M&K Sound IW28S User manual

M&K Sound · Denmark· www.mksound.com
Ver. 1.1 - JULY 2016
IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM
OPERATION
MANUAL
M&K Sound
In-Wall Subwoofer System
IW28S
VA500

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IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radia-
tors, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (includ-
ing amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blade with one wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for
your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the manu-
facturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normal-
ly, or has been dropped.
15) The equipment shall be used at maximum 35-de-
gree C ambient temperature.
16) Do not open the equipment to reduce the risk of
electrical shock. For safety reasons it is only allow to
the opened by qualified service personnel.
17) WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or mois-
ture. And the apparatus shall not be exposed to
dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
18) The MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device
and shall remain readily operable.
19) The product shall be used on open bench.
20) No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles,
should be placed on the apparatus.
21) The apparatus is suitable for use in tropical cli-
mates.
Important Safety Instructions
1) Lisez ces instructions.
2) Conservez ces instructions.
3) Observez tous les avertissements.
4) Suivez toutes les instructions.
5) N’utilisez pas cet appareil à proximité de l’eau.
6) Utilisez uniquement un chiffon sec pour le nettoy-
er.
7) Ne bloquez pas les ouvertures de ventilation.
Installez conformément aux instructions du fabricant.
8) Ne l’installez pas à proximité de sources de chaleur
telles que des radiateurs, des bouches de chaleur, des
poêles ou d’autres appareils (amplificateurs compris)
produisant de la chaleur.
9) Ne pas contourner le dispositif de sécurité de la
fiche polarisée. Une fiche polarisée possède deux lames
dont une plus large que l’autre. La grande lame est
fournie pour votre sécurité. Si la fiche fournie ne rent-
re pas dans votre prise, consultez un électricien pour le
remplacement de la prise obsolète.
10) Protégez le cordon d’alimentation, surtout au
niveau des fiches, des prises et des points où il sort
de l’appareil, pour éviter qu’on ne marche dessus ou
qu’on ne le pince.
11) Utilisez uniquement les accessoires spécifiés par le
fabricant.
12) Utilisez uniquement avec le chariot,
le socle, le trépied, la table ou le support
spécifié par le fabricant ou vendu avec
’appareil. En le fabricant ou vendu avec
l’appareil. Cas d’utilisation d’un chari-
ot,faites attention lorsque vous déplacez l’ensemble
chariot / appareil de ne pas le renverser.
13) Débranchez cet appareil lors d’orage avec foudre
ou lorsque vous ne l’utilisez pas pendant des périodes
prolongées.
14) Faites-le réparer et entretenir par un personnel de
service qualifié. Il est nécessaire de faire réparer l’appa-
reil lorsqu’il a subi des dommages quelconques du type
suivant : cordon ou fiche d’alimentation abîmé, liquide
renversé ou objets tombés dans l’appareil, exposition
de l’appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité, mauvais fonc-
tionnement ou chute.
15) La température ambiante lors de l’utilisation ne
doit pas dépasser 35 degrés Celsius.
16) Afin de réduire les risques d’électrocution, n’ouvrez
pas l’équipement. Pour des raisons de sécurité, seul du
personnel d’entretien qualifié est autorisé à l’ouvrir.
17) ATTENTION: Pour réduire le risque d’incendie ou
d’électrocution, n’exposez pas cet appareil à la pluie
ou à l’humidité. De plus, l’appareil ne doit pas être ex-
posé au dégouttement ou aux éclaboussures et aucun
objet rempli de liquide, tel qu’un vase, ne doit être
posé sur l’appareil.
18) La fiche d’alimentation CA sert de principal disposi-
tif de déconnexion et doit toujours être capable de
fonctionner correctement.
19) Ce produit doit être utilisé sur une surface ouverte
20) Aucune source de flame nue, telle, que des bougies
allumées, ne doit être placé sur l’appareil.
21) L’appareil est adapté pour une utilisation dans les
climats tropicaux.
Consignes de sécurité importantes
ATTENTION! RISQUE DE CHOC! ÉLECTRIQUE PAS OUVRIR!
