Cambridge Sound Works DTT250 User manual

1
Installation and Operating Instructions
Desktop Theater 5.1 DTT2500 Digital
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Creative Technology Ltd. No part of this document may
be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the written permission
of Creative Technology Ltd. The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of
the license agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any other medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement. The licensee may make one
copy of the software for backup purposes.
Copyright © 1999 Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
© 1999 Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc. All rights reserved. Cambridge SoundWorks is a registered trademark, and PCWorks and DeskTop Theater are trademarks of
Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc., Newton, MA. The Creative logo and Sound Blaster logo are registered trademarks and the Environmental Audio logo and Creative Multi
Speaker Surround are trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. The Desktop Theater 5.1 DTT2500 Digital Dolby Digital Decoder Amplifier is manufactured under the
license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, “AC-3”, and the Double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential unpublished works.
Copyright 1992-1997 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Microsoft and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Inc. All other brands and product
names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Actual contents may differ slightly
from those pictured.
Version 1.0
July 1999
Trademarks
Sound Blaster is a registered trademark, and Blaster is a trademark of Creative Technology Ltd.
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

2
Safety & Regulatory Information
The following sections contain notices for various countries:
CAUTION: This device is intended to be installed
by the user in a CSA/TUV/UL certified/listed IBM
AT or compatabile personal computers in the
manufacturer’s defined operator access area. Check
the equipment operating/installation manual and/or
with the equipment manufacturer to verify/confirm if
your equipment is suitable for user-installed
application cards.
Modifications
Any changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the grantee of this device could void the
user’s authority to operate the device.
Compliance
This product conforms to the following Council
Directive:
• Directive 89/ 336/ EEC, 92/ 31/ EEC (EMC),
73/23/EEC (LVD)
WARNING: To prevent fire
or shock hazard, do not
expose this appliance to
rain or moisture.
Important Notice
The serial number for the DTT2500 Digital is
located on the DecoderAmplifier. Please write this
number down and keep it in a secure area. This is for
your security.

