HARMAN KARDON BU-120
Owner's Manual

OPERATION
SET CONTROLS...
1. Initially set the subwoofer�s Volume control � (Fig. 2) to the minimum position. 2. Initially set the subwoofer�s Crossover Frequency control � (Fig. 2) to 12 o�clock. 3. Set the subwoofer�s Phase switch � (Fig. 2) to the �NOM� position (for normal polarity) (except BU-80).

POWER ON...

4. Turn on your entire audio system and play any music source. 5. Turn the Volume control � (Fig. 2) to its mid position. If no sound emanates from the subwoofer, check the AC line cord and input cables. Are the connectors on the cables making proper contact? Is the AC plug connected to a �live� receptacle?

ADJUST VOLUME...

6. Set the overall volume control of the preamplifier or stereo to a comfortable level. Adjust the subwoofer�s Volume control � (Fig. 2) until you obtain a pleasing blend of bass. Bass response should not overpower the room but rather be adjusted so there is a harmonious blend across the entire musical range. Many users have a tendency to set the subwoofer volume too loud following the belief that a subwoofer is there to produce lots of bass. This is not entirely true. A subwoofer is there to enhance bass, extending the response of the entire system so the bass can be felt as well as heard. However, overall balance must be maintained; otherwise, the music will not sound natural. An experienced listener will set the volume of the subwoofer so its impact on bass response is always there but is never obtrusive. 7. The Crossover Frequency control � (Fig. 2) sets the high-frequency roll-off, adjustable from 50 to 150Hz. Where you set this control depends on the low-frequency capabilities of your satellite speakers, system placement, and other factors affecting the mid-bass region. Turn the control UP (clockwise) until you feel there is too much mid-bass information (around 100Hz) then back the control down a bit until that area sounds more natural. To hear more low bass, turn the Crossover Frequency control DOWN a bit and the Volume control UP by about the same amount. This will increase low bass while leaving the midbass sounding the same as it did before the adjustment. To reduce low bass without changing mid-bass, turn the Crossover Frequency control UP and the Volume control DOWN. Switch the Phase switch between �NOM� and �REV� positions while listening to music. The selection that sounds the best is the correct adjustment for your system. 8. Room placement of the subwoofer is the most critical aspect of its installation. It will be necessary for you to try various locations in your listening room before you choose the final location. Some possible starting points include: behind the right channel satellite speaker, along the back wall between the satellites, along a side wall (but not too close to a corner), or behind a couch or a chair. In general, the closer the subwoofer is to walls and corners, the greater the effect of lowfrequency enhancement. Experiment with the Crossover Frequency and Volume controls in different locations until you are pleased with the result you obtain from your particular application.

CROSSOVER FREQUENCY CONTROL...

ROOM PLACEMENT...

12 x BU Series Powered Subwoofers � Owner�s Manual