EPOS M Series User manual

M SERIES SUBWOOFER
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing this Epos M series subwoofer.
The following items are supplied with your subwoofer - should any item be missing please contact
your dealer:
Plinth with 6mm carpet spikes (4) and metal discs (4)
Fixing bolts - long - Type A - (4)
Fixing bolts - short - Type B - (4)
Felt pads (4)
Feet (4)
Power cables (see text in warning section)
WARNING
For safety reasons please read the following instructions carefully before attempting to connect
your Epos M subwoofer to the mains.
The M subwoofer is not designed for permanent external use. Being a powered product it would
be damaged by rain water or other contaminants entering into the amplifier via the vent holes and
the wooden cabinet would be damaged if soaked with water.
As with all electrical products, make sure the correct mains voltage is selected by the two way
selector switch on the rear panel marked AC Voltage Selector. If you are in any doubt, contact your
supplier for advice. As a general rule, the amplifier cannot be damaged by supplying lower
voltages than marked on the switch panel, but excessive voltage will cause the mains fuse to blow
or possibly even damage the internal circuitry (if in doubt, ask your dealer/supplier).
Two power cords are supplied as standard with the M subwoofer. These have the international
IEC connector for plugging into the amplifier panel at one end and either of two styles of plug at
the other end.
USA, Canada and Japan
The USA style plug with two flat blades should be used with the voltage selector switched to 115V
operation and a mains fuse rated at 4 Amp inserted in the pull-out drawer.
Europe
The two round pin Euro plug should be used with the AC Voltage selector switched to 230V.
Rest of World
Your distributor/dealer will ensure you have the correct cable. Please check if in doubt.

CAUTION
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the rear panel. There are no user serviceable
parts inside. Please refer all servicing to a qualified engineer.
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of un-insulated 'dangerous voltage' within the product's enclosure that may
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation mark within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important safety information featured within this instruction manual.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
VENTILATION
Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of
the product. To protect 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 similar
surface.
This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided and the manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product and the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
UNPACKING
The M subwoofer is heavy. (26Kgs/57lbs) For the sake of your health, do not try to lift or carry it
around alone. Two people are required to lift it so please be careful. Get help from a family
member or friend if this product is not installed by a professional person.
The best way to remove the speaker from the carton is to open the top of the carton, roll it over
with the flaps folded out and pull the carton off, leaving the speaker in its protective polyethylene
foam. Pull one foam frame off one at a time and lower the speaker to the floor carefully. Remove
the poly bag and keep it out of the hands of children and babies as it can cause suffocation.
Page 2

GETTING STARTED
OVERVIEW
The Epos M Subwoofer is an active loudspeaker. In other words, it has an built-in power
amplifier to boost the signal level. Therefore, there is no need for an external power amplifier to
drive it. In addition, the M Subwoofer has a complex filter circuit which boosts sub-sonic
frequencies and is adjustable to allow it to be matched to different room sizes, shapes and user
requirements. The rear panel controls provide a range of adjustments for this purpose.
The M Subwoofer is designed to extend the low frequency response of both 2 channel and multi-
channel systems, which each demand a very different tonal balance. This is described later, but
control adjustment and placement in the listening room is important, so please read these
instructions carefully for best results.
QUALITY
The M Subwoofer has a powerful 10" (254mm) loudspeaker driver, with enough magnet strength
and voice coil size to handle very high power levels for long periods without distress. Its cone
diaphragm is very stiff to keep distortion and colouration to a minimum. The rubber suspension
surround is smaller than normal and quite stiff, which also helps to reduce distortion and low
frequency over-hang. In short it has been designed to be more appropriate for a two channel bass
unit than a conventional subwoofer.
To further boost the fidelity of the M subwoofer, it has a very stiff cabinet with extensive internal
bracing, which is rarely found in conventional subwoofers. It has a completely separate section at
the back of the cabinet to house the amplifier, which would normally be found in professional
speakers and not in conventional subwoofers at any price. To further improve the sound quality
Epos does not use port tuning to achieve boost bass extension, which avoids 'chuffing' air
turbulence noises interfering with the fidelity of the speaker.
In short, the M subwoofer is very unusual and can be used to good effect to extend the
frequency response of a stereo system of any quality or price.
INSTALLATION AND SETUP
Having established which power cord to use, select the correct mains voltage for your region with
the selector switch on the back panel. (If in doubt, please read Page 1 again or ask your
supplying dealer for advice). If neither of the two cords supplied are correct for your mains supply
socket, do not proceed until you have contacted your dealer for advice or assistance.
Positioning the subwoofer is important if the best results are to be achieved. Place the subwoofer
where it can be connected easily to the mains power supply and to the output of the receiver or
stereo amplifier used for the rest of your system. Whilst this would normally be close to the
system, be prepared to move it around the room to gain the best results.
The Epos M Subwoofer is a ‘down-firing’ speaker that has four purpose made legs that hold it
50mm above the floor. It also has a plinth that fixes to the ends of the feet with long bolts and
covers the entire bottom of the speaker. Make sure the plinth is bolted to the cabinet with the Epos
badge at the front. The plinth helps to prevent accidental damage to the exposed driver and also
provides a stable platform for the speaker to stand on.
The mains supply can be left connected as it has a low current standby condition which is enabled
when no signal is present for a short while.
Page 3

