Harman Kardon HK695 Stereo System User Manual
Introduction
The HK695 Audio System represents the latest innovation from Harman Kardon, a long-standing leader in high-end component and computer audio systems. This system benefits from Harman Kardon's extensive audio heritage and continuous research, incorporating unique technologies.
Key technologies include Vmax, an audio image-processing algorithm that supports both two and four-channel sound cards, creating a four-speaker sound field from two speakers using a head-related transfer function. For two-channel sound cards, it enhances stereo imaging.
The Harman Multimedia Odyssey I transducer is central to the HK695 Audio System. This full-range transducer is designed for small speaker enclosures, delivering significant mid-bass. Its inverted aluminum cone provides performance comparable to tweeters in multimedia speakers, resulting in satellite speakers that integrate well with the subwoofer, offering superior midrange and highs.
The Magnum series subwoofer transducer provides deep bass. These woofers are specifically designed to complement the Harman Multimedia Odyssey I transducers, with an emphasis on solid bass from a compact enclosure.
The system features '+' and '-' buttons on the top of the control/right speaker for volume adjustment. Brief presses change volume incrementally, while holding the button down adjusts volume more rapidly. Treble, Bass, and Surround level knobs are located on the top of the subwoofer. A system on/off switch is on the rear of the subwoofer.
The system includes two desktop satellite speakers and a subwoofer. Both satellites and the subwoofer are magnetically shielded to protect against computer monitor image distortion.
Safety Instructions
⚠️ WARNING: Use of controls, adjustments, or procedures other than those specified in this documentation may result in exposure to shock, electrical hazards, and/or mechanical hazards.
- Read all safety and operating instructions thoroughly before operating the audio system.
- Retain instructions for future reference.
- Heed all warnings on the audio system and in the operating instructions.
- Follow all operating and use instructions.
- TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK: DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK). There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified Dell™ Computer Corporation service personnel.
- Do not expose the speakers to liquid or solvent.
- Never remove grille covers for servicing. The speaker system contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to the Dell™ Computer Technical Support Group.
- Do not expose the speaker system to extreme temperatures or humidity, direct sunlight, excessive dust, or vibrations.
- Place the speaker system on a stable, level surface. Do not drop, apply excessive force to controls, or place heavy objects on top.
- For cleaning, use a soft dry cloth. If necessary, use a damp cloth without solvents.
- To protect the speaker system, avoid microphone feedback, continuous output from electronic musical instruments, or distorted output from any signal source.
- Do not place speakers near fluorescent light sources or neon light fixtures.
- Although magnetically shielded, keep magnetic storage media (disks and tapes) at least four inches from the product to avoid data loss.
- ⚠️ WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this speaker system to rain or moisture.
Setup
Unpacking the Speakers
Carefully unpack your speaker system and identify all components:
- Control/Right Satellite speaker
- Auxiliary/Left Satellite speaker
- Subwoofer with attached power and audio input cables
The Harman Kardon HK695 system consists of a central subwoofer unit and two satellite speakers. The subwoofer is a cylindrical unit with controls on top and connections on the rear. The satellite speakers are smaller, upright units.
Connect the speaker system as shown in the connection illustrations. Once properly connected, turn on the power switch located on the rear of the subwoofer.
Connecting the Speaker System to the Computer
For Integrated Sound Solution or Stereo Sound Card: Connect the green connector from the subwoofer into the green jack on the computer. The black connector is not used; leave the rubber cap on to prevent static.
For Multi-Channel Sound Card: Connect the green connector from the subwoofer into the green jack on the computer and connect the black connector from the speaker into the black jack on the computer.
For Portable Computer: Connect the green connector from the subwoofer into the headphone jack on the computer. The black connector is not used; leave the rubber cap on to prevent static.
Step 2: Plug the orange connector from the right/control satellite into the orange jack on the subwoofer.
Step 3: Plug the brown connector from the left satellite into the brown jack on the subwoofer.
Step 4: Plug the AC plug into the wall outlet.
Step 5: Turn on the speaker set and adjust the volume.
Connection Diagram Description: The diagrams illustrate connecting the speaker system to various computer sound outputs. They show color-coded audio connectors (green, orange, brown, black) being plugged into corresponding jacks on the computer sound card or headphone port, and then connecting the satellite speakers to the subwoofer. The final steps show plugging the AC adapter into a wall outlet and turning the system ON.
Placement of Speakers
The speakers are magnetically shielded and can be placed close to a computer monitor without distorting the image. For optimal stereo imaging, separate the speakers by a distance equal to your distance from them.
The subwoofer's sound is non-directional, allowing flexible placement. It is also magnetically shielded and can be placed on the desktop. However, placing the subwoofer too close to a computer monitor may cause vibration on the screen.
Placement Diagram Description: A diagram shows the two satellite speakers positioned on either side of a computer monitor, with the subwoofer placed on the desk to the side. This illustrates optimal stereo imaging and proximity to the monitor.
Using the Speaker System
On/Off Switch
An on/off switch is located on the rear of the subwoofer. There are green LEDs on top of each satellite speaker and on the top of the subwoofer. All three LEDs should illuminate when the system is correctly connected and receiving power.
Turn the speaker off if it will not be used for a long period.
On/Off Switch Diagram Description: An image shows the rear of the subwoofer with the ON/OFF switch clearly labeled.
Volume Control
The volume control is located on the top of the control/right satellite speaker. Pressing the right [+] button increases the volume in 2.0 dB increments. Holding the button down for over 0.5 seconds increases the volume continuously at 20 dB per second. Pressing the left [-] button decreases the volume in 2.0 dB increments. Holding it down decreases volume continuously at 20 dB per second until muted.
The system retains the volume setting when mute is turned off and restores the last setting when turned back on.
