MPS SUBWOOFER SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The Anthony Gallo Acoustics MPS Nucleus Micro Subwoofer
was designed to provide the highest level of subwoofer performance in the
smallest possible space. Your new subwoofer accomplishes two seemingly contradictory
goals. It combines linear frequency response and tremendous volume output
with a compact enclosure size. You will get more then enough output for even
large rooms while still being able to hide the sub under furniture. At the
same time, the MPS offers a wide assortment of control options and an audiophile-quality
power amplifier. In other words, this is a high quality sub capable of sounding
good with music and not just as a sound effects generator for theater sounds
such as explosions.
In order to achieve these goals, designer Anthony Gallo
separated the acoustical and electrical functions of the sub. The 10" custom
made driver is housed in a 5.5" wide, 1 1" tall
cylindrical enclosure, while all controls, crossover electronics and 150
watt, class NB amplifier are contained in a discrete chassis of similar size.
This arrangement offers the user unusual flexibility, enabling the electronics
module to be located either atop the woofer or near the rest of the AudioNideo System's components. The resulting marriage of
performance, size, features and flexibility is unique in the world of powered
subwoofers. Other subwoofers, once installed in wall for instance, offer
no access to controls. They are set once and then stay that way forever.
MPS SUBWOOFER CONTROLS DESCRIPTION
Description of Controls
Please note the diagram on the next page. The following
controls are located at the rear of the MPS electronic module.
1- LEVEL: Allows subwoofer output to be adjusted relative
to the main speakers. Rotate knob clockwise to increase subwoofer level,
counterclockwise to decrease it.
2- CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: Determines the highest frequency
(in Hz) which will be reproduced by the subwoofer. Used for tailoring the
MPS to a wide variety of stereo speakers. Note: When using the MPS with Nucleus
Micro satellites. Crossover should be set at 120 Hz.
3- LINE IN I LINE OUT: For connecting
subwoofer to preamplifier or surround processor using RCA-type ("line
level") interconnects. This is the most common connection.
4- POWER: Three position toggle switch enables the MPS
to be turned OFF (switch at far left position) or ON (switch at far right
position). When placed in AUTO (switch at central position), unit turns on
automatically when audio signal is present.
5- PHASE: Allows user to choose normal- (0 degrees) or
inverted- (180 degrees) subwoofer phase.
6- HI LEVEL IN I HI LEVEL OUT:
For connecting subwoofer to receivers or integrated amplifiers using speaker
cables. To be used where Line Level outputs are not available, or where a"
7- AC Line Cord: Supplies AC Power to Electronics Module.
8- FUSE: Protects the MPS from abnormal power conditions.
9- 1/4" Phone Jack: Used for connecting Electronics
Module to Woofer Module with supplied cable.
Connecting Your MPS
The following connection instructions will help you achieve
the best subwoofer performance in your system.
Line Level Connections:
Connecting your MPS to a home theater receiver.
In most cases you will be using these inputs. If you
have a relatively new digital receiver it will have an "LFE" or "subwoofer" output.
Usually this is a single RCA type jack. Basically you will be running a cable
that has RCA connectors on both ends from this output on the receiver to
the Line In jack on the sub. You can connect to either right or left input
on the sub with the same results.
Connecting your MPS to a preamplifier
stereo or Dolby Pro-Logic receiver.
Any component NOT equipped with a discrete "subwoofer
output" jack or jacks: Essentially you will be using the tape loop or
pre-amp out jacks to send signal out of the receiver into the sub. Run interconnect
from an output to the LINE IN jacks on the sub's control panel. If necessary,
run a line from the LIne Out jacks back to the
receiver.
WARNING: LINE IN / OUT jacks on the MPS
DO NOT include any crossover or signal filtering. When using these connections
in a system containing Nucleus Micro satellites or other bass-limited loudspeakers,
you must prevent low frequencies from reaching (and damaging) your satellites.
