The Cerwin-Vega LA Series encompasses a range of loudspeakers designed for audio enthusiasts seeking advanced sound reproduction systems. This owner's manual provides comprehensive guidance on the function, usage, and maintenance of these products, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Function Description
The Cerwin-Vega LA Series includes various speaker types, each serving a specific role in an audio setup:
- LA110 Subwoofer: This is a powered subwoofer designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds (bass). It features an integrated amplifier, allowing it to be connected directly to a receiver or amplifier for enhanced bass performance. The subwoofer includes controls for phase adjustment, crossover frequency, and volume level, enabling users to fine-tune its output to blend seamlessly with other speakers in the system. It also offers both line-level and high-level inputs and outputs, providing flexibility in connectivity.
- LA14 and LA165 Bookshelf Speakers: These are passive, two-way bookshelf speakers suitable for use as front, surround, or rear speakers in a home audio system. They require an external amplifier or receiver to operate. Their compact size makes them versatile for various room placements.
- LA24 Center Channel Speaker: This passive, two-way speaker is specifically designed for the center channel in a surround sound system. Its primary function is to reproduce dialogue and on-screen sound effects, ensuring clear and intelligible vocals. Like the bookshelf speakers, it requires an external amplifier.
- LA44, LA265, and LA365 Tower Speakers: These are passive, multi-way tower speakers (LA44 is a 3-way, LA265 is a 3-way, and LA365 is a 3-way) intended for use as front left and right speakers in a stereo or home theater setup. Their larger size and multiple drivers allow for a broader frequency response and higher output, providing a more immersive audio experience. These models, specifically the LA44, LA165, LA265, and LA365, offer bi-wiring or bi-amping capabilities.
Usage Features
The Cerwin-Vega LA Series speakers are designed for straightforward integration into existing audio systems, with several features enhancing their usability:
- Passive Speaker Connectivity: All passive speakers (LA14, LA165, LA24, LA44, LA265, LA365) utilize input terminal cups for speaker wire connections. These terminals accommodate either banana plugs or bare wire, secured by unscrewing and retightening metal hex nut connectors. This design ensures a secure and reliable connection.
- Recommended Connection Procedure: For all passive speakers, it is advised to turn down the receiver/amplifier volume to a minimum and power off the device before connecting speaker wires. This precaution helps prevent accidental damage to the speakers or amplifier.
- Front Speaker Connection: The left and right front speakers should be connected first, ensuring that the negative (-) speaker terminal is connected to the negative (-) receiver/amplifier terminal, and the positive (+) speaker terminal to the positive (+) receiver/amplifier terminal. Correct polarity is crucial for optimal sound quality and to avoid out-of-phase conditions that can diminish overall sound.
- Center Channel Connection: The center channel speaker connects similarly to the front speakers, with careful attention to polarity. Proper connection ensures clear dialogue reproduction.
- Surround Sound Speaker Connection: Surround speakers (LA14 or LA165 are suitable) are typically placed behind the listening position, to the left and right. Their connection follows the same polarity guidelines as the front and center channels. Incorrect polarity in surround speakers can also lead to an out-of-phase condition, degrading the overall sound.
- LA110 Subwoofer Controls:
- Phase (0° to 180°): This control allows users to adjust the phase of the subwoofer's output relative to other speakers. If bass sounds appear diminished, switching the phase can help align the sound waves, improving overall bass clarity and impact.
- Crossover Level (50Hz to 150Hz): This knob sets the upper frequency limit for the subwoofer, determining where the subwoofer takes over from the main speakers. Adjusting this ensures a smooth transition between the subwoofer and the main speakers.
- Level (Min to Max): This control adjusts the subwoofer's volume, allowing users to balance its output with the rest of the system.
- Auto Switch (ON/OFF): In the "ON" mode, the subwoofer's amplifier automatically activates when an audio signal is detected and enters standby after approximately 30 minutes of no signal. In "OFF" mode, the amplifier is completely shut off.
