Sonance D8 Subwoofer Instruction Manual
Important Safety Information
IMPORTANT: READ ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU INSTALL OR OPERATE YOUR SUBWOOFER AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR LATER USE.
- Read Instructions: All safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the unit.
- Retain Instructions: Safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
- Heed Warnings: All warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
- Follow Instructions: All operating and use instructions should be followed.
- Water and Moisture: The unit should not be used near water (e.g., bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, wet basement, swimming pool).
- Carts and Stands: Use only with a cart or stand recommended by the manufacturer. Move with care to prevent overturning.
- CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, do not use the subwoofer's polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlets unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
- Ventilation: Ensure the unit is situated so its location does not interfere with proper ventilation. Avoid built-in installations like bookcases or cabinets that may impede airflow over the back plate.
- Heat: Situate the unit away from heat sources like radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-producing appliances.
- Power Sources: Connect only to the power supply type described in the instructions or marked on the unit.
- Accessories and Attachments: Use only accessories and attachments specified by the manufacturer.
- Grounding or Polarization: Take precautions so that the grounding or polarization means of the unit is not defeated.
- Power Cord Protection: Route power cords to prevent them from being walked on or pinched. Pay attention to cords at plugs, receptacles, and where they exit the controller.
- Cleaning: Clean the unit only as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Non-Use Periods: Unplug the power cord from the outlet when left unused for a long period.
- Object and Liquid Entry: Take care that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
- Damage Requiring Service: The unit should be serviced by qualified personnel when:
- The power cord or plug is damaged.
- Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit.
- The unit has been exposed to rain.
- The unit does not operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.
- The unit has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service the unit beyond instructions. Refer all other servicing to qualified personnel.
Warning Symbols:
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, alerts the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle alerts the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions.
WEEE Compliance: In accordance with the European Union WEEE directive, this product may contain regulated materials requiring special reuse and recycling processing. Contact your local Sonance distributor for collection and recycling information.
FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Design and Features
The Sonance D8 Wireless Subwoofer delivers powerful low-distortion bass and fits easily into your room's décor. It features two opposing 8" square drivers, wireless connectivity, and SonARC DSP technology for room-shaking bass from a sleek, ultra-compact cabinet.
Features
- Sleek Black Aluminum Cabinet with Black Cloth Grille or White Aluminum Cabinet with Gray Cloth Grille for Elegant and Minimalistic Aesthetic
- Sealed Amp Plate
- Wireless and Hard Wired Connection Options
- Made for Music and Movies
- Built-in Wireless Receiver
- 16 Bands of Adjustable Equalization
- Dual 8" Square Drivers
- Woven Glass Fiber Cone
- App Controlled SonARC Room Correction and Setup
Box Contents
- 1 Sonance D8 Subwoofer
- 4 Removable rubber feet
- 1 IEC power cord (115V versions only)
Subwoofer Placement
Sonance Subwoofers feature app-driven room correction, allowing placement in various room locations. Since deep bass frequencies are not directional to the ear, subwoofer placement is less critical than for other speakers. Follow these guidelines and experiment for best performance.
Start with the subwoofer in line with your left and right speakers, between the speaker and the side wall (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Start with the Subwoofer located between a Main Speaker and the Side Wall. (Diagram shows a room layout with a subwoofer positioned between a main speaker and a side wall.)
Subwoofer location relative to walls influences bass output: placing it next to a wall increases bass, while a corner maximizes it. Corner placement can cause standing waves (peaks and dips in bass response), leading to uneven bass performance. Experiment with different locations to find one that produces clear, impactful bass at your seating positions.
Your local authorized Sonance dealer is an expert in audio/video system planning and installation. Consult them for optimal performance.
NOTE: THESE SUBWOOFERS CAN PRODUCE ENOUGH BASS ENERGY TO CAUSE OBJECTS IN THE ROOM TO RATTLE OR BUZZ DURING PASSAGES WITH VERY STRONG BASS. IF THIS HAPPENS, TRY RELOCATING THE ITEMS. IF THAT FAILS TO STOP THE RATTLING YOU MAY HAVE TO REMOVE OR SECURE THE ITEMS.
Installing the Subwoofer Flush to a Wall or Cabinet
To ensure proper ventilation when installing the D8 Subwoofer flush, leave at least 1" clearance around the top and sides, and 1" clearance behind it. If clearance is limited, install a fan to provide cooling air to the rear compartment.
Subwoofer Bottom Amp Plate
Figure 2 shows the controls and connections on the subwoofer's bottom amp plate.
Figure 2: Subwoofer Bottom Amp Plate Controls and Connections. (Diagram shows the rear panel of the subwoofer with labels for: Wireless Sync, Line Level Input, Speaker Level Input, Input Select, Status, Volume, Crossover, Phase, Fuse, Power Switch, Power Cord Connection, Ground Lift.)
Subwoofer Connections
Power Connection
The Sonance D8 Subwoofer has a removable IEC power connector. Plug the power cord into the subwoofer's rear panel and then into a grounded wall socket. Do NOT plug into a convenience outlet on another audio/video component.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT PLUG THE POWER CORD INTO THE WALL OUTLET UNTIL ALL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AND VERIFIED.