Select the "small enclosure" option on your surround processor
or receiver's menu for each line running to a Micro or other limited low
frequency (small) satellite. If there is no such setting see High Level Connections
to follow.
Using the MPS with full frequency range speakers:
For systems where preventing bass signals from reaching
your stereo speakers would be undesirable, connect TWO SETS of speaker cables
to the terminals of your receiver or amplifier. Run one set to the "HI
LEVEL IN" terminals of your MPS, and the second set directly to your
stereo speakers. In this manner, you have by passed the MPS "
Connecting the ElectronIcs and
Subwoofer Modules
Using the
cable supplied with your MPS, which terminates in a 1/4" phono plug at either end, install the plugs into the corresponding
jacks found on the Electronics and Subwoofer Modules.The right
angle side attaches to the sub. This cable allows the Electronics Module
to supply power and signal to the Subwoofer Module. If a cable of different
length is needed, please contact your Authorized AGA Dealer.
Placement Of Your MPS
Given its small size and cylindrical shape, the sub module
may easily be hidden from view. Finally a sub that actually
does fit under a piece of furniture. To obtain the best possible bass
performance, however, please consider the following placement rules.
Bass Output Varies With Placement.
Placing the MPS near a wall (i.e., at the intersection
of wall and floor) provides a doubling of output (+ 3dB) compared with free
space placement, while corner placement (the point where two adjacent walls
and floor meet) enables output to double again (+ 6 dB). In large or acoustically
absorptive rooms, placing your MPS near a wall or corner might offer beneficial
bass augmentation..
Slot-Loaded Woofer Design:
Your MPS is a downward-firing or "slot-loaded" design
whose output couples to the room through the narrow space between the bottom
of the woofer and the floor. Given the small size of this opening, it is
important to keep obstructions away from this space.
All Placements Are NOT Created Equal:
A subwoofer might sound noticeably different depending
upon its location in the listening room. There will usually be one spot at
which any sub sounds its best. If possible, experiment with placement until
the optimum position has been determined.
PLACEMENT OF YOUR MPS
Given its
small size and cylindrical shape, the sub module may easily be hidden from
view. Finally a sub that actually does fit under a piece
of furniture. To obtain the best possible bass performance, however,
please consider the following placement rules.
Bass Output Varies With Placement:
Placing the MPS near a wall (i.e., at the intersection
of wall and floor) provides a doubling of output (+ 3dB) compared with free
space placement, while corner placement (the point where two adjacent walls
and floor meet) enables output to double again (+ 6 dB). In large or acoustically
absorptive rooms, placing your MPS near a wall or corner might offer beneficial
bass augmentation.
Slot-Loaded Woofer Design: Your MPS is a downward-firing
or slot-loaded design, whose output couples to the room through the narrow
space between the bottom of the woofer and the floor. Given the small size
of this opening, it is important to keep obstructions away from this space.
All Placements Are NOT Created Equal: A subwoofer
might sound noticeably different depending upon its location in the listening
room. There will usually be one spot at which any sub sounds its best. If
possible, experiment with placement until the optimum position has been determined.
MPS FINAL ADJUSTMENTS
Once your MPS has been properly connected and positioned,
performance can be further optimized by adjusting the controls on the Electronic
Module. For this purpose, it is helpful to use a recording of a deep male
voice.
Start by adjusting the LEVEL control. Increase subwoofer
volume, or level, by rotating the control clockwise, until the bass output
is noticeably louder than the rest of the frequency range. Now, lower bass
output by turning the LEVEL control counterclockwise, until bass seems balanced
with the rest of the audio frequencies, and sounds no longer seem to emanate
directly from the subwoofer. You will need to return to the listening position
during adjustments.
