Wisdom SW-1 User manual

Owner’s Manual
SW-1
Subwoofer Amplifier

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Table of Contents
Safety Instructions | 4
Unpacking the SW-1 | 5
Placement and Ventilation | 5
Operating Voltage | 6
Front and Rear Panels | 7
Care & Maintenance | 10
North American Warranty | 11
Obtaining Service | 12
Specifications | 13
Dimensions | 14
DOCUMENT CONVENTIONS
This document contains general safety, installation, and operation instructions for the Wisdom
Audio SW-1 Subwoofer Amplifier. It is important to read this document before attempting to use
this product. Pay particular attention to:
WARNING: Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in injury or death.
CAUTION: Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part of or the entire product.
Note: Calls attention to information that aids in the installation or operation of the product.

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WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
DANGER:
The lightning flash with 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.
IMPORTANT
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 this equipment.
Marking by the “CE” symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the European Community.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

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Important Safety Instructions
Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before operating
your Wisdom Audio equipment.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this equipment near water.
6. Clean only with a 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 radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. 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 of the third prong is
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your socket, 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. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
13. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as a 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 normally, or has been dropped.
14. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or
disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component.
15. NEVER operate this product with any covers removed.
16. NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid.
17. NEVER pour or spill liquids directly on to this unit.
18. NEVER bypass any fuse.
19. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified.
20. NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
21. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children.

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Unpacking the SW-1
After unpacking your SW-1, keep all packing materials for future transport. If you need
to ship your SW-1, only the original, purpose-designed shipping carton is acceptable.
Any other method of shipping this product runs a risk of damage to the SW-1 damage
that would not be covered by the warranty.
Carefully inspect your SW-1 for possible damage due to shipping. If you discover any,
contact your Wisdom Audio dealer immediately.
Placement Considerations
PRECAUTION
For your protection, review “Important Safety Instructions” and “Operating Voltage”
before you install your SW-1.
Note that adequate clearance for the AC cord and connecting signal cables must be left
behind your SW-1. We suggest leaving at least six inches (15 cm) of free space behind
your SW-1, so all cables have sufficient room to bend without crimping or undue strain.
If possible, the SW-1 should also be placed in such a way that the power switch on the
rear panel is easily accessible. This switch disconnects power from the unit completely,
resulting in effective disconnection of the SW-1 from the AC mains. You might think of
this as a “vacation switch”, should you wish to turn off your system completely when
you will be away from home for a prolonged period. Just remember to turn it back on
again when you return.
Ventilation
Your Wisdom Audio SW-1 has relatively modest ventilation requirements, thanks to its
remarkably efficient design. Typically, it becomes only modestly warm during normal
operation. Still, please be certain to keep the vents on the sides of the amplifier clear of
any obstruction. (The rack mount attachments have corresponding vents.)
Mechanical drawings are included in this manual to facilitate special installations where
necessary (see “Dimensions” at the end of this manual).

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Operating Voltage
For compatibility with existing household outlets, a standard three-prong, 15-ampere
plug is provided on the removable, IEC-standard AC mains cable.
The Wisdom Audio SW-1 will operate with 100V–240V AC mains operation. Outside the
United States, and depending on local electrical codes and regulations, the AC mains
cord may need to be replaced with one that conforms to local plug/outlet standards.
Special Design Features
High Efficiency – While many contemporary amplifiers waste 50% or more of the power
they pull from the wall as heat, your SW-1 amplifier runs at approximately 90%
efficiency. As a result, more power is available for the loudspeaker, and less is wasted as
heat in your room.
The high efficiency of the design also means that the amplifiers can be placed close to
each other, as in an equipment rack, without undue overheating. Of course, care must
be taken to account for the heat generated by other components in the rack; but your
Wisdom Audio amplifiers will not greatly contribute to the thermal management
challenges of your system.
Wisdom Audio uses an unusual Regenerative Transmission Line™(RTL™) design in our
subwoofers. It provides exceptional transient response, for a subjectively “fast” and
articulate bottom end which mates well to our unique thin-film technology.
However, as with most subwoofer designs, some equalization is required to fully realize
the performance potential of RTL™designs. In most subwoofers, the requisite EQ is
simply built into the plate amplifier that is part of the subwoofer itself. This approach
presents a problem, however, when the subwoofer is designed to be integrated into the
home itself. Hence the SW-1, which allows the subwoofer’s amplifier to be placed in the
rack with the rest of the electronics, while allowing the subwoofer to be placed
wherever it will perform best, without violating building codes or even having to worry
about having an AC outlet near the subwoofer location.
The SW-1 comes pre-programmed from the factory for a specific application, whether a
particular subwoofer model, or “flat” in the case of EQ being provided for elsewhere in
the system.