NOTE: If using an extension cord, use only a heavy-duty (14-gauge or larger) cord to ensure adequate current for full power operation.
NOTE: DO NOT PLUG THE POWER CORD INTO A POWER CONDITIONER OR UPS SYSTEM.
Audio Connections
The D8 Subwoofer offers flexible connections for various audio system configurations.
Line Level
Connect the subwoofer's line level input to a surround processor/receiver's dedicated subwoofer LFE output or a stereo preamp/integrated amplifier's left and right variable main outputs. Use the LEFT/LFE input if your receiver has a subwoofer output jack.
Speaker Level Input
Connect the subwoofer's speaker inputs to the speaker outputs of a receiver or integrated amp that lacks line-level outputs or a dedicated subwoofer output.
NOTE: For speaker inputs, use a minimum of 16-gauge wire for lengths up to 500', and 14-gauge for lengths up to 1,000'.
Wireless Input
The D8 Subwoofer includes a built-in wireless receiver compatible with the Sonance Wireless Transmitter (SKU 93360, sold separately). To link, connect line level inputs from the transmitter to your processor/receiver. Power on both units. Press and hold the PAIR button on the transmitter until its LED blinks blue. Within 30 seconds, press and hold the Wireless SYNC button on the subwoofer's bottom until the transmitter's LED turns solid blue. The units are now paired.
Connection Examples
Follow the example that best suits your audio system. Preference is given to the most ideal method first. If multiple methods apply, use the most suitable one.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT CONNECT THE SUBWOOFER'S LINE INPUTS AND SPEAKER INPUTS SIMULTANEOUSLY.
Option 1: Surround sound processor, surround sound receiver, or stereo preamp with a dedicated subwoofer output (see Figure 3)
Figure 3: Connecting to a Surround Processor's Subwoofer Output. (Diagram shows a surround processor/receiver connected via audio cable to the D8 Subwoofer's LEFT/LFE input.)
Connect the processor's dedicated subwoofer output to the LEFT/LFE input jack. For dual subwoofers, use a 'Y' connector.
Option 2: Stereo preamp/power amp combination or an integrated amplifier with pre out and line level input jacks (see Figure 4)
Figure 4: Connecting between a Stereo Preamp/Integrated Amp. (Diagram shows a stereo preamp/integrated amp connected via audio cable to both of the D8 Subwoofer's line level input jacks.)
Connect the preamp/integrated amplifier's left and right main outputs to both of the subwoofer's line level input jacks.
Option 3: Integrated amplifier with left and right line-level outputs but no main in or amp in jacks (see Figure 5)
Figure 5: Connecting to a Integrated Amp with Line Output. (Diagram shows an integrated amplifier connected via stereo audio cable to the D8 Subwoofer's left and right line input jacks.)
Use a stereo audio cable to connect the integrated amplifier's left and right line outputs to the subwoofer's left and right line input jacks. For dual subwoofers, connect the left output to the first subwoofer's left input and the right output to the second subwoofer's right input.
Option 4: Receiver or integrated amplifier with no line-level outputs (see Figure 6)
Figure 6: Connecting to a Receiver or Integrated Amp with no Line-Level Outputs. (Diagram shows a receiver/integrated amp connected via speaker wire to the D8 Subwoofer's speaker inputs.)
Use speaker wire to connect the receiver/integrated amplifier's left and right speaker outputs to the subwoofer's left and right speaker inputs.
Option 5: Wireless connectivity using the Sonance Wireless Transmitter (see Figure 7)
Figure 7: Connecting using the Sonance Wireless Transmitter. (Diagram shows the Sonance Wireless Transmitter connected to a source, and the D8 Subwoofer receiving wirelessly.)
Follow the pairing instructions in the "Wireless Input" section above. The Sonance Wireless Transmitter has a range of 30' in standard residential construction.
Input Select
Identify the input being used for the subwoofer connection and switch the input select toggle to the appropriate input (see Figure 8).
Figure 8: Subwoofer Adjustments. (Diagram shows the input select toggle switch on the subwoofer.)
IMPORTANT: NO SIGNAL WILL BE PASSED IF THE INPUT SELECT BUTTON IS NOT PROPERLY SELECTED.
Subwoofer Adjustments
SonARC For Subwoofers
The D8 Subwoofer includes SonARC, an app-driven room correction software for tuning the subwoofer to its environment. Download the free app from the Apple App Store (iOS devices). For more information, visit www.sonance.com/sonarc.
NOTE: WHEN USING THIRD-PARTY ROOM CORRECTION SOFTWARE, BE SURE TO PERFORM THE SONANCE AUTOMATIC ROOM CORRECTION APP (SONARC) ADJUSTMENTS FIRST.
Volume Adjustments
The VOLUME control sets the subwoofer's output level. Adjust by ear to achieve balanced bass for music and films. Listen to various recordings with strong bass passages and set the VOLUME to avoid over-emphasizing or weakening the bass (see Figure 9).
