Monitor Audio Gold W15 User manual

owners manual

Contents
1
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of Monitor Audio Gold W15 subwoofer, which has been designed and constructed using quality
systems and materials to provide years of enjoyment, reliability and pride of ownership.
This product, as with all of the Gold Series range, is hand crafted from top to bottom using traditional woodworking skills for our
sumptuous cabinets, married with the state of the art technology of our renowned drive units.
Music is and should be a natural enhancement of life. It stimulates the imagination, changes your mood, helps you relax, and
provides endless hours of entertainment.
Please read through this manual to familiarize yourself with any safety advice and how best to set up your subwoofer to achieve
the very best listening experience.
Please retain this manual for future reference.
monitoraudio.com
Contents 1
Introduction 1
Gold W15 Features 2
LEO 2
How it Works 2
Unpacking  3
Spiked Foot Fixing For Carpeted Floors  3
Spiked Foot Fixing For Wooden/Hard Floors  3
Positioning 3
AmplierPanelandDisplay 4
Remote Control 6
Set Up 7
FactorySettings 7
PowerCycle 7
Initial Settings Using an AV Processor/Receiver 7
Initial Settings Using 2 Channel (L & R) Stereo Inputs  8
Running LEO 8
MenuSystem 8
Low Pass Filter 8
Phase 9
EQ 9
LEO 10
SavingyourSettings 10
Selecting the Presets 10
Night Mode 11
Auto On 11
DisplayControl 11
FactoryReset 11
Specications 12
Owner Information 13
ENGLISH

Gold W15 Features
• Compactdesignwithforwardring15”long-throwwoofer.
• ClassDampliersectionwithadvancedSMPSU(SwitchModePowerSupplyUnit).
• Dynamicpowerlimiter.DSP(DigitalSoundProcessing)controlofthepowerampliermonitorsavailablepowerandlimits
certain frequencies dependant on available power reserve.
• Sealed cabinet for ultimate bass control and ease of installation.
• All features and settings adjustable by remote control.
• FullDSPControlwithallfunctionscontrolledinthedigitaldomain,providingmoreadvancedcontrolofcomplexlter
characteristics than conventional analogue circuitry.
• 3 Memory locations per input.
• Automaticcontrolofinputsources,e.g.;aLFEinputandanalternativeinputsuchas2channel,stereohi-ampliercan
share a single Gold W15. It will switch automatically between the two.
• 4xpre-setEQsettings;Music,Movies,Impact&O.
• LEOroomcorrectionsystem.
• Autoswitchon/o,or12Vtriggerinput.ControlledbyDSPtoprovideaccurateautomaticswitchonwhenaninputsignalis
detected.
• Front mounted IR sensor and display.
• Night mode setting.
LEO
LEO*,ListeningEnvironmentOptimizer™,istheautomaticroomcorrectionsystemfeatureontheGoldW15.
How it Works
TheD2Audio™LEOsoundprocessingusesamicrophoneconnectedtotheGoldW15tolistentoitsacousticresponseatkey
positionsin theroom. The LEO system generates several special audio signals that allow theinternal DSP(Digital Signal
Processor)tounderstandhowtheGoldW15soundswithinitsenvironment.OncetheDSPhasestablishedthebaselinesound
characteristics, several specially selected frequencies will be tested. These frequencies have been selected to detect room mode
eects.TheDSPisusedasecondtimetocalculatewherethesoundistoostrongandwhereitistooweak.Itusesthisinformation
to generate a special correction frequency curve for each situation. The DSP is used a third time to determine the best correction
curve and the best way to implement that curve. These three steps are all done in a single measurement from the microphone.
Thecorrectionisthenstoredintheamplierdeliveringthebestsoundpossiblefromthattimeforward.
With the Gold W15 custom tuned to the room, all that is left to do is sit back and enjoy the new sonic experience.
GoldW15OwnersManual2
*LEOTMandListeningEnvironmentOptimizerTM are Trade Marks of D2Audio®.
LEOTM and D2Audio are Registered Trademarks of Intersil Corporation

