Acoustic Energy Loudspeaker Aegis Neo Subwoofer User Manual

							
O w n e r s   M a n u a l
O NE
T H R E E
C E N T R E
S U B   W O O F E R
S E R I E S 
						

							
3 .   I n s t a l l a t i o n
Thank you for purchasing this Acoustic Energy product. As a valued customer 
we would like to keep you up to date with all news and events including new 
products, exhibitions and exclusive promotions. To enable us to communicate 
these exciting developments please go to our website - www.acoustic-energy.co.uk 
- and complete the ownership registration form.
Perhaps more than any other hi-fi product, speakers are sensitive to installation 
so please take a little time to read this manual and to follow, as far as practical, 
the installation guidelines it contains. Careful installation will help ensure that 
your Aegis Neo Subwoofer performs optimally. Should you have any questions not 
covered here we are happy to try and answer them either by telephone or email. 
Contact information can be found in Section 10.
The Aegis Neo Subwoofer is a relatively delicate 
precision engineered product that can be damaged 
by inappropriate handling. It is also large and heavy. 
Please take great care therefore when unpacking or 
moving it. Plan any handling in advance of carrying 
it out - ideally with a second person to help. Please 
take care when unpacking or moving the subwoofer 
not to touch the driver. Damage to a driver will at best 
degrade the Aegis Neo Subwoofer’s performance and 
at worst result in its complete failure.
The enclosure surfaces should also be handled 
sympathetically. Any cleaning should only require a 
soft cloth, slightly dampened if necessary. Do not use 
any polishes or solvent based cleaning agents.
The packaging should be retained for future use.
1 .   I n t r o d u c t i o n
2 .   H a n d l i n gImportant Safety Instructions
Ensure that your Aegis Neo Subwoofer is set to the appropriate mains input voltage before it is connected to a mains socket. The warranty does not cover damage caused by incorrect mains voltage.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with 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 grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, 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. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as 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.
15. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
16. The MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
17. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Following this introduction, the Manual is divided into 
sections covering handling, installation, positioning, 
connecting, controls and system setup, specifications, 
matching products, warranty and contact information. 
We recommend that you read at least the first six of 
these sections carefully before installing and using 
your Aegis Neo Subwoofer. We would also draw your 
attention to the Important Safety Instructions on this 
page.
Finally, please enjoy your Aegis Neo Subwoofer, but 
remember it is capable of generating high volume 
levels of low frequency sound, so please also be 
considerate of your neighbours. 
						

