Infinity TSS1200 User Manual

TOT AL SPEAKER SOLUTIONS

TSS-1200

Owner’s Guide

(120V)

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 sour
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
grounding-type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong.The wide blade or the third
pr

ong 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,
receptacles and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by
the manufacturer.

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

particular

ly at plugs

t, stand,tripod, bracket or

ing the

v

ces such as

.A

, convenience

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

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
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

ds.

hazar

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
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

e it

or wher

other electr
can fall into such power lines or cir
installing an outside antenna system, extreme

igure A.

F
Example of
National Electr

ic light or power cir

Antenna Grounding as per

ical Code ANSI/NFPA 70

cuits,

cuits.When

care should be taken to keep from touching such
power lines or circuits,as contact with them might

e fatal.

b

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

o
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

ever push objects of any kind into this

20.N

product through openings,as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that

ould result in a fire or electric shock.Never spill

c
liquid of any kind on the product.

21. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping

or splashing, and no objects filled with liquids,
such as vases,shall be placed on the apparatus.

22. Do not attempt to ser

as opening or r
dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all

vicing to qualified service personnel.

ser

23. 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.

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.

vice this product yourself,

emoving covers may expose you to

TSS-1200 (120V)

2

TSS-1200 OWNER’S GUIDE

Table of Contents

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

enter and Satellite Speaker Connections

7 C
8 Subwoofer Controls

9 Subwoofer Connections
10 Operation
10 Maintenance and Service
11 Specifications

TSS-1200 (120V)

3

INTRODUCTION

Left

Surround

Channel

Right

Surround

Channel

Left Front

C

hannel

S

ubwoofer

Right Front

Channel

Center

Channel

Couch

Left Rear
C

hannel

Left

S

urround

Channel

R

ight

Surround

Channel

Right Rear

C

hannel

Center Rear

C

hannel

Left Front

Channel

Subwoofer

Right Front

Channel

Center

Channel

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

PLANNING YOUR SYSTEM

Infinity Total Solutions

™

Infinity Total Solutions continues Infinity’s longstanding commitment
to 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 subwoofer, are
magnetically shielded for safe placement adjacent to a 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

(5) Adjustable wall brackets for satellites and center channel

(5) Wall brackets for satellites and center channel

s

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

or some r

suitable f

ooms.

4

TSS-1200 (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.

Mounting on Floor Stands

Optional TSS-STAND1200 floor stands are available,should you

refer to place your TSS-1200 satellites on the floor; see your

p
dealer or visit www.infinitysystems.com for more information.

n addition, there is a 1/4"-20 insert in each satellite that

I
allows the satellite to be mounted to many third-party floor

tands. Unscrew the rear foot to reveal the insert.

s

WALL-MOUNTING THE SATELLITES AND
CENTER CHANNEL

he TSS-1200 satellites and center channel are designed to also

T
be mounted on the wall.There is a fixed-mount wall bracket and

n adjustable wall bracket provided for each satellite and the

a
center channel. Each speaker bracket will require up to four
1-1/2"#10
wall stud. If a wall stud is unavailable,install an anchor appropriate
for a 1-1/2"

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: The customer is solely responsible
for proper selection of mounting hardware not included with the
speakers,and for proper assembly and installation of the wall
brackets,including but not limited to the selection of appropriate
weight-bearing supports and proper use of the bracket.Infinity
disclaims any liability for the selection of mounting hardware and/or
bracket installation.Be sure to follow these bracket assembly and
installation instructions carefully. If you have any questions or
doubts about your ability to correctly wall-mount the speakers,
consult with your authorized Infinity dealer or custom installer.

Fixed-Mount Wall Bracket
Step 1. Remove the rear foot by loosening the screw on the

bottom of the satellite.ole

Step 2. Mark the positions on the wall where you would like to
place the mounting screws.

wood screws; each screw should be fastened to a

#10 screw.