Next, crossover frequency must be precisely set. The
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY control on your Electronics Module determines the uppermost
frequencies which will be reproduced by your MPS. Raise and lower the crossover
point by rotating the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY control clockwise and counter clockwise,
respectively. Too high a crossover frequency will cause male vocals to sound boomy and
chesty. Too low a point will render the same vocals thin. Find a point at
which voices sound natural. WITH NUCLEUS MICRO SATELLITES, A CROSSOVER FREQUENCY
OF 120 HZ SHOULD BE IDEAL.
Note: Bass is non-directional; that is, low bass frequencies
contain no left-or right-channel stereophonic information. Therefore, it
should be impossible to locate a properly set up subwoofer as a discrete
source of sound. However, when using a high crossover frequency (above approximately
100 Hz), your MPS may occasionally reproduce information with directional
content. If this ever becomes highly noticeable, proper integration between
subwoofer and speakers can be restored by positioning the sub closer to the
stereo speakers.
Finally, consider the PHASE switch. Experiment with both
the 0-degree and 180-degree switch positions. The correct setting is the
one, which provides deeper bass and/or the most seamless integration between
subwoofer and speakers. After the proper phase has been determined, you can
give the system a final fine-tuning by readjusting LEVEL and CROSSOVER FREQUENCY
controls if necessary.
Following these simple instructions
and experimenting with placement and controls will enable you to enjoy the
best possible performance your MPS is capable of providing. Thank you for taking the time to read the manual, now lets get started!
Warranty Information
You must fill out and return the warranty card to establish
your ownership of our product, and retain the original dated bill of sale.
You will find a serial number on the subwoofer. Place that number on the
warranty card when you return it.
Anthony Gallo Acoustics Limited Warranty
STATEMENT OF WARRANTY
We warranty
this product to be free from all defects in material and workmanship for
a period of five years. This warranty extends to the original retail purchaser
only, and not to subsequent purchasers or users of this product. Warranty
is only valid in country of purchase.
This warranty will be void if:
l. Any defect in the product is the result of abuse,
misuse, damage in transit, defective associated equipment, faulty hook-up,
the use of the speaker with equipment for which it was not intended or acts
of God.
2. The serial number has been altered or removed.
3. The unit has been operated contrary to instructions
contained in the accompanying Owner's Manual.
4. The unit has been serviced by unauthorized personnel.
All other warranties, express, implied or statutory,
including but not limited to warranties of merchantability or fitness, and
all other obligations or liabilities of Anthony Gallo Acoustics are limited
in time to the period of warranty granted hereby.
EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES
Anthony Gallo Acoustics liability is limited to the cost
of repair or replacement, at our option, of any defective part or product
and shall in no event include incidental or consequential damages of any
kind.
The above provisions do not preclude the operation of an state statute which in certain circumstances may not allow
some of the limitations and exclusions described in this warranty. To obtain
warranty service, please call the dealer from whom you purchased your equipment.
WHAT WE WILL PAY FOR
We will pay all labor and material expenses for covered
items, but you must pay any shipping charges if it is necessary to ship the
product to us or to an authorized Nucleus Micro dealer. If the repairs are
covered by warranty, we will pay the return shipping charges.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY
ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
Service Procedure For All AGA Products
What to do should your AGA product
need repair:
1. Please contact the Authorized AGA Dealer from whom
the product was origianlly purchased. It may be
helpful to have the original sales receipt available to determine warranty
eligibility. Determine how the dealer can be of help in providing troubleshooting,
repair, or service for your product.
2. If it is impractical or impossible to contact your
original dealer, refer to the Dealer Locator section found
on www.roundsound.com. Locate your
nearest authorized dealer and contact the dealer to arrange for service.
3. If you choose to, you may want to send your product
to AGA Factory Service. Carefully pack the product in its original carton
and ship it to the service center. A copy of your receipt may be necessary
to determine in-warranty or out-of-warranty status. Please call the service
center for an RA# with a description of the problem and your return address
and daytime phone number. It is suggested you choose a carrier that provides
parcel tracking and provides insurance.
Warranty privilege is null and void for AGA products
purchased through non-authorized retailers, internet sales, and catalog sales.