Contents Instructions for:
New Ensemble II By Henry Kloss
ImportantPlease Read First.. 1 Unpacking The System.... 2 Overview... 3 Speaker Placement... 3 Hookup Options.... 5 Preparing Speaker Wires... 6 Making Connections... 7 Optimizing The Sound Of Your System.. 8 About Amplifier Power.... 9 Finalizing Your Installation.. 10 10-Year Limited Warranty... 11 Cleaning The Cabinets... 11 Difficulty?.... 12
Important Please Read First
hank you for choosing New Ensemble II. Like all speaker systems, its sound is very much influenced by its placement in the listening room. Unlike conventional systems, however, it consists of three compact units that can be placed where they sound best without intruding on your living space. There is no need to sacrifice sound quality to decor, or vice-versa. If you place New Ensemble II in your listening room casually, it will sound at least as good as conventional speakers. However, to achieve even better sound, we urge you to experiment with placement at some length, a process aided by the instructions that follow. If you have any questions or problems, please consult the store where you purchased the system, or call a Cambridge SoundWorks Audio/Video Consultant toll-free.
Cambridge SoundWorks 1-877-YES-HIFI (1-877-937-4434) 24 hours a day, every day In Canada: 1-800-987-9104 Outside US or Canada: Tel: 617-332-5936 Fax: 617-527-3194 www.cambridgesoundworks.com E-mail: info@cambridgesoundworks.com

Unpacking The System

As you unpack your New Ensemble II system, please examine each speaker unit carefully for signs of shipping damage. If there is any damage, do not install or use the system. Consult the store where you purchased the system or call Cambridge SoundWorks at 1-877-YES-HIFI for assistance. Its a good idea to save the shipping carton and its inserts in case you have to ship your system later. All the items shown to the right should be included; inform the store or Cambridge SoundWorks if anything is missing.

Satellites (2)

DG CAMBRIORKS DW E

AMBR COUNDWORKS

IDGE AMBR KS COUNDWOR S
Satellite feet (2 strips of 4)

Subwoofer

Overview
Read through the guidelines that follow before starting to install your speakers. First, decide where to place the New Ensemble II speaker units in your listening room. Consider locations where conventional speakers would not fit. New Ensemble II satellites can be located on bookshelves, hung from a wall with No. 10 screws or wall-mounted with a variety of swivel adapters available from Cambridge SoundWorks. Floor stands are also available. See page 10, Finalizing Your Installation. Next, consult page 5 and decide which of the different hookup options is best. Prepare the speaker wire and make the connections. Listen to the system and be sure you are satisfied with the placement before concealing the wires.

Speaker Placement

The satellites
For music listening, place the satellites to form an equal-sided triangle with your favorite listening position (A, below). Perfectly symmetrical placement is not necessary. In a home theater installation, place the satellites so that they form a 45 angle with your preferred seat (B), which is how movie soundtracks are mixed. The subwoofer and satellites are not magnetically shielded, and must be at least 18 inches from the TV to prevent picture distortion. Have a clear line of sight to the satellites, so that higher frequencies are not blocked. The satellites can be placed either vertically or horizontally. If the satellites are across the room from the listening area, their height is usually not critical; they can go down on the floor, up near the ceiling, or most anywhere in between. If they are close to the listening area, however, it is best to have them at or near ear level. If you put the satellites in bookshelves or a wall system, place them with their front surfaces flush with the front of the shelves; you can then surround them with books, CDs, etc., as shown below. Take advantage of the satellites small size and consider locations where regular speakers wouldnt fit, such as window sills or a mantelpiece.
Cambridge SoundWorks Cambridge SoundWorks Cambridge SoundWorks Cambridge SoundWorks

SHAKESPEARE

s ise oR Als un eS Th
Sym No. phonies 39 & 41

RID CAMBWORKS D GE

The subwoofer
Because the ear cannot localize low-bass, the New Ensemble IIs subwoofer does not contribute significantly to the stereo effect. Therefore it need not be particularly close to the satellites, and can be hidden under or behind furniture. Low-bass will appear to emanate from the satellites.

To start with, simply place the subwoofer on the floor against the wall nearest the satellites. You can experiment with placement using the guidelines which follow. The flared output vent on the subwoofer must be at least 2 inches from the nearest surface. The strength of low bass depends on how close the subwoofer is to intersecting room surfaces as
shown below. The most bass results from the unit in a corner on the floor. The least bass results with the unit out in the room away from corners and walls. While we usually dont recommend placing the subwoofer behind the listening area, try it if youre tight for space. Dont place the subwoofer on the same shelf system as a turntable.

