Introduction
This user manual provides comprehensive instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your MONITOR AUDIO Mass 5.1 Surround Sound System. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and use to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your system.
The MONITOR AUDIO Mass 5.1 system is a high-quality wired 5.1 speaker package designed to deliver immersive audio experiences for movies, music, and gaming. It includes five satellite speakers and one powerful subwoofer.
Product Overview
The Mass 5.1 system consists of the following components:
- Five (5) Mass Satellite Speakers
- One (1) Mass Subwoofer
Figure 1: The complete MONITOR AUDIO Mass 5.1 Surround Sound System, showing the five compact satellite speakers and the larger subwoofer unit.
Mass Satellite Speakers
Each satellite speaker is designed for clear and detailed audio reproduction. They are compact and can be discreetly placed in your listening environment.
Figure 2: Front view of a satellite speaker with its protective grille.
Figure 3: Front view of a satellite speaker with the grille removed, revealing the audio driver.
Figure 4: Rear view of a satellite speaker, showing the speaker wire terminals.
Mass Subwoofer
The subwoofer provides deep, impactful bass, essential for a full surround sound experience. It connects to your AV receiver via a dedicated subwoofer cable.
Figure 5: Front view of the Mass Subwoofer, showcasing its driver.
The rear panel of the subwoofer features controls for volume, crossover frequency, and phase, allowing for fine-tuning to integrate seamlessly with your satellite speakers and room acoustics.
Setup
1. Unpacking
Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Retain the original packaging for future transport or storage. Inspect all items for any signs of damage. If any damage is found, contact your dealer immediately.
2. Speaker Placement
Optimal placement of your Mass 5.1 speakers is crucial for achieving the best surround sound experience. Consider the following guidelines for a typical 5.1 setup:
- Front Left and Right Speakers: Place these speakers equidistant from your primary listening position, forming an equilateral triangle with the listener. They should be positioned at ear level when seated.
- Center Speaker: Position the center speaker directly above or below your television/screen, centered with the viewing area. It should be aligned with the front left and right speakers.
- Surround Left and Right Speakers: Place these speakers to the sides or slightly behind the main listening position, approximately 90-110 degrees off-axis from the center. They should be slightly above ear level.
- Subwoofer: Subwoofer placement is less critical than satellite speakers, but generally, corner placement can enhance bass output. Experiment with different positions in your room to find the best balance of bass response and integration with the satellite speakers.
3. Connections
Before making any connections, ensure your AV receiver and the Mass Subwoofer are powered off and unplugged from the mains electricity supply.
- Connecting Satellite Speakers:
Use high-quality speaker cables to connect each Mass Satellite Speaker to the corresponding speaker terminals on your AV receiver. Ensure correct polarity: connect the positive (+) terminal on the speaker to the positive (+) terminal on the receiver, and the negative (-) terminal on the speaker to the negative (-) terminal on the receiver. Incorrect polarity can result in poor sound quality.
The satellite speakers have a maximum output power of 25 Watts. Ensure your receiver's output matches the speaker's requirements.
- Connecting the Subwoofer:
Connect the Mass Subwoofer to your AV receiver using a dedicated subwoofer (RCA) cable. Connect the LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) output on your receiver to the LFE input on the subwoofer. If your receiver does not have an LFE output, use a standard RCA cable to connect the receiver's subwoofer pre-out to the subwoofer's line-level input.
The subwoofer operates on 230 Volts AC power. Connect the supplied power cable to the subwoofer's power input and then to a suitable wall outlet.
Once all connections are made, you can plug in your AV receiver and the subwoofer, and power them on. Refer to your AV receiver's manual for initial setup and calibration, including speaker level and distance settings.
Operating
The MONITOR AUDIO Mass 5.1 system is designed to work in conjunction with an AV receiver, which will control the overall system volume and sound modes.
Subwoofer Controls
The Mass Subwoofer features several controls on its rear panel to optimize its performance within your system:
- Volume: Adjusts the output level of the subwoofer. Start with a moderate setting and fine-tune during system calibration.
- Crossover: Determines the highest frequency the subwoofer will reproduce. This should be set to blend seamlessly with your satellite speakers. A common starting point is 80Hz, but adjust based on your room and speaker characteristics.
- Phase: Allows you to adjust the phase of the subwoofer's output (0° or 180°) to ensure it is in phase with your main speakers, preventing cancellation or reinforcement of bass frequencies. Experiment with both settings to find the one that produces the most impactful and coherent bass.
- Power Mode: Typically includes 'On', 'Auto', and 'Off'. 'Auto' mode will power on the subwoofer when an audio signal is detected and power off after a period of inactivity.
For detailed calibration, refer to your AV receiver's auto-calibration system (e.g., Audyssey, MCACC, YPAO) if available, or perform a manual setup using a sound level meter.
Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance will ensure your MONITOR AUDIO Mass 5.1 system provides years of enjoyment.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surfaces of the speakers and subwoofer. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or chemical sprays, as these can damage the finish.
- Grilles: The speaker grilles can be carefully removed for cleaning if necessary. Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on a low setting to remove dust.
- Placement Environment: Avoid placing speakers in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in areas with high humidity. Ensure adequate ventilation around the subwoofer, especially its rear panel, to prevent overheating.
- Handling: Always handle the speakers and subwoofer with care. Avoid touching the speaker drivers directly.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Mass 5.1 system, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from any speaker. | AV receiver not powered on, incorrect input selected, speaker cables disconnected. | Ensure receiver is on and correct input is selected. Check all speaker cable connections at both the receiver and speakers. |
| No sound from a specific satellite speaker. | Loose or incorrect speaker cable connection, faulty speaker. | Check the speaker cable connection for that specific speaker. Try swapping the speaker with a known working one to isolate the issue. |
| No bass from the subwoofer. | Subwoofer not powered on, RCA cable disconnected, volume too low, incorrect crossover setting. | Ensure subwoofer is plugged in and powered on (check power light). Verify RCA cable connection. Increase subwoofer volume. Adjust crossover frequency. Check receiver's subwoofer output settings. |
| Distorted or unclear sound. | Overdriven speakers, incorrect speaker polarity, poor cable connection. | Reduce volume. Check speaker cable polarity (+ to + and - to -). Ensure all cable connections are secure. |
If the problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact MONITOR AUDIO customer support or your authorized dealer.
Specifications
The following table details the technical specifications for the MONITOR AUDIO Mass 5.1 Surround Sound System:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | MONITOR AUDIO |
| Model Number | MASS Surround Sound |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 5.1 |
| Speaker Type | Subwoofer (for the main unit) |
| Maximum Speaker Output Power (Satellite) | 25 Watts |
| Subwoofer Power | 120 Watts |
| Input Voltage | 230 Volts |
| Special Features | High-resolution audio, wired connectivity |
| Recommended Uses | Home Theater, Music, Video Games, Gaming Console, Music Player |
| Color | Night Black |
| Item Weight | 18 Kilograms |
| Package Dimensions | 64 x 47.1 x 45.5 cm |
| Mounting Type | Table Mount |
Warranty and Support
MONITOR AUDIO products are manufactured to the highest standards and are backed by a limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product for specific terms and conditions, or visit the official MONITOR AUDIO website for detailed warranty information.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond what is covered in this manual, or service inquiries, please contact your authorized MONITOR AUDIO dealer or visit the MONITOR AUDIO support section on their official website. When contacting support, please have your product model number (MASS Surround Sound) and serial number ready.
