Infinity Total Solutions TSS-800 Owner's Manual

TOT AL SPEAKER SOLUTIONS

TSS-800

Owner’s Guide

(120V)

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.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, 

do not remove cover (or back). 

N

o user-serviceable parts inside. 

R

efer servicing to qualified service personnel.



CAUTION: To prevent electric shock,

do not use this (polarized) plug with 

a

n 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
a

lert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
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nclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute 

a risk of electric shock to persons.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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

luding amplifiers) that produce heat.

(inc

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
gr

ounding 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
electr

ician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
otect the power cord fr

10. Pr

or pinched, particularly at plugs,convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit from the

atus.

appar

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 appar

atus.When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from

er.

v

tip-o

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

ii

TSS-800 (120V)

om being w

alked on

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the

pparatus has been damaged in any way, such

a
as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the

pparatus,the apparatus has been exposed to rain

a
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.

his product should be operated only from the

16. T
type of power sour

ce 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
antenna-discharge 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

eme

installing an outside antenna system, e

be taken to keep fr

e should

car

xtr

om touching such

power lines or circuits,as contact with them might

atal.

be f

igure A.

F
Example of
National Electr

Antenna Grounding as per

ical Code ANSI/NFPA 70

19. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords,
or integral convenience receptacles, as this can

esult in a risk of fire or electric shock.

r

20. Never push objects of any kind into this
roduct through openings,as they may touch

p
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. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping
r splashing, and no objects filled with liquids,

o
such as vases,shall be placed on the apparatus.

22. 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.

hen replacement parts are required, be sure

23. W

the service technician has used replacement parts

ied by the manufacturer or that have the

specif
same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock or other hazards.

24. 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.

25. The product should be mounted to a wall or

ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

TSS-800 OWNER’S GUIDE

Table of Contents

ii Important Safety Precautions
1 Introduction
1 Unpacking the System
1 Planning Your System
2 Placement
2 Wall-Mounting the Satellites and Center Channel

enter and Satellite Speaker Connections

4 C
5 Subwoofer Controls
6 Subwoofer Connections
7 Operation
7 Maintenance and Service
8 Specifications

TSS-800 (120V)

iii

INTRODUCTION

Left

Surround

Channel

Right

Surround

Channel

Left Front

Channel

Subwoofer

Right Front

Channel

Center

Channel

C

ouch

L

eft Rear

Channel

Left

Surround

Channel

Right

Surround

Channel

R

ight Rear
Channel

C

enter Rear

Channel

Left Front

C

hannel

Subwoofer

Right Front

C

hannel

Center

Channel

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PLANNING YOUR SYSTEM

Infinity Total Solutions

nfinity Total Solutions continues Infinity’s longstanding commitment to

I
accurate sound reproduction.Our proprietary Metal Matrix Diaphragm

™

™

(MMD®) drivers,precision dividing networks and rigid, well-braced enclosures
combine to deliver uncompromised performance in any stereo or multichannel
home theater system. In addition, these speakers,except for the powered

ubwoofer, are magnetically shielded for safe placement adjacent to a

s
television.

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:

Wire package, containing:
(2) 40' (12m) speaker wires
(3) 20' (6m) speaker wires
(1) 15' (4.6m) subwoofer cable

(1) Subwoofer

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.

(1) Center with base

(4) Satellite speaker

s

(4) Satellite speaker shelf stands with (8) attachment screws

(5) Adjustable wall brackets for satellites and center channel

(5) Wall brackets for satellites and center channel

Figure 2.This figure shows an alternative layout,which may be more

or some r

suitable f

ooms.

1

TSS-800 (120V)

PLACEMENT

®

Left and Right Front Channels

For left and right front channels, place one satellite to the left
and another to the right of the television,as shown in Figure 1.

ince the speakers are magnetically shielded,you can place

S
them very close to the TV without worrying about the magnetic
field distorting the picture.