Unpacking
CaremustbetakenatalltimeswhenhandlingtheGoldW15duetotheextremeweightoftheproduct.Werecommendatwo-
person lift wherever appropriate.
The feet/spike assemblies, 12v trigger cable and mains power cord/s are contained within the packaging and should be removed.
PleaseselectthepowercordappropriatetoyourCountry/location.Mainsvoltageselectionfor100-120Vacor220-240Vac
operation is factory preset. Do not adjust.
ToremovetheGoldW15fromitscarton,placesomeprotectivematerialontheoorandhavingremovedanyitemsofpacking
fromthetopofthepackcarefullylifttheinnersleevefromthecarton.(Alsoseeiconsonthecarton).Removexingtapefromthe
bagandexposethebaseofthecabinettoallowttingofthespikedfeetintothethreadedinsertsasdescribedbelow.
Spiked Foot Fixing For Carpeted Floors
Thespikedfootassemblyincorporatesaspikeforuseoncarpetedoorsandalso,asoftpolymerpad(foruseonwoodenortiled
oors).
Please ensure there are no hidden wires under the carpet, or trailing mains leads that could be damaged by the spikes.
Thefootcomesfullyassembledforuseoncarpetedoors.Allthatisrequiredisxingintothecabinet.Thisisachievedbysimply
screwing the feet fully into the 4, threaded inserts in the underside of the cabinet. If your carpet has a very thick pile, remove the
softpolymerpadfromthefoottoensurethespikegoesrightthroughthecarpetontotheoor.Withgreatcareturnyourcabinet
the right way up. Place the cabinet in your desired location, and check that it is level on all sides. If it is slightly uneven, unscrew
thefootatthelowestpointandcheckagain.Continuethisprocessuntilthecabinetisfullylevel.Usethelockingnutonthefoot
toxitinplaceandtostopanyunwantedvibrations.
Spiked Foot Fixing For Wooden/Hard Floors
Foruseonsolidoorsorwherespikesareinappropriate,itispossibletousethefootwithoutthespikeinsert.Tousethefootin
this manner carefully grip the knurled portion of the spike and rotate anti clockwise to unscrew the spike fully.
Youmaynditeasiertorstremovethepolymerpadtogainmorepurchaseonthespike.
The pad should be replaced before carrying out the levelling operation previously described.
Positioning
The Gold W15 should now be sited in the most suitable position, preferably not directly in the corner of a room as this may
causeexcessivebassboom.Onceadesirablepositionisachieveditisimportanttocheckifthecablesarelongenoughtoreach
comfortably without being under tension. Leave the Gold W15 unplugged until you are happy with it’s location.
Never connect or disconnect any of the input connections with the Gold W15 switched on.
Optimalcontrolsettingswilldependentirelyonyoursystemconguration,roomandpersonaltastes.
3monitoraudio.com
ENGLISH

Title: Gold W15 Amp Panel Artwork V1
Date: 03 Sept 2014
Notes:
1. SILKSCREENED COOL GREY 1c
2. IMAGE FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY.
3. VERSION 8
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AmplierPanelandDisplay
1. RCALineLevelInputs(StereoLeft&Right)
Forconnectiontoa2channel/stereoampliersystem.Connectionshouldbeprovidedbyapairofhigh-qualitysignal
cablesfromthepre-outsectionofanamplier.SwitchingbetweentheStereoinputandLFEisdoneautomatically.TheLFE
willtakepriorityifaLFEandStereosignalispresentedatthesametime.Note:-cablelengthsshouldnotexceed10metres
to avoid interference from other electrical appliances.
2. RCALineLevelOutputs(StereoLeft&Right)
Tobeusedtofeedadditionalsub-woofersinadditiontotheGoldW15by‘daisychain’typeconnection.Theoutputsarelink
outonlyconnectionsanddonotprovideanyformofltering.
3. LFEInput(RCAType)
ThisinputistobeusedwhenconnectingtheGoldW15toanAVamplier/receiver.WhenusingtheLFEinput,thecrossover
functioninthe menu/ set-upis not used.Thisisdueto the crossoverfunctionbeingcontrolledbythe AV amplier/
processor to which it is connected. Please refer to the crossover table on page 9 for further advice on which setting to use.
Input between LFE and Stereo input is switched automatically.
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GoldW15OwnersManual4

