Dali SWA 15 User manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
DALI SWA 15
AKTIVE SUBWOOFER
0DGHLQ'HQPDUN
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2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELRCTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE BACK PANEL. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool and the like.
6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand if recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by
the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with proper
ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that
may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that
may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other appliances that produce heat.
10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the
operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
11. Power Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed on or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit from appliance.
12. Cleaning - Do not use any liquid cleaners. Use only a dry cloth to wipe off dust and grease.
13. Non-use Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused
for a long period of time.
1 . Object and Liguid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the
enclosure through openings.
15. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced by qualified personnel when:
a. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
b. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
c. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
d. The appliance does not appear to operate normally, or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
e. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
16. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating
instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
The lightning flash within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert you to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous volt-
age within the products enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute an electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert you
to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accom- panying the
appliance.
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3
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING DALI
With the SWA 15, you are now the owner of a high-quality, active subwoofer that
masters the reproduction of the important low frequencies of music or movie sound.
We are aware that you have not purchased the subwoofer ust to spend hours reading
the manual, and this is why we have endeavoured to make it as exact and concise as
possible. Still, we recommend careful reading of the paragraphs PLACEMENT,
CONNECTIONS and ADJUSTMENTS before installing, as there are many special
conditions to take into account.
PLACEMENT
SWA 15 should be placed on a level floor. It is important to make sure that the subwoofer
is steady, as otherwise unwanted sound may result when playing loud. If the floor is uneven,
support the unit so it cannot rock.
In addition to the numerous options when it comes to connections and ad ustments, it is
very important to experiment by moving the unit to various locations in the listening room,
exactly like you should do with any other loudspeaker. Unfortunately, there is no easy
method to guide you to the best placement. It is almost always necessary to experiment
until finding the best position for the unit in any given room. The best we can do is to
supply some rules of thumb that may help you during your attempts.
Usually, the best position is somewhere between the left and right front speaker. In some
cases, positioning along a side wall may also produce good results. Please note that
SWA 15 needs no angling or toe-in towards the listening position.
Normally, SWA 15 should be placed against a wall. If desirable, the bass level may be
reduced by moving it away from the wall, or increased by placing it in a corner. Please
observe that primarily, re-positioning the unit increases or reduces the mid-bass, thus
effectively acting as a sort of tone control. On the other hand, the volume control on the
rear panel of the subwoofer works in a linear fashion (all tones are increased or reduced
equally).
If used in stereo with two SWA 15 subwoofers, each subwoofer should normally be
positioned close to the front speaker with which it is operating. In some instances, the
best result is however obtained when the two subwoofers are positioned close together,
for example in the middle between the left and right front speakers.
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CONNECTIONS
With its active crossover and numerous options for connecting and ad usting, the SWA 15
offers several benefits, especially regarding the integration with various types and sizes of
loudspeakers. You may tailor the level, the crossover frequency and the phase to the
main speakers of your choice, and you may choose freely if you want to use the subwoofer´s
built-in crossover network or use an external filter, which may be part of a surround amplifier.
In any case, the SWA 15 must be connected to a line level signal. This procedure takes
place by either using the AUDIO IN - LEFT/RIGHT, AUDIO IN - MONO or AUDIO IN
- LFE sockets, and never more than one of these at the same time. It is important to make
sure that the level of the line signal chosen is being controlled with the volume control of
the system. The diagram below shows how the RCA phono sockets are wired inside the
subwoofer.
Diagram
Connecting to a stereo signal with full frequency range:
If you want to connect the subwoofer directly to a preamp without built-in crossover network
of high quality, we recommend that you connect the subwoofer inputs AUDIO IN - LEFT/
RIGHT to a full-range signal from a normal preamplifier output. (See Fig. 1). This way, the
built-in crossover network of the subwoofer takes care of filtering the signal, resulting in
the subwoofer only reproducing the lowest notes of the signal.
Fig. 1
4
When the subwoofer inputs AUDIO IN - LEFT/
RIGHT are fed a full-frequency stereo signal,
it is possible to tap a high-pass filtered signal
from the AUDIO OUT - LEFT/RIGHT sockets.