Center Channel

or the center channel, place the speaker directly on top of,

F
or below,your television. Use a shelf or one of the included wall
brackets if the television does not provide a stable platform.

Surround Channels

For left and right surround channels, place one speaker on the
left and another on the right, to the side of or slightly behind the
listening area.The surround speakers should be mounted at a
height of between 5 ft. (1.5m) and 7 ft. (2m).

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 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 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

ed.

the amount and quality of bass r

equir

Using the Satellite on the Shelf Stand

To attach the satellite to the shelf stand, hold the satellite on top

f the stand and insert the two included screws through the rear

o
of the stand and into the rear of the speaker.

WALL-MOUNTING THE SATELLITES AND
CENTER CHANNEL

The TSS-800 satellites and center channel are designed to be
mounted on the wall.There is a fixed-mount wall bracket and an
adjustable wall bracket provided for each satellite and the center
channel. Each speaker bracket will require up to four 1-1/2"#10
wood screws; each screw should be fastened to a wall stud. If a
wall stud is unavailable,install an anchor appropriate for a 1-1/2"
#10 screw.

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.

Fixed-Mount Wall Bracket
Step 1. Mark the positions on the wall where you would like to

place the mounting screws.

Step 2. Attach the back plate of the bracket to the wall using
three screws (not included).

ep 3.

St

Attach the fr
to the satellite or center channel
using the two provided screws.

Step 4. Slide the satellite or center
channel speaker with
attached bracket front plate
onto the back plate of the

acket until the tab locks

br
into place

.

ont plate (with the spring tab) of the br

acket

To remove speaker from

simply push in

the wall,
the locking tab and slide
the speaker up.

keyhole on the back of the speaker to the

whead on the w

e

scr
should slide down slightly and become secure.

all. Once positioned properly, the speaker

TSS-800 (120V)

2

djustable Wall Bracket

A

B

C

Metal bar

®

®

A

tep 1.

ark the positions on the wall where you would like to

S

M

place the mounting screws.

Step 2. Place bracket against the wall and fasten four 1-1/2"

10 wood screws through the bracket’s screw holes into the

#
wall. If a wall stud is not available,use an appropriate anchor.

Step 3. Unscrew round collar (C) from bracket (A).

Step 4. Screw the ball and shaft assembly (B) to the lower 1/4"-

20 insert on the rear of the satellite,or the upper insert on the
rear of the center channel. Back out 1/2 of a turn and tighten
the nut against the speaker.

Step 5. Attach speaker wire as shown on page 4.

Step 6. Drop round collar (C) over ball and shaft assembly (B)

that is mounted to the speaker with the finished side of the
collar facing the rear of the speaker.

Step 7. Carefully push the ball straight into the socket mounted
on the wall, angle the speaker as desired and tighten the collar
using the enclosed metal bar.

Figure 3.Bracket on wall.

3

TSS-800 (120V)

CENTER AND SATELLITE SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

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.#18-gauge speaker wire with
polarity coding is included.For longer distances, #16-gauge or
heavier wire is recommended.The side of the wire with a ridge

r other coding is usually considered positive polarity (i.e., +).

o
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 4.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.

Center Channel

bserve polarities when making speaker connections,as shown in

O
Figure 5.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!

o not reverse polarities (i.e., + to –, or – to +) when making

D
connections. Be certain that positive and negative wire strands

re completely isolated to avoid short circuits that may damage

a
your equipment.

Figure 4. Wiring diagram shows polarity connections
for one channel of a home theater system.

Figure 5.The satellites and center channel speaker feature
terminals that can be connected in several different ways –
e.g.,

spade terminals and direct wiring (as shown here).

TSS-800 (120V)

4

SUBWOOFER CONTROLS

TSS-Sub800

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SA22-2 NO.1

UL 1492

Rear Panel

1

Subwoofer-Level Control

2

rossover-Frequency Adjustment

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3

Phase Switch

4

LFE Input

5

Line-Level Inputs

6

Power Indicator LED

7

ower Switch

P

A Few Suggestions

We recommend that you do not operate your speakers or
subwoofer with the bass,treble and loudness controls set to
full boost.This will place undue strain on your electronics and
speakers and could damage them.