3
READ INSTRUCTIONS - All safety and oper-
atinginstructions shouldbe readbefore the
DTT2500 Digital amplified subwoofer/sat-
ellite system is operated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS - The safety and
operating instructions should be retained
for future reference.
HEED WARNINGS - All warnings on the
subwoofer and in the operating instruc-
tions should be adhered to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS - All operating
and use instructions should be followed.
CLEANING - Unplug the Power Supply
Adapterfromthewalloutletorotherpower
source before cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleanersoraerosolcleaners.Useadamp
cloth for cleaning.
ATTACHMENTS - Do not use attachments
not recommended by Cambridge
SoundWorksastheymaycausehazards.
WATER AND MOISTURE - Do not use the
Decoder Amplifier near water—for ex-
ample,nearabathtub,washbowl,kitchen
sink,orlaundry tub;ina wet basement;or
near a swimming pool; and the like.
ACCESSORIES- Donotplacethe
DTT2500
Digital
Decoder Amplifier on an unstable
cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
Decoder Amplifier may fall, causing seri-
ous injury to a child or adult, and serious
damage to the product. Use only with a
cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table rec-
ommended by Cambridge Sound-Works,
or sold with the product. Any mounting of
the satellites or subwoofer should follow
the manufacturer’s instructions, and
should use a mounting accessory recom-
mended by Cambridge SoundWorks.
VENTILATION - Slots and openings in the
Decoder Amplifier are provided for venti-
lation and to ensure reliable operation of
the Decoder Amplifier and to prevent it
from overheating. These openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings
should never be blocked by placing the
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other simi-
larsurface.TheDecoderAmplifiershould
notbe placedin abuilt-in installationsuch
as a bookcase or rack unless proper ven-
tilation is provided or Cambridge
SoundWorks’ instructions have been ad-
hered to.
HEAT - The Decoder Amplifier should be
situated away from heat sources such as
radiators,heatregisters,stoves,andother
products (including amplifiers) that pro-
duce heat.
POWERSOURCES -TheDecoderAmplifier
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.
POLARIZATION- The powersupply may be
equippedwithapolarizedalternating-cur-
rent line plug (a plug having one blade
wider than the other). This plug will fit into
the power outlet only one way. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert
the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit,
contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.
POWER-CORD PROTECTION - Power sup-
plycordsshould beroutedso that theyare
not likely to be walked on or pinched by
itemsplaced uponoragainst them,paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, con-
veniencereceptacles, andthepointwhere
they exit from the Decoder Amplifier.
LIGHTNING - For added protection for the
DTT2500Digital system duringa lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and
unused for long periods of time, unplug it
from the wall outlet. This will prevent dam-
age to the Decoder Amplifier due to light-
ning and power-line surges.
OVERLOADING - Do not overload wall out-
lets, extension cords, or integral conve-
nience receptacles as this can result in a
risk of fire or electric shock.
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY - Neverpush
objects of any kind into the Decoder Am-
plifierthroughopeningsastheymaytouch
dangerousvoltagepointsorshortoutparts
that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Neverspillliquidofanykindonthespeak-
ers or the Decoder Amplifier.
SERVICING - Do not attempt to service the
any part of the
DTT2500 Digital yourself
as opening or removing covers may ex-
pose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified
service personnel.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE - Unplug
the power supply from the wall outlet or
other power source and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the fol-
lowing conditions:
a) When the power supply cord or plug is
damaged.
b) If liquid has been spilled, or objects
have fallen into the subwoofer.
c) If the Decoder Amplifier has been ex-
posed to rain or water.
d) If the subwoofer does not operate nor-
mally by following the operating instruc-
tions; or exhibits a distinct change in per-
formance.
e) If the product has been dropped or
damaged in any way.
REPLACEMENT PARTS - When replace-
ment parts are required, be sure the ser-
vice technician has used replacement
partsspecifiedbyCambridgeSoundWorks
or have the same characteristics as the
original parts. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.
SAFETY CHECK - Upon completion of any
service or repairs to the
DTT2500 Digital
system,asktheservice technician to per-
form safety checks to determine that the
DeskTop Theater 5.1 system is in proper
operating condition.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING - The
DTT2500 Digital satellites should be
mounted to a wall or ceiling only as rec-
ommended by Cambridge SoundWorks.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

4
Contents
DeskTop Theatre
™
5.1
DTT2500 Digital
Safety & Regulatory Information ......................................................................... 2
Compliance........................................................................................................... 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................... 2
DTT2500 Digital .................................................................................................. 4
Introduction .......................................................................................................... 5
Inspecting ............................................................................................................. 6
Important Notes .................................................................................................... 6
Installation Sequence............................................................................................ 7
Speaker Placement ............................................................................................... 7
Speaker Wire and Stand Installation .................................................................. 10
Mounting The Speakers...................................................................................... 11
Decoder Amplifier .............................................................................................. 12
Making Connections........................................................................................... 12
Wiring Diagram .................................................................................................. 13
Connection to Sound Blaster .............................................................................. 13
Decoder Amplifier Functions ............................................................................. 14
Surround Reference ............................................................................................ 16
Dolby Digital ...................................................................................................... 16
Dolby Pro Logic ................................................................................................. 16
Creative Multi Speaker Surround (CMSS) ........................................................ 17
Audio Mode Selection ........................................................................................ 17
Applications Guide ............................................................................................. 18
Specifications ..................................................................................................... 22
Important ............................................................................................................ 22
Creative European Help Line ............................................................................. 23

