Infinity Modulus Satellite Owners manual

Owner’s Guide

MODULUS®SYSTEM

MODULUS

HCS HOME CINEMA SYSTEM

3

MODULUS

3 Table of Contents

4 Important Safety Precautions

5 Introduction

5 Modulus Technology

6 Planning Your System

6 Placement

7 Installing the Satellites: Shelf Placement

8 Installing the Satellites:Wall-Mounting

9 Center and Satellite Speaker Connections

10 Installing the Modulus Subwoofer

11 Subwoofer Placement

12 Speaker-Level Subwoofer Connection

13 Line-Level Subwoofer Connection

14 Operation

15 Care + Acoustic Feedback + Troubleshooting

16 Specifications

Table of Contents

M

ODULUS OWNER’S GUIDE

Declaration of Conformity

We, Harman Consumer Internatonal

2, route de Tours
72500 Château-du-Loir
FRANCE

declare in own responsibility, that the product described

in this owner’s manual is in compliance with technical

standards:

EN 50081-1:1992

EN 50082-1:1992

R. Marshall

Harman Consumer International

FRANCE 11/01

4

M

ODULUS

I

MPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Read First!

1. Read Instructions. All the safety and

operating instructions should be read before
the product is operated.

2. Retain Instructions.The safety and
operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.

3. Heed Warnings. All warnings on the product
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions. All operating and use
instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning. Unplug this product from the wall
outlet before cleaning.Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp
cloth for cleaning.

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

7.Water and Moisture.To reduce the risk of
fire or electric shock,do not use this product
outdoors or near water–for example,near a
vase, bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or
laundry tub; in a wet basement;near a
swimming pool; or the like.

8.Accessories.Do not place this product on an
unstable cart, stand,tripod,bracket or table.
The product may fall,causing serious injury to
a child or adult, and serious damage to the
product. Use only with a cart, stand,tripod,
bracket or table recommended by the
manufacturer,or sold with the product.Any
mounting of the product should follow the
manufacturer’s instructions,and should use a
mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer.

9.A Product and Cart Combination. Should Be
Moved with Care. Quick stops, excessive force
and uneven surfaces may cause the product
and cart combination to overturn.

10.Ventilation. Heatsinks in the cabinet are
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to protect it from
overheating. Heatsinks must not be blocked or
covered.Heatsinks should never be blocked by
placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug or
other similar surface.This product should not
be placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or rack, unless proper ventilation is
provided or the manufacturer’s instructions
have been adhered to.

11. Power Sources.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.

12. Power-Cord Protection. Power-supply
cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles,and the point where they exit from
the product.

13. Nonuse Periods. The power cord of the
product should be unplugged from the outlet
when left unused for long periods of time.

14. Lightning. For added protection for this
product during a lightning storm, or when it is
left unattended and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna or cable system.This
will prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power-line surges.

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

16. Object and Liquid Entry. 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.

17. Servicing. 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.

18. Damage Requiring Service. Unplug this
product from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under
the following conditions:
a.The power-supply cord or the plug has been
damaged; or
b. Objects have fallen onto,or liquid has been
spilled into, the product; or
c.The product has been exposed to rain or
water; or
d.The product does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions.Adjust
only those controls that are covered by the
operating instructions,as an improper
adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work
by a qualified technician to restore the
product to its normal operation; or
e.The product has been dropped or damaged
in any way; or
f.The product exhibits a distinct change in
performance; this indicates a need for
service.

19. Replacement Parts. 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.

20. Safety Check.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.

21.Wall or Ceiling Mounting.The product
should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as
recommended by the manufacturer.

22. Heat. The product should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers,stoves or other products (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.

5

MODULUS

This owner's manual describes the installation and operation of
two Infinity Modulus products.

The Infinity Modulus System consists of four efficient,universal
satellites and a voice-matched, dedicated center channel
loudspeaker.

With their versatile design,the satellite speakers can be placed
virtually anywhere on shelves or stands, or mounted on a wall or
ceiling using the supplied base.The center channel can easily be
placed on top of,or on a shelf below,the television.