SUBWOOFER CONTROLS
You are now ready to set-up the system using the user guide or instructions from your receiver or
DVD player. The sound balance can be adjusted with the controls on the rear panel of the M
subwoofer.
You have the choice to use the plinth with, or without, the 6mm carpet spikes that are supplied
together with it. The spikes can be adjusted to level the speaker and dig deep into carpet to
provide mechanical de-coupling of the device into the floor. Metal discs are also supplied to
prevent damage to wooden flooring, if required. To fix the plinth to the legs, use the four long bolts.
You may not wish to use the plinth, but mount the speakers flat to the floor, using only the four legs.
This can be done by using the four shorter fixing bolts supplied to hold the legs to the bottom of
the cabinet. If required, there are four self adhesive pads supplied which can glue onto the ends
of the legs or the bottom corners of the plinth to prevent vibration or rattling, if the surface isn’t
completely flat.
In the case of a multi-channel system (5.1), connect a shielded cable from the sub-sonic (LFE)
output of your receiver to the RCA sockets on the back of the M subwoofer marked low level. You
will note that there are two low level input sockets marked L & R, which allow for a stereo signal
from your receiver or amplifier.
The specially designed summing circuitry in the M subwoofer combines the L&R low level input
signals internally without forcing the source signal into mono.
Set all the controls to the middle position and switch on the M subwoofer using the switch marked
POWER. A small LED indicator above the switch will light if everything is OK. Red indicates
standby position and green is the indication for normal operation.
VOLUME HI-FILTER PHASE
POWER
AC VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
230V
115V
LOW FILTER
MIN MAX 180 0
++
HI-LEVEL OUTPUT HI-LEVEL INPUT LOW LEVEL
IN OUT
300 WATTS HIGH POWERED SUBWOOFER
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THISAPPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR PRÉVENIR LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE OU
DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE, ÉVITER D’EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A LA
PLUIE OU AL’HUMIDITÉ.
“WARNING: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF
FIRE, REPLACE ONLYWITH THE SAME TYPE OF FUSE”.
“AVERTISSEMENT: UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE”.
DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN ENGLAND.
www.epos-loudspeakers.com
IECEE CB No. CN 5679
AC~115V/60Hz
FUSE: T6 A 250V
AC~240V/50Hz
FUSE: T3.15A 250V
POWER CONSUMPTION:
500 WATTS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
CAUTION
WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
R LR L
L
R
DO NOT
BLOCK
VENT
HOLES
RED = STANDBY
GREEN = ON
SERIAL NUMBER
ON
OFF
60Hz 20Hz
40Hz
40Hz 120Hz
80Hz
N15057
RoHS compliant.
Page 4

