User manual B&W NAUTILUS 805

[. . . ] Your NautilusTM800 Series speakers are precision transducers incorporating many innovative techniques unique to B&W and capable of reproducing recorded sound to the highest standards. So that they may perform at their best, it is essential to take time and care with the installation process. In particular, you must regard the listening room as an extension of the speaker. The acoustic character of the room can have a profound effect on the final sound quality. [. . . ] The terminals are insulated to prevent any likelihood of electrical shock, even when the speakers are used with the highest powered amplifiers, and accept a variety of cable termination to suit most applications. Separate cables from the amplifier to each pair of terminals. the separation of the signal paths improves the resolution of lowlevel detail and allows the user to optimise the type of cable to the frequency range of use. Should you not want to bi-wire, perhaps during the initial set-up procedure or because you do not want to see a multitude of cables in the room, short cables are provided to link both positive and both negative speaker terminals together. When using the links, insert the spade into the slot in the side of one terminal and the crimped pin into the round side hole in the other. There is enough clearance to insert a spade connector from the amplifier into the same terminal as the crimped pin. ensure each positive terminal on the speaker (coloured red) is connected to the positive output terminal of the amplifier and negative (coloured black) to negative. Incorrect connection can result in poor imaging and loss of bass. When bi-wiring, do not use the linking cables. Take extra care with the polarity of the connections as incorrect connection can also impair the frequency response through the bass-midrange crossover and, if the links are left in place, may cause damage to the amplifier by shorting its output terminals. For the most discerning listening, remove the cloth covered grille as described below in the section "Aftercare". The tweeter is very delicate and its grille should be left in position for protection. For this reason the grille retaining ring is designed to provide the optimum acoustic environment for the unit and the response is less smooth with the grille removed. Ask your dealer for advice on the best cable for your needs. If you wish to use an aerosol cleaner, remove the grille first by gently pulling it away from the cabinet. Spray onto the cleaning cloth, not directly onto the cabinet. The grille fabric may be cleaned with a normal clothes brush whilst the grille is detached from the cabinet. The surface of the tweeter housing will benefit from the use of an anti-static cleaner. do not attempt to remove the tweeter grille. Avoid touching the drive unit diaphragms, especially the tweeter, as damage may result. The performance of the speaker will change subtly during the initial listening period. If the speaker has been stored in a cold environment, the damping compounds and suspension materials of the drive units will take some time to recover their correct mechanical properties. [. . . ] Try mounting the speakers along a different wall. Even moving large pieces of furniture can have an effect. If the central image is poor, try moving the speakers closer together or toeing them in so they point at or just in front of the listeners. (figure 4) If the sound is too harsh, increase the amount of soft furnishing in the room (for example use heavier curtains), or reduce it if the sound is dull and lifeless. [. . . ]