Left Satellite

Right Satellite

A. Least Bass

B. More Bass

C. Most Bass

Hookup Options
The New Ensemble II may be connected to your receiver or amplifier using any one OPTION of the three following diagrams. All of the three options are acoustically and electrically identical. Choosing the right connection option minimizes the length of speaker wire you have to use (and possibly conceal). If you wish to audition your speakers in different positions before deciding on the their final locations, connect your speakers according to Hookup Option (1) and allow ample wire length for experimentation. Afterwards, you can reconnect the wires in the most efficient routing.

DGE CAMBRIORKS W

AMB COUNDWORK

GE RID S

COUNBRI AMD ORK CAMBW S OUND

GE DGE RID S

Left satellite

Right satellite

LASER DISC 102.7

SPEAKERS

Receiver or amplifier OPTION

Receiver or amplifier

The complete New Ensemble II system must be connected ONLY to the Speaker A or Speaker B terminals on your receiver or amplifier, just like a pair of conventional speakers. DO NOT connect the satellites to one set of terminals and the subwoofer to the other. With many receivers, this would connect the satellites and bass speaker in series, which would do no damage, but could seriously degrade the New Ensemble IIs performance.

+

Twist bared ends together (see p. 7)

IMPORTANT NOTE

Preparing Speaker Wires

OPTION

Cambridge SoundWorks
1. After choosing the connection configuration, cut speaker wire into four appropriate lengths. We recommend you use a wire cutter/stripper. 2. Separate the two individual leads for a distance of one inch (as shown in C, below) at both ends of each of the four wires. 3. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each individual lead end, being careful to apply only enough pressure to cut through the insulation and not the wire strands. 4. Twist the bared wire strands tightly together (D). Be sure that there are no loose strands that could short across the connecting terminals on the speakers or receiver (E).

The leads in each pair are usually differentiated by a ridge or color stripe down one leads insulation, and/or through the use of different color wire (copper and silver). This is important when making connections as described in the next section. Use at least 18-gauge wire for runs of up to 50 feet, and at least 16-gauge for longer runs.

1"

1/2"

Making Connections

When connecting your system, follow these guidelines: Unscrew all of the speakers red (+) and black () connectors to expose the holes in their threaded shafts. Insert the stripped ends of the wires in the holes. Hand tighten the connectors clockwise as shown in (F and G). Be sure that no stray strands of wire short across the speaker terminals or those on your receiver or amplifer. Alternatively you can attach standard banana plugs to the speaker wires and plug them into the speaker connectors. Connect all the speaker units identically by connecting the red (+) and black () terminals on the speaker units to their red and black counterparts on your receiver or amplifier as shown in the system diagrams on pages 5-7. Use the marked/copper leads for interconnecting the red terminals, and the unmarked leads for the black terminals. Connecting the speakers identically assures that they operate in phase (their cones move in and out together). Out of phase connections can muddy the stereo effect. Sounds like solo voices, that should appear to come from a single point between the two satellites, will sound split between them. When connecting two wires to a single connector, twist the marked (copper) and unmarked (silver) leads for the satellite and subwoofer together as shown in (H), below.
+ Rear of + satellite Underside of subwoofer +
Optimizing The Sound Of Your System
It is almost impossible to find an acoustically ideal placement for a conventional speaker in a listening room. This is because room acoustics affect low-bass differently from the rest of the range of sound. If you place a speaker so the room helps its bass, it is likely to hinder the upper ranges (and vice versa). Thus, placing conventional speakers inevitably entails a sonic compromise, even before proper stereo effect, decor, and convenience are taken into account. This compromise doesnt apply to the New Ensemble II. It separates the low-bass from the rest of the range. This means you can place the subwoofer and the satellites differently to take advantage of the room in both the lower and upper ranges. Yet the units are so compact that even when placed optimally, they have little or no visual impact on your living space. We urge you to take full advantage of the New Ensemble II by trying the speaker units in different locations within your listening room. Of course, if the system sounds satisfactory from the moment you connect it and first turn it on, you may wish to go no further. But if you wish to see if an improvement can be made, we suggest you experiment with placement using the following guidelines: Let your ears be your guide, and trust them. When the New Ensemble II sounds right to you, youve found the best placement. A small change in placement can have a large effect on the sound. For example, low-bass increases as you move the subwoofer closer to the intersecting room surfaces. The sound will be brighter with the satellites close to the listening area than with them across the room. And the apparent fullness of the sound, a function of mid-bass rather than low-bass, is greater with the satellites against a wall than with them out in the room. This is not to imply that more is better, whether it be bass, brightness, or fullness. The point is that a change can easily be effected simply by moving one or more of the speaker units. And with New Ensemble II, that is easy to do. Program material varies greatly, so be sure to listen to a variety of recordings to prevent being misled by unusual characteristics of a particular recording. If it is necessary to place the satellites close to the listening area and you find the sound too bright, try placing the units at an angle so that listeners arent directly on their axis (I). Mid-bass and mid-range balance is usually best with the satellites against a wall. If they are out from the wall and sound too thin, particularly on vocal recordings, try moving them back toward the wall. The subwoofer reproduces only the lowest bass, such as bass drum, organ pedals, and the lowest notes of string basses and synthesizers. Refer to the illustration on page 4 for guidance if the low-bass is either too strong or not strong enough. Also, not all recordings have truly low-bass on them, so be sure to make judgments on recordings which do. If youre not happy with what you hear and are having trouble improving it, check with your store, or call a Cambridge SoundWorks Audio/Video Consultant at 1-877-YES-HIFI toll-free.