The Infinity Modulus HCS Home Cinema System includes all of the
above with the addition of the Infinity Modulus subwoofer.The
Modulus powered subwoofer delivers tremendous bass
performance from a compact, easy-to-place design.

About This Manual

To start enjoying your new Modulus System or Modulus HCS, 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.

Modulus 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.

Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragms™(C.M.M.D.)

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 C.M.M.D. 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, C.M.M.D. 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,the transducers in Modulus
satellite and center channel speakers incorporate full magnetic
shielding to allow use in close proximity to tv receivers and video
monitors.

TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

Before deciding where to best place your speakers, survey your
room and study 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
dialog.The powered subwoofer (Modulus HCS only) provides
extended bass for effects and music.

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

CAUTION: The rubber feet can under certain conditions smudge or
discolor light colored and delicate surfaces.Please place a
protective mat or coaster under the rubber feet to prevent
marking or discoloration.

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 Figure 1.
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 sides of or behind the
listening area.

Subwoofer (Modulus HCS only)

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 your Infinity dealer 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 of critical
importance 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
non-directional, 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.

6

M

ODULUS

PLANNING YOUR SYSTEM

(Modulus HCS only)

FIGURE 1

PLACEMENT

For Shelf Placement

1. Remove the Modulus satellites from the box. Remove rubber
cover from the base and pull out 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.

3. Run the 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 9,Figure 9 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.

7

MODULUS

INSTALLING THE SATELLITES

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 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

I

NSTALLING THE SATELLITES

8

M

ODULUS

For Wall-Mounting

Note: The customer is responsible for the correct selection
and use of mounting hardware (available through hardware
stores) that will ensure the proper and safe wall-mounting of
the speakers.

1. Remove the Modulus from its box. Remove rubber cover from
the 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 screws with a
minimum 30 mm length. If fastened to sheetrock or wallboard with
a minimum 12 mm depth, use screws with plastic inserts or
anchors.Do not mount directly to sheetrock or wallboard without
plastic inserts or anchors. One of the mounting plates in the
Modulus system has a built-in bubble level for leveling while
securing to the wall.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 the speaker wires through the base as shown below.Attach
base to mounting plate by slipping the returns on the 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 in
position.

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

Viewed from below

Note:

Base has returns

that grab Mounting Plate

Returns on
underside of Base

Rubber Cover

Speaker Wires

Adjustment Screw

Allen Wrench

Speaker Wires

Hole in the wall

WALL

Bubble Level

FIGURE 7

Wood screws
(not included)

FIGURE 8

Adjustment
Screw

Allen Wrench
housed
in Base

Rubber
Cover

Mounting Plate Screw

Base

Speaker

Mounting Plate

FIGURE

6

9

MODULUS

C

ENTER ANDSATELLITESPEAKERCONNECTIONS

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 1.3 mm diameter
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.

Connection

Observe polarities when making speaker connections,as shown in
Figures 9 and 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.

– Wiring diagram shows polarity connections for one
channel of a home-theater system.

– 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).

Modulus System owners

If you are installing the Infinity Modulus System (no subwoofer),your
installation is now complete.You need read no further in this manual. Enjoy.

Modulus HCS owners

If you are installing the Infinity Modulus HCS with the Modulus subwoofer,
please continue reading this manual for installation and operation of the
subwoofer.

FIGURE

9

F

IGURE 10

10

M

ODULUS

The rear panel metal plate acts as a heatsink for the subwoofer’s
internal amplifier.There should be at least 10 cm of free space
around the heatsink for air circulation.Do not place pillows or
other objects against it.

We recommend placing the subwoofer at least 2 to 3 feet away
from a television or a computer’s disc-drive system to prevent
smearing the colors of the TV picture or erasing of the magnetic
drive.

Placement will depend upon your room and the amount and quality
of bass required (for example, whether or not your room permits
placement of the subwoofer near one of the front satellites).

Never place the port too close to a wall or piece of furniture as
this will prevent the port from operating properly. Since the port is
an integral part of the subwoofer’s design,it should always be
permitted free access to the listening room without obstruction to
the sound emerging from it.