							
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3 .   I n s t a l l a t i o n
The Aegis Neo Subwoofer is intended to be used in 
either stereo audio music systems or multi-channel 
audio-visual (home theatre) systems. Although it is 
intended primarily to partner other products in the 
Aegis Neo range it may also be used successfully with 
alternative loudspeakers.
The Aegis Neo Subwoofer should be fitted with either 
floor spikes or rubber feet. Floor spikes offer the 
highest potential performance and should be fitted 
if the subwoofer is to be placed on a carpeted floor. 
If spikes are inappropriate for your floor covering, 
metal protection pads, coins for example, may be used 
between the spike and the floor.
Note: Damage to the drive unit may result if the Aegis 
Neo Subwoofer is placed face down on the floor.
The rubber feet or M8 floor spikes and lock-nuts 
should be fitted to the underside of the subwoofer 
once it has been moved near its final location. 
Carefully lay the subwoofer on its side to gain access 
to the tapped holes in the underside. If the rubber feet 
are to be used, simply screw them into the tapped 
holes and return the subwoofer to upright. If floor 
spikes are to be used, screw a spike and lock-nut into 
each hole leaving a length of spike extending beyond 
the lock-nut so that when the subwoofer is upright the 
lock-nuts will “float” just above the floor covering.
1 .   I n t r o d u c t i o n
2 .   H a n d l i n g
Tighten three of the lock-nuts with a 3mm spanner leaving one lock-nut finger-
tight to aid adjustment once the subwoofer is upright in its final position. Once the 
final position has been established adjust the length of the loose spike so that the 
subwoofer is vertical and does not rock. If the floor is particularly uneven it may be 
necessary to loosen one of the tightened spikes to ensure that the subwoofer can 
be levelled.
Finally, tighten all loose lock-nuts. It may be necessary to re-adjust to minimise rock 
once the subwoofer has settled on the floor. Take care when installing floor spikes. 
They are sharp and can cause injury or pierce electrical cables.
The Aegis Neo Subwoofer is not magnetically shielded and may cause picture 
distortion if located too close to a CRT screen. Contact your dealer, installer or 
Acoustic Energy for advice.
4 .   P o s i t i o n i n g
The position of the speakers in a home theatre installation will have great influence 
over its performance. It is worth spending some time experimenting both with the 
finer points of speaker positioning, as well as the larger scale issues of room layout. 
Diagram One over the page illustrates an idealised general home theatre speaker 
layout.
If you are already familiar with the characteristics of your room, and the way 
speakers perform in it, you may already have a good feel for where to position your 
Aegis Neo Subwoofer. However, installing any new component provides a good 
opportunity to review an existing set-up and perhaps make improvements.
In principle there is great freedom of position of a sub-woofer in a listening room. In 
practice, however, the performance will be fundamentally influenced by the room 
and position. Small changes of location, or of the acoustic character of items in the 
immediate vicinity of the subwoofer, can significantly influence its performance.
Initially choose a site for the Aegis Neo Subwoofer along one of the walls of the 
listening room well away, but not equidistant, from the corners. It is not necessary 
that the subwoofer be positioned along the same wall as the main speakers. Chose 
a solid wall (rather than a partition) and keep the subwoofer clear of any large 
resonant objects - furniture panels, heating radiators, etc.
Don’t worry if, thanks to the architecture or layout of your room, it is not practical to 
follow these guidelines exactly. The most important thing is to experiment with the 
different options that are practical and find the best one.
Once your Aegis Neo Subwoofer is working, and you begin to become familiar with 
its performance, it is likely to be worthwhile experimenting a little more with its 
positioning. For example, moving the Aegis Neo Subwoofer towards a room corner 
will increase the level of low bass. This gain may however be at the expense of bass 
definition and consistency over the listening area. 
						

							
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D i a g r a m   O n e6 .   C o n t r o l s   a n d   S y s t e m   S e t u p
The Aegis Neo Subwoofer requires connection both to mains power and an 
appropriate audio signal. The connection sockets are located on the back panel 
illustrated opposite in Diagram Two. Leave the subwoofer switched-off at the 
mains until all connections are made and ensure that the Volume Level control, 
also located on the back panel, is turned fully anti-clockwise. Connecting your 
Aegis Neo Subwoofer to an audio signal is a simple process, however, there are 
some choices to be made concerning connection mode.
Signal Input Connections
Aegis Neo Subwoofer is fitted with an unfiltered mono AV Subwoofer Line Input 
and a standard stereo pair of filtered Line Inputs.
The AV Subwoofer Line Input is intended for connection to an audio-visual 
processor LFE (low frequency effects) output. As the LFE output of audio-visual 
processors is already low-pass filtered, the subwoofer’s crossover filter is bypassed 
by the AV Subwoofer Line Input. The Crossover Frequency control has no effect on 
signals connected to the AV Subwoofer Line Input. 
The stereo Line Inputs are intended for connection to preamplifier or other similar 
line outputs. The left and right inputs are combined to mono within the subwoofer.
Connect to the input sockets using an appropriate RCA Phono connection cable. 
Ensure that the cable is of good quality.
Signal Output Connections
RCA Phono Line Level signal output sockets are fitted to the Aegis Neo Subwoofer. 
They carry an output signal identical to the input signal and may be used to 
transfer the signal back to a power amplifier or to connect multiple subwoofers.
Mains Connection
After checking that the mains voltage specified on 
the subwoofer rear panel is set correctly, connect 
the subwoofer via its IEC mains input to a mains wall 
socket. Use only the mains cable supplied with the 
subwoofer.
Left Front
Viewing/listening position
Right FrontCentre
Left SurroundRight Surround
Alternative or Extra Left Surround
Alternative or Extra Right Surround
Sub-woofer
5 .   C o n n e c t i n g
VOLUME LEVEL
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY
PHASE
NOTCH FREQUENCY
NOTCHSLOPE
NOTCH LEVEL
POWER
OFFONAUTO
AV SUBWOOFER LINE-IN
LINE IN RIGHT
LINE OUT RIGHT
LINE IN LEFT
LINE OUT LEFT
MINMAX30Hz150Hz
60Hz120Hz
90Hz
MINMAX
0dB-12dB
-3dB-9dB
-6dB45Hz150Hz
75Hz135Hz
105Hz
0°180°
45°135°
90°
Designed and Engineered byAcoustic Energey Ltd., EnglandMade in Malaysia
S U B   W O O F E R200 Watt Active SubwooferSerial Number
AE2308
No user serviceable parts inside.Consult Owners Manual before use.Operate in accordance withManufacturer’s instructions.If in doubt refer to qualifi ed service personnel.Not suitable for wall mounting.
POWER INPUT115-120/230-240V 50/60Hz 
INPUT POWER: 90W
ATTENTIONRisque du choc electrique.Ne pas ouveré.
CAUTIONRisk of electric shock.Do not open.
FUSE230-240V : T1.6AL 250V115-120V : T3.15AL 250V
MAINSVOLTAGESELECTOR
230-240V50/60Hz115-120V
AM023-08-06
D i a g r a m   T w o 
						