About Amplifier Power

The amount of amplifier or receiver power needed to drive New Ensemble II satisfactorily varies significantly with such factors as the size of the listening room, its acoustics and furnishings, the type of music you listen to, and how loud you like to play it. When surveying a representative variety of listeners and circumstances, we encountered power needs ranging from as little as 25 to as much as 150 watts per channel. The New Ensemble II system can be used safely to play music with the most powerful amplifiers and receivers designed for home listening. However, use common sense to prevent strong non-musical transients; keep the volume down when connecting or disconnecting components, raising or lowering your turntables tonearm, and so on. This will help protect your ears as well as the speaker units. At high volume levels, if the sound is consistently grainy or gritty, and/or there is clearly noticeable distortion on deep bass, you may be overdriving your amplifier or receiver. Back- off on the volume control until the symptoms disappear. If this level is not loud enough for you, you may need a more powerful amplifier or receiver for satisfactory results. If you suspect your amplifier or receiver is inadequate, contact the store where it was purchased or call a Cambridge SoundWorks Audio/ Video Consultant, who will advise you on how much power would be appropriate for your particular circumstances.
Finalizing Your Installation
The New Ensemble II satellites can be placed on a shelf, a mantel, or anywhere convenient. Apply the four small dome-shaped feet on the bottom of each satellite. The feet protect the supporting surface and compensate for uneven or slick conditions. If you ever need to remove a foot, gently slide the edge of a knife under one side and slowly peel it off. If you attempt topop it off, you many damage the speakers finish. The satellites may be hung directly on a wall. Apply the dome shaped feet to the back of the satellite to insure a more secure installation. Screw a No. 10 screw into the wall so the head protrudes about 3/8 inch. Plastic anchors may be needed to secure the screws in particularly hard or soft materials. If so, drill the appropriate size holes in the wall and tap in the anchors until they are flush with the surface. The exposed screw head can then fit into the keyhole slot on the rear of the New Ensemble II satellite (see K). If necessary Adjust the the space between the screw head and the wall for the best fit. Swivel brackets are also available for hanging the speakers and directing their sound towards the listening area. Use the threaded socket to attach these to the speakers (see J). Ceiling brackets (L) are available from Cambridge SoundWorks and can be used for hanging speakers where there are no convenient locations for wall mounting.

NEWENSEMBLE II

Y H E N R Y K L O S S
FOR USE WITH ENSEMBLE AND ENSEMBLE II CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS, INC. NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS USA MADE IN TAIWAN 1-800-367-4434 USA 617-332-5936 (OUTSIDE USA)