4. LFEOutput/Link(RCAType)
Tobeusedtofeedadditionalsub-woofersinadditiontotheGoldW15by‘daisychain’typeconnection.Theoutputisalink
outonlyconnectionanddoesnotprovideanyformofltering.
5. USBConnector
ThisisprovidedtoupdatethermwareintheGoldW15.
6. 12VoltTriggerInput~CentrePin=+12Vdc.
ForexternalpowercontrolfromAVamplier/ReceivertotheGoldW15(2metreleadsupplied).This12voltsignalis
suppliedbytheAVamp/receiverandtellstheGoldW15toturnonfromstandbymode.Thisallowsamoreaccurately
controlledmethodoftheautoon/ofunction.Itisalsoalotmoreenergyecient.Thestandbyfunctionontheremote
willnotbeoperablewhenusingthe+12vtrigger.
7. Power LED
ThisLEDindicatesthatthemainspowerisconnectedandturnedon.IftheLEDisRED,theGoldW15isinstand-bymode
waiting to receive an audio signal, an instruction from the encoder/ remote or a signal from the 12v trigger. If it is green,
theunitisoperationalandthedisplaywillshowasinglereddot(defaultoperationaldisplay).
8. VoltageSelectionSwitch
Factory preset to suit the voltage of the country of origin. This should not be adjusted.
9. Mains Power Switch
Mains‘rockerswitch’providingoverallpoweroandon/auto.Intheon/automode,theunitwillturnonwhenaninput
signalissensedortheencoder/powerbuttononremotepressed,andwillturnoafter10minuteswhenthesignalis
removed(sourceturnedo).Alternatively,whenusingthe12vtrigger(seeabove),whenthesourceisturnedonoro.
10. IEC Mains Power Connector/Fuse Location
TheGoldW15issuppliedwithatwo-pinmainsinputsocketforconnectiontothemainssupply.UseONLYtheappropriateIEC
mainsleadprovidedwiththeproduct.Alsottedisanexternalmainsfuse.Ifafuseblowsduringoperationasparefuseis
provided within the fuse holder for replacement. If you wish to change the fuse, you can do this by removing the IEC mains
leadandcarefullyleveringouttheoriginalfusefromitsholderbelowtheIECmainsinputsocket(10a,opposite).Ifthefuse
blowsagainitisadvisabletoseekhelpfromanauthorisedserviceagent.DONOTattempttore-tafurtherfuseasthis
couldresultinseriousdamagetotheamplierunit.
11. Display
The default operating display will show a single dot in the middle. When powering up it will run through a set cycle showing
the input and the preset being used. For full details of the menu system, please refer to page 10
12. LEOMicrophoneInput
Usedtosetthesubwooferuptoadjustfortheroomacoustics.Refertopage9.
13. Push-TurnControlButtonEncoder
ThisgivesyoucontrolofyourGoldW15.Youcanadjustthevolume(byturningthecontrolbutton)andenterthemenu
system.Pushingtherotaryencoderallowsaccessofthemenusystem(refertopage10).
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ENGLISH

Remote Control
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1. Mute
Toggle between mute and normal operation. Mutes output
so nothing can be heard, and can only be accessed by the
remote.
2. Preset 1
MemoryPreset1.Independentforeachinput(Referto
page10).
3. Preset 2
MemoryPreset2.Independentforeachinput(Referto
pages10).
4. Preset 3
MemoryPreset3.Independentforeachinput(Referto
pages10).
5. UpArrow
IncreasesVolumeandwheninthemenusystem,adjusts
the selected option.
6. Left Arrow
Allows scrolling back through the menu system.
7. Down Arrow
Decreases volume and when in the menu system, adjusts
the selected option.
8. DisplayBrightness
Adjuststheintensityofthedisplay(Refertopage11).
9. StandBy
Manually turns the Gold W15 on , out of stand by mode, or
puts it into stand by mode. This does not function when
Auto on is selected.
10. AutoON
TogglestheAutoOnfeatureonando.Whenon,theunit
isfullyautomaticinoperation.Wheno,theuserhasto
turntheGoldW15onando(Refertopage11).
11. Night Mode
Limits the output by -20dB without loosing any of the
dynamicsoftheGoldW15(Refertopage11).
12. LEOCalibration
RunstheLEOroomequalisationsystem(Refertopage8).
13. Enter
Selects desired menu option.
14. Right arrow
Entersthemenusystem.Allowsscrollingthroughthemenu(Refertopage9).
GoldW15OwnersManual6

Set Up
Onceinpositionandcableshavebeenrouted(nolongerthan
10metrestoavoidinterference),connectthemtotheGold
W15. Mains power cable should be connected last. Do not play
any music at this stage.
NOTE: The entire set up procedure can be done via the control
panel or remote control handset.
NOTE: The Gold W15 automatically switches between inputs.
There is no option to do this manually. The LFE input will take
priority over the Stereo input. The display will show either
LFE or StEaspartofthepowercycle(seebelow).
NOTE: There are 3 memory locations for user settings for each
input. Please refer to page 10.
FactorySettings
The default settings are:
LPF:60hz(stereoinputonly)
Slope Angle:-24dB/Octave(stereoinputonly)
Phase: 0 degrees
EQ:O
LEO: O
Volume:-20dB(Note:thisisalowsettingandshouldbesetto
0dBbeforecongoring).
These should be treated as the initial setting when setting up
yourproduct.Furthernetuningofthesettingscanbedoneif
you feel these factory settings do not match your environment
or tastes.
PowerCycle
The Gold W15 can be powered up using either the encoder, the
remote, or fully automatically. It will go through the following
sequence:
Press Encoder/ press Power button on remote/ receive signal
> display shows ON for 2 seconds > the input for 5 seconds,
eg LFE > then the selected preset for 3 seconds, eg 1 > Then
thedefaultoperatingscreenisdisplayed.(singledotinthe
centreofthedisplay).
If no signal is received for 10 minutes, it will go back into
standby mode. If the power button on the remote is pressed it
will enter standby mode. In both cases the display will show
OFF for 10 seconds and then display nothing.
Initial Settings Using an AV Processor/
Receiver
Connectasingleinterconnectcable(nolongerthan10metres)
fromanAVprocessor/receivertotheconnectionmarkedLFE
input.Ifyouhaveanadditionalsubwoofer,theLFEOutcanbe
used to supply the signal.
UsingtheLFEinput,negatestheGoldW15’scrossoverlter.
ThisneedstobesetontheAVprocessor/receiver.Pleaserefer
to the product user manual for further information. As a guide,
the crossover should be set up in accordance with the low
frequencylimitofthemainspeakers(seetableonpage9).
BeforerunningtheautosetupontheAVprocessor/receiver
(refertotheAVequipment’sownersmanual),carryoutthe
following initial steps:
• RuntheLEOroomequaliser(Page8)
• Setthevolumeto0dB(Page4/5)
• Phaseto0(Page9)
• EQtoOFF(Page9)
• LEOtoON(Page10).Leoturnsonautomaticallyafter
calibration
When the above settings have been made, you can run the
autosetupoftheAVamplier.Furtherpersonalisationand
adjustment can be made after the auto set up has been run by
adjustingtheEQ.Itisalsosuggestedthatthesettingsofthe
auto set up are checked against our recommended settings
depending on the rest of your system. Do not be afraid to
adjustthemonyourAVequipment.
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ENGLISH