- Power LED: Indicates the subwoofer's status: green for "ON" with an audio signal, and red for "OFF" or "ON" without an audio signal after 30 minutes.
- Line Level Input/LFE: For connecting to a receiver's low-level subwoofer output.
- High Level Inputs/Outputs: Allows connection to an amplifier's speaker outputs and provides a loop-through connection to the front speakers, useful for systems without a dedicated subwoofer output.
- Bi-Wiring/Bi-Amping (LA44, LA165, LA265, LA365): Certain tower and bookshelf models offer the option to bi-wire or bi-amp. This is achieved by removing jumper bars between the terminal pairs, allowing separate amplifier channels or speaker cables to drive the woofer(s) and tweeter independently. The top two terminals are for the tweeter, and the bottom two are for the woofer(s). This can potentially improve sound clarity and dynamics.
- High-Quality Speaker Wires: The manual emphasizes the use of high-quality speaker wires for all connections to ensure optimal performance.
Maintenance Features
Maintaining Cerwin-Vega LA Series speakers is primarily focused on ensuring safe operation and addressing common troubleshooting scenarios:
- General Cleaning: The apparatus should only be cleaned with a dry cloth. Avoid using liquids or harsh chemicals that could damage the finish or internal components.
- Ventilation: Do not block any ventilation openings on the LA110 subwoofer. Proper airflow is essential to prevent overheating of the internal amplifier.
- Heat Sources: Avoid installing speakers near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-producing apparatus to prevent damage.
- Attachments/Accessories: Only use attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer to ensure compatibility and safety.
- Cart/Stand Usage: When using a cart, stand, bracket, or table, exercise caution when moving the apparatus to prevent tip-over and potential injury.
- Moisture and Rain Exposure: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the apparatus to rain or moisture. This is a critical safety instruction.
- Servicing: All servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. The manual explicitly states, "DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE." Servicing is required if the apparatus has been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled, objects have fallen into it, or it does not operate normally.
- Replaceable Fuse (LA110): The LA110 subwoofer includes a replaceable fuse to protect the system from overload. Fuse replacement should be performed by qualified service personnel, ensuring the use of a fuse with the same type and rating (T2A L/250V).
- Power Cord Receptacle (LA110): Connect the supplied IEC power cord to the subwoofer's receptacle. If the cord does not fit the AC outlet, a suitable replacement cord should be purchased from an audio dealer or electrical supply store. The subwoofer is designed to accept AC mains voltage ranging from 100VAC to 240VAC, requiring the appropriate power cord for the country of use.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a troubleshooting section to help users diagnose and resolve common issues:
- Distorted Bass/Sound: Solutions include lowering volume, adjusting receiver tone controls (setting bass flat), or, if the receiver/preamplifier is defective or speaker wires are shorted, repairing or replacing them.
- Buzz, Hum, or Crackle: This often occurs when connecting wires with power on, causing transient signal spikes. The solution is to connect wires only when the system power is off. If the issue persists, it may indicate a grounding problem or ground loop, requiring consultation of the receiver/preamplifier manual for elimination.
- No Sound After High-Level Listening: This suggests the amplifier's thermal protection has been activated. The solution is to lower the subwoofer volume and allow the amplifier to cool down, after which sound should resume automatically.
- Warranty Information: The product comes with a warranty (2 years for passive speakers, 1 year for active amps) that requires product registration within 15 days of ownership. The warranty covers faulty materials or workmanship but excludes damage due to misuse, negligence, improper operation, accidents, natural disasters, shipping damage, extreme humidity/temperature, or unauthorized repairs. It is crucial to purchase from an authorized dealer and retain proof of purchase for warranty claims.
By adhering to these usage and maintenance guidelines, users can ensure their Cerwin-Vega LA Series speakers deliver high-quality audio performance for years to come.
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