Boston Acoustics SPG555 User manual

1

Index
Introduction Page 3
Dimensions Page 4
•Woofer Dimensions
•Cut Out Dimensions
Specifications Page 5
•General Specifications
•T/S Parameters
Sealed Enclosure Page 6
•Enclosure Overview
•Enclosure Specs
•Enclosure Example
Sound Quality Ported Enclosure Page 7
•Enclosure Overview
•Enclosure Specs
•Enclosure Example
High Output Ported Enclosure Page 8
•Enclosure Overview
•Enclosure Specs
•Enclosure Example
RVC™(Removable Voice Coil) Page 9
•Technology Overview
•Removal Instructions
•Installation Instructions
SPS™(Soft Part System) Page 11
• Technology Overview
•Removal Instructions
•Installation Instructions
Parts and Hardware Listing Page 13
•Subwoofer Parts and Hardware
Contact Information Page 14
•Contacting Boston 2

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Boston Acoustics SPG555. Designed from the ground up at our engineering and
production facility in Peabody, Massachusetts, the SPG555 utilizes many innovations and industry firsts. The SPG555
features our patented-pending 3.5-inch RVC™(Removable Voice Coil) allowing you to either change the impedance of the
subwoofer or repair a defective voice coil; without having to remove the SPG555 from its enclosure! By removing six
screws, you can simply slide out the RVC™and replace it with a new one. In addition, the SPG555 features our SPS™(Soft
Part System) allowing the user to replace the entire cone/surround/spider assembly should they ever become damaged.
The SPG555 incorporates a unique cone profile. The race track design allows the SPG555 to fit where other woofers
cannot, giving you the ability to install the SPG555 in an area that would normally would limit you to using a 10-inch
subwoofer. The area of the cone, 555cm2,is larger than a standard 12-inch subwoofer—simply put, greater cone area for
greater output. A 3.5-inch diameter voice coil combined with Boston Acoustics' patented RadialVent®cooling allow the
SPG555 to handle an amazing 1000 watts RMS. Generally, conventional high output subwoofers rely on massive
magnets that dramatically increase their weight. The SPG555 uses a powerful neodymium motor structure that is
significantly lighter than ferrite motor structures, keeping the total weight of the SPG555 to only 26 lbs. Like the highly
acclaimed Boston Acoustics G5 line of subwoofers, the SPG555 can be completely disassembled to allow customization.
You can paint, powder-coat, or chrome the SPG555's basket and heatsink to customize the appearance of the SPG555 for
acustom installation.
Take a few minutes and familiarize yourself with the contents of this manual. In addition to basic set-up requirements for
the SPG555, you will also find several enclosure designs that allow you to tailor the performance of it to your specific
design goals. Whether you are looking to build a vehicle for accurate reproduction or the production of mind-blowing
bass, the SPG555 is up to the task. Attributes of each enclosure are highlighted on each design page and all three designs
should be considered before making a decision on which one to build as the enclosure design will radically effect the end
result. Regardless of enclosure chosen, the SPG555 truly defines reference level performance.
3

Dimensions
11
7
/ 8 ”
302mm
14
1
/ 4 ”
362mm
8
1
/ 4 ”
210mm
1
1
/ 2 ”
38mm
6
3
/ 8 ”
162mm
Cut-out
335mm
13
3
/ 16 ”
265mm R5.22”
R132.5mm
10
7
/ 16 ”
Top View
Side View
4

Specifications
General Specifications
Model: SPG555-4 SPG555-2
Nominal SD: 555cm2555cm2
RMS Power Handling: 1000w 1000w
Impedance: 4 Ω 2 Ω
Frequency Response (±3dB in car): 20-350Hz 20-350Hz
Weight: 26 Lbs. 26 Lbs.
SPG555 Thiele-Small Parameters
Model: SPG555-4 SPG555-2
Fs (Hz): 31.90 29.68
Re (Ohms): 3.15 1.68
Qms: 11.66 11.70
Qes: 0.86 0.67
Qts: 0.80 0.63
Vas (Liters): 39.77 44.40
Mms (Grams): 276.7 286.20
Cms (µM/Newton): 89.9 99.9
Xmax (Mm): 22 22
Xmech (Mm): 49 49
Sd (CM 2): 555 555
Bl (Tesla-M): 14.27 11.58
SPL Eff (dB @ 1w/1m): 83.6 84.2
SPL Sen (dB @ 2.83v): 87.7 91.0
5