6 OHMS

10-Year Limited Warranty
To the original purchaser, Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc. will warrant the New Ensemble II speaker system to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ten (10) years from date of purchase. With respect to defects, Cambridge SoundWorks will, at its option, replace the product or repair the defect in the product with no charge to the original purchaser for parts or labor. This warranty does not extend to any defect, malfunction or failure caused by misuse, abuse, accident, faulty hookup, defective associated equipment or use of the speaker with equipment for which it is not intended. This warranty is valid only when the speaker is returned to the store where it was purchased. Or, if you bought directly from Cambridge SoundWorks, call for a Return Authorization Number for the unit and return it to the address below, freight prepaid, together with a copy of the original sales slip to establish warranty status. Please do not return New Ensemble II, or any of its parts, to the factory without prior authorization. This is the sole and express warranty. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, of merchantability, fitness for purpose or otherwise. In no event shall Cambridge SoundWorks be liable for incidental or consequential damages or have any liability with respect to defects other than the obligations set forth above. To ensure warranty coverage it is incumbent upon the original purchaser to inform Cambridge SoundWorks or any of its Authorized Service Agencies of the defect within the warranty period. The only acceptable method of establishing warranty status is a copy of the original proof of purchase indicating customers name and purchase date. For warranty information contact: Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc. 311 Needham St. Newton, MA 02464 1-877-YES-HIFI (1-877-937-4434) www.cambridgesoundworks.com email: info@cambridgesoundworks.com

Cleaning The Cabinets

The satellites can be cleaned with a window cleaning product. Use a soft, lint-free cloth only. Avoid spraying the cleaner directly on the speaker grilles to prevent damage to the speaker drivers. Also, avoid getting cleaner on the serial number plate on the rear of each speaker as it may remove the numbers. Clean the subwoofer with a damp cloth. Do not use polish.

Difficulty?

If you suspect theres a problem with your New Ensemble II system, contact the store where you purchased it, or call a Cambridge SoundWorks Audio/Video Consultant who will help you track the problem, which could be in some other component in your system. If together you agree that there is something wrong with your New Ensemble II system, you should return it to the store where you bought it. Or, if you bought directly from Cambridge SoundWorks, we will supply you with a Return Authorization Number for the unit. Please do not return the New Ensemble II system, or any of its parts, to the factory without prior authorization.
Ensemble and Cambridge SoundWorks are registered trademarks of Cambridge SoundWorks Incorporated
311 Needham Street, Newton MA 02464 1-877-937-4434 Fax: 617-527-3194 www.cambridgesoundworks.com Email: info@cambridgesoundworks.com

P81-1260 0400

Company

Contents Instructions for:
Ensemble IV & Ensemble IV Home Theater Speaker Systems by Henry Kloss
ImportantPlease Read First.. 1 Unpacking The System.... 2 Installing And Connecting The Speakers.. 3 Speaker Placement... 3 Wiring Diagram... 6 Preparing Speaker Wires... 7 Making Connections... 7 Configuring Your Surround Sound Electronics... 8 Optimizing The Sound Of Your System.. 8 About Amplifier Power... 10 Finalizing Your Installation.. 11 10-Year Limited Warranty... 12 Difficulty?.... 12
Important Please Read First
hank you for choosing an Ensemble IV speaker system. The basic model comes with two satellites for regular stereo reproduction, while the Ensemble IV Home Theater (HT) comes with five satellites for reproducing the left, right, center, and surround channels of a home theater surround system. The two models are otherwise identical. Like all speaker systems, the sound of either Ensemble IV is very much influenced by its placement in the listening room. Unlike conventional models, however, Ensemble IV systems consist of several compact units that can be placed where they sound best without intruding on your living space. There is no need to sacrifice sound quality to decor, or viceversa. If you place your Ensemble IV system in the listening room casually, it will sound at least as good as conventional speakers. However, to achieve even better
sound, we urge you to experiment with placement at some length, a process aided by the instructions that follow. If you have any questions or problems, please consult the store where you purchased the system, or call a Cambridge SoundWorks Audio/Video Consultant toll-free. Cambridge SoundWorks 1-877-YES-HIFI (1-877-937-4434) 24 hours a day, every day In Canada: 1-800-987-9104 Outside US or Canada: Tel: 617-332-5936 Fax: 617-527-3194 www.cambridgesoundworks.com E-mail: info@cambridgesoundworks.com

Unpacking The System

As you unpack Ensemble IV, please examine each speaker unit carefully for signs of shipping damage. If there is any damage, do not discard the shipping carton, and do not install or use the system. Consult the store where you purchased the system or call Cambridge SoundWorks at 1-877-YES-HIFI for assistance. Its a good idea to save the carton and its packing inserts in case you have to ship your system. All the items shown should be included; inform your store or Cambridge SoundWorks if anything is missing.
Ensemble IV (white model similar)