Careful experimentation will enable you to determine the best
position for the subwoofer. See suggestions on next page.

CAUTION:

The subwoofer's rubber feet can under certain conditions smudge
or discolor light colored and delicate surfaces.Please place a
protective mat or coaster under the rubber feet to prevent
marking or discoloration.

I

NSTALLING THEMODULUSSUBWOOFER

11

MODULUS

Figure 1. This view shows the subwoofer positioned behind the
right channel satellite speaker to re-create the actual location
of bass instruments in an orchestra.

Here are some useful hints:

1. Experimentation with the port direction may be useful.At times
directing the port away from the listening area (to the side) may
be advantageous because this may create a better blend of
bass within the listening room.

2. If bass response seems inadequate, move it closer to a wall or
corner. If bass becomes too heavy, try turning the subwoofer
with the port facing away from the wall.This will tend to
diminish bass output.

It will take time and patience to find the most pleasing acoustic
location for your subwoofer.Testing for sonic balance and
blending should always be made for your normal listening
position, using a wide range of source material.As a starting
point, initially place the subwoofer behind your right channel
satellite speaker, about 3 or 4 inches from the wall.We suggest
trying this location first because in an orchestra,the bass
instruments are usually located in the back and to the right (see
Figure 1).

S

UBWOOFERPLACEMENT

S

PEAKER-LEVEL

SUBWOOFER

CONNECTIONS

12

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ODULUS

Connection tips

Separate and strip the ends of the speaker wire as shown.

Speakers and amplifiers/receivers have corresponding (+) and
(–) terminals.The (+) lead of the speaker wire is noted with a
stripe. It is important to connect all the speakers identically: (+)
on the speaker to (+) on the amplifier and (–) on the speaker to

(–) on the amplifier. Wiring “out of phase”results in thin sound,
weak bass and a poor stereo image.

Use Speaker-level connection only if your surround receiver does
not have line-level subwoofer or LFE outputs. If a line-level
connection is available,go to the next page.

For speaker-level connection,connect loudspeaker cable from the
front left and right loudspeaker outputs of your amplifier/receiver
to the corresponding left and right IN terminals on the subwoofer.

Then, connect loudspeaker cable from left and right loudspeaker
OUT on the subwoofer to the corresponding input terminals on
the front left and right loudspeakers.

Connect the remaining loudspeakers directly to the receiver.In the
surround processor set-up menu,the Left/Right front speakers
must be selected as "Large." All other loudspeakers must be
selected as small.

13

MODULUS

If your receiver has a pair of stereo subwoofer outputs, connect
interconnect cable from the receiver's left and right subwoofer
outputs to the corresponding inputs marked LINE LEVEL IN L and R
on the subwoofer.

L

INE-LEVEL S

UBWOOFER C

ONNECTION

If your receiver has a single subwoofer output or a dedicated LFE
output, connect interconnect cable from this output to the LFE
input on the subwoofer.

14

M

ODULUS

O

PERATION

With LFE Connection

If you are using the LFE input, the subwoofer's CROSSOVER
control is NOT active, because this function is controlled by your
surround processor.

When using the LFE input, set the subwoofer's VOLUME control to
"Max" and calibrate the subwoofer level along with the other
speakers according to the set-up instructions in the owner's
manual for your surround receiver/amplifier.

Other Connections

If you are using any other connection method, start with the
subwoofer VOLUME control in the "9 o'clock" position and the
CROSSOVER in the 12 o'clock position.

To fine-tune the subwoofer's volume and crossover frequency
settings, listen to familiar material with powerful bass at a typical
listening level.

Bass response should not overpower the room, but instead
contribute to a harmonious blend across the entire musical range.

Many users have a tendency to set the subwoofer volume and
crossover too high,believing that a subwoofer is there to produce
lots of boom and shake the room to make its presence felt.

This is not entirely true.A subwoofer is there to enhance bass,
extending the response of the entire system so that bass can be
felt as well as heard.