Le symbole de l’éclair avec une flèche à son extrémité, dans un triangle
équilatéral, a pour but de vous avertir de la présence d’une « tension
électrique dangereuse » et non isolée à l’intérieur de l’enceinte de
l’appareil, qui peut être suffisamment puissante pour constituer un
risque d’électrocution pour les personnes.
Le point d’exclamation dans un triangle équilatéral vous avertit de
l’existence d’instructions importantes de fonctionnement et d’entretien
(intervention) dans la documentation accompagnant l’appareil.
ATTENTION! RISQUE DE CHOC! ÉLECTRIQUE PAS OUVRIR!
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous
voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
ATTENTION! RISQUE DE CHOC! ÉLECTRIQUE PAS OUVRIR!
Le symbole de l’éclair avec une flèche à son extrémité, dans un triangle
équilatéral, a pour but de vous avertir de la présence d’une « tension
électrique dangereuse » et non isolée à l’intérieur de l’enceinte de
l’appareil, qui peut être suffisamment puissante pour constituer un
risque d’électrocution pour les personnes.
Le point d’exclamation dans un triangle équilatéral vous avertit de
l’existence d’instructions importantes de fonctionnement et d’entretien
(intervention) dans la documentation accompagnant l’appareil.
ATTENTION! RISQUE DE CHOC! ÉLECTRIQUE PAS OUVRIR!
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous
voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

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IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Dealer Name:
Dealer Address:
City/State/Zip:
Country:
Invoice Number:
Congratulations!
Your new M&K speaker system will give you years of unmatched enjoyment
and excitement while listening to your favorite music and audio/video sources.
We encourage you to read this owner’s manual,
as there is a great deal of information provided here to help you achieve
the best possible performance from your new speakers.
If you have any questions about your speaker system, please contact your M&K dealer.
Additional information may also be obtained on our web site: www.mksound.com.
Table of Content
Introduction.............................................. 3
Safety Guidelines (English and French) .......................2-3
Introduction & Connection: VA500 Amplifier ................... 5
Basic Amplifier Functions ................................... 6
Speaker Placement & EQ Switch Setting ...................... 7
EQ Setting Guide - Connection of Multiple Subwoofers .......... 8
VA500 Amplifier As Stand-Alone Unit ........................ 8
Subwoofers and Sound Formats ............................. 8
Speaker Installation .................................... 9-10
Specifications ........................................... 11
Introduction
M&K Sound in-wall subwoofer IW28S and amplifier VA500 form an integrated system, designed for easy in-wall
installation.
The amplifier is especially designed to power the IW28S, and cannot be used in combination with any other
products.
The VA500 amplifier features a specially designed three-position EQ switch located on the amplifier front panel,
designed to tune the response of the IW28S subwoofer for the most accurate bass performance in different posi-
tions.
Connecting the VA500 Amplifier
Adjacent to the AC power cord receptacle on the back of the amplifier you will find a voltage selector switch pre-
set at the factory for the proper local voltage.
Always check to make sure that your subwoofer is set to your country’s voltage.
If the input voltage needs to be changed, the correct fuse value must be inserted in the fuse holder next to the
AC socket.
(DIFFERENT FUSE VALUES ARE INCLUDED IN THE ACCESSORY PACK)
100-120 Volt T10AL/250 Volt – 220 Volt T6AL/250 Volt.
(If you have questions about this, contact your M&K Sound dealer)
The VA500 amplifier is provided with a detachable power cord, ALWAYS attach the cord to the subwoofer first,
BEFORE plugging it into the AC wall socket. Do NOT use “switched” power outlet found on the back of some
receivers, processors and amplifiers.
Subwoofer Line-Level In Connection
The VA500 amplifier features phono connectors for
line level input.
Use the line-level subwoofer output labeled “Sub”,
“Sub Out”, “SW”, “LFE” from your surround receiver
or processor.
When connecting subwoofer signal from receiver or
processor to the amplifier, use only Left Mono phono
input on amplifier for correct control of the amplifi-
er’s auto on/off functions.
If using “Y-splitter” phono connector, use Left and
Right inputs.
