Magneplanar DW 1 Woofer Instruction Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction/General Description
2. Carton Contents
3. Packaging
4. Hookup
5. Installation and Placement
6. Phasing
7. Service and Shipping
8. Specifications
1. Introduction/General Description
The Magneplanar DW 1 is a dipole, thin-film p lanar/magnetic woofer which is a derivative of the MG 20.1 DiPlanar
woofer technology. The DW 1 can be driven simultaneously by 3 separate amplifiers (typically the front left, center
and right channels).
The DW 1 is a "fast" woofer with flat response to 5 kHz which makes the DW 1 ideal for blending with all
Magneplanar on-wall models or center channels that have limited bass response.
2. Carton Contents
1 - DW 1 Loudspeaker
1 - Magnepan "Shaped" Pink Noise CD Test Disk
1 - Hex Wrench
1 - Sp eaker Logo
1 - Owner's Manual
3. Packaging
Save all packaging. The DW 1 can be shipped safely only in the original packaging. Should you discard it,
packaging is available from Magnepan.
4. Hookup
To install the speaker cable, first strip off approximately 1/4-inch of insulation from the sp eaker cable end. Remove
the metal hold-down and wire retainers from the bottom of the DW 1 with a Phillip s screw driver and pliers. See Fig.
1.
Cosmetically, the front and back of the DW 1 are identical. To identify the back of the sp eaker and ensure proper
phasing, the back of the DW 1 can be identified as shown in Fig. 1.
Connect the output of a high pass crossover (such as the Magneplanar XO 2) to the input of the DW 1, observing
correct polarity. However, due to different crossover designs, following correct polarity does NOT ensure that the DW
1 will b e in correct acoustical phase. See "Phasing" below.
Fig. 1
5. Installation and Placement
It is generally understood that placement of subwoofers is very flexib le. While subwoofers do offer more latitude in
placement due to the long wavelengths at low frequencies, technically, there is an ideal place in a given room for
op timum subwoofer performance. The DW 1 is a woofer, not a subwoofer. And the superior performance of the DW
1, as compared to a subwoofer, is due in part, to extremely wide bandwidth (flat to 5 kHz). The DW 1 can
seamlessly cross over at a higher frequency to any of the limited bandwidth "Maggie" models. However, the higher
crossover points require proper time alignment to achieve the most seamless blend between the DW 1 and the
limited bandwidth Magneplanar. Therefore, the DW 1 should be equi-distance from the listener to limited bandwidth
Magneplanar. Minor adjustments from that position are often necessary for "fine tuning" as described under
"Phasing" below.
As a general rule, dipole speakers produce the deepest and most linear bass and midbass when positioned
approximately 4-6 feet from the front wall or 1/3 of the way into a room. This rule may conflict with the necessity to
have correct time alignment with the "small" Maggies. Since rooms vary greatly, these setup instructions are
principles of operation and sp ecific and detailed instructions are not possible. Magnepan and our dealers can
provide advice on the sp ecifics of your room.
The DW 1 will give the lowest frequency resp onse if a b oundary is used to reduce dipole cancellation of bass
frequencies. A placement along a wall or next to a cabinet or p iece of furniture as shown in Fig. 2 will reduce dipole
cancellation.
The DW 1 should be oriented so it is perpendicular to the side wall and playing down the length of the room as
shown in Fig. 2. By placing the speaker perpendicular to the sidewall, the sp eaker is off-axis to the listener and
achieves a faster roll-off rate of higher frequencies.
Fig. 2
6. Phasing
The Magnepan Pink Noise CD Test Disk included with your DW 1 can be used to determine if the DW 1 is in
ACOUSTICAL phase with your limited bandwidth Magneplanar. The test CD has a 9 db peak at 80-100 Hz that
draws attention to the frequencies which will be depressed in an out-of-phase condition. Place the DW 1 next to your
limited bandwidth Magneplanar and change the phase. (It is much easier to detect an out-of-phase condition when
the "small" speaker is physically next to the Woofer.) Since the DW 1 is a dipole woofer, the easiest way to
determine if the DW 1 is in-phase is by simply turning the woofer around (180 degrees). The speakers are inÂphase when the peak is the loudest.
If you are uncertain if the acoustical phase is correct, a technique which can help is by leaning over and positioning
your head between the Magneplanar Woofer and the "small" Magneplanar as shown in Fig. 3 below. The left and
right ears are equi-distance to the respective speakers. High frequencies will appear to be up and low frequencies
will appear to be down. Midbass frequencies, if in phase, will appear to be in the middle (and louder).
Depending upon the location of the DW 1 with respect to the limited bandwidth Magneplanar, the DW 1 might be
90 degrees out of phase with the "small" Magneplanar and changing the phase does not make a noticeable
difference in the loudness of the pink noise peak. It may b e necessary to move the DW 1 with respect to the
Magneplanar to achieve a better acoustical in-phase condition.
Fig. 3
7. Service and Shipping
In the unlikely event you should need service for your DW 1 Woofer, we recommend you return it through your
dealer. He is experienced in providing service and can assist you if the speaker must be returned to the factory. If
you determine you need to return it directly to Magnepan, ship the speaker freight prepaid to:
Magnepan, Incorporated
1645 Ninth St.
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
1-800-474-1646
Include a note describing the nature of the problem. Please include your name, address, and a daytime telephone
number.
8. Specifications
System Description: Planar-magnetic dipole woofer.
Frequency Response: 40 Hz-5 kHz*
Recommended Power: See F.A.Q. on web site www.magnepan.com
Sensitivity: _____ dB @ 2.83V/1 Meter/50 Hz
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Dimensions: 26 " width, 18 3/4 " height, 7 1/4 " depth
Warranty: Limited 3-year to original owner
Shipping Weight: 31 lbs.
*Bass response will vary depending upon placement near walls, cabinet or furniture.
Revision-- 3-16-11
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