Sealed Enclosure
Sealed Enclosure Explanation
Asealed enclosure is the best option if sound quality is of primary concern. It will offer the best overall response across
the low frequency audio spectrum, great transient response, and will allow for the most seamless integration between
the subwoofer system and front speakers. It is also half the size of the sound quality ported design minimizing the space
that needs to be dedicated to the subwoofer enclosure.
Sealed Enclosure Specifications
Recommended Enclosure Volume*: 1.0 ft3(28.3L)
Q-Tune™† (Highpass and Q Setting): 25Hz @ 0.707
Sealed Enclosure Example
Gross Volume: 1.0 ft3(28.3L)
Internal Height (H): 10 1⁄2"(26.7cm)
Internal Width (W): 13" (33.0cm)
Internal Depth (D): 13" (33.0cm)
Recommended Fill: 1Lbs. of Polyfil
B
d
6
0
6
-
21
-
81
-
42
-
03-
6
3
-
zH
50 10 5001 0 05 00 01 0 00
2
In-Car Response w/ Q-Tune
™
Enclosure Response
H D
W
Front View Top View
*All enclosure dimensions are internal and include basket displacement
The above enclosure shape is an example and these dimensions can be
modified provided that the exact internal volume is retained
3⁄4-inch thick M.D.F.is recommended as a minimum
†Q-Tune™is a feature found on Boston GT Amplifiers
6

Sound Quality Ported Enclosure Explanation
The use of low tuning allows the SPG555 to deliver much stronger low bass energy when compared to the sealed
enclosure. Use of a smaller volume combined with low tuning allows the ported sound quality enclosure to produce a
relatively flat response down to 30Hz while delivering solid impact at high output levels.
Sound Quality Ported Enclosure Specifications
Recommended Enclosure Volume*: 2.1 ft3(59.4L)
Tuning Frequency: 33Hz
Q-Tune™† (Highpass and Q Setting): 31Hz @ 0.9
Sound Quality Ported Enclosure
Sound Quality Ported Enclosure Example
Gross Volume: 2.1 ft3(59.4L)
Internal Height (H): 14" (35.6cm)
Internal Width (W): 18" (45.7cm)
Internal Depth (D): 14" (35.6cm)
Slot Port Opening: 1 1⁄4x14” (3.2 x 35.6cm)
Port Length: 22” (55.9cm)
dB
6
0
-6
-12
-18
-24
-30
-36
5 Hz 10 50 100 500 1000 2000
In-Car Response w/ Q-Tune
™
Enclosure Response
H D
W
PW
PL
Front View Top View
Note: If a rectangle port cannot be used, two 3” (77mm) round ports,
16” (406mm) long may be substituted.
*All enclosure dimensions are internal and include basket and port displacement
The above enclosure shape is an example and these dimensions can be modified
provided that the exact internal volume is retained
3⁄4-inch thick M.D.F. is recommended as a minimum
†Q-Tune™is a feature found on Boston GT Amplifiers
7

High Output Ported Enclosure
High Output Ported Enclosure Explanation
As the name suggests, the high output ported enclosure will play the loudest of the three designs. Its large internal
volume combined with large port area delivers great efficiency for very high output. Tuning is higher than the Sound
quality enclosure bringing the peak efficiency point of the enclosure much closer to average vehicle resonance but is still
tuned low enough for good musical reproduction.
High Output Ported Enclosure Specifications
Recommended Enclosure Volume*: 2.5 ft3(70.8L)
Tuning Frequency: 38Hz
Q-Tune™†:(Highpass and Q Setting) 36Hz @ 1.2
High Output Ported Enclosure Example
Gross Volume: 2.5 ft3(70.8L)
Internal Height (H): 14" (35.6cm)
Internal Width (W): 22" (55.9cm)
Internal Depth (D): 14" (36.8cm)
Slot Port Opening (PW): 1 3⁄4x14” (4.5 x 35.5cm)
Port Length (PL): 19” (48.3cm)
*All enclosure dimensions are internal and include basket and port displacement
The above enclosure shape is an example and these dimensions can be
modified provided that the exact internal volume is retained
3⁄4-inch thick M.D.F. is recommended as a minimum
†Q-Tune™is a feature found on Boston GT Amplifiers
Note: If a rectangle port cannot be used, two 3” (77mm) round ports,
10” (254mm) long may be substituted.
dB
6
0
-6
-12
-18
-24
-30
-36
5 Hz 10 50 100 500 1000 2000
In-Car Response w/ Q-Tune
™
Enclosure Response
H D
W
PW
PL
Front View Top View
8