							
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D i a g r a m   O n e6 .   C o n t r o l s   a n d   S y s t e m   S e t u p
Subwoofer Controls
Accompanying the mains and signal input sockets on 
the subwoofer connection panel are a Power switch, a 
Volume Level control, a Crossover Frequency control, 
a Phase control and Notch Frequency, Slope and 
Level controls. Their functions are described in the 
following paragraphs. Use of the controls to setup and 
adjust the subwoofer is described in the System Setup 
paragraphs.
Power 
The power switch incorporates an automatic switch-
on/off function. With the switch set to AUTO the 
subwoofer will switch on automatically when an 
audio signal is present. It will switch off again when 
no signal has been present for around  0 minutes. 
With ON selected the subwoofer remains switched-on 
permanently.
Note: There is a short delay between auto switch-on 
and audible sound from the subwoofer.
Volume Level 
The level control adjusts the volume of the subwoofer 
relative to the satellites. Begin with the level control 
set to around 50%. Detailed subwoofer adjustment 
guidelines can be found in the following paragraphs.
Crossover Frequency 
The crossover frequency control adjusts the upper frequency at which the 
subwoofer output is filtered for the full-range speakers to take over. If the Aegis 
Neo Subwoofer is to be used exclusively in an audio-visual system it should be 
connected via the AV Subwoofer Line Input on which the Crossover Frequency 
control is inoperative.
If the Aegis Neo Subwoofer is to augment the low frequency performance of a pair 
of full range speakers, the crossover frequency should be set to match their low 
frequency roll-off frequency. The larger the speaker, the lower its low frequency 
roll-off will be. Finding the optimal crossover frequency setting will require 
experiment and adjustment, but reasonable initial values for different speaker 
types are as follows:
Large floor stand speaker (Aegis Neo 3):  45Hz
 