5
hank you for purchasing
DeskTop Theater 5.1
DTT2500 Digital by
Cambridge SoundWorks.
Introduction
DeskTop Theater 5.1 DTT2500 Digital
lets you experience the full potential
of Dolby®Digital multichannel sound
from your computer DVD player, with
a dynamic output that rivals a
component home theater system. It
processes both Dolby Digital and
Dolby Surround program material.
DeskTop Theater 5.1 DTT2500
Digital offers discreet four-channel
support for Microsoft®DirectSound®3D
and its other derivatives. In some of
today’s best CD-based action games,
DeskTop Theater 5.1 DTT2500 Digital
can automatically decode the Dolby
Surround cut-scenes while offering
enveloping positional four channel
audio. It’s ready for the new era of
DVD-based games.
Also included is Creative Multi
Speaker Surround, which lets you hear
all of your favourite stereo program
material with a new and exciting
three-dimensional quality.
T

6
(5) Wall Mounting Hardware
SPDIF DIN Cable
Tandem Audio Cable (Green and Black Miniplugs)
SPDIF Cable (RCA to RCA)
Inspecting
For Damage Important Notes
connection, to hear the clearest digital
audio available. Conventional 2-
channel sound cards such as Sound
Blaster 16 or the Sound Blaster AWE
series can also be used with DTT2500
Digital, but these cards will not
provide rear channel output when
playing games using DirectSound®3D
or its derivatives.
One pair of satellites has cables that
are 3 meters (9 feet) long. The other
pair has cables that are 5 meters
These instructions assume you have
a DVD player with a coaxial Dolby
Digital (AC-3) output (for example, the
Creative Labs PC-DVD Encore).
These instructions also assume your
sound card supports processing of
DirectSound®3D, including front and
rear two-channel minijack line outputs
(like Creative Labs Sound Blaster PCI
series or Sound Blaster Live! series).
Sound Blaster Live! owners should
utilize the exclusive Digital DIN
(16 feet) long. Typically, the two
satellites with the longer cables will be
used on the surround channels, but the
satellites are otherwise identical. If
you need extra cable length for the
front channel satellites, use the pair
with the longer cables instead.
All the speakers are magnetically
shielded, but the subwoofer is not.
Examine each unit carefully for signs of
shipping damage. If there is any damage, do
not install the system. Consult the store
where you purchased the system or call the
appropriate Creative Technology, Ltd.
support group at the number listed at the
end of this publication. Save the shipping
carton and inserts in case you have to
transport the system later.
All the items shown in the illustration
should be included. If anything is missing,
notify the retailer.
Support Extends (18)
Holder/Cap (2)
Supports (3)
Feet (3)
Frames (2)
Quick Reference Guide
Desktop Stands for satellites (5)
CREATIVE
MULTISPEAKER
DTT3500 DIGITAL
MUSI MOVI FOURPOIN DOLBY
DIGITA
L
DOLBY AUDIO SPEAKER MUT
LL R
MASTE CENTE SUBWOOFE SURROUND
PROLOGIC
ANALOGIN
DIGITALIN
POWER
STEREO
Decoder Amplifier
Monitor Stand
Satellites (5)
Hook and Loop Fasteners (10) Satellite Position Stickers
C
SUB
RS
LS
R
L
CSUB RS LS RL
C
SUB
RS
LS
R
L
Strips of 4 feet (5)
3 meter speaker wires (4)
5 meter speaker wires (2)