RVC™(Removable Voice Coil)
Removable Voice Coil
The SPG555 is the first woofer ever that allows the voice coil to be exchanged without having to remove the woofer from
the enclosure. This unique feature allows you to change the impedance of the woofer or repair a damaged voice coil, not
just easily,but quickly.
Removing The RVC™
1) The RVC™is held in place with six screws. Using the provided tool (2.5mm allen hex), remove the six screws around the
outside of the RVC™u.
2) Once the screws are removed, pull up on the handle and the RVC™will slide out v.
v
u
Note: If the previous RVC™was damaged, make sure that the gap is clear of all debris before installing the new RVC™.
9

Installing The RVC™
1) Install the new gasket (provided) on to the RVC™ u.
2) Align the notches on the RVC™with the insets on the
SPG555 cone v(the RVC™ is keyed for proper orientation
and will not seat flush or seal into the cone if the RVC™is not
properly positioned).
3) Once the RVC™is seated to the cone, hand tighten the six
screws w, do not over-tighten the screws.
vuw
Installing The Handle
1) The handle is held in place by two screws (included in
the hardware kit). The handle can be positioned on one
of eight different ways u.
2) Line up the handle with two of the six screw holes on the
RVC™. Using the provided 2.5mm tool, hand tighten the
screws v. The specific orientation of the handle will not
effect performance, however, to ensure proper
tuning, must be installed prior to using the SPG555.
Warning: Choose the position of the handle wisely. Installing the
screws into the RVC™ will mar the area around where the screw is
installed. Although not visible with the handle installed in the original
position, if the handle is moved, you will be able to see the enlarged
screw holes from the previous install position.
0º
45º
90º
-45º
vu
10

Interchangeable SPS™
The SPG555 features a removable SPS™(Soft Part System) that contains the cone, surround, and spider built into one
frame. In the event that the cone, surround, or spider becomes damaged, it is easily swapped out with a new one. Also,
If the basket of the SPG555 is going to be visible, the SPS™can be removed allowing for painting, plating, or powder
coating of the chassis.
SPS™Removal Instructions
1) Remove the SPG555 from the subwoofer enclosure.
2) Remove the mounting gasket ufrom the SPG555.
3) Remove the RVC™vfrom the SPS™ w(see previous page for removal instructions).
4) Remove the 8 screws ythat secure the top of the SPS™wto the basket x.
5) Remove the 6 screws zthat secure the bottom of the SPS™wto the basket x.
6) With all 14 screws removed, the SPS™will slide out.
SPS™Installation Instructions
1) Place the SPS™win the basket xmaking sure that the terminals are positioned on the correct side, the SPS™wuses a peg to
assure proper alignment and will not properly seat if installed backwards.
2) Hand tighten the 8 screws ythat secure the top of the SPS™wto the basket x.
3) Hand tighten the 6 screws zthat secure the bottom of the SPS™wto the basket x.
4) Install the RVC™vinto the SPS™ w(see previous page for installation instructions).
5) Install the mounting gasket uon the SPG555.
6) Install the SPG555 back into the subwoofer enclosure.
11

SPG555 Exploded View
6
5
4
3
2
1
Mounting Gasket
Basket
RVC
™
(Removable Voice Coil)
SPS
™
(Soft Part System)
SPS
™
Screws
SPS
™
Screws
12

Subwoofer Parts
Mounting Gasket SPG555 Basket, Motor
Structure, and Heat Sink
RVC™
(Removable
Voice Coil)
SPS™
(Soft Part System)
RVC™Gasket
Hardware
Mounting Screw
x 10
SPS™Screw
x 14
RVC™Screw
x 6
13

Contact Information
Contacting Boston
For questions regarding installation or service, please contact the dealer from whom you have purchased the product
or contact us directly at:
Boston Acoustics, Inc.
300 Jubilee Drive
Peabody, MA 01960
Phone #: [phone]
Fax #: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
RVC and SPS are trademarks and Boston, Boston Acoustics, the Boston Acoustics logo,
and RadialVent are registered trademarks of Boston Acoustics, Inc.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
©2006 Boston Acoustics, Inc. All rights reserved.
Covered by patents issued and/or pending. 14

Boston Acoustics, Inc. 300 Jubilee Drive, Peabody, MA 01960 USA T: 978.538.5000 F: 978.538.5100 W: bostonacoustics.com
042-001968-1