Medium stand mount loudspeakers:  60Hz
 
Small stand mount speakers (Aegis Neo  ): 80Hz
 
Miniature satellite loudspeakers:  00Hz
Subwoofer Phase 
The phase control varies the subwoofer acoustic phase (timing) with respect to the 
satellites. With the switch set to 0° the subwoofer output is in phase with the full 
range speakers. With the control set to 80° the subwoofer output is out of phase. 
Adjusting the subwoofer phase can help optimise the sound of subwoofer systems. 
Further subwoofer phase advice can be found below.
Notch Frequency, Slope and Level
The Notch Frequency, Slope and Level controls enable a targeted Notch Filter to 
be applied to the subwoofer output. Such a filter can be useful in reducing the 
audibility of any listening room resonances. The Notch Frequency control sets the 
centre frequency of the filter, the Notch Slope control sets the sharpness of the 
filter (maximum slope equals sharpest filter) and the Notch Level control sets the 
depth of the filter. Setting the Notch Level control to 0dB switches-off the filter. 
System Setup
Before listening to your subwoofer and system make one final check of the cables 
and connections. If all appears well begin listening at a relatively low volume to 
confirm that the system is operating as expected. Only increase the volume if you 
are happy that the sound at low volume is fundamentally as expected. If you are 
unhappy, turn the system off and re-check all the cables and connections.
The Aegis Neo Subwoofer may take a little time to reach normal operating 
temperatures and to “run-in”. Your ears too will take some time to adjust to the new 
sound, so it is unwise therefore to make rapid judgements about the performance 
of the system.
The most important aspect of the Aegis Neo Subwoofer setup is its integration 
with the satellite speakers. Assuming the locations chosen for these are satisfactory, 
adjusting the subwoofer’s location in the room, its Volume Level and Phase, and, if 
it is used in a conventional stereo system, its Crossover Frequency, should enable a 
good result to be achieved. Leave the Notch Level control initially at 0dB.  
						

							
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6 .   C o n t r o l s   &   S y s t e m   S e t u p8 .   T h e   A e g i s   N e o   R a n g e
7. Specification
Type: Closed box, active subwoofer.
Drivers: 0mm pulp cone with 48mm thermally 
bonded voice coil. High-power long-throw magnet 
system.
Low Frequency Cut-off: - 6dB @  6Hz
Amplifier: 00 Watts into 8 Ohms
Low Pass Filter: Variable  nd order, 45Hz to  50Hz
Phase: Variable 0° to 80°
Notch Filter: Variable. Frequency: 40 to  00Hz, Q: .5 to 
5.0, Level: 0dB to -dB
Dimensions (H x W x D): 40 x 360 x 35mm 
Weight:  7.0kg (single, unpacked)
Acoustic Energy reserves the right to modify product 
specifications.
Select a few short examples of familiar programme material - both movie and 
music - to use while adjusting the subwoofer. Listen also from a variety of different 
positions in the room. Check for balance and consistency of sound - neither too 
much nor too little bass across the range of programme material and listening 
positions. Experimentation and careful listening is the key to finding a good 
subwoofer setup.
Sub-woofer Location 
Broadly speaking, the closer a subwoofer is to the corner of the room (assuming the 
walls are solid), the more bass it will generate in the room (and the lower its volume 
need be set). Moving the subwoofer closer to a corner however will also tend to 
reduce the consistency of the subwoofer volume over the listening room (a corner 
location being the worst in this respect). Positions closer to the corner will also tend 
to change the character of the bass produced by the subwoofer - it will emphasise 
the very lowest signals more. This change in bass character with location is the 
variable that enables a good compromise position for the subwoofer to be found.
Volume Level 
Setting the subwoofer volume is important in terms of both overall system balance 
and the demands of different types of programme material. You may find that 
material with an emphasis on music works better with a lower subwoofer volume 
than movie material with an emphasis on “effects”. Finding a compromise between 
the two is a matter of subwoofer volume adjustment in parallel with adjusting its 
position in the room.
Crossover Frequency 
As you adjust other parameters you may find that moving the crossover frequency 
a little from the suggested starting value is beneficial. Adjust other aspects of the 
setup, particularly subwoofer location and phase, before adjusting the crossover 
frequency significantly.
Phase 
Adjusting the subwoofer Phase should be left until after the Location is chosen 
and the Volume Level and Crossover Frequency are set. Experiment with adjusting 
the phase if it is proving difficult to get satisfactory results by location, volume and 
crossover adjustment alone.
Notch Frequency, Notch Slope and Notch Level 
If, while adjusting the subwoofer, it becomes apparent that a low frequency room 
resonance (bass boom) is dominating the sound of the system, the Notch Filter 
can be used to suppress the resonance. First, set the Notch Slope to MAX and the 
Notch Level to -12dB. Now adjust the Notch Frequency in steps from 45Hz upwards 
and listen to the effect on the sound. When the Notch Frequency matches the 
frequency of the room resonance (usually between 60Hz and 90Hz in typically 
dimensioned rooms) its effect on the sound will be suppressed. When the correct 
frequency has been identified, adjust the Notch Slope and Notch Level to fine-tune 
the sound. Aim for a high Notch Slope value and a low Notch Level (i.e. close to 
0dB) value.
Note: If the Notch Slope is set too low (especially if the 
Crossover Frequency is set to a low value) it will begin 
to operate more as a second volume control. Try to 
keep the slope set relatively high.
Note: The Notch Filter will have increasingly little 
effect as its frequency is adjusted above the crossover 
frequency (nominally 80Hz on audio-visual LFE signals).
Once the Notch Filter is set it will probably be 
worthwhile revisiting and fine-tuning the Volume Level, 
Crossover Frequency and Phase settings again. 
						