The phono outputs are not affected by the crossover,
and operate as sub “signal throughput only”.
Speaker Output Connection to Subwoofer
Connect speaker cable between the subwoofer’s push
terminals and the binding posts on the rear of the
amplifier.
The subwoofer’s push terminals accept wire thickness
up to 5 mm /AWG 6 for wiring to amplifier.
The amplifier binding posts accept banana plugs,
spade connectors or “stripped” cable.
In surround system setup, it is important to wire
all speakers correctly for proper phase. It is recom-
mended to use speaker cable with wires marked for
positive and negative leads, for easy visual check of
connection.

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IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM
Speaker Placement
Before cutting a hole in the wall for the IW28S subwoofer, optimal placement must be determined.
Subwoofer interaction with room environments can cause significant variations in bass performance.
Placing a subwoofer in a corner will typically add “level boost” (room gain) at the lowest frequencies. When
the sub is placed in the middle of the room, the lower frequencies will be less affected by low frequency “room
gain”.
For basic calibration considering the room effects at low frequencies, the M&K Sound VA500 Sub amplifier is
equipped with a three-position EQ switch on the front panel, to pre-adjust the EQ of the lowest bass frequencies
in the IW28S subwoofer.
The feature does not affect the subwoofer’s entire frequency range, but is designed to adapt the subwoofer’s low
frequency output in different positions in rooms.
EQ Settings in Practice
EQ 1 is designed to be used when the subwoofer is placed in a mid-room position.
Because mid-room placement has the least influence on the lowest sub frequencies, EQ 1 on the amplifier
is designed to add + 3dB extra boost at 40Hz.
EQ 2 is designed to be used when the subwoofer is placed halfway between mid-room and corner posi-
tion. EQ 2 delivers flat response at 40 Hz, because the typical room contribution of this placement is an
additional +3 dB at the lowest sub frequencies.
EQ 3 is designed to be used when the subwoofer is placed in a corner. EQ 3 is designed to reduce 40 Hz
response by -3 dB to compensate for up to +6 dB room contributions at low frequencies in corners.
Set main Power Switch on amplifier back panel to “On”
Set main selector on front to “Off” (LED on front stays Red)
Set “VOLUME” control to “Minimum level”
When turned all the way to the left, the volume control clicks and activates
fixed level.
To set volume at “minimum position”, turn the volume control slightly right
to click and allow adjusting volume level.
Set PHASE control at “0” and CROSSOVER to “BYPASS”
FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT PHASE CONTROL,
PLEASE VISIT WWW.MKSOUND.COM
In “AUTO” position your amplifier remains in standby, until it receives an
audio signal.
At that point, it automatically switches on and continues operation as long
as an audio signal is detected. After a few minutes without an audio signal,
it will power down to Standby.
With the power switch in the “ON” position, the subwoofer is always ready
to play, regardless of whether a signal is present or not.
Now, play some music through your system, and turn up volume from mini-
mum to approximately 11 o´clock.
Once you confirm your subwoofer is playing, turn the VOLUME control
back to “Fixed level” position and you are ready to perform overall system
calibration from your processor’s bass management setup menu.
Basic Amplifier Functions
Once your main connection and audio connections are complete, you are ready to start operating the amplifier in
basic mode.
Before starting up amplifier, set front panel controls to following recommended default operation positions
Select either Auto or On to turn on the Amplifier.

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IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM
EQ Settings for Multiple Subwoofers
When installing two subs in a given room position, use the same EQ setting as described for a single sub.
The three EQ options designed to operate at 40 Hz will in practice provide the same balancing of the lowest
frequencies for the following placements of multiple subs.
EQ 1 = Two subs in front middle
EQ 2 = Two subs in front halfway to corners
EQ 3 = Two subs in front corners
EQ 1 = One sub in front middle + One sub placed at back wall middle
EQ 2 = One sub halfway in front + One sub placed diagonally halfway at back wall
EQ 3 = One sub in front corner + One sub placed diagonally in back wall corner
Connection of Multiple Subwoofers
The IW28S subwoofer is rated at 4 Ohms and designed only to be driven by one VA500 amplifier.
