WILSON AUDIO WATCH User manual

WATCH Controller Owners Manual

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Wilson Audio Specialties
Wilson Audio®is a registered trademark of Wilson Audio Specialties, Inc.
Cub®, Sophia®, WATT/Puppy®, MAXX®, and Alexandria®are registered trademarks of
Wilson Audio Specialties, Inc.
WilsonGloss™, Wilson Audio Duette™, WATCH®Center, WATCH® Controller, WATCH®
Surround, and WATCH®Dog are trademarks of Wilson Audio Specialties, Inc.
This manual was produced by the Wilson Audio Engineering and the Sales and Mar-
keting Department. The information contained herein is subject to change without
notice. Current Revision 1.0. If you are in need of a more recent manual, please
contact your dealer.
The information in this manual is the sole property of Wilson Audio Specialties, Inc.
Any reproduction, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of
Wilson Audio Specialties, Inc., is prohibited. No material contained herein may be
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose,
without the express written permission of Wilson Audio Specialties, Inc.
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SAFTEY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS APPLIANCE NEAR
WATER OR EXPOSE IT TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE. DO NOT HANDLE THE POWER SUPPLY OR
POWER CABLES WITH WET HANDS.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO YOUR LOCAL WILSON AUDIO DEALER ONLY.
WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERS TO TOUCH THE TERMINALS OF POWER PLUGS WHEN
INSTALLING OR REMOVING THE PLUG TO OR FROM A POWER SOURCE.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
Read instructions1. - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the WATCH
Controller.
Retain instructions2. - The safety instruction and owner’s manual should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings3. - All warnings on the WATCH Controller and in the owner’s manual should be adhered to.
Follow Instructions4. - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
Ventilation5. – Allow adequate space for ventilation around the unit.
Cleaning6. - Unplug the WATCH Controller from the power source before cleaning and use the cloth provided by
Wilson Audio. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Power Sources7. - This WATCH Controller should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on
the marking label.
Power Plug8. – Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades 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 t into your outlet, consult
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Power-Cord Protection9. - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on
or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point at which the cords exit the WATCH Controller.
Lightning or extended non-use10. - For added protection for the WATCH Controller during a lightning storm or
when the unit is not in use for an extended period of time such as a vacation, unplug its power supply from any
wall outlets. This will prevent damage to the WATCH Controller due to lightning or power line surges.
Servicing11. - Do not attempt to service this WATCH Controller yourself as opening or removing covers will expose
you to dangerous voltage and other hazards. Refer all servicing to a qualied Wilson Audio dealer.
Damage Requiring Service12. - Unplug the WATCH Controller from the power source and refer servicing to a
qualied Wilson Audio dealer under the following conditions:
If the power supply cord or plug is damaged.a.
If liquid has spilled on or objects have fallen into the WATCH Controller.b.
If the WATCH Controller has been exposed to rain or water or any amount of liquid.c.
If the WATCH Controller does not operate normally after following the operating instructions in thed.
owner’s manual.
If the WATCH Controller has been dropped or the chasse has been damaged.e.
If the WATCH Controller exhibits a distinct change in performance.f.
Replacement Parts13. - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement
parts specied by Wilson Audio. Unauthorized substitutions may result in re, electric shock, or other hazards.
Safety Check14. – Upon completion of any service or repairs to this WATCH Controller, ask the service technician
to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating condition.
ENVIRONMENT
Operating Temperature: 10ºC to 40ºC (50ºF to 104ºF)

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• WARNING: This apparatus must be connected to the AC MAINS
with a 3-prong or earth grounded plug.
• WARNING: To prevent injury, this apparatus must be securely
attached to the floor/wall in accordance with the installation
instructions.
• This apparatus should not be disposed of as household refuse.
• Do not move the apparatus by holding the power supply cord.
• If the apparatus is not in use for an extended period of time, please turn it
off and unplug it.
• Do not disconnect the apparatus with wet hands.
• This apparatus is not intended for use by children. Children should only
operate the apparatus under the direct supervision of an adult.