The volume control setting on your processor/preamp or receiver
is not a specific indication of the overall loudness level of the
speakers.The only important consideration is the loudness level at
which the system can be played, regardless of where the volume
control is set.

Always turn down the volume control setting on your processor/
preamp or receiver when changing sources,or switching inputs to
AM or FM operation. Excessively loud transients (clicks or popping
sounds) can damage the satellite speakers and possibly the
subwoofer.

Important!

Whenever changing cables, pulling plugs, etc.,ALWAYS TURN OFF
ALL EQUIPMENT, including the subwoofer.

5

TSS-800 (120V)

SUBWOOFER CONNECTIONS

SUBWOOFER OR
LFE OUTPUT

RECEIVER/PROCESSOR

If you have a Dolby®Digital or DTS®receiver/
processor with a low-frequency-effects (LFE)
or subwoofer output:

15' (4.5m)

subwoofer

cable

included

If your receiver/processor does not contain
a Dolby Digital or DTS processor but has a
subwoofer output:

15' (4.5m)

subwoofer cable

included

E

NNOOTTE

: If your receiver/processor has only one sub out,

you may use either the L or R input.

TSS-800 (120V)

6

OPERATION

Surround Modes

hen using the TSS-800 in a Dolby Digital or DTS home theater

W
system, make sure all speakers are set to “Small”. In a Dolby
P
center channel mode is set to “Normal.”

Some Dolby Digital-equipped receivers/processors offer different
s
videotape,Dolby, Pro Logic). In each case,follow your equipment’s
instructions to ensure that the subwoofer output is turned on and
that the speakers are set to “Small”in each mode.

P

Plug your subwoofer’s AC cord into a wall outlet.Do not use the
outlets on the back of the receiver.

Initially set the Subwoofer Level Control
Turn on the subwoofer by pressing the Power Switch

rear panel.
Turn on your entire audio system and start a CD or movie sound-

track at a moderate level.

Auto On/Standby

With the Power Switch 7in the ON position, the LED on the rear
panel
STANDBY mode of the subwoofer.

RED = STANDBY (No signal detected,Amp Off)
GREEN = ON (Signal detected,Amp On)
The subwoofer will automatically enter the Standby mode after

approximately 10 minutes when no signal is detected from your
system.The subwoofer will then power on instantly when a signal
is detected. During periods of normal use, the Power Switch
can be left on.You may turn off the Power Switch 7for extended
per

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ro Logic

etup options for each source or surround mode (e.g., CD-stereo,

ome theater system, make sure the receiver’s

h

ower On

1

to the“MIN”position.

7

on the

6

will remain lit in green or red to indicate the ON or

7

iods of nonoperation, e.g., when you are away on vacation.

C

rossover Adjustment

The Crossover Frequency Control 2 determines the highest
frequency at which the subwoofer reproduces sounds.For the
TSS-800, it is recommended that this control be set at 120Hz
(approximately the 3 o’clock position).

NOTE: This control will have no effect if the LFE Input 4 is
used. If you have a Dolby Digital or DTS receiver/processor,
the low-pass frequency is set by the receiver/processor. Consult
your owner’s manual to learn how to view or change this setting.
A setting of 120Hz – 150Hz is recommended.

Phase Control

The Phase Switch 3 determines whether the subwoofer
speaker’s pistonlike action moves in and out with the main

speakers (0˚) or opposite the main speakers (180˚). Proper
phase adjustment depends on several variables such as room
size,subwoofer placement and listener position.Adjust the phase
switch to maximize bass output at the listening position.