Initial Settings Using 2 Channel (L & R)
Stereo Inputs
Stereo L & R input may be required if using a 2-channel
stereoamplier,oranamplierwithnoLFEoutput.Connect
2xinterconnectcables(leftandright)fromanamplierto
connectionsmarkedLineInputsL&R.
Withyourpreampliersettoalowlevelsetthesubwoofer
up using the suggested guide below before playing any music/
test tones.
• RuntheLEOroomequaliser(seebelow)
• Setthevolumeto0dB(Page4/5)
• LFE should be set in accordance to you main speakers
(Page9)
• Phaseto0(Page9)
• EQtoOFF(Page9)
• LEOtoON(Page10).Leoturnsonautomaticallyafter
calibration
Running LEO
BeforeenablingtheLEOroomcorrection,itneedstobesetup.
To do this follow these simple steps.
1. Connect the jack lead of the microphone to the jack
socket next to the encode as in the illustration below.
2. Place the microphone at your listening position at
approximate ear height.
NOTE: Ensure there are no obstructions between the
Gold W15 and the microphone other than those normally
in the room.
3. Holddownthe“Cal”buttonontheremotefor3seconds.
Whenitstarts,thedisplaywillshow“CAL”andatest
tone will be heard.
4. WhentheLEOcalibrationhasnished,thedisplaywill
revertbacktothehomescreen(singlereddotinthe
middleofthedisplay).TheLEOfunctionwillalsohave
been turned on.
MenuSystem
Low Pass Filter
TheLow PassFilter(LPF) setsthe crossover pointand the
slope angle with the main speakers. It is only enabled in
stereo mode. When using the LFE input, the crossover setting
optionisnotavailableasitiscontrolledbytheAVamplier/
receiver.
The table opposite gives suggested crossover points
dependant on the main speakers. The slope angle depends
on how sharply you want the high frequencies to roll o.
Thiscanbeadjustedin-6,-12,-18,-24dB/octavesteps.Itis
recommended that when partnering the Gold W15 with sealed
loudspeakers, a slope of -12dB/octave is used and when
partnering with ported loudspeakers, -24dB/octave is used.
However, experimentation is still advised.
Setting the LPF Using the Remote
With the Gold W15 powered up and out of standby mode, follow
the next steps to set the LPF:
1. Press the RIGHT arrow. The display will change to LPF
2. Press ENTER. The display will change to show the
current setting, eg. 60
3. PresstheUP/DOWNarrowstoadjustthesetting
4. PressENTERtoselectandsave.Thedisplaywillash
twicetoconrmselection,andthendisplaytheslope
angle, eg -1 2
5. PresstheUP/DOWNarrowstoadjustthesetting
6. PressENTERtoselectandsave.Thedisplaywillash
twicetoconrmselection,andthendisplayLPF
Setting the LPF Using the Control Panel
Encoder
With the Gold W15 powered up and out of standby mode, follow
the next steps to set the LPF:
1. Press the encoder down. The display will change to
LPF
2. Press the encoder again to enter the LPF menu. The
display will change to show the current setting, eg. 60
3. Rotate the encoder left or right to change the setting
4. Press the encoder to select and save. The display will
ashtwicetoconrmselection,andthendisplaythe
slope angle, eg -1 2
5. Rotate the encoder left or right to change the setting
6. Press the encoder to select and save. The display will
ashtwicetoconrmselection,andthendisplayLPF
Connect microphone
here
GoldW15OwnersManual8