Wharfedale PowerCube Series, PowerCube 10+, 12+, 8+ Manual

SETTING UP
Set the subwoofer power switch to OFF. Turn the system Volume Control to minimum. Recheck all system connections. Connect the supplied subwoofer power lead to the IEC power socket on the subwoofer and connect the mains plug into the into the wall socket. Switch on the mains power. Set the subwoofer volume control to the mid position (12o'clock) before proceeding.
VARIABLE CROSSOVER This control should initially be set to 85 Hz when the subwoofer is used with small bookshelf speakers and to 65 Hz when used with large floor standing speakers.
PHASE SWITCH: The Phase switch should be initially set to 0°.
AUTO SWITCH: the Auto switch should be initially set to OFF.

FINE TUNING
Switch on the subwoofer power switch and check that the power indicator on the front of the cabinet glows. Now switch on the system. Play a programme with extended bass and set the system volume to a reasonable level. Adjust the subwoofer volume control to produce the desired level of bass. Do not overdo things!
PHASE SWITCH: If the bass is indistinct or lacks depth, the Phase switch may need adjustment. Set the switch to 0º and listen carefully to some music with extended bass. If there is insufficient bass output from the sub-woofer set the Phase switch to 180º. Select the position which produces the most natural, extended bass.
CROSSOVER ADJUSTMENT. This adjusts the blend between the subwoofer and the main speakers. and enables the system to be set up for optimum bass performance. The higher settings are for use with small bookshelf loudspeakers, the lower settings for large floorstanding models. If you choose too low a setting with small speakers, there will be a 'hole' in the bass response; too high a setting with large speakers will result in the upper bass becoming bloated.
AUTO SWITCH. In normal mode the subwoofer is permanently on. This may result in low level hum or noise from the subwoofer if the rest of the system is switched off and the subwoofer is left switched on. Setting the AUTO switch to ON will automatically turn the subwoofer on when a signal is detected at any of the inputs and turn it off (Standby Mode) after a period of inactivity. We recommend that the AUTO switch be set to ON for normal operation. In AUTO mode the indicator on the front of the subwoofer will glow RED when the unit is in Standby mode and GREEN when operational. If your subwoofer is disconnected from the mains power, or the Power switch is "Off", the indicator will be extinguished.

MAINS OPERATION
When the system is not in use for extended periods, we suggest you switch off the subwoofer to protect it from switching noises caused by domestic appliances, etc. The best practice is to switch the complete system on and off from a central point. If you play the system with the subwoofer switched off you will get no bass!
Always turn the main volume control to minimum when you switch the system on or off.

THE HOME THEATRE ENVIRONMENT

FRONT, CENTRE AND REAR CHANNELS
The front channel loudspeakers should be placed on either side of the television screen, 2 to 3 metres apart. and rotated slightly towards the listeners.
As the Centre speaker carries the dialogue effects, it should be placed central to the listening position and close to the TV screen. Operating height is important. Ideally, the front and centre channel speakers should be operated at the same height and with the tweeters at ear level to a seated listener.
Place the Rear speakers 2.5 - 3.5 metres apart in a high position behind the listener. If you are using dipole or special surround speakers follow the instructions for those units.

SUBWOOFER
As the ear is unable to detect the direction from which deep bass originates, this allows freedom in positioning the subwoofer. Varying the distance from the wall will alter the amount of bass. Some prefer to place the subwoofer against a corner of the room. This arrangement gives more bass at the possible expense of clarity.

LOUDSPEAKER SIZES
Many digital AV Processors require you to specify the size of speakers in the various channels. These are usually 'Large' or 'Small'. Unless your loudspeakers are large floor standing units, you should choose 'Small' for the Front channels, as the subwoofer is going to be better at providing clean, deep and louder bass. Choose 'Small' for the surround channels and also for the Centre channel, so that any bass from these channels will be directed to the subwoofer.
Set the 'Subwoofer' option on the processor to 'On' or 'Yes'.

SETTING LEVELS
Once the loudspeaker settings have been finalised, put the AV amplifier into its "Test" mode (see instructions supplied with your processor.) Adjust the levels until all channels are reproduced at equal loudness.
You may need to adjust the subwoofer output level. Avoid setting too high a level or you will swamp the sound with bass which be tiring to listen to and may limit the subwoofer's ability to respond to large bass transients. Set a sensible level going into the subwoofer. The subwoofer volume control should be between 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock.

LFE
The Low Frequency Effects channel was designed as an additional bass channel with its own dedicated subwoofer. In practice however, if all the speakers are set to Small, the LFE channel will be combined with the bass from other channels and all this feeds into the subwoofer. When you set the LFE level from your AV processor, use care with this setting as the LFE channel may contain powerful low frequencies which, although normal in a cinema, may overload a domestic subwoofer.
If, during a programme, you hear popping or thumping noises coming from the subwoofer, immediately turn the AV Processor's volume level down and then back off the LFE level. If this does not cure the problem, back off the volume level at the subwoofer.
Please read the relevant sections of your AV amplifier manual and familiarise yourself with the various issues. If you are unsure, consult your dealer for help.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

The loudspeaker cabinets can be cleaned with a damp cloth or with a spray furniture polish and a soft cloth. Apply the spray sparingly to the cloth and then polish the cabinet. Never apply spray directly to the cabinet.

GUARANTEE & SERVICE

In the unlikely even that your unit develops a fault you should return it to your Wharfedale dealer using the original packing to ensure safe shipping.
The terms of your guarantee may vary from country to country but in all locations the guarantee excludes:
All damage caused through accident, misuse, wear and tear, neglect, incorrect installation, adjustment or repair by unauthorised personnel.
Liability for damage or loss occurring in transit to or from the purchaser.
Wharfedale will not be liable for any consequential damage, loss or injury, arising from or in conjunction with this equipment.

CONNECTING TWO SUBWOOFERS

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your system is not working properly please work through this checklist before returning a unit to your dealer. Before investigating the cause of a problem, always switch off the system at the mains.

Specifications