Final Positioning

After correctly connecting the TSS-800 system and verifying that
both the subwoofer and all satellite speakers are playing, it is
time to optimize the system for your particular listening room.
Earlier, you placed the subwoofer in its general location.Finding
the exact location for optimum performance sometimes only
involves moving the speakers up to a few inches in any
direction.We urge you,therefore,to experiment with placement,
if possible, until your speakers deliver their full potential.

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

The satellite and subwoofer enclosures may be cleaned using a
soft cloth to remove fingerprints or to wipe off dust.

Adjust Level

Turn the Subwoofer Level Control 1up about halfway.If no
sound emanates from the subwoofer, check the AC-line cord and
input cables.Are the connectors on the cables making proper
contact? Is the AC plug connected to a “live”receptacle? Has the

ower Switch

P
confirmed that the subwoofer is active, proceed by playing a CD

VD.

or D

Set the overall volume control of the receiver/processor to a
comfortable level.Adjust the Subwoofer Level Control
you obtain a pleasing blend of bass
not overpower the room but rather be adjusted so there is
a harmonious blend across the entire musical range. Many

s ha

user
adhering to the belief that a subwoofer is there to produce lots of

.

bass
bass, extending the response of the entire system so the bass
can be felt as well as heard.However, overall balance must
be maintained or the music will not sound natural.An experienced
listener will set the v
bass response is always there but never obtrusive.

7

TSS-800 (120V)

7

Use a selection that has ample bass inf

e a tendency to set the subwoofer volume too loud,

v

his is not entir

T

essed to the ON position? Once you ha

been pr

Bass r

.

ely true.A subwoofer is there to enhance

olume of the subwoof

er so its impact on

mation.

or

1

esponse should

until

All wiring connections should be inspected and cleaned or
remade periodically.The frequency of maintenance depends on
the metals involved in the connections, atmospheric conditions
and other f

e

v

In the event that your TSS-800 ever needs service,contact your
local Infinity dealer or distributor, or visit www.infinitysystems.com
for a service center near you.

actors,but once per year is the minimum.

SPECIFICATIONS

TSS-800

Satellites Center Channel

Frequency Range: 120Hz – 30kHz (±3dB) 120Hz – 30kHz (±3dB)

Recommended
Amplifier Power Range: 10 – 100 Watts 10 – 125 Watts

Sensitivity: 88dB 89dB

(2.83V @ 1 meter)

Nominal Impedance: 8Ω 8Ω

Crossover Frequency: 3.5kHz; 12dB/Octave 3.5kHz; 12dB/Octave

Midrange Driver(s): 3-1/2" (87mm) MMD,

magnetically shielded magnetically shielded

High-Frequency Driver: 3/4" (19mm) MMD,

magnetically shielded magnetically shielded

®

®

Dual 3-1/2" (87mm) MMD,

3/4" (19mm) MMD,

®

Dimensions (H x W x D): 9-1/8" x 3-3/4" x 2-3/4" 3-3/4" x 13" x 2-3/4"

(232mm x 95mm x 70mm) (95mm x 330mm x 70mm)

Weight: 2.5 lb (1.1kg) 4.5 lb (2kg)

Powered Subwoofer

Frequency Range: 34Hz – 150Hz (±3dB)

Amplifier Output: 150 Watts RMS,300 watts Peak

Low-Frequency Driver: 10" (250mm)

Crossover Frequency: 50Hz – 150Hz, 24dB/Octave, continuously variable

Dimensions (H x W x D): 15-3/4" x 14" x 15"

(400mm x 356mm x 381mm)

Weight: 34.6 lb (15.7kg)

®

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.

TSS-800 (120V)

8

© 2006 Harman International Industries,Incorporated.All rights reserved.
Infinity Systems, 250 Crossways Park Drive,Woodbury, NY 11797 USA www.infinitysystems.com
Infinity,Harman International and MMD are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated,registered in the United States and/or other countries.
Total Solutions and Metal Matrix Diaphragm are trademarks of Harman International Industries,Incorporated.
Dolby and Pro Logic are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademark of DTS,Inc.
Part No. 406-000-05309-E 2/06