Dayton Audio BS36 36-Inch LCR Speaker Bar User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Dayton Audio BS36 speaker bar integrates left, center, and right channel speakers into a single, compact enclosure. Designed for home theater applications, it can be positioned above or below a flat screen television, or placed freestanding on a cabinet. This passive speaker requires an external audio/video receiver for operation.

Figure 1.1: Front view of the Dayton Audio BS36 Speaker Bar.

2. Features

• Integrated Left-Center-Right (LCR) speaker design in a single enclosure.
• Suitable for various flat screen TV installations.
• Optimized for space-limited home theater setups.
• Features a high-gloss black lacquer finish.
• Designed to provide clear audio and bass extension.

Figure 2.1: Front view of the speaker bar with the protective grille removed, revealing the individual speaker drivers.

3. Setup and Installation

The BS36 speaker bar is a passive unit and requires connection to an audio/video (A/V) receiver or amplifier. Ensure your A/V receiver has dedicated outputs for Left, Center, and Right channels.

3.1 Connecting to an A/V Receiver

1. Identify Terminals: Locate the spring-loaded speaker terminals on the rear of the BS36 speaker bar. There are three sets of terminals: one for the Left channel, one for the Center channel, and one for the Right channel.
2. Prepare Speaker Wire: Use appropriate gauge speaker wire. Strip approximately 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) of insulation from the ends of each wire. Twist the bare strands tightly.
3. Connect Left Channel: Connect the positive (+) terminal of the Left channel on the BS36 to the positive (+) Left Front speaker output on your A/V receiver. Connect the negative (-) terminal of the Left channel on the BS36 to the negative (-) Left Front speaker output on your A/V receiver.
4. Connect Center Channel: Connect the positive (+) terminal of the Center channel on the BS36 to the positive (+) Center speaker output on your A/V receiver. Connect the negative (-) terminal of the Center channel on the BS36 to the negative (-) Center speaker output on your A/V receiver.
5. Connect Right Channel: Connect the positive (+) terminal of the Right channel on the BS36 to the positive (+) Right Front speaker output on your A/V receiver. Connect the negative (-) terminal of the Right channel on the BS36 to the negative (-) Right Front speaker output on your A/V receiver.
6. Secure Connections: Ensure all connections are firm and that no stray wire strands are touching other terminals, which could cause a short circuit.

Figure 3.1: Rear view of the speaker bar, illustrating the three sets of spring-loaded speaker terminals for Left, Center, and Right channels.

3.2 Placement Options

• Below TV: Place the speaker bar directly below your television, ideally centered.
• Above TV: The speaker bar can also be mounted above the television.
• Freestanding: Utilize the included feet (Figure 3.2) to place the speaker bar freestanding on a home theater cabinet or shelf.
• Wall Mounting: The speaker bar features keyhole mounts on the rear for wall installation (hardware sold separately).

Figure 3.2: The two included feet for freestanding placement of the speaker bar.

Figure 3.3: Example placement of the speaker bar below a television.

4. Operating the Speaker Bar

As a passive speaker, the Dayton Audio BS36 does not have its own controls. Operation is managed entirely through your connected A/V receiver or amplifier. Refer to your A/V receiver's user manual for instructions on adjusting volume, sound modes, and speaker settings (e.g., speaker size, crossover frequency, channel levels).

For optimal performance, ensure your A/V receiver is configured to recognize the BS36 as a 3.0 channel setup (Left, Center, Right front speakers). If you are using a subwoofer, configure your receiver's crossover settings appropriately to direct low frequencies to the subwoofer.

5. Maintenance

To maintain the appearance and performance of your Dayton Audio BS36 speaker bar, follow these guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the speaker bar. For the high-gloss finish, avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the surface.
• Dust: Regularly dust the speaker grille and cabinet to prevent accumulation.
• Placement: Avoid placing the speaker bar in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can affect the finish and internal components.
• Moisture: Keep the speaker bar away from moisture and humidity. This product is not water resistant.

6. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your BS36 speaker bar, consult the following common troubleshooting steps:

7. Specifications

Note: "Control Method: App" was listed in product specifications, but as a passive speaker, the BS36 does not have built-in app control. Control is managed via the connected A/V receiver.

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Dayton Audio website. For additional support, including frequently asked questions and contact information, please visit the Dayton Audio support page or refer to the full PDF user manual.

Official User Manual (PDF): Download PDF

Dayton Audio Store: Visit Store