DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY LS-80, LS-100 Subwoofers
Important Product Information
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Notes on Use
- Avoid high temperatures.
- Do not let foreign objects into the unit.
- Do not let insecticides, benzene, and thinner come in contact with the unit.
- Never disassemble or modify the unit in any way.
- Naked flame sources such as lit candles should not be placed on the unit.
- Do not sit or step on unit.
- Do not place unit in standing water.
Sound United, LLC 5541 Fermi Court Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Introduction
The Definitive Technology LS-80 and LS-100 subwoofers are engineered to deliver enveloping bass and durability in residential and light commercial outdoor audio applications. The LS Series subwoofers can be used in combination with Definitive Technology LS-400 satellite speakers, AW Series under-eave outdoor speakers, BL Series bollard speakers or combined with other custom outdoor speaker systems.
Box Contents
Ensure the following items are included in the box.
Planning the Installation
- To achieve the best coverage, place the subwoofer approximately 5–6′ away from the adjacent speakers. Refer to the instructions for your particular speakers to see what the manufacturer recommends for speaker distance.
- Place the subwoofer as close to the center of the speakers as possible for optimal frequency balance between the subwoofer and speakers.
- For applications that require more bass, place the subwoofer near an acoustically reflective surface, such as a wall or barrier, to reinforce the low frequencies.
- In some applications, better performance may be achieved by placing the subwoofer closer to the primary listening position or by adding a second LS-80 or LS-100 subwoofer. If two subwoofers are used, select locations that are the same distance from the main listening area, and place one LS-80 or LS-100 subwoofer after every 3–4 speakers in the chain.
- If possible, try placing the speakers and subwoofer in locations that minimize volume peaks and nulls throughout the outdoor listening area.
- To avoid potential damage from landscapers, be mindful of where you mount the subwoofer and speakers. Locate the subwoofer in an area that will not flood with standing water.
Common LS-80/LS-100 applications:
- Combined with Definitive Technology LS-400 satellite speakers (see Figure 1)
- Combined with Definitive Technology BL Series bollard speakers (see Figure 2)
- Combined with Definitive Technology AW Series under-eave outdoor speakers (see Figure 3)
- Used in custom installations and combined with other speaker systems
- NOTE: One LS-80 subwoofer will cover a listening area of about 1500 square feet; one LS-100 will cover a listening area of about 2000 square feet.
Choosing the Speaker Wire Type
We recommend using color-coded, 4-conductor direct-burial speaker wire, such as ‘14/4’ (14-gauge, 4-conductor). Refer to the wiring chart below to determine the minimum required wire gauge for a given distance.
| Wire Gauge Distance |
| 16 AWG Up to 150′ (45 meters) |
| 14 AWG Up to 250′ (80 meters) |
NOTE: Use only direct-burial wire to prevent corrosion and prolong signal integrity. Alternatively, low-voltage lighting wire can be used, but note that it is only available as a 2-conductor wire. If using a 2-conductor wire, run two pairs of wires: one for the left amplifier channel/speakers and one for the right. The included wire nuts can accommodate a wire gauge of up to 14 AWG.
Preparing for Speaker Installation Recommended Items
- Shovel
- Wire stripper that accommodates up to 14-gauge wire
- Round cable stripper or utility knife
- Speaker wire spool with sufficient speaker wire for the planned installation
- Wire/zip ties
- Electrical tape
- Rubber mallet
- Measuring tape
- Tools and instructions for any other speaker components of this installation
- Refer to the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer for any other speakers included in this installation.
- Set the satellite speakers and subwoofer in the approximate mounting locations determined in section 3 “Planning the Installation” on the previous page.
- Dig a trench between the speaker locations for running the speaker wires. Be sure to follow local codes for trenching limitations.
