Boston Acoustics PV700 User manual

Powered Subwoofers
PV900
PV700

2
Important Safety Instructions
This symbol found on the apparatus indicates hazards arising from dangerous
voltages.
This symbol found on the apparatus indicates the user should read all safety state-
ments found in the user manual.
This symbol found on the apparatus indicates double insulation.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or
moisture.
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 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 (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. A grounding type plug has two blades
and a third grounding 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 electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being
walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories
specified by the manufacturer.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such
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.
14. Maintain a minimum distance of 50 mm
around the front, rear and sides of the
apparatus for sufficient ventilation. The
ventilation should not be impeded by covering
the ventilation openings or placing on or
around the apparatus items such as
newspapers, table-cloths, curtains, etc.
15. No naked flame sources, such as lighted
candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
16 The apparatus shall not be exposed to
dripping or splashing. No objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the
apparatus.
17. The apparatus is suitable for use in
tropical and/or moderate climates.

3
Description
Boston’s PV700 and PV900 subwoofers deliver the dynamic bass foundation that is essential for lifelike reproduction of
movie soundtracks and music in the home. These attractive powered subwoofers will complement any stereo or home
theater surround sound system with their impressive bass output and compact size.
Both subwoofers utilize our rugged DCD™ (Deep Channel Design) bass unit designed in Boston’s state-of-the-art
engineering facility in Peabody, Massachusetts. Every one is tested as it comes off the line to be within ±1dB of the lab
reference unit, an incredibly tight tolerance. The amplifiers have built-in variable crossovers that allow them to easily
achieve a seamless blend with the main speakers, while a 24dB/octave low-pass filter prevents the subwoofers from
being easily localized by ear, increasing placement flexibility. A crossover bypass function is provided for use with home
theater electronics that perform their own bass management.
Because of their high-powered amplifiers and computer-optimized tunings, the PV700 and PV900 are capable of impres-
sive deep bass and high output from remarkably compact enclosures. In addition, they feature BassTrac®, a proprietary
Boston-designed circuit that tracks the input signal to the subwoofer and prevents its amplifier from being driven into
audible distortion. The benefit: The bass stays clean and strong at any listening level.
Auto on-off amplifier switching and easily accessible controls make the PV700 and PV900 subwoofers as convenient to
use as they are exciting to listen to.
Specifications*
PV900 PV700
Frequency Response (±3dB) 26–150Hz 29–150Hz
Subwoofer Amplifier Power FTC Rated Power: 300 watts @ 50 Hz FTC Rated Power: 200 watts @ 50 Hz
into 4 ohms at less than 1% THD+N into 4 ohms at less than 1% THD+N
Subwoofer Crossover 50–150Hz 50–150Hz
24dB/octave low-pass 24dB/octave low-pass
LFE Input Yes Yes
Crossover Bypass Yes Yes
Bass Unit 12" (305mm) DCD 12" (305mm) DCD
down-firing down-firing
Enclosure Type Rear-ported Rear-ported
Dimensions (HxWxD) 155/8 x 141/2 x 171/2"14
1/4 x13 1/2 x 163/4"
(with feet and (397 x 369 x 445mm) (362 x 343 x 426mm)
rear connectors)
Weight 32 lbs (14.4kg) 28 lbs (12.6kg)
Finish Black ash vinyl veneer Black ash vinyl veneer
*In keeping with our policy of continual product improvements, specifications are subject to change without notice. Please visit our web
page, www.bostonacoustics.com, for the latest specifications on these two products.

