ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS DS 855 User manual

REV NO: 04002-7001-10

May we take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing this DS 855 Home
Theatre System. Please note the listed precautions and take time to study
the operating instructions, this will ensure that you gain maximum enjoyment
from the DS 855.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “DOLBY”, “AC-
3”, “PRO LOGIC II” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories.
Confidential unpublished works 1992-1997 Dolby Laboratories Inc. All
rights reserved.
Manufactured under licence from Digital Theater Systems, inc US Pat. No.
5,451,942, 5,956,674 5,974,380, 5,978,762 and other worldwide patents
issued and pending. “DTS” and “DTS Digital Surround” are trademarks of
Digital Theater Systems, Inc. 1996, Inc 2000 Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved.
©
CONTENTS
P1 Welcome / Features
P2 Safety instructions
P3 Main features
P4 Remote control features
P5 System connection
P6 Loudspeaker connection
P7 System function and operation
P8 Troubleshooting / Specifications
P9 Speaker stand assembly
P10 Contact details
FEATURES
• Built-in 5.1 Dolby Digital AC-3 and DTS decoder for direct connection with
any DVD featuring digital audio output to give full cinema surround sound
experience.
• AUX input for use with stereo sources such as TV, video, CD etc.
• Built-in six channel power amplifier.
• Full function remote control, including channel levels and tone controls.
• System features microcomputer processing, producing high-definition
audio clarity from digital technology.
• Dolby Digital special effects to enhance listening pleasure.
• PRO LOGIC II mode indicator (Music or Movie)
• DSP mode indicator (Live, Chorus, Hall or Theatre).
• Satellite speakers are magnetically-shielded, and will have no influence
on the TV picture.
• Credit card sized remote control.
®
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DS 855 INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK!
DO NOT OPEN!
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
This lightning flash symbol is intended to alert the user of the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s encasement that may
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
This exclamation mark symbol is intended to alert the user of the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose
this appliance to rain or moisture.
If this happens, make sure the power to the
electrical outlet is turned off before you touch or
unplug the unit.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following
code:
BLUE NEUTRAL
BROWN LIVE
Under no circumstances should the Neutral or Live wires be connected to
the ‘E’ (Earth) terminal.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove any cover.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE, REFER ANY SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
• Read and keep these instructions available for future reference.
• For indoor use only.
• The unit must only be connected to a suitable mains power supply using
the mains power lead provided.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this unit to
rain or moisture.
• The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing.
• No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the
apparatus.
• Unplug the unit from the wall socket during lightning storms and when it
is not going to be used for a long period of time.
• Take care that foreign objects do not enter, or liquids are not spilled,
into the enclosure through any openings. If this should happen, refer to
qualified service personnel before attempting to use.
• Ensure adequate ventilation - do not cover this unit with curtains, etc.
• Do not install near any heat source, such as radiators, or other
equipment that produces heat.
• Protect the mains power cable from being damaged.
• The DS 855 system is double insulated and does not require an earth
connection in the UK mains plug.
UK MAINS PLUG DETAILS
For your convenience a mains plug with a fuse (3 Amp) has been fitted to
this appliance. For your safety please observe the following information. The
DS 855 is designed to operate on AC mains supply 230 volts, 50 Hz.
2

MAIN FEATURES
REAR PANEL LAYOUT
7. Optical input terminal
8. Coaxial input terminal
9. AUX input terminals
10. Satellite speaker connection terminals
11. Fuse holder
12. AC power socket
13. Power Switch
AUDIO INPUT SPEAKERS OUT
CAUTION
OPTICAL
COAXIAL
AUX L
AUX R
SURR R
SURR L
CENTRE
FRONT L
FRONT R
230V 50Hz
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
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5.1 ACTIVE HOME THEATRE SYSTEM
STANDBY/TEST STEREO
OPTICAL AUXCOAXIAL
DTS DOLBY DIGITAL
LIVE CHORUS
THEATRE HALL
MOVIE
PROLOGIC II
MUSIC
1
2
3
4
5
6
FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
1. Standby and test mode indicator
2. Input mode indicator (Optical, Coaxial or Auxiliary)
3. Remote control receiver
4. Operating mode indicator (DTS, Dolby Digital or Stereo)
5. Pro Logic II indicator (Music or Movie)
6. DSP mode indicator (Live, Chorus, Hall or Theatre)