- Run the speaker wire through the trench as described in the wiring instructions in section 6 “Installing the Satellite Speakers” on the next page and section 7 “Installing the Subwoofer.“ We recommend leaving 14-16″ of excess wire per speaker so that the wire doesn’t kink or pull taut when covering the wire with dirt in the trench. Figure 4 shows the wiring of a complete system using a stereo amplifier.
IMPORTANT: To prevent potential damage to the amplifier caused by short circuiting of the speaker wires, do not connect the speaker wires to the amplifier until after all speaker connections are made and secure.
IMPORTANT: Connect the subwoofer only as shown. Do not connect the two subwoofer channels in parallel, as doing so would cause the impedance to drop too low and potentially damage the amplifier/receiver.
| Speakers Per Amp Channel | Impedance Per Speaker | Channel Load Impedance | Speakers Per Amp Channel | Impedance Per Speaker | Channel Load Impedance |
| 1 + Sub | 4Ω | Not Recommended | 1 + Sub | 32Ω | 6.4Ω |
| 1 + Sub | 8Ω | 4Ω | 2 + Sub | 32Ω | 5.4Ω |
| 1 + Sub | 16Ω | 5.3Ω | 3 + Sub | 32Ω | 4.6Ω |
| 2 + Sub | 16Ω | 4Ω | 4 + Sub | 32Ω | 4Ω |
Impedance per amplifier channel with the speaker(s) and subwoofer connected in parallel
Installing the Satellite Speakers
IMPORTANT: The LS-80 and LS-100 subwoofers have an impedance of 8 ohms each on two voice coils and can be used with a standard amplifier with two or more channels. Ensure the speaker load presented to the amplifier is within its published specifications. Miswiring may result in an unacceptable load, which might damage the amplifier.
Using 4-Conductor Direct-Burial Wire
- Unwind the 4-conductor wire spool towards the amplifier from the furthest speaker, leaving the wire attached to the spool at the amplifier end. Do not connect the wires to the amplifier at this time.
- Starting at the speaker furthest from the amplifier, strip 3/4″ of insulation on the cut end of the burial wires for the appropriate amp channel according to the tables below, then strip insulation from the ends of the corresponding speaker’s pigtail. Wrap any unused wires in electrical tape to protect them from moisture and short-circuiting (see Figure 5).
- Connect the burial cable to the speaker pigtail using a wire tie (see Figure 5).
- Twist to combine all the positive (+) wires together and combine all the negative (-) wires together according to the tables below.
- Twist the provided silicone-filled wire nuts onto the combined positive wires and onto the combined negative wires, ensuring that no copper is exposed. Wrap each wire nut connection in electrical tape to protect it from moisture.
- Leave 14-16″ of excess wire at the speaker so that the wire doesn’t kink or pull taut during burial, then move to the next speaker along the cable.
- At the next speaker, use a round cable stripper or utility knife to remove 8″ of the outside wire jacket, exposing the four insulated wires.
- Cut the correct two wires for the left or right speaker (see the tables below) and strip 3/4″ of insulation on the exposed ends of the burial wires, then strip 3/4″ insulation from the ends of the corresponding speaker’s pigtail (see Figure 6).
- Create a loop of approximately 10″, and use a wire tie to hold the wire loop and speaker pigtail in place to provide strain relief (see Figure 6).
- Repeat steps 4-6 then continue for each remaining satellite along the cable. For subwoofer installation, see section 7 “Installing the Subwoofer.“
| Polarity Burial Wire Speaker Pigtail |
| + White Red |
| – Green Black |
Left Amp Channel
| Polarity Burial Wire Speaker Pigtail |
| + Red Red |
| – Black Black |
Right Amp Channel
Using 2-Conductor Wire or Low-Voltage Lighting Wire
- Unwind the 2-conductor wire spool towards the amplifier from the furthest speaker, leaving the wire attached to the spool at the amplifier end. Do not connect the wires to the amplifier at this time.