This means that the low notes, which the
subwoofer is meant to handle, have been fil-
tered out. The high-pass filtered signal is then
fed to the power amplifier that drives the main
speakers, resulting in these speakers no longer
having to handle the demanding low frequen-
cies, which in turn means that the main speak-
ers will always sound more clear.
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Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Connecting to a mono signal with full
frequency range:
If you want to connect the subwoofer to ust
one channel, for instance when using two
units in a stereo set-up, and if you still want
to utilize the built-in crossover network of
the subwoofer to divide the frequency of the
signal as described in the section
concerning connection to a stereo signal,
the subwoofer input AUDIO IN - MONO
should be used. (See Fig. 2). As with the
stereo connection, the built-in crossover
networks of the subwoofer split the audio
signal, resulting in the subwoofer only
reproducing the low notes. From the output
socket AUDIO OUT - LEFT a high-pass
filtered signal may be tapped, as when using
a stereo connection. Please note that there
is no signal available on the AUDIO OUT -
RIGHT socket.
Connecting to a low-pass filtered mono
signal:
If you want to use the subwoofer with a sur-
round amplifier or other sound equipment
giving access to a filtered mono output for
subwoofer use, it may be advantageous to
connect this signal to the subwoofer´s input
marked AUDIO IN - LFE (See Fig. 3).
When the subwoofer is connected via
AUDIO IN - LFE, the SWA 15 crossover
network has no effect, meaning also that
there is no signal available at the output
AUDIO OUT (See diagram on page 4). Any
ad ustment of the crossover frequency must
take place elsewhere in the system, and the
manual for the relevant unit should be
complied with. When using the input socket
AUDIO IN - LFE, the level and phase
controls of the SWA 15 are still active, and
these should be ad usted as recommended
in the section concerning ad ustments.
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ADJUSTMENTS
Ad usting the controls of the SWA 15 is very much a question of listening. If you follow the
guidelines below, good results with a minimum of work should be obtained. However, it is
essential to take your time when working on the proper ad ustment. It may be a good idea to
take several days in order to have the time to get a proper grip on the various ad ustments.
Remember that the placement of the subwoofer should also be considered when fine-tuning
the subwoofer system. (See details in the section concerning placement).
At first, ad ust the subwoofer´s controls as follows: LEVEL in the center position (12 oclock),
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY in maximum position (150) and the PHASE control in
minimum position 0°. The master volume control of the system should be turned all the way
down to minimum. Having checked that all interconnects are correctly placed, first switch the
subwoofer on by placing the mains switch marked OFF/ON in position ON. Then, switch
on the main system. Be aware that the subwoofer has a built-in Auto shut off circuit that
switches on the subwoofer´s internal amplifier approx. three seconds after having sensed
an incoming audio signal. The subwoofer acknowledges an audio signal by changing the
colour of the LED ON/STANDBY from red to green. If the subwoofer senses no signal for
more than six minutes, it automatically shuts off the internal amplifier. This is apparent from
the LED ON/STANDBY going back to showing red. Please note that the control circuits of
the subwoofer are active until the mains switch marked OFF/ON is switched to OFF.
Whenever changing the connections to the subwoofer, or when the subwoofer is not used
for a prolonged period of time, it should be switched off on the mains switch.
Now play an audio signal containing deep notes on the system, and cautiously increase the
volume until the subwoofer amplifier switches on. If the amplifier does not switch on, and/or
the subwoofer does not play, you should switch off the unit on the mains switch and check all
connections.
Play a piece of music that you know well, preferably with a wide frequency range, and if
possible containing rhythmic bass notes (bass drum, electric bass or the like).
Adjusting the level: The LEVEL control is ad usted until the bass sound matches the
level of the main speakers (Fig. 5). As a rule, the aim should be a level where the con-
tribution of the subwoofer is felt, while in no way becoming a dominant part of the sound.
The subwoofer should produce a discreet but
firm foundation, resulting in the total system
sounding larger and more powerful. If the bass
level is set too high, the subwoofer may be over-
driven, and the critical midrange from the main
speakers may sound veiled and recessed. This
may be far worse than when playing without a
subwoofer at all, so be cautious when setting
the level!