However, overall balance must be maintained; otherwise, the music
will not sound natural.

An experienced listener will set the volume and crossover of the
subwoofer so that its impact on bass response is always there, but
is never obtrusive.

Phase Control

The proper adjustment of the subwoofer's rear panel phase switch
for your system depends on several variables such as room size,
subwoofer placement and listener position.

Listen to a familiar selection with powerful bass at a typical
listening level,while occasionally changing the position of the
phase switch.

The position which provides maximum bass output at your
listening position is the correct position.

Auto-On Signal Sensing

The Modulus Subwoofer incorporates automatic signal-sensing
circuitry wich turns the subwoofer on instantly when an audio
signal is present.When a signal has not been detected for
approximately 1.5 minutes,the subwoofer automatically goes into
standby mode.

15

MODULUS

Your Infinity subwoofer cabinet is finished with a heavy-duty, high­quality vinyl which requires very little maintenance.Keep the
cabinet clean by dusting it occasionally with a damp cloth or use
a good quality furniture polish to maintain its original luster.
(When using aerosol products, always spray the cloth,not the
speaker, to prevent any of the product from drifting onto the
electronics of the unit.)

If the bass seems boomy,or you notice a rumbling sound when
listening to record albums,the cause may be acoustic feedback.
This means that low-frequency vibrations from your speakers are
reaching the turntable.To help isolate the turntable from these
vibrations,place the turntable on a heavy, solid support, as far
away as possible from the subwoofer. If you continue to experience
difficulties after experimenting with placement, consult your
Infinity dealer.

Important!

CD/DVD players are also susceptible to vibrations and should be
placed on solid supports to isolate them acoustically.Another
method to isolate the CD/DVD player is to place it on four isolation
feet, available at your local dealer.

If the subwoofer sound is distorted, stops playing or otherwise
seems to be malfunctioning, first determine if the problem is in
the subwoofer or the wiring and/or other audio components.If the
problem also affects the satellite speakers, the cause is most
likely in your electronics.If it is only noticed in the subwoofer,
make sure that all connecting cables are correct and in proper
working condition. Make sure the subwoofer is plugged in and
turned on.

Important!

If everything seems to be in good working order and the
subwoofer still malfunctions, DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY REPAIRS!
Contact your Infinity dealer and get the name of the authorized
Infinity service center near you.

C

ARE OF YOUR

SUBWOOFER

ACOUSTIC

FEEDBACK

TROUBLESHOOTING

16

M

ODULUS

Modulus System and Modulus HCS

Satellite Center Channel

Frequency Range: 100 Hz – 20,000 Hz (±3dB) 80 Hz – 20,000 Hz (±3dB)

Recommended
Amplifier Power Range: 15 – 125 Watts 15 – 125 Watts

Sensitivity: 86dB 88dB

(2.83V @ 1 meter)

Impedance: 8Ω 8Ω

Crossover Frequency: 2500 Hz, 12 dB/Octave 2500 Hz, 12 dB/Octave

Midrange Driver(s): 4" C.M.M.D., Dual 4" C.M.M.D.,

magnetically shielded magnetically shielded

High-Frequency Driver: 3/4" C.M.M.D., 3/4" C.M.M.D.,

magnetically shielded magnetically shielded

Dimensions (H x W x D): Shelf position 159 x 527 x 114 mm

279 x 140 x 114 mm
Wall position
248 x 140 x 146 mm

Weight: 2.3 kg 3.8 kg

Modulus Powered Subwoofer (Modulus HCS only)

Frequency Range: 35 Hz – 100 Hz (±3dB)

Amplifier Output: 100 Watts RMS, 200 Watts Peak

Low-Frequency Driver: 250 mm C.M.M.D.

Crossover Frequency: variable 40 -130 Hz, detent 100 Hz

Dimensions (H x W x D): 369 x 349 x 449 mm

Weight: 17.5 kg

Infinity continually strives to update and improve existing products, as well as create new ones.The specifications and construction details in this and related
Infinity publications are therefore subject to change without notice.

SPECIFICATIONS