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

Step 3. Attach the back plate of the bracket to the wall using
three screws (not included).

Step 4. Attach the front plate
(with the spring tab) of the bracket
to the satellite or center channel
usingthe two provided screws.

Step 5. Slide the satellite or center
channel speaker with attached bracket
front plate onto the back plate of the
bracket until the tab locks
into place.

To remove speaker from
the wall, simply push in
the locking tab and slide
the speaker up.

back of the speaker to the screwhead on the wall. Once
positioned properly, the speaker should slide down slightly and
become secure.

TSS-1200 (120V)

5

djustable Wall Bracket

A

B

C

®

®

A

tep 1.

emove the rear foot by loosening the screw on the

S

R

bottom of the satellite.

Step 2. Mark the positions on the wall where you would like to

lace the mounting screws.

p

tep 3.Place bracket against the wall and fasten four 1-1/2"

S

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

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

w

Step 4. Unscrew round collar (C) from bracket (A).

Step 5. 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, until it is fully seated. Back out 1/2
of a turn and tighten the nut against the speaker. Securely
tightening this nut against the speaker enclosure is very
important; otherwise, performing Step 7 may dislodge the
threaded insert on the speaker enclosure,rendering it unusable.

Step 6. Attach speaker wire as shown on page 7.

Step 7. 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 8. 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.

6

TSS-1200 (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 (rear foot
not shown for clarity).

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-1200 (120V)

7

SUBWOOFER CONTROLS

CROSSOVER
FREQUENCY

LEVEL

LINE LEVEL IN

PHASE

Min

Max

L R

For LFE use L or R

LFE NORMAL

POWER

50Hz

80Hz

0˚ 180˚

150Hz

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

ON OFF

NRTL/C
CSA22.2
UL1492

®

®

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR PRÉVENIR LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE OU
DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE, ÉVITER D’EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A LA
PLUIE OU A L’HUMIDITÉ.

Rear Panel

1

Subwoofer-Level Control

2

LFE/Normal Switch

3

Phase Switch

4

Crossover-Frequency Control

5

Line-Level (LFE) Inputs

6

Power Switch

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.

8

TSS-1200 (120V)

Always turn down the volume control setting on your processor/
preamp or receiver when changing a cassette or CD, 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 EQ

UIPMENT

, including the subwoofer.

SUBWOOFER CONNECTIONS

CROSSOVER
FREQUENCY

LEVEL

L

INE LEVEL IN

P

HASE

Min

M

ax

L R

For LFE use L or R

LFE NORMAL

5

0Hz

80Hz

0˚ 180˚

150Hz

SUBWOOFER OR
LFE OUTPUT

CROSSOVER
FREQUENCY

LEVEL

LINE LEVEL IN

PHASE

M

in

Max

L

R

For LFE use L or R

LFE NORMAL

50Hz

8

0Hz

0˚ 180˚

1

50Hz

RECEIVER/PROCESSOR

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

15'

subwoofer

cable

included

Set line-level/LFE switch to “LFE.”

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

15' subwoofer

cable included

Set line-level/LFE switch to “Normal.”

E

NNOOTTE

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

you may use either the L or R input.

TSS-1200 (120V)

9

OPERATION

Surround Modes

When using the system in a Dolby Digital or DTS home theater
system, make sure all speakers are set to “Small”. When using the

SS-1200 in a Dolby Pro Logic

T
the receiver’s center channel mode is set to “Normal.”

Some Dolby Digital-equipped receivers/processors offer different
setup options for each source or surround mode (e.g., CD-stereo,
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.

Power On

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-

ack at a moderate level.

tr

Auto On/St

The subwoofer will automatically enter the Stand-By 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 6for extended
periods of nonoperation,e.g., when you are away on vacation.

and-By

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

C plug connected to a

contact? Is the
Power Switch
have confirmed that the subwoofer is active,proceed by playing
a CD 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. Bass response should
not overpower the room but rather be adjusted so there is
a harmonious blend across the entire musical range. Many
users have a tendency to set the subwoofer volume too loud,
adhering to the belief that a subwoofer is there to produce lots
of bass.This is not entirely true.A subwoofer is there to enhance
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 volume of the subwoofer so its impact on
bass response is always there but never obtrusive.