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IMPORTANT: Since the SW-1 comes pre-programmed for a specific model of subwoofer,
it is essential to use it only with that model of subwoofer. Doing otherwise will almost
certainly result in poor performance.
Rear Panel
CAUTION! Turn off the SW-1 before attempting to make or change any connections.
1. Speaker Output Terminals
The Wisdom Audio SW-1 is equipped with high-current binding posts for output
termination to the loudspeaker system. To take full advantage of the amplifier’s sonic
quality, we recommend using high-quality speaker cable; please see your Wisdom Audio
dealer.
CAUTION!
Never connect a power amplifier’s output terminals to any device other than a
loudspeaker.
Never short-circuit the amplifier’s output terminals.
Never connect the output terminals of one amplifier to the output terminals of another
amplifier.
4
3
5
6
1
2

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2. RCA Inputs
These audio inputs normally accept the subwoofer output signals from the system’s
Surround processor. If two inputs are connected, they will be summed and amplified as
a single channel. Connect the appropriate outputs of the SW-1 to this input, using a
high-quality audio cable.
3. DC Trigger In and Out
These 12v trigger jacks provide compatibility with a wide range of products to facilitate
remote turn-on and turn-off in systems. These 1/8” (3.5 mm) “mini-jacks” allow other
components to bring the SW-1 in and out of standby. Two such mini-jacks are provided
to allow “daisy-chaining” of this turn-on signal with other components, including
additional amplifiers.
The remote trigger input will be operated by any positive-polarity DC signal between 3–
20 volts (only a few milliamps are required), with tip polarity as shown below
When connected to AC mains power, with no trigger plug inserted, the SW-1 is normally
fully ON. Employing a DC Trigger Input allows you to place the amplifier into standby.
When the voltage transitions from high to low (off), the unit will go into standby.
The 12V Trigger Output jack is driven to a “high” state of 12 volts a few seconds after
the SW-1 is turned on and can source as much as 100 mA of current at 12 volts. This
signal may be used in turn to control other components, such as additional Wisdom
Audio SA-series amplifiers
Each Wisdom Audio component has a short delay built into its DC trigger system to
facilitate a staggered turn-on sequence.
Your Wisdom Audio dealer can help you take advantage of these design features to
maximize your system’s convenience and versatility
Input Signal: 3-20 volts @ less than 10 mA
Output Signal: 12 volts @ 100mA

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4. Ethernet Port
Not implemented at this time. Reserved for possible future use.
5. Power Switch
An AC mains switch is located adjacent to the power cord on the rear panel of the SW-
1. This switch may be used to disconnect the unit from the AC mains without having to
unplug the SW-1 from the wall outlet.
If you plan to be away for an extended period or have any other reason to turn the SW-1
completely off, you may either unplug the SW-1 or you may use the AC mains switch.
IMPORTANT: As with all your electronics, we suggest you completely disconnect the
SW-1 from the AC mains during severe electrical storm
6. AC Mains Input and Fuse Holder
A 15-ampere IEC standard power cord is used with the SW-1. A high quality 15-ampere
AC mains cord is included with the product; although the use of the standardized IEC
receptacle means that you may easily substitute another high-quality AC mains cord if
you wish.
WARNING! Your new Wisdom Audio SW-1 has been safety-tested and is designed for
operation with a three-conductor power cord. Do not defeat the “third pin” or earth
ground of the AC power cord.
DANGER! Potentially dangerous voltages and current capabilities exist within your SW-
1. Do not attempt to open any portion of the SW-1’s cabinet. There are no user-
serviceable parts inside your SW-1. All service of this product must be referred to a
qualified Wisdom Audio dealer or distributor.
We recommend that care be taken to ensure that all AC plugs for the equipment in the
system be wired to ensure proper AC polarity. Doing so will minimize noise in the
system.
In the U.S., a simple AC mains tester (found at any hardware store) can test to ensure
that your electrical outlets are wired properly. Elsewhere in the world (for example, in
European Union countries), the AC mains plugs themselves are not always polarized.
Your dealer can test for the proper orientation of the plug in the outlet. In such a case, it
is good practice to mark both plug and outlet to ensure that all products remain in the

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proper orientation should it become necessary to temporarily disconnect the system (as
for example, during an electrical storm).
Finally, the Wisdom Audio SW-1 incorporates a fuse block that protects both the live
and neutral (ground) sides of the circuit. If your SW-1 is plugged into an AC outlet that
you know is live (plug a lamp into it as a test), and yet appears to be off, check the
following:
1. Check the AC cord to make sure it is not damaged.
2. Check the AC mains switch to ensure that it is ON (the side with the straight line
is depressed, not the “O” side).
3. If that does not resolve the problem, turn Off the AC mains switch (“O”) and then
disconnect the power cord from the AC mains receptacle.
4. Using a small screwdriver, gently pry open the fuse block cover at the top edge
of the assembly. (You may be able to do it with just your fingernail.)
5. Pull out the fuse block and check both fuses. If either is blown, please contact
your local Wisdom Audio dealer (or Wisdom Audio) for service.
Care & Maintenance
To remove dust from the cabinet of your SW-1, use a feather duster or a lint-free soft
cloth. To remove dirt and fingerprints, we recommend isopropyl alcohol and a soft
cloth. Dampen the cloth with alcohol first and then lightly clean the surface of the SW-1
with the cloth. Do not use excessive amounts of alcohol that might drip off the cloth and
into the SW-1.
CAUTION! At no time should liquid cleaners be applied directly to the SW-1, as direct
application of liquids may result in damage to electronic components within the unit.