When changing the remote control battery observe the correct (+) and (-)
polarity.
NOTE: If the remote control unit only works when operated near to the
DS 855, replace the battery. Use a CR 2032 3V lithium battery only.
REMOTE CONTROL FEATURES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 8
9
10
11
12
13
1. Standby selector
2. DSP effect selector
3. Optical input selector
4. Coaxial input selector
5. Centre, surround & subwoofer channels level adjustment
6. Bass level adjustment
7. Treble level adjustment
8. Bypass button
9. Master volume button
10. Auxiliary input selector
11. Mute button
12. Listening mode selector
13. Test function selector
NOTE: Do not place objects between the remote control unit and the remote
control receiver (see front panel features). Operating this remote control unit
while simultaneously operating the remote control unit of another piece of
equipment may cause interference.
4

It is recommended that the mains power is OFF until all connections have
been made and checked.
A. DIGITAL INPUT FROM A DVD PLAYER / XBOX / SONY PS2. Connect
either the provided coaxial digital lead (yellow) to the coaxial input socket
(8, page 3) or a suitable optical lead (not supplied) to the optical connector
(7, page 3). It is necessary to connect either optical or coaxial, it is not
necessary to connect both. You may be required to adjust your DVD audio
settings to output in a digital format
SYSTEM CONNECTION
NOTE: When listening to a digital source, you will only hear sound from all
speakers if you have inserted a DVD disc which contains a 5.1 Dolby Digital
or DTS soundtrack. Please see your DVD disc jewel case for details.
B. CONNECTION TO A STEREO SOUND SOURCE (CD PLAYER, TV,
TUNER, ETC). Use the RCA phono lead to connect to the RIGHT and LEFT
channels of the stereo sound system to the Auxiliary input connectors
(9, page 3).
AUDIO INPUT SPEAKERS OUT
CAUTION
OPTICAL
COAXIAL
AUX L
AUX R
SURR R
SURR L
CENTRE
FRONT L
FRONT R
B. CD / TV, OR ANY STEREO SOURCE
A. DIGITAL INPUT FROM A DVD PLAYER
REAR OF DS 855
230V 50Hz
OR
DIGITAL AUDIO
5

6
FIXING THE SPEAKER STANDS
STEP 1
Fit the lower stand section to base using the fitted hex nut and washer. It is a
good idea to feed the speaker cable through the stand from this first stage.
STEP 2
Fit the upper stand section to the lower stand section. Adjust the stand to
your desired height before tightening the platic collar.
STEP 3
Secure the bracket to the upper stand section using the pre-fitted self
tapping screw.
STEP 4
Feed the speaker cable through the top of the stand and bracket and connect
to your satellite speaker.
STEP 5
Secure the satellite speaker to the bracket using the supplied bolt.
STEP 1 STEP 2
STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5

LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTIONS
NOTE: Please ensure that the DS 855 is switched off before connecting any
speaker leads
Ensure the correct polarity (+) and (-) of all speaker leads. Check to make
sure there are no wires touching on the speaker terminals, and that all wires
are firmly clamped into the terminals (10, page 3).
The speaker terminals on the rear of the DS 855 and rear of the speakers
have corresponding colour coded markings to ease identification.
NOTE: When inserting speaker cables into any of the terminals, the black
wire should be fitted into the - (negative) terminal, The grey wire into the +
(positive) terminal.
Please see the supplied Fast Setup sheet for hints and tips on connecting
and positioning of your speakers.
Now that you have connected your speakers to their correct terminals, you
can use the test function to ensure that all speaker are connected.
Selecting the TEST button on the remote control (4, page 4) activates the
test function. The standby/test LED on the front panel (1, page 3) will light
to indicate that the test mode is ON. The test function outputs a white noise
signal to each of the satellite speakers and subwoofer in turn in the following
order:
FRONT LEFT - CENTRE - FRONT RIGHT - REAR RIGHT - REAR LEFT - SUBWOOFER
To switch off the test function, press the TEST button on the remote control
again. The standby/test LED will now switch off.
If you do not hear a test noise from some of your speakers, switch off the
system and check the connections.
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SPEAKERS OUT
SURR R
SURR L
CENTRE
FRONT L
FRONT R
FRONT L
CENTRE
FRONT R
SURR L SURR R