Connecting two or more VA500 amplifiers to support multiple subwoofers is easily done using the phono inputs
and outputs. Simply connect phono interconnect between amplifier 1 phono output and amplifier 2 phono input.
When linking amplifiers, use the LEFT (mono) connector.
VA500 Amplifier As Stand-Alone Unit
The VA500 amplifier is fitted with removable rack ears.
To use the amplifier as a stand-alone unit, simply unscrew the rack ears, re-insert the screws into chassis, and
mount the four shock- absorbing rubber feet.
VA500 Amplifier Special Notes
The VA500 amplifier is a dedicated sub amplifier and will not reproduce frequencies above 200 Hz.
The VA500 amplifier is equipped with auto protection circuit for overload and short circuit.
If the amplifier goes into protection mode and front LED stays RED, turn off the unit, disconnect main power
supply and wait for approximately 100 seconds. Turn on unit for continued operation.
Subwoofers and Sound Formats
M&K Sound subwoofers are designed to support 3D sound formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, and Auro-3D.
Note! See their websites for useful information on recommended speaker placement– M&K Sound speakers are
fully compatible with all current formats.
Speaker Installation
To ensure precise wall cutout for M&K Sound back-boxed speakers, use the template included in the carton.
The two-piece carton template matches the speaker’s outer dimensions, as well as a push-out section to be used
for the actual cutting.
Following the instructions 1 - 8 will result in proper and easy install of the speaker.
1. Use the overall carton template to visualize wall
position for system, before pushing out the actual
cutting template along the perforated lines.
2. Hold the “pushed out” cutting part against the wall
to mark a line for the actual cut.
3. Cut to the inside of your marked line on the wall. 4. Cutting direct on the template is not recommended.

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IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM IN-WALL SUBWOOFER SYSTEM
Note for Practical Information!
When using electric tool for screw mounting, adjust tension to prevent the dog screws being overly tightened.
It is further recommended to use moderate or low speed when tightening the dog screws.
If removal of speaker is needed for service, make sure to turn out front dog screws slowly until they “feel resist-
ant” -
At this point, the mounting clamps should be turned back in neutral position, and the speaker is ready to be
pulled out from the wall cut.
5. Connect the speaker to cables in the wall, and place
cabinet into the wall cut.
6. Turn the Torx screws on the front clockwise to acti-
vate the mounting clamps.
7. Check if speaker is perfect aligned. 8. Mount and align the grill, - and your install is done!
IW28S In-Wall Subwoofer
Impedance ..............................4 Ohm
Bass Drivers .................... 2 x 8” paper pulp
Frequency Response ...........28 Hz – 200 Hz, ± 3dB
Sensitivity (drive signal 100mVolt VA500 amp) . 88 dB/1m
Grille Dimensions (HxW) . 24.48 x 12.44”, 622 x 312 mm
Baffle Dimensions (HxW) 24.25 x 12.04”, 616 x 306 mm
Wall Cutout (HxW) ......22.84 x10.62”, 580 x 270 mm
Mounting Depth.....................3.74”, 95 mm
Weight ..........................11 kg / 24,2 lbs.
VA500 Subwoofer Amplifier
Continuous Output Power ...... 500W/4 Ohm, Class D
Peak Output Power...................800W/4 Ohm
System Preamp ...........................Analog
Line-Level Connections Phono In, Phono Passthrough Out
Speaker Connections ............5-way binding posts
Controls:..................Volume, Phase, Crossover
EQ Switch.............. 3-Position Room Adaptation:
1. For one sub placed away from corners
2. For one sub placed near a corner
3. For one or two subs placed in corner(s)
Input Voltage ...100-240 VAC (switchable), Auto On/Off
Dimensions (WxHxD)............ 16.88 x 1.74 x 8.81“
Dimensions (WxHxD)............429 x 44,4 x 224 mm
Dimensions (WxHxD) Rack size .......19 x 1.74 x 8.81“
Dimensions (WxHxD) Rack size ....483 x 44,4 x 224 mm
Weight ............................4 kg / 8,8 lbs.