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North American Warranty
Standard Warranty
When purchased from and installed by an authorized Wisdom Audio dealer, Wisdom
Audio loudspeakers are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship
under normal use for a period of 10 years from the original date of purchase on the
cabinet and passive drivers.
IMPORTANT: Wisdom Audio loudspeakers are designed for installation and operation in
environmentally controlled conditions, such as are found in normal residential
environments. When used in harsh conditions such as outdoors or in marine
applications, the warranty is three years from the original date of purchase.
During the warranty period, any Wisdom Audio products exhibiting defects in materials
and/or workmanship will be repaired or replaced, at our option, without charge for
either parts or labor, at our factory. The warranty will not apply to any Wisdom Audio
products that has been misused, abused, altered, or installed and calibrated by anyone
other than an authorized Wisdom Audio dealer. 
Any Wisdom Audio product not performing satisfactorily may be returned to the factory
for evaluation. Return authorization must first be obtained by either calling or writing
the factory prior to shipping the component. The factory will pay for return shipping
charges only if the component is found to be defective as mentioned above. There are
other stipulations that may apply to shipping charges.
There is no other express warranty on Wisdom Audio products. Neither this warranty
nor any other warranty, express or implied, including any implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness, shall extend beyond the warranty period. No responsibility is
assumed for any incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and other states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation
or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which
vary from state to state. This warranty is applicable in the United States and Canada
only. Outside of the U.S. and Canada, please contact your local, authorized Wisdom
Audio distributor for warranty and service information.

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Obtaining Service
We take great pride in our dealers. Experience, dedication, and integrity make these
professionals ideally suited to assist with our customers’ service needs.
If your Wisdom Audio loudspeaker must be serviced, please contact your dealer. Your
dealer will then decide whether the problem can be remedied locally, or whether to
contact Wisdom Audio for further service information or parts, or to obtain a Return
Authorization. The Wisdom Audio Service Department works closely with your dealer to
solve your service needs expediently.
IMPORTANT: Return authorization must be obtained from Wisdom Audio’s Service
Department BEFORE a unit is shipped for service.
It is extremely important that information about a problem be explicit and complete. A
specific, comprehensive description of the problem helps your dealer and the Wisdom
Audio Service Department locate and repair the difficulty as quickly as possible.
A copy of the original bill of sale will serve to verify warranty status. Please include it
with the unit when it is brought in for warranty service.
WARNING: All returned units must be packaged in their original packaging, and the
proper return authorization numbers must be marked on the outer carton for
identification. Shipping the unit in improper packaging may void the warranty, as
Wisdom Audio cannot be responsible for the resulting shipping damage.
Your dealer can order a new set of shipping materials for you if you need to ship your
loudspeaker and no longer have the original materials. There will be a charge for this
service. We strongly recommend saving all packing materials in case you need to ship
your unit someday.
If the packaging to protect the unit is, in our opinion or that of our dealer, inadequate to
protect the unit, we reserve the right to repackage it for return shipment at the owner’s
expense. Neither Wisdom Audio nor your dealer can be responsible for shipping damage
due to improper (that is, non-original) packaging.

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Specifications
All specifications are subject to change at any time to improve the product.
•Rated power @ 8 ohms: 230 Watts
•Rated power @ 4 ohms: 370 Watts
•Peak output current: 30 amps
•Voltage gain: 31 dB
•Input sensitivity: 1.2V for full output
•Input impedance: 47 kΩ
•Polarity: Non-inverting
•Signal to Noise ratio (main outputs): –100 dB (ref 1V rms, A-wtd.)
•Output impedance: Less than 0.05Ωfrom 20–20,000 Hz
•Thermal load: 3 BTU/minute or less
•Mains voltage: 100V-240V
•Power consumption: 500W (±5%) at full power, 10W (±5%) at idle, 0.5W (±5%)
in standby
•Shipping weight: 12 lbs. (5.5 kg)
For more information, see your Wisdom Audio dealer or contact: 
Wisdom Audio
1572 College Parkway, Suite 164
Carson City, NV 89706
wisdomaudio.com
[email protected]
[phone]

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SW-1 Dimensions

SW-1 OM © 11/2021 Wisdom Audio, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
WISDOM and the stylized W are registered trademarks of Wisdom Audio.
Wisdom Audio1572 College Parkway, Suite 164
Carson City, Nevada 89706 USA
TEL [phone]
FAX [phone]
wisdomaudio.com