SYSTEM FUNCTION AND OPERATION
4. Adjusting the volume levels:
• The volume of the Centre, Surround (rear) and Sub Woofer channels can
be individually set according to personal preference and room conditions.
• Use the +/- buttons (9, page 4) to set the sound level of each channel.
5. Tone adjustment:
• The system tone can be adjusted using the BASS +/- buttons (10,
page 4) and TREBLE +/- buttons (11, page 4) in the range of +/- 10 dB.
• Select the BYPASS button (12, page 4) to return all bass and treble
levels to their default values.
6. Standby:
• If the DS 855 is not going to be used for a while, selecting STANDBY
(1, page 4) switches the system into standby (power save) mode.
The standby/test LED on the front panel will flash continuously to
indicate standby mode. Re-selecting STANDBY restores the system
to normal operation, with all previous settings.
NOTE: If the DS 855 is not going to be used for a period of time, it is
recommended to switch OFF the system with the power switch.
7. Mute:
• To temporarily mute the sound output of the DS 855, select MUTE (8,
page 4). The MUTE indicator on the front panel indicates the system is
muted. To restore the system to normal operation, reselect MUTE.
1. First make sure that all connections are correctly made:
• Connect the power plug to a suitable mains socket and switch the DS 855
system ON using the power switch (13, page 3).
2. Select the desired input:
• Select AUX (7, page 4) on the remote control unit to listen to the
analogue stereo sound source connected to the AUX inputs on the
rear panel.
• Select COAXIAL (6, page 4) on the remote control unit to listen to
the digital audio source connected to the COAXIAL input connector on the
rear panel.
• Select OPTICAL (5, page 4) on the remote control unit to listen to
the digital audio source connected to the OPTICAL input connector on
the rear panel.
3. Listening mode selecting:
• When listening to a coaxial or optical input source, the DS 855 will
automatically detect whether the signal is Dolby Digital, DTS or Stereo.
• When listening to an AUX input source, pressing the DSP EFFECT
button (2, page 4) allows you to select one of the Dolby Digital
listening modes: Live, Chorus, Hall or Theatre.
• When listening to a AUX input source you can add PRO LOGIC II
decoding to the signal. This will enable you to experience a virtual
surround sound from an otherwise stereo signal. There are two PRO
LOGIC II modes available (Music and Movie). Press the LISTEN MODE
button (3, pg 4) to toggle between normal stereo, Pro Logic II Music
Mode or Pro Logic II Movie Mode.
NOTE: Many DVD discs support multi-soundtrack options, so the digital
signal input to the DS 855 will be determined by the DVD player settings.
The DS 855 stores the last settings when switched off, and will restore these
settings when next switched on.
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TROUBLE SHOOTING SPECIFICATIONS
POWER OUTPUT 105 WATTS
Front channel 2 x 15 watts (4 ohms)
Centre channel 15 watts (4 ohms)
Rear channel 2 x 15 watts (4 ohms)
Subwoofer channel 30 watts (8 ohms)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20Hz ~ 20KHz (+ 2 dB)
INPUT LEVEL/IMPEDANCE 280mV / 47kΩ
POWER CONSUMPTION < 85W
POWER SUPPLY 230 Volts 50/60Hz
9
PROBLEM POSSIBLE SOLUTION
System does not
switch on:
• Check mains lead is securely fitted to a working
mains outlet socket.
No sound from
one or more
channels:
• There is a short delay after switching on before
the system starts functioning.
• Check all speaker connections are correct and all
leads are secured.
• Check all input leads are correctly wired and all
connectors are securely fitted.
• Check the settings of the input device.
• Check channel volume settings.
• Check that MUTE or STANDBY is not selected.
Volume level
low:
• Check master volume setting.
• Check individual channel volume settings.
Sound
distortion:
• Check all inputs are correctly wired up.
• Check input device settings.
• Check that the volume level is not set too high.
No sound from
rear channels:
• Check to ensure that that the DVD disc contains a
5.1 Dolby Digitial or DTS soundtrack.
• If listening to the AUX input, use the LISTEN
MODE selector on the remote control to select a
Pro Logic II mode (see page 7)
Remote control
not operating
correctly:
• Check the battery, if the remote controller only
works when close to the DS 855, the battery is
getting low - replace with suitable CR 2032 sized
battery.
• Check there is nothing obscuring the remote
signal sensor on the front panel.
• Check the sub woofer unit is not in direct sunlight,
as this can reduce the effectiveness of the remote
controller.

We trust you are completely satisfied with this product from Acoustic
Solutions Limited, however please feel free to contact us if you experience
any difficulties, or if you would like to express your views regarding our
products please phone the Acoustic Solutions Help line on 0871 230 7747.
This line is manned from 9:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:30pm, Monday
to Friday.
Alternatively, please write to:
Acoustic Solutions Limited.
Grand Union Buildings
54 High Street
Weedon Bec
Northampton
NN7 4QD
United Kingdom
Fax: [phone]
www.acousticsolutions.co.uk
email: [email protected]
Through the process of continuous improvement, Acoustic Solutions Limited
reserves the right to change or alter specifications without prior notice.
E&OE.
CONTACT DETAILS
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