Satellites (2)

ENSEMBLE

B Y H E

DESIGNED N R Y K AND CAMBRIDGE MANUFACTUL O S S SOUNDWOR RED BY NETON, MASSACHU KS, 1-800-367-44 SETTS INC. 1-800-525-USA USA 34 CANA DA LEFT

RIGHT IN

LEFT OUT

+ RIGHT OUT

dge Cambri orks SoundW dge Cambri orks SoundW
Satellite feet (2 strips of 4)

Subwoofer

Ensemble IV Home Theater also includes
Center & Surround Satellites (3)

dge Cambri orks SoundW

Additional feet (3 strips of 4)
5 screws and wall anchors
The white version of this system includes one black satellite for use as the center channel.
Installing And Connecting The Speakers
All satellites are functionally similar. The single black satellite in the white Ensemble IV Home Theater is intended for use on or above the TV monitor as the center channel speaker. First decide where to place Ensemble IVs speaker units in your listening room. The section Speaker Placement which follows gives you practical guidelines. Once you have determined the likely placement for the satellites and subwoofer, consult page 6. The Wiring Diagram shows how to interconnect the speaker units and your amplifier. Prepare each length of speaker wire according to the section on page 7. Leave an extra three or four feet of length on each individual length of wire. This extra length lets you experiment with placement. Then make the connections as instructed on page 7. If possible, listen to the complete system before you make the installation permanent. You may find small changes in the satellite positions improve the sound. The satellite and subwoofer may be safely moved while playing if sufficient slack is left in the speaker wires.

Speaker Placement

The left and right satellites (both models)
Cambridge SoundWorks Cambridge SoundWorks Cambridge SoundWorks Cambridge SoundWorks
For stereo music listening, try to place the satellites to form an equal-sided triangle with your favorite listening position (A). Because the rooms surfaces tend to integrate the sound before it reaches you, perfectly symmetrical placement is not necessary. In a home theater installation, try to place the satellites so that they form a 45 angle with your preferred seat (B), which takes best advantage of how movie soundtracks are mixed. The satellites are magnetically shielded, so they can be placed close to the TV. The subwoofer is not magnetically shielded, however, and must be at least 18 inches from the set to prevent picture distortion. Have a clear line of sight to each satellite. This insures that higher frequencies are not blocked. For music listening, if the satellites are across the room from the listening area, their height is usually not critical; they

can be placed at eye level on the wall, up near the ceiling, or most anywhere in between. If they are close to the listening areaand in any home theater systemit is best to have them at or near ear level. If you put the satellites in bookshelves or in a wall system, place them with their front surfaces flush with the front of the shelves; you can then surround them with books, CDs, tapes, etc. (See diagram below).
Take advantage of the satellites small size and consider locations where regular speakers wouldnt fit, such as window sills or a mantelpiece. The satellites can also be wall mounted as described on page 11. Use No.10 screws and anchors. However, dont mount them permanently until youve had a chance to experiment with placement and are sure of their final location.
If possible, mount the surround or rear satellites on either side of your listening position, not directly behind it. Each satellite has a convenient keyhole to allow for easy wall mounting. Ideally, the satellites should be placed two to three feet above the listeners. Placing the surround speakers directly behind the listeners (like the inner pair in Diagram D) will
The Center/Surround IV satellites (Ensemble IV HT only)
Arrange the three remaining Center/Surround IV satellites for center and surround channel reproduction using the guidelines that follow. See Diagram C. Place the center channels satellite directly on top of the TV or directly below it. This satellites primary function is to blend the sound of spoken dialog or special effects with what you see on-screen. Place the left, center and right satellites close to the ear level of the listeners.

SHAKESPEARE SHAKESPEARE

SHAKESPEARE

s ise oR Als un eS Th

MOZ Sym ART N phon

o. 39 ies & 41

ge Cambrid s ork SoundW

Flush with edge of shelf

The subwoofer
The ear can not localize lowbass sound, so Ensemble IVs subwoofers exact placement can not be heard. It can be placed inconspicuously for the most bass output, independent of the satellites location. To start, simply place the subwoofer on the floor against the wall nearest the satellites. After some listening, you can experiment further using these guidelines: Be sure the bass port (the hole in the subwoofer next to the input terminal) has at least two inches of clearance.
The maximum potential low bass output results with the subwoofer placed in a corner (on the floor or mounted high against the ceiling). It is possible this placement will require you to decrease the bass control of your amplifier for balanced sound. Use a corner near the front satellites if possible. Corner placement is also the best way to fill a very large room with bass output. If space is tight or if you wish to conceal the subwoofer, try placing the subwoofer behind the listening area.