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Contents
Section 1 – initial Setup ������������������������������������������������� 9
Section 1�1 – connecting the Watch controller – home
theater������������������������������������������������������������������ 11
ConneCtion With aSurround ProCeSSor ��������������������� 11
Section 1�2 – connecting the controller – tW o –channel
SyStem������������������������������������������������������������������� 12
ConneCt the Controller t o the SubWoofer amPlifier ����� 12
byPaSSing the high PaSS filter �������������������������������� 13
utilizing the high PaSS filter ��������������������������������� 14
Section 2 – Setup and Final tuning ���������������������������������� 19
Section 2�0 - Front panel Setup and Final tuning����������� 21
PreParation �������������������������������������������������������� 21
Section 2�1 - noteS From da v i d a� WilSon o n the teSt cd 22
SubWoofer PlaCement�������������������������������������������� 22
filtering o f lf t o the left & right SPeakerS �������������� 22
initial PlaCement o f the l & r SPeakerS �������������������� 23
introduCtion o f the WatCh Controller into SyStem ����� 25
toeQ orno t toeQ �������������������������������������������� 28
Section 2�2 – Break-i n period ������������������������������������ 30
Section 3 – tWelve-v o l t triggerS ������������������������������������ 31
Section 3�1 - tWelve-v o l t trigger controlS ����������������� 33
Section 4 – SyStem SpeciFicationS ����������������������������������� 37
controller SpeciFicationS������������������������������������������ 39
controller dimenSionS ���������������������������������������������� 40

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Section 5 – Warranty inFormation ����������������������������������� 43
Section 5�0 – Warranty inFormation ����������������������������� 45
limited Warranty ������������������������������������������������� 45
ConditionS ��������������������������������������������������������� 45
remedy�������������������������������������������������������������� 46
Warranty limited t o original PurChaSer �������������������� 46
demonStration eQuiPment ��������������������������������������� 47
miSCellaneouS����������������������������������������������������� 47

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Section 1 – Initial Setup

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seCTion 1 – iniTiAl seTup
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Section 1.1 – Connecting the WATCH Controller – Home Theater
The WATCH Controller can be connected in a variety of ways depending on your
system needs. It can be used in conjunction with a LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel
for a dedicated home theater system, or it can be used in conjunction with a subwoofer
to extend the bass in a two-channel music system. In systems where it is desirable to
use the WATCH Controller with both the surround processor in a theater system and in
the two-channel music system via the preamp (bypassing the surround processor), you
can switch between the two sources via the WATCH Controller’s front panel’s Line/Pro-
cessor switch. This enables you to optimize the Controller for the surround mode and
music mode separately.
The WATCH Controller is also capable of accepting either balanced (XLR) or sin-
gle-ended (RCA) cable connectors from your preamplifier or surround processor. Your
choice will depend on the configuration of your particular preamp or surround proces-
sor.
Connection With a Surround Processor
Make sure the WATCH Controller power is “off” and the Level control on the front
panel is in the “Min” position during the connecting process. Locate the “Input” sec-
tion of the WATCH Controller on the rear of the unit (See Figure 1). The Processor In-
put of the WATCH Controller is designated for use with the LFE (Low Frequency Effects)
outputs of a surround processor. Balanced (XLR) or single-ended (RCA) connecting
cables may be used, depending on the connector type used on your surround processor.
Connect the LFE output of your surround processor to the WATCH Controller via the
input labeled “PROCESSOR IN.”
On the WATCH Controller front panel, locate the switch labeled “BAL/SINGLE.”
Select “BAL” for use with balanced cables or “SINGLE” for use with single-ended ca-
bles. In the same section of the front panel, locate the switch labeled “PROCESSOR,”

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“REM,” and “LINE.” Select
the “PROCESSOR” input.
On the front panel, locate
the switch labeled “HP IN”
and “HP OUT.” Select “HP
OUT” (See Figure 3). On
the front panel, locate the
switch labeled “LP IN” and
“LP OUT.” Select “LP OUT”
(See Figure 4).
Proceed to Section 2,
“Setup and Final Tuning,” to continue the setup of your unit.
Wilson Audio has engineered very flexible high and low pass crossover filters for
the WATCH Controller. Wilson has paid particular attention to the sound quality of the
High Pass filter section. Setup and configuration of these filters is discussed in Section
2 entitled “Setup and Final Tuning.”
Section 1.2 – Connecting the Controller – Two–Channel System
Connect the Controller to the Subwoofer Amplifier
The “LOW PASS OUT” connectors labeled “1” and “2” are the output signal con-
nectors for the subwoofer amplifier (See Figure 2). The Controller sums the left and
right channels so both “1” and “2” outputs contain identical signals. There is a sin-
gle–ended and a balanced connector for each output. If you are using one subwoofer,
connect the amplifier driving the subwoofer to the Controller’s “LOW PASS OUT” via
the “1” output. Choose either the balanced cable or single–ended output to match the
input configuration of the amplifier.
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Figure 1 - line and proceSSor inputS