							
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6 .   C o n t r o l s   &   S y s t e m   S e t u p8 .   T h e   A e g i s   N e o   R a n g e
9 .   W a r r a n t y
1 0 .   C o n t a c t
The Aegis Neo Subwoofer is part of a range that 
includes the Aegis Neo One stand-mount speaker, the 
Aegis Neo Three floor-stand speaker and the Aegis Neo 
Centre centre channel speaker. 
Aegis Neo One 
Aegis Neo One is a compact high resolution two-way 
stand-mount speaker.
Aegis Neo Three 
Aegis Neo Three is  .5-way floor stand speaker that 
builds on the performance of the Aegis Neo One 
with wider bandwidth, higher power handling and 
enhanced detail resolution.
Aegis Neo Centre 
Aegis Neo Centre is a  .5-way centre channel speaker 
designed to combine with the Aegis Neo One or Three 
for perfectly matched audio-visual systems.
Your Acoustic Energy speaker is guaranteed against 
original defects in materials, manufacture and 
workmanship for three years from the date of 
purchase.
Under this warranty Acoustic Energy agrees to repair 
any defect or, at the company’s discretion, replace 
the faulty component(s) without charge for parts or 
labour. This warranty does not imply any acceptance 
Acoustic Energy Limited 
16 Bridge Road 
Cirencester 
Gloucestershire GL7 1NJ 
UK
Tel:   +44 (0)1285 654432 (Sales)
 
  +44 (0)1285 656890 (Technical)
 
Fax:   +44 (0)1285 654430
 
Email:  [email protected]
 
Web:   www.acoustic-energy.co.uk
Products  that  display  the  crossed-out  wheeled  bin  logo 
cannot  be  disposed  of  as  domestic  waste  but  must 
be  taken  to  a  facility  capable  of  re-cycling  them  and 
appropriately  handling  any  waste  by-products.  Contact 
your local authority for details of the nearest such facility.
by Acoustic Energy or its agents for consequential loss or damage and specifically 
excludes fair wear and tear, accident, misuse or unauthorised modification.
This warranty is applicable in the United Kingdom only and does not  in any way 
limit the customer’s legal rights. If you have reason to claim under the warranty 
please contact your dealer in the first instance 
Claims and enquiries under the warranty for Acoustic Energy products purchased 
outside the UK should be addressed to the local importers or distributors.
Please retain all original packaging materials for possible future use. We suggest 
that you complete details of purchase now and keep this information in a safe place 
for future reference.
Name:
Address:
Dealer:
Purchase Date:
Serial Number: 
						

							
Acoustic Energy Limited, 6 Bridge Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7  NJ. 
Tel: +44 (0)85 65443 (Sales), +44 (0)85 656890 (Technical). Fax: +44 (0)85 654430
 
Email: [email protected] 
Web: www.acoustic-energy.co.uk
Manual Part No. MA308
O NE
T H R E E
C E N T R E
S U B   W O O F E R
S E R I E S