4
Connections
NOTE: Power is always supplied to the subwoofer electronics unless it is unplugged or switched to the off position using
the power toggle switch located in the lower left corner of the rear panel. The auto-on circuitry only activates or
deactivates the power amplifier. Make sure your subwoofer and receiver are unplugged when making the connection.
Line level: Use one of the “line level in” jacks with most systems. These inputs accept the line-level signal from your
receiver’s subwoofer output. When using the “use crossover control” input, the subwoofer’s circuitry filters out the high
frequencies and sends the remaining low frequencies to the subwoofer power amplifier.
Speaker level: Use these high-level terminals with receivers that do not have subwoofer output. The speaker inputs
accept both left and right channel speaker signals from your receiver. NOTE: Certain receivers use speaker grounding
circuits that may be incompatible with external powered audio products, such as powered subwoofers. When speaker
wire is used instead of line level cables, this incompatibility can sometimes result in an audible hum when the receiver is
turned off or switched to a different speaker channel. See page 8 for more information.
How to Connect Using the Speaker Terminals
We recommend 18-gauge wire or thicker for runs up to 15 feet (4.5m), and 16-gauge wire or thicker for longer runs.
Separate the first few inches of the wire conductors. Strip off 1⁄2-inch (12mm) of insulation from the ends of each speaker
wire to expose the two conductors and tightly twist the wire strands.
WARNING: To prevent electrical shock hazard, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when making connections to
the speaker.
When making all connections, be sure to connect the +(red) on the speaker to the +(red) on the amplifier, and
the –(black) on the speaker to the –(black) on the amplifier.
IMPORTANT: Typically, one side of
the wire is smooth. Connect this side
to the –(black) connection. The other
side has a rib or stripe. Connect this
to the +(red) connection.
–
+
Using This Manual – PV700 versus PV900
NOTE: The rear amplifier panels of the PV700 and the PV900 are virtually the same. Although the instructional images
on the following pages depict the PV700’s rear panel, the PV900 connects, functions and operates in exactly the same
manner.
Using the five-way binding posts: The binding posts permit easy
connection to banana plugs, spade lugs, and bare wire. Insert the wire in the
hole (as shown on left) or a 3/8-inch spade lug over the post and tighten. For
banana plugs, remove the red and black caps from the end-holes and insert
either dual or single banana plugs (as shown on right).

PowerVent Powered Subwoofer
®
PV700
Featuring BassTrac®
CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord
before replacing fuse. For continued
protection against risk of fire, replace only
with same type fuse.
ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de
remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de
rechange de même type.
* use crossover control: removes high
frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable
filtering (most products without Dolby Digital
or DTS), or where manual control is desired.
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer;
use with sources having built-in crossover
controls or bass management (most products
with Dolby Digital or DTS).
T 2.5A L 250V
120V ~ 60Hz 2.5A
on
off
power
C US
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
left right
speaker level in
50
80 120
150
crossover (Hz)
power indicator
0º180 º
polarity
use
crossover
control *
bypass
crossover
control **
line level in
power mode
on
auto
Use only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
Use only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
5
Connecting the Subwoofer to Digital Home Theater Systems
Digital 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 home theater electronics dedicate one channel (the “.1”) to reproduce the special
low-frequency (LFE) information (such as explosions and thunder) contained in digitally-encoded soundtracks.
Select ”subwoofer-yes“ from your receiver’s set-up menu. Hooked up this way, the receiver’s amplifier is relieved of
having to reproduce the difficult low bass signals that can drive the receiver into audible distortion.
Use an RCA cable (not included), as shown, to connect your digital receiver’s subwoofer output to the subwoofer.
Connect the other end to the PV700 or PV900 jack labeled “bypass crossover control” underneath “line level in”.
Be sure to connect +to +
(red) and –to –(black).
If you do not wish to run RCA cables to your subwoofer, you may use speaker wire to connect the subwoofer in parallel
with your main speakers (see diagram below). The subwoofer does not present any additional load to your receiver.
Select “subwoofer-no” from your receiver’s set-up menu. This sends the LFE signal to the main left and right speakers,
and thus, to the subwoofer. Consult your receiver’s owner’s manual for more details.
When using the speaker wire hookup, the subwoofer’s built-in crossover is engaged. As a starting point, set the
crossover control on the subwoofer about 10Hz higher than the lower limit of your main speakers’ bass response (for
Boston Acoustics front speakers, refer to the included “Optimal Crossover Settings...”sheet). Fine-tune the crossover
setting by ear for the smoothest blend with your main speakers. The best setting of the crossover control will depend on
speaker placement and personal preference.
BACK OF RECEIVER
left right
front
speakers
to main
speakers
PowerVent Powered Subwoofer
®
PV700
Featuring BassTrac®
CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord
before replacing fuse. For continued
protection against risk of fire, replace only
with same type fuse.
ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de
remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de
rechange de même type.
* use crossover control: removes high
frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable
filtering (most products without Dolby Digital
or DTS), or where manual control is desired.
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer;
use with sources having built-in crossover
controls or bass management (most products
with Dolby Digital or DTS).
on
off
power
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
left right
speaker level in
50
80 120
150
crossover (Hz)
power indicator
0º180 º
polarity
use
crossover
control *
bypass
crossover
control **
line level in
power mode
on
auto
Use only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
Use only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
T 2.5A L 250V
120V ~ 60Hz 2.5A
C US
BACK OF RECEIVER
SUBWOOFER OUT