Figure 9: Subwoofer Adjustments. (Diagram shows the Volume, Crossover, and Phase controls on the subwoofer.)
For precise volume setting, use calibrated test tones and a sound-pressure level (SPL) meter or real-time analyzer. Set the VOLUME control so the subwoofer plays at the same volume as the system's other speakers.
Crossover Adjustments
The crossover control adjusts the subwoofer's internal crossover frequency between 50Hz and 250Hz, with an 18dB/octave slope. A higher setting means the subwoofer operates at higher frequencies. Use this control to achieve a smooth bass transition between the subwoofer and main speakers. Generally, set it lower if main speakers have larger woofers, and higher if they have smaller woofers.
Listen for smooth bass. If bass is too strong at certain frequencies (especially with larger woofers in main speakers), try a lower crossover setting. If bass is too weak, try a higher setting. Ideally, set the crossover to the frequency where your main speakers' low-frequency response rolloff is -3dB.
Phase Adjustments
The PHASE switch (0° or 180°) affects the woofer cone's movement direction. A 0° setting moves the cone outward; a 180° setting moves it inward.
The correct setting depends on subwoofer and speaker placement relative to the listening position. Experiment with both settings while listening to music with significant bass to determine which produces audibly louder bass with more impact.
Ground Lift
The D8 Subwoofer features a ground lift switch to eliminate grounding issues. Switch from "Isolated" to "Grounded" to reduce ground current and induced noises. Safety is not affected (see Figure 10).
Replacing the AC Fuse
The subwoofer is factory-equipped with a fuse. For 115V versions, it's T5AL/250VAC. For 230V versions, consult the specifications.
To replace the fuse: unplug the power cord, then use a screwdriver to remove the fuse holder (see Figure 10).
Figure 10: Power Cord Connector & Fuse Holder. (Diagram shows the rear of the subwoofer with the power cord connector and fuse holder.)
CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE, REPLACE THE FUSE WITH ONLY THE SAME TYPE AND RATING.
Power Connection (Repeat from earlier section, but context is here for fuse): The Sonance D8 Subwoofer has a removable IEC power connector. Plug the female end into the subwoofer's rear panel and the male end into a grounded wall socket. Do NOT plug into a convenience outlet on another audio/video component.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT PLUG THE POWER CORD INTO THE WALL OUTLET UNTIL ALL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AND VERIFIED.
NOTE: If using an extension cord, use only a heavy-duty (14-gauge or larger) cord to avoid starving the subwoofer of necessary current for full-power operation.
Specifications
| Model: | D8 |
| SKU: | Black 93359, White 93374 |
| Unit of Measure: | Each |
| Woofer: | Two 8" (203mm) ultra long throw, glass fiber cone, rubber surround |
| Frequency Response: | 32Hz - 250Hz ±3dB |
| Enclosure Material: | Extruded aluminum with a matte black finish |
| Power Output: | 300 watts RMS (600 watts peak) |
| Inputs: | Line-level, speaker-level and low latency wireless |
| Controls: | Crossover, phase and bypass |
| DSP: | App controlled Sonarc automatic |
| Dimensions with Feet (W x H x D): | 7 1/2" x 8" x 9" (191mm x 203mm x 229mm) |
| Grille Material: | In-room equalization |
| Shipping Weight: | 15.65 lbs (7.10kg) |
Diagram showing dimensions: (Diagram shows a subwoofer with labels for Height, Width, and Depth.)
CAD files available for download at www.sonance.com/d8/subwoofers.
Limited Five (5) Year Warranty
Sonance warrants this product to the first end-user purchaser, when bought from an authorized Sonance Dealer/Distributor, to be free from defective workmanship and materials for the period stated. Sonance will, at its option and expense, repair or replace the Product with a new or remanufactured Product or a reasonable equivalent.
Exclusions
To the extent permitted by law, this warranty is exclusive of all other warranties, express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for use, and fitness for a particular purpose. No one is authorized to modify these warranties.
Sonance shall not be liable for consequential, incidental, economic, property, bodily injury, or personal injury damages arising from the product or breach of warranty.
This warranty grants specific legal rights, and other rights may vary by state. Some states do not allow exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of remedies.
Product Model and Description: Sonance D8 Subwoofer
Warranty Period: Five (5) years from the date of original sales receipt or invoice.
Additional Limitations and Exclusions: Warranty is non-transferable, applies only to initial installation, and does not cover damage from accident, disaster, negligence, improper installation, misuse (e.g., overdriving, excessive heat/cold/humidity), or unauthorized service or repair.
Obtaining Authorized Service: To qualify for warranty service, contact your authorized Sonance Dealer/Installer or Sonance Customer Service at (949) 492-7777. Obtain a return merchandise number (RMA) and ship the product prepaid with proof of purchase.
©2018 Sonance. All rights reserved. Sonance is a registered trademark of Dana Innovations.
For continuous product improvement, features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Visit www.sonance.com for the latest information.
Sonance, 991 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente, CA 92673 USA. Phone: (949) 492-7777. FAX: (949) 361-5151. Technical Support: (949) 492-7777. www.sonance.com.