Less bass output results from subwoofer placement on the floor away from any walls or placement off the floor. Avoid this placement if possible. It may be necessary to increase the Bass Control of your amplifier to compensate for the poor bass reinforcement of this placement. Dont place the subwoofer in the same cabinet or on the same shelf with a turntable. A condition called acoustic feedback could result that will muddy the bass or set up a loud, lowfrequency rumbling.
decrease the left to right surround effect. Try placing the satellites further apart, like the outer pair in Diagram D. Or you can try the following techniques: See Diagram E. Place the rear speakers as high as possible and aim them away from the listening area. See Diagram F. Place the speakers so each faces upwardseither directly on the floor, on small tables or stands or using right angle wall mounts (available from Cambridge SoundWorks at 1-877-YES-HIFI).

Left Satellite

Right Satellite
Subwoofer placement for less bass output
Subwoofer placement for good bass output
Subwoofer placement for most bass output

Wiring Diagram

Ensemble IV
Ensemble IV ownersconnect the Left and Right speaker outputs of your amplifier to the Subwoofers From amplifier left and right speaker output inputs. Connect the satellites only to the Left and Right satellite speaker outputs on the Subwoofer. See Subwoofer Output Note in the next column.

Ensemble IV Home Theater

Ensemble IV Home Theater owners connect the Left Front and Right Front speaker outputs of your amplifiers main speaker outputs to the Subwoofers From amplifier left and right speaker output inputs. Connect the satellites to be used as the Left Front and Right Front speakers only to the Left and Right satellite speaker outputs on the Subwoofer. Connect a satellite directly to each of your receiver or amplifiers left rear speaker, right rear speaker, and center speaker outputs.

Left Rear Satellite

CAMBRIDGE

Right Rear Satellite

SOUNDWORKS

CENTER/SURROUND IV

Left Rear Speaker Left Main Speaker
Right Rear Speaker Right Main Speaker

Center Speaker

Sub Out

DO NOT USE

Receiver or Amplifier

Left Main Speaker

Right Main Speaker Sub Out

Subwoofer Output Note:

(For both Ensemble IV or Ensemble IV HT ) The Ensemble IV or Ensemble IV HT does not connect to the subwoofer output found on most Dolby Surround and all Dolby Digital receivers. If you have a Dolby Digital receiver, be sure the subwoofer output is turned OFF. Consult your receiver or amplifiers instructions to accomplish this. This subwoofer output would be used if you decide to connect a large, internally-amplified subwoofer to your receiver in addition to the Ensemble IV or Ensemble IV HT.

ENSEMBLE IV

DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED BY CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS, INC. NETON, MASSACHUSETTS USA 1-800-367-4434 USA 1-800-525-4434 CANADA

LEFT IN +

RIGHT OUT

Left Front Satellite

Right Front Satellite

SOUNDWORKS OUND ORKS

Ensemble IV Subwoofer

Center Channel Satellite

Preparing Speaker Wires
1. After choosing the connection configuration, cut speaker wire into the appropriate lengths. We recommend you use a wire cutter/stripper. 2. Separate the two individual conductors at the end of each speaker wire for a distance of one inch (see G, below). 3. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each individual conductor, being careful to apply only enough pressure to cut through the insulation and not the wire strands. 4. Twist the bared wire strands tightly together (H). Be sure there are no loose strands that could short across the connecting terminals on the speakers or receiver (I). The two conductors of each speaker wire are usually differentiated by a ridge or color stripe down one conductors insulation, or by using different color conductors (copper and silver). This is important to note when making connections described in the next section. Use at least 18-gauge wire for runs of up to 50 feet and at least 16-gauge for longer runs.

Making Connections

With either Ensemble IV or Ensemble IV Home Theater, the left and right satellites must be connected to the subwoofers Left Out and Right Out connectors; the subwoofers Left In and Right In connect to the left and right speaker outputs on your receiver or amplifier. Only the center and surround satellites of an Ensemble IV HT system connect directly to the appropriate outputs of a surround sound receiver or amplifier. Each connector on the satellites and subwoofer works the same way: Press the spring-loaded red or black tab back to reveal the connection hole. Insert the stripped end of the speaker wire. Release the tab. Connect all the speaker units identically. Connect the red (+) and black () terminals on the speaker units to their red and black counterparts on your receiver or amplifier. Use the marked/copper leads for interconnecting the red terminals, and the unmarked leads for the black terminals.

