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Reference Series Dual 12"
Subwoofer System
Model: RS1202
User Manual
© Dayton Audio
®
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daytonaudio.com
Installation
Please be aware that the RS1202’s powerful woofer motor as-
semblies can emit stray magnetic fields, and these fields can have
a detrimental effect on CRT type TV and computer screens, and
magnetic storage media such as videotapes, audio cassettes, and
computer data storage discs like floppies and zips. Try to maintain
a safe distance of 2 to 3 feet from any of these items to prevent
damage, or the loss of recorded data. The side of the subwoofer
that includes the control panel should be kept at least 2 to 4 inches
from a wall or other surface, but special care should be taken to
avoid close proximity to upholstered surfaces or drapes. Please
make sure that the control panel has enough free air space around
it so that proper cooling can take place. Refrain from using the
system in wet or rainy outdoor locations.
Connection/Configurations
Most pre-amps and receivers have a stereo line output that fol-
lows the output level that is set by the system master volume
control; these outputs would connect to the line-level inputs on the
subwoofer amp control panel. Many newer multi-channel receivers
have a dedicated mono subwoofer output, usually labeled LFE or
Low Frequency Effects. The use of this output will permit you to
have separate control over the bass output of the source, and it
also permits you to set a crossover frequency. When using an LFE
output, use a single cable to connect to the LFE input on the sub
amp; keep in mind that this input bypasses the internal low pass
filter on the amplifier. For either configuration, the system will oper-
ate with the greatest linearity and least noise if all gain controls are
balanced; that is, no single gain control is operating at much more
than 50% of its total range. If one output is set at 10% and it feeds
a corresponding input that ends up at 90% then hum, noise, and
overly sensitive control characteristics may result.
The RS1202 comes shipped standard for 110V U.S. operation;
simply connect the included IEC power cord to your wall outlet.
For 220V input, remove the fuse holder, rotate 180 degrees, and
re-install. In most 220V applications a separate power cord will be
required and is not included. When connecting your subwoofer for
the first time, it is important to remember to start with the amplifier
OFF and the gain control set at minimum. Start some source pro-
gram that contains good bass material, apply AC power to the sub-
woofer, and slowly increase the gain on the sub amp. You should
hear a gradual increase in deep bass output as you bring up the
volume. When the overall balance between low and high frequency
seems close, adjust the phase switch and keep it set where the
sub-bass response sounds best in your listening location. You may
then use the parametric equalizer to finish off the general contour
of the low frequencies, or to correct a troublesome room mode or
resonance. These steps to achieve an optimum room response
should be used in conjunction with the steps described in the next
section, because the physical location of the speaker components
in the system can affect performance as much as the electronic
adjustments.
Room Placement/Integration
The requirement for the room location of a subwoofer is substan-
tially different than what we would expect for full range speakers.
Due to the omnidirectional nature of sub bass, we are not con-
cerned with stereo imaging, and bass tends to fill a room with little
bearing on positioning the subwoofer in direct line-of-sight. Bass
energy is easily reinforced by reflection, and as those reflections
recombine, the resulting buildup can cause very irregular response
in the room in the form of peaks. Similarly, phase cancellations can
occur when the sound waves at a specific frequency cause de-
structive interference and cancel each other out, and create holes
or nulls in the response. Keeping the subwoofer out of the center
between two opposing walls, and also out of corners, will help to
achieve the most even, consistent response. Some listeners may
prefer the “boomier” sound that results from placing a sub in a
corner, or need the increase in gain to compensate for some other
factor. It is generally a good idea to avoid placing the subwoofer
where it is perfectly centered between any two opposing parallel
planes (two walls; or the floor and ceiling). In some cases, moving
the enclosure just a few feet can make a noticeable difference.
Aligning the subwoofer along a line drawn between the left/right
main speakers will help to keep the speakers in the same time
domain and will improve coherence. When properly integrated, the
actual location of the subwoofer will disappear and the bass will
seem to be coming from the main left/right speakers on either side.
Test tones and measurement equipment can help you with your
system setup, but good results can also be achieved by spend-
ing time with a couple of well recorded CDs with which you are
especially familiar. You may find it useful to have an associate make
adjustments to the various system controls, or even move speaker
enclosures, while you remain in a consistent listening position.
After satisfying yourself that your primary location is OK, move
around a bit to make sure that the wider soundstage is acceptable.
There’s no good reason why a single high quality subwoofer cannot
be used for both home stereo and home theatre applications. Each
person has his or her own individual preference as far as tonality,
loudness, range, or definition is concerned, and the biggest differ-
ence between home theatre and home stereo is not the hardware
as much as how the hardware is used. A typical home theatre
system will tend to have the output of the subwoofer turned up a
bit more than what would be appropriate for home stereo. Most
cinema soundtracks are mixed with the sub-bass dialed in to create
both musical support and dramatic special effects. It is up to you to
decide how much you want the Imperial Battle Cruisers to shake
your house.
Troubleshooting
Hum:
The addition of a new active sub to an existing system can some-
times result in the subwoofer beginning to hum. While it would be
easy to assume that the new product is at fault or even defective,
it is usually just an indicator that it is time to take a closer look at
the overall grounding of the audio system. To start with, verify that
all audio equipment in the system is on the same AC power circuit.
The outlets in a listening area may or may not all be on the same
breaker, some could even be on a completely different breaker
panel. Always make sure that all equipment grounds are in good
condition, and NEVER remove the ground pin from a power plug.
There are some cases where the actual power line has some form
of interference but the most common cause of noise is a ground
loop, meaning that the system’s different ground points lack a com-
mon potential. The cable TV line can be the cause of hum in multi-
source home audio/video systems. Just temporarily disconnect the
cable line, and if the hum stops then the use of an inline isolation
transformer is suggested. Other situations may require the installa-
tion of an improved earth ground (connection to a metal water pipe
or grounding rod) in the vicinity of the audio/video system. The key
is to proceed slowly and step by step, taking care to identify which
cables or combinations of cables cause noise when connected.
Weak Bass Output:
If bass output seems low, consider the different parts of the system
that can contribute to gain or volume. Try moving the subwoofer
to a corner. Confirm that the bass output control of the receiver is
set correctly (if so equipped). Be sure to use a “Y” cord to connect
both line level inputs if you are using a mono source. Verify that the
source that is feeding the subwoofer does not have a crossover of
its own that is set to a lower frequency than the one in the sub-
woofer speaker.
RS1202 Specifications
Frequency Range: 20Hz-180Hz
SPL: Exceeds 120 dB from 30 to 90 Hz
Amplifier Power Output: 950 Watts RMS
Signal to Noise Ratio: 98 dB A-weighted
Input Impedance: 12K ohms
Dimensions: 21" H x 27-3/8" W x 17-1/2" D
(including bottom trim)
Net Weight: 169 lbs.
Power Requirements: User switchable 115V/230V, 50-60 Hz.
(10A GMA fuse)
Last Revised: 11/5/2010