Controls
PowerVent Powered Subwoofer
®
PV700
Featuring BassTrac®
CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord
before replacing fuse. For continued
protection against risk of fire, replace only
with same type fuse.
ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de
remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de
rechange de même type.
* use crossover control: removes high
frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable
filtering (most products without Dolby Digital
or DTS), or where manual control is desired.
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer;
use with sources having built-in crossover
controls or bass management (most products
with Dolby Digital or DTS).
T 2.5A L 250V
120V ~ 60Hz 2.5A
on
off
power
C US
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
left right
speaker level in
50
80 120
150
crossover (Hz)
power indicator
0º180 º
polarity
use
crossover
control *
bypass
crossover
control **
line level in
power mode
on
auto
Use only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
Use only with a 250V fuse
Employer uniquement avec
un fusible de 250V
6
Connecting the Subwoofer to Stereo or Dolby®Pro Logic®Systems
For stereo or Dolby Pro Logic systems, the easiest method is to use the same speaker wire connections as shown on page 5.
You may also use the “sub out” connection from your receiver to the input on the subwoofer marked use crossover
control. When using speaker wire or the use crossover control input, the subwoofer’s built-in crossover is engaged. As a
starting point, set the crossover control on the subwoofer about 10Hz higher than the lower limit of your main speakers’
bass response (for Boston Acoustics front speakers, refer to the included “Optimal Crossover Settings...”sheet). Fine-
tune the crossover setting by ear for the smoothest blend with your main speakers. The best setting of the crossover
control will depend on speaker placement and personal preference.
BACK OF RECEIVER
SUBWOOFER OUT
50
80 120
150
crossover (Hz)
0º180 º
polarity
on
off
power
Main power switch Volume (on front panel)
Adjusts the sound level of
the subwoofer. A typical
setting is around 11:00
o’clock, as shown.
Crossover (Hz) Polarity (0° or 180°)
Completely turns all power
to the amplifier either on or
off and over-rides the power
mode switch. This switch
must be turned on before
setting the power mode
switch (see next page).
Adjusts the frequency of
the low-pass filter for
the subwoofer. This
control is inactive when
using the “bypass crossover
control” input jack.
Selects regular (0°) or inverted
(180°) polarity for the
subwoofer. Set this switch to
provide the fullest, most
dynamic bass. The effect of
phase will be most audible on
low-frequency percussion
instruments or music with a
continuously repeating bass line.

Power indicator: This two-
color power status light will
be red when the Power
Mode Switch is set to auto
(without any audio signal
present) and green when set
to on mode.
It will not light up at all until
the Main Power switch is set
to the on position.
7
on
auto
on
auto
Controls (con’t)
Auto: When set to this position, the subwoofer’s auto-on
circuitry turns the amplifier on when an audio signal is presented
(turning the power indicator light green), and turns it off in
approximately 15 minutes if no signal is detected (turning the
power indicator red).
Placement
Place the subwoofer next to a wall or in a corner near your main speakers. Typically, the sound is best when the subwoofer
is within 15 feet (4.5m) of the main speakers. However, the sharp 24dB/octave crossover roll-off permits placement farther
from the main speakers if necessary. Since the ear is unable to localize the low frequencies of the subwoofer, the bass still
appears to come from the main speakers. In most cases, the subwoofer may be placed anywhere in the listening room.
The level of bass output from the subwoofer will vary at different positions in a room. When placed near walls, its loudness
is emphasized. Corner placement provides the most bass output, while placement near only one wall will provide some-
what less bass. Placement completely away from walls may produce too little bass. Regardless of how you place the sub-
woofer, you can adjust the subwoofer’s level with its volume control. If you move the subwoofer, recheck the setting of the
polarity switch. Use the setting that yields the louder and more dynamic sound.
IMPORTANT: Do not place the subwoofer where there is a chance of contact between the rear panel and drapes or
furniture. Avoid obstructing air flow to the back.
Position subwoofer
in corner for maximum
bass output
On: When set to this position, the subwoofer’s auto-on
circuitry is bypassed and the amplifier will remain on whether
an audio signal is present or not (the power indicator light
stays green).
Power mode switch
NOTE: The Main Power Switch needs to be in the on position before this switch is active.
power indicator

