers can be placed directly on a shelf,
or mounted on a wall using the built-in base/bracket.

Front Left and Right Channels

For front left and right channels, place one satellite to the left
and another to the right of the television,as shown in Figures 1
and 2.Since the speakers are magnetically shielded,you can
place them very close to the TV without worrying about the
magnetic field distorting the picture.

Center Channel

For the center channel,place the speaker directly on top of,
or below,your television.Use a shelf if the television does not
provide a stable platform.

Surround Channels

For surround left and right channels,place one speaker on the
left and another on the right,to the side of or behind the
listening area.

Subwoofer

Since the installation of a subwoofer can be somewhat more
complicated than installing full-range speakers,it is essential
that you read this section very carefully prior to connecting the
subwoofer to your system.Should you have questions relating to
installation,it is advisable to call either your dealer or Infinity’s
Customer Service Department for advice.

The performance of the subwoofer is directly related to its
placement in the listening room and how you align the subwoofer
with the satellite speakers.Setting the volume of the subwoofer
in relation to the left and right speakers is also critical because
it is essential that the subwoofer integrate smoothly with the
entire system.Setting the subwoofer’s volume level too high will
result in an overpowering, boomy bass. Setting the volume level
too low will negate the benefits of the subwoofer.

Here are several additional facts on installation that may prove
useful.It is generally believed that low frequencies (below
125Hz) are nondirectional and,therefore,placement of a
subwoofer within any listening room is not critical. While in
theory it is true that the larger wavelengths of extremely low
frequencies are basically nondirectional, the fact is that,when
installing a subwoofer within the limited confines of a room,
reflections,standing waves and absorptions generated within the
room will strongly influence the performance of any subwoofer
system.As a result,specific location of the subwoofer becomes
important,and we strongly recommend that you experiment with
placement before choosing a final location.Placement will
depend upon your room (for example,whether or not your room
permits placement of the subwoofer near either satellite) and
the amount and quality of bass required.

The R.A.B.O.S.guide,which begins on page 9,will also assist you
in optimizing bass response for your room.

Couch

Left
Front
Channel

Left
Surround
Channel

Right

Surround

Channel

Right
Front
Channel

Center

Channel

Infinity Subwoofer

(optional)

MODULUS II HOME THEA TER SYSTEM

Subwoofer

Left
Surround
Channel

Left

Front

Channel

Center

Channel

Couch

Right
Front
Channel

Right

Surround

Channel

3

MODULUS II HOME THEA TER SYSTEM

I

NSTALLING THESATELLITES

For Shelf Placement

1.Remove the Modulus II satellites from the box.Remove rubber
cover from the base and pullout Allen wrench.

2.Use the Allen wrench to loosen the adjustment screw (as
necessary) to allow the mounting ball on the speaker to turn
freely in the cup restraint.

NOTE: To prevent damage t o the m ounting ball, do n ot ro t a te the
speaker unles s th e adjustment screw has been l oos e ned.

3.Run speaker wires in through the rear of the base and up
through the speaker wire holes on the left and right sides of
the cup restraint (see page 5,Figure 10 for wire connections).

4.Rotate speaker on its base into the shelf placement position as
shown below.Tighten the adjustment screw with the Allen wrench
(securing the speaker in position) and replace the cover.

Adjustment
Screw

Allen Wrench
Housed
in Base

Rubber
Cover

Mounting Plate Screw

Base

Mounting Plate shown removed from Base.
The Mounting Plate is used to secure the
Modulus II to a surface in a fixed position
such as for wall-mounting or on an
uneven surface.

Speaker

Adjustment Screw

Speaker
Mounting Ball

Cup Restraint

Connector Posts

Speaker
Wire Hole

FIGURE 6

F

IGURE 5

F

IGURE 4

F

IGURE 3

For Wall-Mount ing

Note: The customer is resp o nsible for the co rrect selec ti o n a nd use
of mounting hardware (available through hardware s t o res) tha t will
ensure the proper and safe wall-mounting of the speakers.

1.Remove the Modulus II from its box.Remove rubber cover from
base and pull out Allen wrench. Use Allen wrench to remove
mounting plate screw and remove mounting plate from base.

2.Secure the mounting plate to a wall stud using (4) #8-32
wood screws with a minimum 1-1/4" length.If fastened to
wallboard with a minimum 1/2" depth,use #8 screws with
plastic inserts or anchors.Do not mount directly to wallboard
without plastic inserts or anchors designed for #8 screws.
One of the mounting plates in the Modulus II system has a
built-in bubble level.This mounting plate should be used as a
template for mounting the mounting plates that do not include
a bubble level.

2a.In cases where you would like to run the speaker wires through
the wall,the mounting plate has a center hole for wire access.

3.Run speaker wires through base as shown below.Attach base
to mounting plate by slipping the returns on underside of base
into slots on the top of the mounting plate and hinging the base
downward.Secure base by inserting and tightening mounting plate
screw.Tighten adjustment screw,fixing the speaker into position.

4.Insert the Allen wrench back into holder in base and attach
rubber cover.

4

MODULUS II HOME THEA TER SYSTEM

Adjustment
Screw

Allen Wrench
Housed
in Base

Rubber
Cover

Mounting Plate Screw

Base

Speaker

Mounting Plate

Speaker Wires

Hole in the Wall

WALL

Bubble Level

Viewed From Below

Note:

Base Has Returns

That Grab Mounting Plate

Returns on
Underside of Base

Rubber Cover

Speaker Wires

Adjustment Screw

Allen Wrench

FIGURE 7

F

IGURE 8

F

IGURE 9

#8-32 Wood
Screws (Not
Included)

5

MODULUS II HOME THEA TER SYSTEM

Turn Off All Power

After placing the speakers,you are ready to connect your
system.First,turn off all audio-system power. Use high-quality
speaker wire to make your connections.Use at least #16-gauge
speaker wire with polarity coding.The side of the wire with
a ridge or other coding is usually considered positive polarity
(i.e.,+ ).Also, consult the owner’s manuals that were included
with your amplifier or receiver to confirm connection
procedures.

Satellites

Observe polarities when making speaker connections,as shown
in Figure 10.Connect each + terminal on the back of the
amplifier or receiver to the respective + (red) terminal on each
speaker.Connect the – (black) terminals in the same way.

Important!

Do not reverse polarities (i.e.,+ to – or – to +) when making
connections.Doing so will cause poor imaging and diminished
bass response.Be certain that positive and negative wire strands
are completely isolated to avoid short circuits that
may damage your equipment.

FIGURE 10– Wiring diagram shows polarity connections for one

channel of a home theater system.

Center Channel

Observe polarities when making speaker connections,as shown
in Figure 10.Connect each + terminal on the back of the
amplifier or receiver to the respective + (red) terminal on the
speaker.Connect the – (black) terminals in the same way.

Important!

Do not reverse p o l a rities (i.e., + to – or – to +) when making
connections.Be certain that positive and negative wire strands
are completely isolated to avoid short circuits that may damage
your equipment.

FIGURE 11

–

The satellites and center channel speaker feature
terminals that can be connected in several different ways; e.g.,
banana plugs,spade terminals and direct wiring (as shown here).

C

ENTER ANDSATELLITESPEAKERCONNECTIONS