Fig. 5
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Adjusting the crossover frequency:
Apart from ad usting the phase, it is also very important to ad ust the crossover frequency
of the subwoofer, to obtain perfect interaction between main speaker and subwoofer. This
is done by turning CROSSOVER FREQUENCY up and down until you sense that the
Adjusting the phase:
In order to obtain a perfect transition/blending between the subwoofer and the main
speakers, it is necessary to also ad ust the phase control PHASE of the subwoofer. This
has to be done because the subwoofer and the main speakers have to co-operate in
producing sound in the frequency band around the crossover frequency. Therefore, it is
essential that the main speakers and the subwoofer are in phase. This means that the
speaker unit of the subwoofer and the woofer units of the main speakers work in step
with each other. Alternatively, the subwoofer and the main speakers might begin
counteracting each other around the crossover frequency, at worst resulting in almost no
sound being produced in this area at all (Fig. 6).
On the SWA 15, it is possible to ad ust the phase continuously from 0° to -360°, corre-
sponding to precisely being able to match
any possible phase for a main speaker sy-
stem. Start with the phase control in the
minimum position and slowly turn it towards
the maximum position. The correct phase
is heard when the loudest output around the
crossover frequency is reached, while at the
same time the bass sounds as fast and
controlled as possible.
It may be a good idea to go back to fine-tuning the level as well as the crossover frequency
and phase, and possibly also the position of the subwoofer once or twice, as each individual
ad ustment may influence the others.
Please note: It is not always the best solution to use identical ad ustments for surround
and two-channel (stereo) hi-fi, so it may be a good idea to make a note of the ad ustments
suitable in each case.
bass becomes perfectly even, with no dips.
(See Fig. 7). If the subwoofer has been
connected via the AUDIO IN - LFE socket,
the crossover network of the SWA 15 is not
active. This means that any ad usting of the
crossover frequency must be done
somewhere else in the system, and the
corresponding manual should be used for
reference.
Fig. 7
Fig. 6
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Active (Build-in integrated amplifier and crossover.) Sealed enclosure.
15¨, 2 ohm, air-dried pulp cone, dual magnets.
lass D PWM, 350 Watt RMS, 1000 Watt peak
Stereo line level input R A phono, Mono line level input R A phono
Input - impedance 22 kohm,
LFE line level input R A phono, input - impedance 10 kohm
Stereo line level output R A phono,
2. order 100Hz highpass crossover
Technical Specifikations:
Design principle
Bas Driver
Amplifier Power
Inputs
Outputs
ontrols
Frequency Response
Maximum SPL
Power onsumption
Finish
Dimensions HxBxD
Weight ex. packing
Volume level, rossover frequency (4. order lowpass 40-150 Hz), Phase (0°- -360°)
23-150 Hz (variable crossover)
119 dB
230 VA 50-60 Hz
Black Ask
55.5 x 44.7 x 46.0 cm
28.6 kg / 63.0 lbs
OVERLOAD
A position close to a wall, or, even better, in a corner, increases the bass level without the
SWA 15 having to work harder. The sound pressure level is increased with no increase in
distortion. If this is an acceptable solution regarding sound and interior decoration, it is a
good solution if very high sound pressure levels are required.
Even though the subwoofer is protected against minor, brief overload, you should be
aware of any noise and distortion, mechanical as well as electrical. At the very first sign of
overload, immediately reduce the level of the SWA 15. If this occurs on a regular basis, a
permanent lower level ad ustment should be considered.
When used as intended, the amplifiers of the subwoofer are not producing much heat, but
if the subwoofer is overloaded for some time, the amplifier may become so hot that the
built-in protection circuits switch off the amplifier. This is seen by the LED on the back
panel flashing. If this has occurred, immediately switch off the subwoofer on the mains
switch, to switch it on again only after allowing sufficient time for cooling.
BREAK-IN PERIOD
A loudspeaker is a mechanical device and as such requires an extended initial period of
normal use during which you will notice a gradual improvement in the sound quality. Wear
is no problem with Dali loudspeakers, regular use will only extend their life.
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