Volume Control Diagram Description: A diagram shows the '+' and '-' buttons on the top of the control/right satellite speaker, indicating their function for increasing and decreasing volume.
Muting
Pushing the left and right buttons simultaneously on the top of the right speaker mutes the audio. Power remains on, indicated by illuminated LEDs. Pushing either the left or right button, or both simultaneously, will restore the volume to its previous level.
Controls on the Subwoofer
The subwoofer has three knobs for tone and effects level control: Bass, Treble, and Surround.
- Bass: Turn the Bass knob clockwise to increase subwoofer level, counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Treble: Turn the Treble knob clockwise to increase treble level, counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Surround: Turn the Surround knob clockwise to increase surround level, counterclockwise to decrease it. Turning this knob fully counterclockwise disables the surround mode.
Subwoofer Controls Diagram Description: A diagram shows the top of the subwoofer with three labeled knobs: Bass, Treble, and Surround.
Diagnostics
A diagnostic system is built into the Harman Kardon HK695 Audio System to help with setup and troubleshooting.
To test the front speaker channel: Disconnect all speaker cables from the sound card. Plug the green connector into the 'DIAG' jack on the rear of the subwoofer. This generates a test tone that sweeps from 40Hz to 400Hz through the subwoofer and satellites.
To test the rear speaker channel input: Plug the black connector into the 'DIAG' jack on the rear of the subwoofer. The test tone may sound different due to surround characteristics.
After testing, unplug the cable from the 'DIAG' jack and reconnect the audio cable to the correct soundcard output jack.
While in diagnostic mode, the -/+ controls adjust the volume of the diagnostic tone.
If the test tone is heard from all speakers, the system is working correctly. If not, consult the troubleshooting section.
Diagnostic Connection Diagram Description: Diagrams show the rear of the subwoofer with the 'DIAG' jack. They illustrate plugging the green connector into the 'DIAG' jack for front channel testing and the black connector for rear channel testing.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible Problem | Solution | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| No sound from Speakers | No power to unit. |
| Check green power LED on the subwoofer. If OFF, power is not reaching the system. Try the solutions. ⚠️ WARNING: Unplug the speaker system from the electrical outlet before replacing the fuse. |
| Is the control/right satellite of your HK695 Audio system plugged in correctly? |
| There is an LED located in the top of each satellite speaker. These should both be lit. If they are, your speakers are plugged in correctly. | |
| Distortion (static, crackling or hissing sounds) | Volume level may be set low or muted. |
| Assuming power has been verified, engage the self-test by removing the audio connector(s) from the sound source output(s) and connecting it to the "DIAG" jack. |
| Noise may be caused by interference from the monitor. | Turn monitor off to see if noise is eliminated. Move speaker cables farther away from monitor. | ||
| Speaker is being overdriven by an amplified audio source. | Ensure speaker is connected to the appropriate receptacle. Check color-coding on connectors and ensure all signal cables are inserted snugly. | ||
| Volume level on sound card may be too high. | Check volume of sound card via Windows Volume Control. | Disconnect speaker input cable (green connector) from sound card and plug into CD ROM headphone jack. If static is eliminated, troubleshoot the soundcard. | |
| Sound card or audio source material may be cause of problem. | Check speakers with another audio source, such as a portable CD player. | ||
| Too much bass or treble. | Are the speaker mode settings optimized? | Set each of the three knobs (treble, bass, surround) on top of the subwoofer to their center/nominal positions. | |
| Bass/Treble level is set too high. | Turn Bass/Treble down or return their settings to the nominal position. | ||
| Subwoofer emits a loud hum or buzzing noise. | Input cables not plugged in properly. | Check input cable connection. | |
| Speaker System emits a loud hum or buzzing noise when used with a stereo only (not multichannel) soundcard. | Replace the rubber cover or otherwise insulate the rear audio connector so it cannot contact any metallic surfaces. | The redundant rear (black) audio connector is not protected by the rubber cover and is touching the computer system. | |
| Speaker system experiences radio frequency interference or picks up a radio station. | Wrap up excess input cable to make it as short as possible. Purchase a ferrite clamp and attach over input cable. | Input cable may be picking up interference. A clamp can be purchased at your local electronics store. |
Getting Help
If troubleshooting procedures in this document do not resolve the problem, contact Dell™ Computer Corporation for technical assistance (refer to the "Getting Help" section in your system documentation). For information about your Dell™ warranty, see your Dell™ system documentation.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Harman International |
| Model Number | harman/kardon HK695 Audio System |
| Drivers (satellite) | Two Odyssey |
| Drivers (subwoofer) | One 5.25 inch woofer |
| Power (satellite) | 6 Watts per satellite @ 1% THD+N |
| Power (subwoofer) | 28 Watts @ 1% THD+N |
| Crossover Frequency (subwoofer) | 180 Hz |
| Dimensions: Width (Satellite) | 3.5 inches |
| Dimensions: Width (Subwoofer) | 11.75 inches |
| Dimensions: Depth (Satellite) | 5.75 inches |
| Dimensions: Depth (Subwoofer) | 11.75 inches |
| Dimensions: Height (Satellite) | 11.5 inches |
| Dimensions: Height (Subwoofer) | 13 inches |
| Input Impedance | 5k- 10k Ohm |
| Signal-to-Noise ratio | >70 dB |
| Frequency Response | 35 – 20 kHz |
| Input Sensitivity | 300-400 mV rms. for rated power output |
| USA/Canada Power | 120 volts, 60Hz AC |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 120 watts |
| Approvals | UL/CUL/CE Approved |
Regulatory Information
FCC Statement and Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANUFACTURER COULD VOID THE USER AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT UNDER FCC RULES.