A

6

been pressed to the “On”position? Once you

VD. Use a selection that has ample bass information.

®

ome theater system, make sure

h

1

to the“Min”position.

6

on the

e”receptacle? Has the

v

“li

1

6

until

Crossover Adjustment

he Crossover-Frequency Control

T
frequency at which the subwoofer reproduces sounds.For the
TSS-1200,it is recommended that this control be set at 120Hz
(approximately the 3 o’clock position).

OTE:This control will have no effect if the LFE/Normal Switch

N

2 is set to “LFE.”If you have a Dolby Digital or DTS receiver/
processor, the low-pass frequency is set by the receiver/

rocessor. Set the LFE/Normal Switch

p
“LFE.”Consult your owner’s manual to learn how to view or
change this setting.A setting of 120Hz – 150Hz is recommended.

etermines the highest

4 d

n the subwoofer to

2 o

Phase Control

The Phase Switch 3 determines whether the subwoofer
speaker’s piston-like 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

3 to maximize bass output at the listening position.

Switch

Final Positioning

After correctly connecting the TSS-1200 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.

ing connections should be inspected and c

All wir
remade periodically.The frequency of maintenance depends on

atmospheric conditions

the metals inv
and other factor

If a problem occurs,make sure that all connections are properly
made and clean. If a problem exists in one loudspeaker,reverse
the connection wir

emains in the same speaker, then the fault is with the loud-

r
speaker. If the problem appears in the opposite speaker, the
cause is in another component or cable. In the event that your
TSS-1200 e
or distr
near you.

olved in the connections

but once per year is the minimum.

,

s

es to the left and r

er needs ser

v

ibutor or www.inf

ice

v

initysystems.com for a service center

,

ight system. If the pr

, contact your local Infinity dealer

leaned or

oblem

10

TSS-1200 (120V)

SPECIFICATIONS

TSS-1200

Satellites Center Channel

requency Range:

F

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

Sensitivity: 89dB 89dB

(2.83V @ 1 meter)

120Hz – 20,000Hz (±3dB) 120Hz – 20,000Hz (±3dB)

Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms

8 Ohms

Crossover Frequency: 3,500Hz, 24dB/Octave 3,500Hz, 24dB/Octave

Midrange Drivers: Dual 3-1/2" (89mm) MMD,

magnetically shielded magnetically shielded

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

magnetically shielded magnetically shielded

®

®

Dual 3-1/2" (89mm) MMD,

3/4" (19mm) MMD,

®

Dimensions (H x W x D): 12-15/16" x 3-15/16" x 3" 3-15/16" x 13-3/16" x 3"

(329mm x 100mm x 76mm) (100mm x 335mm x 76mm)

Weight: 3.9 lb (1.8kg) 3.9 lb (1.8kg)

Powered Subwoofer

Frequency Range: 29Hz – 150Hz (±3dB)

Amplifier Output: 250 Watts RMS

500 Watts peak

Low-Frequency Driver: 12" (305mm)

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

®

Dimensions (H x W x D): 18-1/2" x 12-3/4" x 18-1/2"

(470mm x 324mm x 470mm)

eight:

W

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.

44 lb (20kg)

TSS-1200 (120V)

11

© 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 registered trademarks,and Total Solutions and Metal Matrix Diaphragm are trademarks,

of Har
Dolby and Pr
DTS is a r
P

national Industr

man Inter

o Logic ar

egister

. 406-000-05483-1E 8/06

t No

ar

egister

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ademark of DTS,Inc.

ed tr

ies, Incorporated.

ed trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.