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If you are using two subwoofers
with separate amplifiers, connect the
second amplifier channel to the “2” out-
put. By using “Y” connectors (contact
your Wilson dealer for details), you can
connect the controller to more than two
subwoofer amplifiers.
Bypassing the High Pass Filter
In systems where the main speakers
are full-range, the subwoofer used with
the controller can be configured more
successfully without the use of the High
Pass filter. There is a normal bass roll–off that occurs naturally in your listening room.
This effect acts like a six dB per octave low pass filter and rolls off the bass from your
main speakers. In most systems it is not necessary or desirable to use the High Pass
filter. The WATCH Controller’s Low Pass filter controls in conjunction with the Bass
Equalization and Phase controls (discussed in Section 2) will allow you to successfully
integrate the main loudspeakers with the subwoofer without the use of the High Pass
filter.
Make sure the WATCH Controller power is off during the connecting process. Lo-
cate the input section of the WATCH Controller on the rear of the unit (See Figure 1).
The WATCH Controller inputs are configured for both balanced (XLR) and single-ended
(RCA) cables.
When connecting the WATCH Controller without the use of the High Pass Filter,
a second output from your preamplifier is required. If your preamplifier does not have
two sets of outputs, consult with your Wilson dealer about using high quality “Y” con-
seCTion 1 – iniTiAl seTup
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Figure 2 - lo W paSS outputS

nectors to facilitate con-
necting your unit. From
one of the preamp outputs,
connect your preamp di-
rectly to your main ampli-
fier. From a second set of
preamp outputs, connect
both left and right chan-
nels to the Line Level In-
put of the WATCH Control-
ler. The WATCH Controller
automatically sums the
information from the left
and right channels when the controller is used with stereo inputs. The controller di-
rects the summed stereo channels to a single subwoofer or to multiple subwoofers used
in conjunction with the controller.
On the WATCH Controller front panel, locate the switch labeled “BAL,” and “SIN-
GLE.” Select “BAL” for use with balanced cables or “SINGLE” for use with single-ended
cables. In the same section of the front panel, locate the switch labeled “PROCESSOR,”
“REM,” and “LINE.” Select the “LINE” input. On the front panel, locate the switch label
“HP IN,” “REM,” and “HP OUT” (see Figure 3). Select “HP OUT.” On the front panel,
locate the switch labeled “LP IN,” “REM,” and “LP OUT” (See Figure 4). Select “LP
IN.”
Proceed to Section 2, “Front Panel Setup and Final Tuning,” to continue the setup
of your unit.
Utilizing the High Pass Filter
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Figure 3 - high paSS Filter controlS

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The WATCH Control-
ler employs a high quality
High Pass Filter as a part
of its crossover design.
The High Pass Filter can be
used to filter bass from the
main loudspeakers. This
can be desirable in systems
where the main loudspeak-
ers have limited bass dy-
namics or if the main pow-
er amplifier is low power.
Make sure the
WATCH Controller power is off during the connecting process. On the rear of the unit,
locate the Line Level inputs of the WATCH Controller. Connect the preamplifier output,
left and right, to the Line Level input of the WATCH Controller (See Figure 1). Use the
XLR inputs for balanced cables or the RCA inputs for single–ended cables.
Locate the Line High Pass Output (See Figure 5) on the rear of the Controller.
These connectors pass the high pass section of the signal to your main amplifier for
your loudspeakers. Connect the Line HP Output, left and right, of the WATCH Control-
ler to the inputs of your power amplifier. Use the XLR inputs for balanced cables or the
RCA inputs for single-ended cables.
On the WATCH Controller front panel, locate the switch labeled “BAL,” and “SIN-
GLE.” Select “BAL” for use with balanced cables, or “SINGLE” for use with single-ended
cables. In the same section of the front panel, locate the switch labeled “PROCESSOR,”
“REM,” and “LINE.” Select the “LINE” input.
Locate the switch on the front panel labeled “HP IN” and “HP OUT” (See Figure
Figure 4 - lo W paSS Filter controlS

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4). This switch defeats or alternatively en-
gages the high pass filter. Turn the switch
to the HP IN position.
Locate the switch on the front panel
labeled “HP 6 dB” and “HP 12 dB” (See
Figure 3). This switch changes the slope of
the high pass filter to either 6 decibels per
octave or 12 decibels per octave. The po-
sition of this switch will be set in its final
position in the final tuning stages of the
WATCH Controller. For now, set the switch
to the 6 dB per octave position.
Proceed to Section 2, “Front Panel
Setup and Final Tuning,” to continue the setup of your unit.
Note: Before proceeding with the Front Panel setup and configuration, please connect
your system as outlined in Section 2, which contains valuable information needed be-
fore proceeding further.
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Figure 5 - high paSS Filter output

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Section 2 – Setup and Final Tuning

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