Channel Vision A500 User manual

A500
Note: No signal connection cable is provided with the A500 amplifier since the length of cable is specific to each
installation. A shielded RCA type coaxial cable or a shielded two-conductor wire with RCA type connectors is
required for connection of the A500 to the audio system.

A500. A500.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9
A500 AMPLIFIER
CONNECTION & SETTINGS (continued)
PRECISION-CALIBRATED CONT R O L P ANEL
Subwoofer Options both subwoofer options below are valid. The
OPTION 1 (Left-Right Stereo)
If an LFE (Low Frequency Effect) or Subwoofer output is available then use Option 2.
If no LFE o
then this (Option 1) is the preferred method of connection.
Per Option 1 in the drawing on the adjacent page, connect the left and right line level front channel outputs of
OPTION 2 (LFE)
Subwoofer output then this option will likely produce the best results. If no LFE or Subwoofer output is available
Per Option 2 in the drawing on the adjacent page, connect the line level LFE or Subwoofer output of your
Full Range Input Connection
left and right Full Range Inputs.
the LEFT channel input only.
Using the A500 Controls
subwoofer’s output to the room and to the primary speakers. These controls are titled Level, boost, Subsonic
Filter, Phase, Power Range, and Crossover Frequency. generally, the control with the most audible effect is the
Subwoofer Input Level, followed by the Crossover Frequency, boost, Subsonic Filter, Phase, and then Power
Range.
NOTE: you may notice that the numeric values on the Precision-calibrated Control Panel are not evenly spaced.
represent the actual response of the controls. This allows you to more precisely tune your system.
A Word about the Numbers (Technical Stuff Explained)
Each of the A500 precision-calibrated controls uses one of 3 different scales, db (decibel), Hz (hertz), and
Degrees. What do these scales represent?
dB (decibel), as used on the A500, is a unit used to describe relative volume. The most important thing to
know here is that a 1db difference in sound level is just barely noticeable and that 3db is only a modest change
in perceived sound level. It is also important to note that each 3db increase in sound level requires a doubling
of power. As an example, an increase in output power from 1W to 2W and 200W to 400W each creates an
increase of 3db in sound level. Conversely, reducing power by 50% produces a 3db decrease.
A500.
A500.
A500
The
A500 has been fine-tuned so that these markings

A500 controls.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL 15
A500 AMPLIFIER
TIPS, HINTS, AND SUGGESTIONS
A Short Primer on Low Frequency Acoustics
The A500 controls will allow you to make the best of virtually any installation. If you feel uncomfortable
with setting up your A500 after reading through this manual, please contact Channel Vision technical support
at 714.424.6500.
Below are a few generalized rules for understanding the acoustic nature of low frequency sound reproduction
in an average residential listening room. These rules will aid in establishing the best placement of your
determine what works best in your listening room. Every room is different.
resonant modes as a variation in the intensity of certain bass frequencies at different locations within the
The resonant modes can produce large errors in the frequency response and reduce the quality of the audio
reproduction. Equalization cannot simultaneously compensate for all locations within a room. However, large
physical elements, such as furniture, within or at the room’s boundaries can effectively improve the room’s
behavior. Subwoofer placement also has an effect on the excitation of the resonant modes and the way they are
reproduction in their room is unsatisfactory or if one wants assistance in optimizing their installation.
much as 4X. Corner loading, as it is sometimes called, is an excellent way to get greater acoustic output from a
subwoofer.
In the same way that the subwoofer’s output is augmented by a corner, the listening position can also have a
room’s boundary, such as near the back wall of a room, and even more so in a corner. A walk around a room
while listening to bass-rich musical content will reveal a lot about the room’s behavior.
Placing a subwoofer close to the listening position (less than 5ft (1.5m)) - like under an end table or
behind a couch - can increase the impact of the transients and reduce the acoustic power demands from
the subwoofer. Placing the subwoofer close to the listening position can also create more tactile sensation.
Experiment with placement and see what you like best.
bass frequencies below about 80Hz are considered to be omnidirectional and tend to have no localization. That
not limited to the front of the room. However, in practice this is not always the case. There are cues such as
tactile and audible vibration and higher frequency signal content that can suggest the direction of the source.
For this reason it may be desirable to locate the subwoofer(s) at the front of the room. It may also be necessary
sound sources.
Placing a subwoofer(s) at the back of the room is also a good consideration especially if placement of a
subwoofer at the front of the room is not suitable or produces poor results. Placement directly behind or beside
the listening position can produce very good results as well as corner loading in the back of the room. Other
options include placing the subwoofer(s) on the side(s) of the room especially when multiple woofers are used.
Symmetrically or asymmetrically locating two or more woofers in the room is an excellent technique to reduce or
change the room mode effects and to balance the localization of the sound. Experimentation can be useful here.
It is not necessary to direct the front of a subwoofer at the listening position.
A500 amplifier. Experiment with the adjustments of your A500 to