Low Level Input
(See connection comments at the beginning of page 4) If your amplification system has a
dedicated subwoofer output it should be connected to either the left or right low level input. If you
have a mono connection from your amplifier you may use either connection.
Low Level Output
The low level output is filtered by the M subwoofer circuitry to provide a signal back to the L&R
front speakers that has had its low frequencies removed. The M subwoofer will provide these low
frequency signals exclusively, to prevent a conflict.
High Level Input
If your receiver system does not have a dedicated subwoofer line output, your subwoofer must be
connected via the high level input terminals on the rear panel. Connection should be made from
the speaker terminals on your amplification system to the High Level Input Connections.
Note: Only connect using line level inputs OR high level inputs.
DO NOT USE BOTH METHODS OF CONNECTION AT THE SAME TIME.
High Level Output
The high level output is filtered by the M subwoofer circuitry to provide a signal back to the L&R
front speakers that has had its low frequencies removed. The M subwoofer will provide these low
frequency signals exclusively, to prevent a conflict. It is possible to run a connection from the high
level output to your speakers if you do not have a direct connection from your receiver.
Volume
As a starting point, set the output of your receiver or decoder to 0dB level and then adjust the level
of the subwoofer to suit the room using the volume control on the rear panel. Thereafter, small
adjustments can be made more easily using the volume control on your receiver, via its remote
control, rather than adjusting the volume from the back of the M subwoofer.
Low Filter
Adjustment is necessary to extend or reduce the low frequencies the subwoofer is able to produce
so that it can compensate for the small size of the M subwoofer and your room acoustics. Some
movie passages contain massive amounts of low frequency information at intervals, so care should
be taken not to set the volume and low filter such that it causes distortion or limiting, due to being
played too loud. It is better to use two subwoofers at a lower level setting than over-drive one. Your
room size and personal sound preferences will determine how much sound pressure level (SPL)
is required to create a realistic performance.
N.B. Not everyone will appreciate the effect of sub-sonic movie effects. Even if you think they are
great, please remember that low frequencies travel through walls much more easily than high
frequencies, so please give a thought to neighbours or other family members who don't share your
passion.
Hi-Filter
Adjustment is necessary to match the M subwoofer to the remaining speakers in your system. As
all speakers have a different low frequency range, depending on their size and how many
drivers they use, it will be necessary to adjust the upper roll over point of the M subwoofer to
better integrate with the output of the front and centre channel speakers.
Page 5

Phase
Adjustment is necessary to properly integrate the output of the M subwoofer to match the
respective phase of the front, centre and rear speakers in your 5.1 system. Phase describes the
polarity of the sound waves travelling to your ears. Positive means moving forward and negative
means moving back. If the sound from your front speakers is designed to be more positive at their
low frequency extreme, it will be necessary to adjust the output of the M subwoofer to also be
positive, otherwise they will tend to cancel one another out and reduce the level or distort or colour
the sound. As every situation will be different as speakers vary from make to make and room to
room, adjustments should be done simply by trial and error. You will easily hear which setting best
suits your system after you run it with a signal and adjust the Phase until you hear the most
pleasing result.
Power Switch
This switch turns the subwoofer 'ON' or 'OFF' (When left in the ON position without a signal it
allows the 'STANDBY' feature to become active).
IEC Socket (Mains)
Connect to an appropriate mains socket via the IEC Power Cable supplied.
AC Voltage Selector Switch
Please ensure the AC Voltage selector is in the correct position. (See Page 1)
OVER CURRENT CUTOUT
The M subwoofer does not use a compression limiter to pre-distort the signals it cannot handle, to
prevent it from cutting out. No amplifier has infinite power capabilities and has to be protected from
destroying itself under extreme conditions. To protect the M subwoofer's 300W amplifier from
excessive current demands, it has been designed to cut the signal to the speaker in the event of
an overload. This will temporarily mute the subwoofer and stop it from working until the demand is
lower. If the volume is reduced, the frequency range is altered to cut-off at a higher frequency or
the passage containing the high level low frequency sound is passed, the sound output will be
restored automatically.
OVER TEMPERATURE CUTOUT
To protect the amplifier from damage caused by excessive heat, there is a thermal sensor attached
to the amplifier's heatsink that is set to trip the output if the internal temperature exceeds a pre-set
level. If this happens, the M subwoofer will stop working until the temperature reduces to an
acceptable level. The reasons this might happen are high ambient room temperature, direct
sunlight, high level operation for long periods and insufficient ventilation of the amplifier control
panel.
POSITIONING AND TUNING
Remember that low frequencies have a longer wave length and sound waves travel to the ear in
waves. It therefore may be necessary to move your subwoofer to different positions to completely
suit your requirement or taste. If you require more or less power at low frequencies, it can be
affected by the proximity to an adjacent wall or boundary. Each wall or boundary will further
enforce the effect of the woofer so, moving it closer or further away from a rear or side wall will
change the sound effect dramatically. Corners double the effect as there are two boundaries.
The M subwoofer has been designed to match medium to small rooms, with an area of
approximately 10-20 M2or 300-600 feet2. If higher power or larger rooms are used, it may be
necessary to increase the number of M subwoofers used in a single installation.
Page 6

SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS
It is very easy to get used to high sound pressure levels as the human brain compensates for the
level by effectively reducing the perceived level the ear is receiving and allows the person to
become used to higher and higher levels until the pain threshold is reached. It is therefore
necessary to be aware of this and avoid reaching this sublime state before serious or permanent
damage is caused to ones ears. Remember that hearing damage, as with all nerve damage, is
irreversible.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
THERE IS NO POWER
Ensure that the IEC Power cable is connected securely.
Ensure that the plug is fully inserted into the wall socket and is switched on.
Check the fuse in the IEC Power Cable and subwoofer.
THERE IS NO SOUND
Ensure that the amplifier is set correctly.
Check if the interconnects are inserted correctly.
THERE IS A HUM COMING FROM THE SUBWOOFER
Ensure that all cable connections are secure.
WARRANTY
Your Epos subwoofer has been built to very high standard and should give many years of trouble
free use. If within 5 years of the purchase date it proves to be defective for any reason other than
accident, misuse, neglect, unauthorized modification, or fair wear and tear, we will, at our
discretion, replace the faulty parts without charge for labour or return carriage in the UK.
Your purchase invoice/receipt should be retained as it may be required should you need to claim
on your warranty. This warranty is valid only in the United Kingdom and is in addition to your
statutory rights. Service enquiries in countries outside the UK should be addressed first to the
supplying dealer or Epos agent or importer/distributor.
Warranties granted in these countries are entirely at the discretion of the agent or distributor.
Epos loudspeakers are sold in more than 45 countries worldwide.
International distributor details can be found on the website.
Page 7

M SUBWOOFER SPECIFICATIONS
This product is not magnetically shielded, so avoid placing it in proximity to a CRT television or
computer monitor screen
Amplifier type Class D, high efficiency switching circuit
Amplifier power output 300 Watts into 4 Ohm load continuous
Frequency response of 20Hz to 150Hz with high and low filter settings at
system max and min
Speaker impedance 4 Ohms
Sensitivity 89dB per Watt
Maximum system output SPL 112 dB at 1 metre for music program
Amplifier capability 300 Watts into 4 Ohms continuous / 500 Watts peak
Bass driver 10" (254mm) steel chassis with reinforced paper cone
and inverted dust cover. 3" (75mm) high temperature
voice coil wound on an aluminium former with high
power ceramic magnet system.
Filter compensation circuit Multi-element, high and low-pass filters with
adjustable phase and active gain control
Cabinet Real cherry wood finish, 25mm MDF carcass with
internal cross bracing to form a very rigid and sonically
dead structure. Double thickness baffle and separate
back panel to house the amplifier in its own independent
cavity
Finishes Light Cherry, Dark Cherry Black (Black painted plinth)
Dimensions H x W x D mm 372 x 342 x 450 including plinth
Weight 26Kgs/57lbs
EPOS LIMITED
12 Avebury Court, Mark Road
Hemel Hempstead HP2 7TA England
Telephone [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.epos-acoustics.com