7
CREATIVE
DTT3500 DIGITAL
MU MO FOURP DOL
BY
DOLBY AUDIO SPEAKE MU
LR
MAST CENT SUBWOOF SURROU
PRO
ANALO
DIGITA
POWE
STERE
Speaker PlacementInstallation Sequence
1. Read all of the instructions before
installing the speaker system.
2. Using the placement instructions as
a guide, position the satellites, the
center channel speaker and
subwoofer around your computer.
Install the Desktop Stands and
Floor Stands as appropriate. If you
wish to substitute a powered
subwoofer for the subwoofer that
comes with the DTT2500 Digital,
read Substituting a powered
subwoofer page 9.
3. Connect the satellite speakers,
center channel speaker, and
subwoofer to the back of the
DecoderAmplifier.
4. Connect the Dolby Digital output
of your digital program source
(typically a DVD player) to the
Dolby Digital input of the Decoder
Amplifier.
5. Connect your normal audio signal
sources via the Line In and Rear In
inputs. An owner of a Sound
Blaster Live! sound card with a
Digital DIN output should use the
supplied cable to connect it to the
Digital DIN input instead.
6. With the DecoderAmplifier’s
power switch “off”, connect the
power supply adaptor to the
DecoderAmplifier.
7. Turn on the power. Use the
SPEAKER TEST mode to position
and balance the speakers.
8. You may wish to experiment with
speaker placement briefly before
concealing the connecting cables
and making the installation more
permanent.
9. The unit is ready for you to enjoy.
Refer to the Quick Reference guide
for information about settings for
specific program sources like DVD,
CDs, Video CD and games.
The Front Satellites. The left front
and right front satellites play stereo
music, the off-screen sounds of
video playback and the front
channels of four channel games.
These satellites should be placed
to the sides of your monitor (see
DiagramA). Be sure to have a clear
line of sight from your listening
position to these satellites. The
satellites intended for front
placement have 3 meters (9 feet) of
cable.
Install the satellite’s Desktop
Stands when using them on the
desktop (see page 10).
The satellites may also be hung on the
wall behind the monitor using the screw
and wall anchors provided (see
Mounting The Speakers, page 11).
If you wish to save desktop space,
use the hook and loop fasteners to
attach the satellite speakers to the sides
of the computer monitor (see Diagram B).
The Center Channel Speaker. The
center channel speaker provides the on-
screen effects and dialog in Dolby
Digital, Dolby Surround or Creative
Multi Speaker Surround modes. It
should be placed as close to the center
of your computer monitor as possible.
AB

8
There are many mounting
possibilities. The monitor stand can
be attached with hook and loop
fasteners to the top of the computer
monitor. It directs the sound down
towards the listener (see Diagram C).
If your computer monitor’s
construction directs the sound of the
center channel satellite towards you
without a stand, attach the satellite
directly to the top of the monitor,
using the hook and loop fasteners (see
Diagram D). Position the face of the
center channel so that it is as far
forward as possible.
Use a Desktop Stand to position a
center channel satellite in front of the
monitor. It directs the sound up
towards the listener (see Diagram E).
The Center Speaker may also be
hung on the wall behind the monitor
using the screw and wall anchors
provided (see Mounting The
Speakers, page 11).
The Rear Satellites. The rear
satellites provide the surround
effects in Dolby Digital, Dolby
Surround and Creative Multi
Speaker Surround modes. They also
provide the discreet rear sounds
produced in four channel gaming.
5 meters (16 feet) of cable is
provided with the two remaining small
satellites for more flexibility in rear
channel placement.
The rear satellites may be placed in
any convenient sites alongside the
listener, including sites slightly
forward of the listening location.
The rear satellites do not have to be
at exactly the same height, nor at the
CDE
same height as the front satellites.
If you have side walls close to your
listening position, excellent placement
for the rear satellites is slightly behind
your listening position, slightly above
ear level (see Diagram F). The
satellites may be hung on the wall
using the screw and wall anchors
provided (see Mounting The
Speakers page 11).
Do not be concerned if this
placement is not practical. Any rear
satellite placement to the left and right
side of the listening position will
provide strong directional and
surround effects.
FG