- Starting at the speaker furthest from the amplifier, strip 3/4″ of insulation on the cut end of the burial wires for the appropriate amp channel according to the tables below, then strip insulation from the ends of the corresponding speaker’s pigtail (see Figure 7).
- Connect the burial cable to the speaker pigtail using a wire tie (see Figure 7).
- Twist to combine all the positive (+) wires together and combine all the negative (-) wires together according to the tables below.
- Twist the provided silicone-filled wire nuts onto the combined positive wires and onto the combined negative wires, ensuring that no copper is exposed. Wrap each wire nut connection in electrical tape to protect it from moisture.
- Leave 14-16″ of excess wire at the speaker so that the wire doesn’t kink or pull taut during burial, then move to the next speaker of the same channel (left or right) along the cable.
- At the next speaker, use a round cable stripper or utility knife to remove 8″ of the outside wire jacket, exposing the two insulated wires.
- Cut the two wires for the left or right speaker (see the tables below) and strip 3/4″ of insulation on the exposed ends of the burial wires, then strip 3/4″ insulation from the ends of the corresponding speaker’s pigtail (see Figure 8).
- Create a loop of approximately 10″, and use a wire tie to hold the wire loop and speaker pigtail in place to provide strain relief (see Figure 8).
- Repeat steps 4-6 for each remaining satellite speaker along the cable. For subwoofer installation, see section 7 “Installing the Subwoofer” on the next page.
- Repeat steps 1-10 for the other amp channel.
| Polarity Burial Wire Line 1 Speaker Pigtail |
| + Positive Red |
| – Negative Black |
Left Amp Channel
| Polarity Burial Wire Line 2 Speaker Pigtail |
| + Positive Red |
| – Negative Black |
Right Amp Channel
Installing the Subwoofer
The subwoofer can be connected anywhere in the daisy chain. However, positioning the subwoofer in the middle of the daisy chain with equal spacing between the speakers will typically provide a more balanced frequency response across the listening area.
- As with the satellite speaker installation, create a loop approximately 10” in length, pulling the wire from the spool side. Leave 14-16″ of excess wire so that the wire doesn’t kink or pull taut when covering the wire with dirt in the trench. Use a wire tie to hold the wire loop in place and provide strain relief (see Figure 9).
- Twist to combine the positive wires for the right channel together, followed by the negative wires for the right channel. Repeat for the left channel wires. See the tables below for subwoofer connection reference. Do not connect the subwoofer left and right channels together in parallel.
| Polarity Burial Wire Subwoofer Coil 2 |
| + White White |
| – Green Green |
Left Amp Channel
| Polarity Burial Wire Subwoofer Coil 1 |
| + Red Red |
| – Black Black |
Right Amp Channel
IMPORTANT: The positive and negative wires must be connected correctly for both subwoofer channels (left and right). If either channel is connected in reverse, the subwoofer will not pass audio due to phase cancellation.
Bury the Subwoofer
Dig a hole with the following dimensions (see Figure 10):
- LS-80 (A x B x C): 16″ x 16″ x 6″
- LS-100: (A x B x C): 19″ x 15″ x 6″
Place the subwoofer in the hole and ensure there is about 6″ of exposed subwoofer enclosure from the ground to the bottom edge of the subwoofer canopy. It is recommended to test the system as described in section 8 “Finalizing the Installation” below before filling in the hole.
Finalizing the Installation
- With all the speakers and subwoofer properly connected, ensure the amplifier/receiver is powered off. Connect the left/right speaker wires to the matching positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the amplifier/receiver (see the amp wiring diagram in Figure 4).
- Power on the sound source and amplifier/receiver and test the system with music.
- Once it is confirmed that all the speakers and subwoofer are operating correctly, fill in the hole around the subwoofer and wire trench to complete the installation.
For support, FAQs or more information about these products, please visit www.definitivetechnology.com or scan the QR code.
