Canton AS 85.2 SC Active Subwoofer User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your Canton AS 85.2 SC Active Subwoofer. The AS 85.2 SC is an active bass-reflex subwoofer designed to enhance the low-frequency performance of your home audio or home cinema system, delivering powerful and precise bass. Please read these instructions carefully before using the product and retain them for future reference.

Image: Front view of the Canton AS 85.2 SC Active Subwoofer, showcasing its sleek black finish and exposed driver.

Safety Instructions

• Power Supply: Ensure the subwoofer is connected to a power outlet with the correct voltage as indicated on the unit. Always use the provided power cable.
• Ventilation: Do not block any ventilation openings. Allow adequate space around the subwoofer for proper airflow to prevent overheating.
• Placement: Place the subwoofer on a stable, level surface. Avoid placing it near heat sources, direct sunlight, or in areas with high humidity or dust. Keep it away from strong magnetic fields.
• Moisture: Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or dripping/splashing liquids. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the subwoofer.
• Cleaning: Disconnect the power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Children: Keep packaging materials and small parts away from children to prevent choking hazards.

Package Contents

Carefully unpack your Canton AS 85.2 SC Active Subwoofer and check that all items are present and in good condition.

• Canton AS 85.2 SC Active Bass-Reflex Subwoofer (Black)
• Power Cable
• User Manual (this document)

Setup

1. Placement

The placement of your subwoofer significantly impacts its sound performance. Experiment with different locations in your listening room to find the optimal position.

• Corner Placement: Placing the subwoofer in a corner can often maximize bass output, but may also lead to boomy or exaggerated bass.
• Wall Placement: Avoid placing the subwoofer directly against a wall, as this can cause unwanted resonance and a "booming" sound. Maintain some distance from walls.
• Near Front Speakers: Placing the subwoofer near your main front speakers can help create a more cohesive soundstage and smoother integration.
• Listening Position: The "subwoofer crawl" method can help: place the subwoofer at your primary listening position, then crawl around the room to find where the bass sounds best. That spot is often the best place for your subwoofer.

2. Connections

Ensure all audio equipment is turned off before making any connections.

1. Power Connection: Connect the supplied power cable to the subwoofer's power input and then to a suitable wall outlet.
2. Audio Connection (Wired): Connect an RCA cable from the LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) or Subwoofer Pre-Out jack on your AV receiver or pre-amplifier to the Low Level Input(s) on the back of the Canton AS 85.2 SC subwoofer. If your receiver has a single LFE output, use a Y-adapter if the subwoofer has two low-level inputs, or connect to one input if it's designed for mono LFE.

Image: Rear panel of the Canton AS 85.2 SC Active Subwoofer, showing the power input, RCA low-level inputs, and control knobs for volume, crossover, and phase.

3. Initial Break-in Period

For optimal performance, allow your subwoofer a break-in period of approximately 15 to 20 hours. During this time, operate the subwoofer at moderate volume levels. This allows the driver's suspension to loosen and settle, leading to more accurate and dynamic bass reproduction.

Operating the Subwoofer

Controls and Adjustments

The Canton AS 85.2 SC features several controls on its rear panel to integrate it seamlessly with your existing audio system. These controls are typically rubberized for precise adjustment.

• Volume/Level Control: Adjusts the overall output level of the subwoofer. Start with a low setting and gradually increase until the bass blends naturally with your main speakers.
• Crossover Frequency Control: This knob sets the upper frequency limit at which the subwoofer operates. Frequencies above this point will be handled by your main speakers. A common starting point is 80 Hz, but adjust based on your main speakers' low-frequency capabilities.
• Phase Adjustment (0° - 180°): This control allows you to adjust the phase of the subwoofer's output relative to your main speakers. A stepless adjustment from 0 to 180 degrees helps ensure that the subwoofer's sound waves align with those of your main speakers, preventing cancellation or reinforcement at certain frequencies. Adjust this while listening to music or test tones until the bass sounds most impactful and cohesive.
• SC-Technology: This refers to Canton's Speaker Control technology, which optimizes the subwoofer's performance for precise and controlled bass.
• Automatic Standby: The subwoofer features an automatic shutdown function that puts it into standby mode after approximately 15 minutes of no audio signal. It will automatically wake up when an audio signal is detected.

Note: For optimal setup, consult your AV receiver's manual for its subwoofer calibration features, which often include automatic room correction systems.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and performance of your Canton AS 85.2 SC subwoofer.

• Cleaning: Regularly wipe the cabinet with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents, as these can damage the finish.
• Grille: If your subwoofer has a removable grille, you can gently clean it with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner on a low setting to remove dust.
• Ventilation: Ensure that the ventilation openings on the subwoofer are kept clear of dust and obstructions.
• Power Cord: Periodically check the power cord for any signs of damage. If damaged, replace it immediately with an approved replacement.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your subwoofer, refer to the following common problems and solutions before contacting customer support.

• No Power:
  • Check if the power cable is securely connected to both the subwoofer and the wall outlet.
  • Verify that the wall outlet is functional by plugging in another device.
  • Ensure the subwoofer's power switch (if present) is in the "On" position.
• No Sound from Subwoofer:
  • Confirm that the RCA audio cable is securely connected from your receiver's LFE/Subwoofer Pre-Out to the subwoofer's Low Level Input.
  • Check the volume/level control on the subwoofer; ensure it is not set to minimum.
  • Verify that your AV receiver's subwoofer output is enabled and its volume is appropriately set.
  • Ensure the subwoofer is not in standby mode (play some audio to wake it up).
• Distorted or Boomy Bass:
  • Reduce the subwoofer's volume/level control.
  • Adjust the crossover frequency. If it's set too high, it might overlap too much with your main speakers.
  • Experiment with the phase control (0° - 180°) to find the setting that provides the tightest and most integrated bass.
  • Relocate the subwoofer to a different position in the room, away from corners or direct wall contact.
  • Check your AV receiver's settings for any bass boost or equalization that might be over-emphasizing low frequencies.
• Subwoofer Goes into Standby Too Quickly:
  • Increase the output level of the LFE/subwoofer channel from your AV receiver. The subwoofer's auto-standby feature requires a sufficient input signal to remain active.

Specifications

Image: Canton AS 85.2 SC Active Subwoofer with labeled dimensions (height, width, depth).

Warranty and Support

Your Canton AS 85.2 SC Active Subwoofer comes with a limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase for specific terms and conditions. For technical support, service, or warranty claims, please contact your authorized Canton dealer or visit the official Canton website for contact information.