Bowers & Wilkins ASW 2500: WARNINGS:

WARNINGS:

using the subwoofer. All sound installations

Positioning the subwoofer

require some planning and experimentation if

CAUTION: 120V versions of the product are

Because the subwoofer produces only low-

you are to get the best out of the products used

supplied with a power cord equipped with a

frequency sounds, positioning is less critical in

and this manual will guide you in this process.

polarised plug. To prevent electric shock, match

some respects compared to full-range speakers.

wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.

As the subwoofer is connected to the electricity

Directional information is much less precise and

power supply, it is important that you familiarise

you have more choice where to place the

Ensure the plug is fully inserted into the wall

yourself with the safety instructions and heed all

speakers to good effect. This said, best results

outlet or extension cord receptacle to prevent

warnings.

are obtained if the subwoofer is placed between

blade or pin exposure.

the satellite speakers or in the vicinity of one of

Keep this manual in a safe place for future

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose

them. If you use two subwoofers, it is best to put

reference.

this equipment to rain or moisture.

one near each satellite speaker.

B&W loudspeakers are distributed to over 60

Observe all warnings on the equipment itself.

Placing the subwoofer behind the listeners, even

countries worldwide and we maintain an

in surround sound installations, generally gives

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the

international network of carefully chosen and

inferior imaging, but may be an acceptable

enclosure or remove the amplifier from the rear

dedicated distributors. If you have a problem,

compromise if domestic considerations dictate.

panel. There are no user serviceable parts

which your dealer cannot resolve, our distributors

inside. Refer all service questions to an

will be more than willing to assist you.

As with all speakers, the proximity of room

authorised B&W dealer.

boundaries affects the sound. Bass is generally

increased as more surfaces come into close

Ensure that the voltage indicated on the amplifier

Unpacking

proximity with the speakers. Unlike full-range

panel matches that of the power supply.

(figure 1)

speakers, however, you can always restore the

The mains fuse holder is located on the back

correct overall system balance by adjusting the

The easiest way to unpack the subwoofer and

panel of the amplifier module. Replacement fuse

volume level of the subwoofer. The more boost

avoid damage is as follows:

must be of the same type and rating as supplied

you get from the room, the less hard the speaker

and marked on the product.

• Open the carton flaps right back and invert

has to work; but there is a down side. Corner

the carton and contents.

positions often excite more low-frequency room

The product does not require earthing

resonances, making the bass more uneven with

(grounding).

• Lift the carton away from the product.

frequency. There is no substitute for experiment

Ensure the product is adequately ventilated. Do

We recommend that you retain the packaging

as all rooms behave differently, so try the

not prevent air from circulating round the rear

for future use.

subwoofer in a variety of positions before

amplifier panel. Do not obscure or block the

making a final decision. A piece of music with a

In addition to this manual, the carton should

openings in the panel. Do not use the product in

bass line ascending or descending the musical

contain:

a rack, bookcase, cabinet or cupboard unless

scale is useful for assessing the smoothness of

the volume behind the product is adequately

1 Subwoofer

the bass response. Listen for exaggerated or

ventilated to the room space.

quiet notes. Having a separate subwoofer does

1 Accessory pack containing:

enable you to optimise for room resonances

Check that there are no cables under the carpet

4 Rubber feet

independently from siting the satellite speakers

that may be damaged by the spike feet.

for best imaging.

4 Spike feet

Do not walk the product on the spike feet as this

If the subwoofer is to be used in a confined

may cause them to become detached from the

4 Lock nuts

space (eg in custom furniture), the space must be

cabinet and cause damage.

1 International warranty document

ventilated to allow sufficient air to circulate and

Take care not to impale yourself with the spike

cool the unit. Ask your dealer for advice.

feet when moving the product.

The subwoofer is supplied with four spike feet.

A tour of the subwoofer

The spikes pierce through carpet pile, giving a

(figure 2)

firm support directly to the floor surface without

Introduction

1 LINK OUT sockets

crushing the pile.

Thank you for purchasing the B&W ASW™2500

2 LINE OUT sockets

If the unit is to be placed on a vulnerable

Active Subwoofer.

surface, such as a wooden floor, either place a

3 LINE IN sockets

Since its foundation in 1966, the continuing

protective disc under each spike or fit the four

philosophy of B&W has been the quest for

4 VOLUME control

rubber feet in place of the spikes.

perfect sound reproduction. Inspired by the

5 LOW-PASS FREQUENCY control

When fitting either the rubber feet or the spike

company’s founder, the late John Bowers, this

feet, first screw the lock nuts fully onto the thread

quest has entailed not only high investment in

6 PHASE switch

and then screw the feet fully onto the threaded

audio technology and innovation but also an

7 LOW-PASS FILTER defeat switch

inserts in the base of the cabinet. If the unit

abiding appreciation of music and the demands

rocks, loosen the relevant two opposing feet until

of film sound to ensure that the technology is put

8 EQualisation switch

the support is firm, then re-tighten the lock nuts to

to maximum effect.

9 POWER On/Auto/Standby switch

the inserts.

The ASW™2500 has been designed for Home

10 Power/Standby indicator

Theatre installations and to augment the bass

performance of full-range speakers in 2-channel

11 Ventilation holes

Electrical connections

audio use. Adding the subwoofer to your system

12 Power input socket

Disconnect all sound system equipment from the

not only extends the bass to lower frequencies, it

power supply until the signal connections have

improves the midrange clarity by reducing the

13 Power isolator switch (230V versions only)

been made and checked. This avoids the risk of

low-frequency demands on your existing

14 Fuse holder

damage whilst connections are made or broken.

speakers.

The function of the subwoofer is to receive

Please read through this manual fully before

signals from the amplification chain and, where

2