8
DCD is a trademark and BassTrac, Boston and Boston Acoustics are
registered trademarks of Boston Acoustics, Inc. Dolby and Dolby Pro Logic
are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
© 2003 Boston Acoustics, Inc. All rights reserved.
Specifications subject to change without notice. 042-001685-0
Or visit our web site at:
www.bostonacoustics.com
If Speaker Wire Connections Cause the Subwoofer to Hum
Certain receivers use speaker grounding circuits that may be incompatible with external powered audio products,
such as powered subwoofers. When speaker wire is used instead of line level cables, this incompatibility can result
in an audible hum when the receiver is turned off or switched to a different speaker channel.
If this should happen with your Boston Acoustics subwoofer, you will need to make a ground cable and connect it
to either RCA line input on the subwoofer and any unused RCA line input or output on your receiver (see
diagram). The proper ground cable for this application should consist of two male RCA plugs that have their
negative outside terminals (or "sleeve") connected to each other by any length of single conductor copper cable.
The inside positive (or "pin") terminals
should not be wired in either plug.
If you do not wish to make your own
grounding cable, please contact the
Boston Acoustics Customer Service
Department directly (see below) and we
will promptly ship one to you of suitable
length at no charge.
50
80 120
150
crossover (Hz)
use
crossover
control *
bypass
crossover
control **
line level in
AUDIO
AUDIO
AUDIO
AUDIO
VIDEO
VIDEO
VIDEO
VIDEO
S VIDEO
S VIDEO
V-AUX
V-AUX
IN
IN
VCR
VCR
OUT
OUT
D-TV
D-TV
/CBL
/CBL
DVD
DVD
S VIDEO
S VIDEO
VIDEO
VIDEO
SUB
SUB
WOOFER
WOOFER
MONITOR OUT
MONITOR OUT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
MONITOR
MONITOR
OUT
OUT
D-TV
D-TV
/CBL
/CBL
DVD
DVD
CD
CD
FM
FM
ANT
ANT
IN
IN
(PLAY)
(PLAY)
MD
MD
/CD-R
/CD-R
OUT
OUT
(REC)
(REC)
75
75
Ω UNBAL.
UNBAL.
TUNER
TUNER
COMPONENT VIDEO
COMPONENT VIDEO
DIGITAL
DIGITAL
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
DIGITAL
DIGITAL
INPUT
INPUT
6 CH INPUT
6 CH INPUT
CD
CD
COAXIAL
COAXIAL
RL
RL
MAIN
MAIN
SUB
SUB
WOOFER
WOOFER
DVD
DVD
MD/CD-R
MD/CD-R
MD/CD-R
MD/CD-R
OPTICAL
OPTICAL
OPTICAL
OPTICAL
D-TV/CBL
D-TV/CBL
Y
PB/C
/C
B
PR/C
/C
R
SURROUND
SURROUND
CENTER
CENTER
AM
AM
ANT
ANT
GND
GND
single conductor (-) RCA to (-) RCA ground cable
BACK OF RECEIVER
BACK OF SUBWOOFER
use either RCA jack
use any
available
RCA jack
Or email us at:
[email protected]
300 Jubilee Drive
Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.
978.538.5000
www.bostonacoustics.com
If Service Seems Necessary
First, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the PV700 or PV900. If that is not possible, write to:
Customer Service
Boston Acoustics, Inc.
300 Jubilee Drive
Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.
We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your unit to the factory, please ship it
prepaid. After it has been repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in the U.S. and Canada.
Limited Warranty
For one year from the date of purchase, Boston Acoustics will repair for the original owner any defect in materials
or workmanship that occurs in normal use of the subwoofer, without charge for parts and labor.
Your responsibilities are to use the system according to the instructions supplied, to provide safe and secure
transportation to an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative, and to present proof of purchase in the
form of your sales slip when requesting service.
Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, improper installation, accidents, shipping,
or repairs/modifications by anyone other than an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative. This warranty
is limited to the Boston Acoustics product and does not cover damage to any associated equipment. This warranty
does not cover the cost of removal or reinstallation.
This warranty is void if the serial number has been removed or defaced. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.