LS-80 Specifications
| Speaker Type / Electrical | |
| Woofer | 8″ |
| Frequency Response (-3 dB) | 45 Hz to 105 Hz |
| Impedance | 8Ω nominal per channel x 2 channels |
| Power Handling | 200W |
| Sensitivity (2.83 V @ 1 m) | 84 dB SPL |
| Physical | |
| Enclosure Material | PE |
| Rating | IP54 rated for outdoor use |
| Product Dimensions (W x D x H) | 324 mm (12.76″) x 328 mm (12.91″) x 665 mm (26.18″) |
| Product Weight | 10.3 kg (22.8 lbs) |
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
| Speaker Type / Electrical | |
| Woofer | 10″ |
| Frequency Response (-3dB) | 40 Hz to 108 Hz |
| Impedance | 8Ω nominal per channel x 2 channels |
| Power Handling | 400W |
| Sensitivity (2.83 V @ 1 m) | 85 dB SPL |
| Physical | |
| Enclosure Material | PE |
| Rating | IP54 rated for outdoor use |
| Product Dimensions (W x D x H) | 405 mm (15.94″) x 411 mm (16.18″) x 661 mm (26.02″) |
| Product Weight | 16.1 kg (35.5 lbs) |
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Limited 5-Year Warranty (United States and Canada)
Definitive Technology, LLC (herein “Definitive”) warrants to the original purchaser only that this Definitive Loudspeaker Product (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a limited period of five (5) years from the date of original retail purchase from a Definitive Authorized Dealer. However, this Warranty will automatically terminate prior to the expiration of the five (5) years if the original retail purchaser sells or otherwise transfers the Product to any other party. The original retail purchaser shall hereinafter be referred to as “you.” To allow Definitive to offer the best possible warranty service, please visit the website on the Product Registration Card(s) and fill out the form within ten (10) days of the date of purchase.
Defective Products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid insured to the Definitive Authorized Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or an authorized service center. Products must be shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent; in any case the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by you. If upon examination at the Factory or Definitive Authorized Dealer it is determined that the Product was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this Warranty period, Definitive or the Definitive Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this Product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts and Products become the property of Definitive. Products replaced or repaired under this warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight prepaid.
This warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defect in materials or workmanship, or service, repair, or modification of the Product which has not been authorized or approved by Definitive. This warranty shall terminate if the Serial number on the Product has been removed, tampered with or defaced. This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed Warranties. If this Product is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will Definitive be liable to you for any incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the Product, even if Definitive or a Definitive Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. All implied warranties on this Product are limited to the duration of this expressed Warranty.
Some states or provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights which vary from state to state or province to province. Definitive has no liability for acts of third parties. Definitive’s liability, whether based on contract, tort, or any other theory, shall not exceed the purchase price of the Product for which a claim has been made. For U.S. warranty claims, the consumer agrees and consents that all disputes shall be resolved in accordance with California laws in San Diego County, California. Definitive reserves the right to modify this warranty statement at any time.
This Warranty applies only to Products purchased in the United States of America, its possessions, and U.S. and NATO armed forces exchanges and Canada, except Quebec. Residents of Quebec are governed by that province’s consumer protection legislation. The Warranty terms and conditions applicable to Products purchased in other countries are available from the Definitive Authorized Distributors in such countries. Please see the warranty guide specific to Products purchased in countries or territories not referenced herein.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the recommended listening area coverage for LS-80 and LS-100 subwoofers?
A: One LS-80 covers approximately 1500 square feet, and one LS-100 covers about 2000 square feet. - Q: Can I use low-voltage lighting wire as speaker wire?
A: Yes, low-voltage lighting wire can be used, but ensure it is direct-burial rated or run two pairs of wires for left and right channels if using a 2-conductor wire.
Documents / Resources
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DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY LS-80, LS-100 Subwoofers [pdf] Installation Guide LS-80, LS-100, LS-80 LS-100 Subwoofers, LS-80 LS-100, Subwoofers |