9
The rear satellites may be installed on
their convenient floor stands. While
listening, the stands should be positioned
to the left and right of your listening
position (see Diagram G on the
previous page).
The Floor Stands are small enough
to be stowed underneath a desk when
not in use. See page 11 for floor stand
assembly instructions.
Larger work surfaces can accommo-
date both front and surround pairs of
satellites on their Desktop Stands. Try
the extreme corners of a desk using the
Desktop Stands (see Diagram H).
Also, you may attach the rear
satellites under a desktop or at the
sides of a desk using the hook and
loop fasteners (see Diagram I).
After you have positioned the rear
satellites, use the test sound to make
sure each speaker can be heard
clearly.
The Subwoofer. The subwoofer’s
optimum position is on the floor
against the wall under the computer
desk. The nearer the subwoofer is to
the corner of the room, the stronger
its maximum bass output will be. We
strongly recommend placing the
subwoofer on the floor (see Diagram J).
Leave at least 8 cm (3 inches) of
space between the subwoofer face
and a wall. Small objects in front of,
but not touching the subwoofer (table
legs, for instance) will have no effect
on its sound. If you have no available
floor space, the subwoofer can be
placed on a shelf, desktop or other
sites, but its maximum output will be
reduced. The subwoofer is not
magnetically shielded, so position it
at least 18 inches away from a
computer monitor.
Substituting a powered
subwoofer.You may substitute a
powered subwoofer for the subwoofer
that comes with the DTT2500 Digital.
Connect its line level input (typically
an RCA jack) to the dedicated
subwoofer output on the back of the
DecoderAmplifier, using a shielded
audio cable with RCA plugs on each
end. Refer to the powered
subwoofer’s User Manual for
adjustment procedures.
H I J

10
Speaker Wire and Stand Installation
Typically, the 3 meter speaker
cables will connect the front and
center satellites to the Decoder
Amplifier and the 5 meter cables
will connect the rear satellites to
the Decoder Amplifier. A panel of
twelve self-adhesive labels is
provided to identify each satellite
and subwoofer and the opposite
end of the cable connected to a
satellite and subwoofer.
1. Identify a 3 meter cable. Most
often, a satellite will be used with a
desktop stand. In this case, thread
the bare wire end of a 3 meter cable
through the hole in the desktop
stand. Connect this end to a
satellite (as shown in Diagram K).
Carefully insert the desktop stand’s
attachment arm into the socket in
the back of the satellite, taking up
any slack in the cable as required.
2. To use this satellite in the front left
position, remove the backing from
the small, round “L” label and
apply it to the back of the satellite
(see Diagram K).
3. Remove the backing from the
remaining, longer “L” label and wrap
it around the opposite end of the
speaker cable near the RCA-type plug.
4. Place the satellite in the front left
position.
5. Repeat this process using another 3
meter cable for the front right satellite,
using the “R” labels.
6. Connect another 3 meter cable to a
satellite. Use the “C” (center) labels.
If used, the Monitor Stand attaches to
the satellite in the same manner as the
Desktop Stands, although it does not
have a hole for the speaker wire.
Route the wire to the left or right side
of the attachment strut. Position the
satellite.
7. If you wish to use the Floor Stands
with the rear satellites, assemble the
stand according to Attaching The
Floor Stand instructions on page 11.
Use the RS and LS labels (right and
left surround) and 5 meter cables.
8. Connect the subwoofer using the last 3
meter cable to the “SUB” labels.
Diagram K: To connect the speaker
wire to each satellite, press one of the
spring-loaded tabs to expose the
connection hole. Insert the bare end of
the wire into the exposed hole, then
release the tab to lock the wire in place.
Connect wires with red bands to red tab
connectors, and unmarked wires to
black tab connectors.
Notes: Matching red wires to red
tabs and unmarked wires to black
tabs insures the speakers all play “in
phase”. “Out-of-phase” connections
will do no electrical harm, but the
overall sound quality will be greatly
reduced. You can substitute regular
18 gauge speaker wire to create
longer cables, if needed.
DOLBY DIGITAL
(AC-3) SPDIF IN
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
LINE IN REAR IN
C SUBWOOFER RS LS R L
15V
DC IN
DIGITAL
DIN ANALOG AUTO
INPUT
C
SUB
RS
LS
R
C
SUB
RS LS
R
C
SUB
RS
LS
R
REAR
RIGHT
L
L
K