Satellite Connector

Left Right

1"

1/2"
Ridge or bead on insulation
Subwoofer Connector (detail)
Configuring Your Surround Sound Electronics
Surround sound receivers and decoders may require the user to configure amplifier channels for different size speakers. The selector may be: Switches in the back of the amplifier. Front panel read-outs selected by a remote control. On-screen video monitor options selected by a remote control. Be sure to set your surround sound processor or receiver as follows: Dolby Surround with Pro Logic Center Speaker: Normal Dolby Digital Left and Right Main speakers: LARGE Center and Rear (or Surround) speakers: SMALL (The OFF or PHANTOM center channel mode cancels output to the center channel of Dolby Digital or Dolby Surround with Pro Logic. Do not use these settings with Ensemble IV HT.) Subwoofer or Subwoofer Output: OFF See Subwoofer Output Note on page 6.
Optimizing The Sound Of Your System
It is almost impossible to find an acoustically ideal placement for a conventional, single-cabinet speaker in a listening room. This is because room acoustics affect the low-bass frequencies differently from the rest of the range. If you place the speaker so that the room helps the bass, it is likely to hinder the upper ranges (and vice-versa). Thus placing conventional speakers almost inevitably entails a compromise, even before proper stereo effect, decor, and convenience are taken into account. The usual restrictions dont apply to Ensemble IV because its subwoofer separates the low-bass out from the rest of the range. You can place the subwoofer and the
Surround Versus Stereo Listening
When viewing movies or other Dolby-encoded programs, set your receiver or decoder to Pro Logic or Dolby Digital (AC-3). Most TV broadcasts and almost all music recordings are not Dolby Surround-encoded. When listening to this program material, be sure to turn off Pro Logic processing. Switch to either normal stereo operation or some non-Dolby surround mode. This will ensure correct stereo effect. On program material that isnt encoded for Dolby Surround, the Pro Logic circuits cause the center speaker to play instead of the left and right speakers. Most stereo effect will be lost and the center channel speaker will play too loudly. A Dolby Digital system will not produce any sound in the Dolby Digital mode if the source is not Dolby Digital-encoded.

satellites differently to take advantage of the room in both the lower and upper ranges. Yet the units are so compact that even when placed optimally, they have little or no visual impact on your living space. We urge you to take full advantage of Ensemble IV by trying the speaker units in different locations within your listening room. Of course, if the system sounds
satisfactory from the moment you connect it and first turn it on, you may wish to go no further. But if you have any doubts or simply wish to see if an improvement can be made, we suggest you experiment with placement using the following guidelines: Let your ears be your guide, and trust them. When Ensemble IV sounds right to you, youve found the best placement.
Low-bass increases as you move the subwoofer closer to the intersecting room surfaces. The sound is apparently brighter with the satellites close to the listening area than with them across the room. The apparent fullness of the sound, a function of mid-bass rather than low-bass, is greater with the satellites against a wall than with them out in the room. This is not to imply that more is better, be it bass, brightness, or fullness. The point is that a change can be easily affected simply by moving one or more of the speaker unitsand with Ensemble IV, that is easy to do. The recorded quality of program material varies greatly, so be sure to listen to a variety of recordings to prevent being misled by unusual characteristics of a particular recording. If it is necessary to place the satellites close to the listening area and you find the sound too bright, try placing the units at an angle so that listeners arent directly on their axis (J, previous page). In a small room, you might even try aiming
the satellites away from the listeners altogether into the corners of the room, to scatter the highs for a more spacious sound (K, below). The subjective fullness of the sound is not so much a function of the low-bass as it is of the mid-bass. Similarly, the subjective openness of the sound is not so much a function of the high treble as it is of the lower mid-range. Both of these critical ranges are reproduced by the satellite units, and so are affected by their placement. Mid-bass and mid-range balance are usually best with the satellites against a wall. If they are out from the wall and sound too thin, particularly on vocal recordings, try moving them back against the wall. Conversely, if they are against the wall and sound too heavy or boomy, particularly on male voices, move them out from the wall. Remember that the strength of low-bass sounds is markedly affected by the position of the subwoofer. Refer to the illustration on page 5 for guidance if the low-bass is either too strong or not strong enough.

