Fine Tuning - Bowers & Wilkins 805 Diamond Owner's Manual

There are two pairs of terminals at the back of each
speaker that enable bi-wiring (top). For conventional,
single wire connection, fit the supplied link wires to join
the like polarity terminals together.
Ensure that the positive terminals on the speaker (with
red ring) are connected to the positive output terminal
on the amplifier and the negative terminals on the
speaker (with black ring) are always connected to the
negative output terminal on the amplifier. Incorrect
connection will not result in damage but will cause poor
stereo imaging and loss of bass. Always screw the
terminal caps down fully to prevent rattles.
Note: Bi-wiring separates the signal paths to each
section of the speaker and can improve both stereo
imaging and detail resolution. It also enables the use
of different types of cable for each frequency band.
6

4. Fine Tuning

Before fine tuning, double check that all the
connections in the installation are correct and secure.
Moving the speakers further from the walls will
reduce the general level of bass. Space behind the
speakers also helps to create an impression of depth.
Conversely, moving the speakers closer to the walls will
increase the level of bass and potentially reduce the
impression of depth.
If you want to reduce the volume of bass without
moving the speakers further from the wall, fit the foam
plugs or, for less severe bass reduction, the foam rings
in the port tubes. Fitting a foam plug or ring in a port
tube is illustrated above.
If the bass is uneven with frequency, it is usually due to
the excitation of resonance modes in the room. Even
small changes in the position of the speakers or the
listeners can have a profound effect on how these
resonances affect the sound. Try positioning the
speakers along a different wall. Even moving large
items of furniture can have an effect.
If the sound is too harsh, increase the amount of
soft furnishing in the room (for example, use heavier
curtains), or reduce it if the sound is dull and lifeless.
Test for flutter echoes by clapping your hands and
listening for rapid repetitions. Reduce flutter echoes
by the use of irregular shaped surfaces such as
bookshelves and large pieces of furniture.
For the most discerning listening, remove the bass/
midrange grilles by gripping around their edges and
gently pulling them away from the cabinet.