About Amplifier Power

If youre not happy with what you hear and are having trouble improving it, check with your store, or call a Cambridge SoundWorks Audio/Video Consultant at 1-877-YES-HIFI (1-877-937-4434) toll-free. Ensemble IV can be used safely to play music with most amplifiers and receivers designed for home listening. However, use common sense to prevent strong nonmusical transients; keep the volume down when connecting or disconnecting components, raising or lowering your turntables tonearm, and so on. This will help protect your ears as well as the speaker units. If at a given volume level the sound is consistently grainy or gritty, and/or there is clearly noticeable distortion on deep bass, you may be overdriving your amplifier or receiver. Back off on the volume control until the symptoms disappear. If that is not loud enough for you, and you suspect that your amplifier or receiver is inadequate, contact your store or call a Cambridge SoundWorks Audio/Video Consultant who will advise you on how much power would be appropriate for your particular circumstances.
Finalizing Your Installation
Apply the self-adhesive rubber feet to the bottom of a satellite if you place them on a flat surface. It will protect the surface and keep the satellite from sliding. If you ever need to remove a foot, gently slide the edge of a knife under one edge and slowly peel it off. If you try to pop it off, you may damage the cabinets finish. The satellites may be hung directly on a wall. Simply screw No. 10 screws into the wall so that their heads protrude about 3/8 inch to fit into the keyhole slots on the back of each satellite (see diagram at right). Plastic anchors may be needed to secure the screws in particularly hard or soft material. If so, drill 1/4 inch holes in the wall, and tap the anchors into the holes until they are flush with the wall. Then screw the screws into the anchors until they protrude 3/8 inch from the wall. The threaded fitting in the back of each satellite allows attaching swivel wall-mounts and speaker stands available from Cambridge SoundWorks. The satellites can be cleaned with a window cleaning product. Use a soft, lint-free cloth only. Avoid spraying the cleaner directly on the speaker grilles to prevent damage to the speaker drivers. Clean the subwoofer with a damp cloth. Do not use polish.

10-Year Limited Warranty

To the original purchaser, Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc. will warrant the Ensemble IV or Ensemble IV Home Theater speaker system to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ten (10) years from date of purchase. With respect to defects, Cambridge SoundWorks will, at its option, replace the product or repair the defect in the product with no charge to the original purchaser for parts or labor. This warranty does not extend to any defect, malfunction or failure caused by misuse, abuse, accident, faulty hookup, defective associated equipment or use of the speaker with equipment for which it is not intended. This warranty is valid only when the speaker is returned to an authorized store where it was purchased. Or, if you bought directly from Cambridge SoundWorks, call for a Return Authorization Number for the unit and return it to the address below, freight prepaid, together with a copy of the original sales slip to establish warranty status. Please do not return the speaker system, or any of its parts, to the factory without prior authorization. This is the sole and express warranty. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, of merchantability, fitness for purpose or otherwise. In no event shall Cambridge SoundWorks be liable for incidental or consequential damages or have any liability with respect to defects other than the obligations set forth herein. To ensure warranty coverage it is incumbent upon the original purchaser to inform Cambridge SoundWorks or any of its Authorized Service Agencies of the defect within the warranty period. The only acceptable method of establishing warranty status is a copy of the original proof of purchase indicating customers name and purchase date. For warranty information contact: Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc. Needham St. 1 Newton, MA 02464 1-877-YES-HIFI (1-877-937-4434) www.cambridgesoundworks.com email: info@cambridgesoundworks.com

Difficulty?

If you suspect theres a problem with your Ensemble IV or Ensemble IV Home Theater system, contact the store where you purchased it, or call a Cambridge SoundWorks Audio/Video Consultant who will help you track the problem, which could be in some other component in your system. If together you agree that there is something wrong with your speaker system, you should return it to the store where you bought it. Or, if you bought directly from Cambridge SoundWorks, we will supply you with a Return Authorization Number for the unit. Please do not return the speaker system, or any of its parts, to the factory without prior authorization.
Dolby, Pro Logic, Dolby Surround and Dolby Digital are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation Ensemble and Cambridge SoundWorks are registered trademarks of Cambridge SoundWorks, Incorporated.
311 Needham Street, Newton MA 02464 1-877-937-4434 Fax: 617-527-3194 www.cambridgesoundworks.com Email: info@cambridgesoundworks.com

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