p
R IoR to I n Stall atI on
Carefully unpack your speaker, saving the box and all of the packing material; at some point you may
need to transport, ship, or move your speaker. Before continuing with the installation, please make
sure your A/V receiver, processor, preamplifier, or amplifier's power switch is turned "OFF."
I
n Stall atI on
Please read the following to determine which installation procedure is best for your audio/video
system. For additional hook-up connections, you may want to refer to your A/V receiver, processor,
preamplifier, or amplifier's manual. NOTE: Be sure to read and observe the "Safety Instructions" on preceding
page before starting the installation.
C
onnECtIon S
As mentioned earlier, all connections should be made with the equipment turned off. Use high
quality speaker wire (16-gauge or heavier) to connect your speakers to your A/V receiver, processor,
preamplifier, or amplifier. Connect the positive terminal on the speaker (marked "+" and colored
red) to the positive terminal on the A/V receiver, processor, preamplifier, or amplifier and connect
the negative terminal on the speaker (marked "-" and colored black) to the negative terminal on the
A/V receiver, processor, preamplifier, or amplifier. In any case, make sure that the wiring polarity
remains consistent throughout the system in order to maintain correct polarity (see figure 1). Failure
to observe correct polarity will result in poor sound balance, decreased imaging, and worst of all,
decreased bass response. Refer to the owner's manual provided by your receiver/preamp/processor manufacturer.
p
(VE-5M b
l aCEMEnt
ookShElf
For left and right channels, place the speakers so that the tweeters are at ear level
(i.e., normal seated position) and are on either side of the video receiver or monitor
(see Figure 2). You can place the speakers on bookshelves or use speaker stands, which are readily
available from your local home audio retailer. For use as a rear channel surround speaker, avoid
corners of the room and experiment with different locations until you find a pleasing effect.
Refer to the owner's manual provided by your receiver/ preamp/processor manufacturer for speaker placement when
using different surround effects (i.e., Dolby Digital, DTS).
p
(VE-5C C
l aCEMEnt
EntER
Ideally, the Center Channel Speaker should be in the middle between the front left and right main
speakers and face toward the viewing area (see Figure 2). The tweeter should be at ear level (i.e.,
normal seated position). If possible, position the speaker and (left/right) bookshelf speakers to
form a straight line.
p
(VE-8, VE-12, VE-15 f
l aCEMEnt
S
)
pEakERS
Use figure 2 as an initial guide for speaker placement, keeping in mind that most rooms are far from
ideal and different speaker locations produce different sounds. If the bass is too prominent, try
moving the speakers away from the walls. If you need more bass, move the speakers closer to the
rear walls. Keep the speakers about 1 1/2 feet (45 cm) away from the sidewalls and 1 foot (30 cm)
out from the rear wall and about 6 feet (2 meters) from each other.
t
RoUb lE ShootI ng
S
C
ymptom
auSe
Distortion with volume
underpowered
control on receiver/
receiver/amplifier clips audio
amplifier near
signals
maximum
tone controls are set too high
Defective receiver or
Distortion with volume
preamplifier; shorted speaker
control near minimum
wires
Distortion on music
Dynamic soundtrack (e.g.,
peaks or sound
explosions)
effects
Connecting wires with power
Buzz, hum, or crackle
on causes transient signal
when connecting
spikes
wires
Grounding problem or ground
Buzz or hum when
loop
system is on
no sound after
amplifier's thermal protection is
listening at high levels
on
S
)
pEakERS
C
S
)
hannEl
pEakERS
-S
looR
tanD I n g
S
olution
turn down volume control on
receiver/amplifier
Set bass flat; use controls
sparingly
Repair defective receiver,
preamplifier or replace
speaker wires
turn down volume control to
lower overall range; use a
more powerful
receiver/amplifier
Connect wires only when
audio system power is off
Check receiver or
preamplifier manual for
ground loop elimination
turn down volume control
and allow amplifier to cool
down; sound should resume
automatically
R
a
ooM
CoUStI C S
A room's size, shape, and furnishings will greatly influence the overall sound of an
Audio/Video Sound System. However, you can optimize the sound potential of your A/V
system in the following ways:
• Keep the path from the speakers to the viewing area free from obstructions
(e.g., furniture, potted plants, etc.).
• If the room is "live" (e.g., plaster walls, wood floors, glass windows, etc.) and produces
echoes, try closing the drapes, adding a throw rug, or consider using sound-absorbing
panels.
• Cerwin-Vega! Audio/Video systems can produce intense low frequencies, so don't
be surprised to initially hear rattles and buzzes coming from furniture and other
objects; try repositioning or removing offending suspects (e.g., vase on mantle) or
placing felt pads under vibrating items.
polaRIty
A/V Receiver/Processor/Preamplifier
+
-
SpEakER plaCEMEnt
Caution! This product is designed for specific placement. Do not suspend, hang or wall mount an VE-5M
or VE-5C with any brackets, cables, chains or hooks. Place these components only on bookshelves,
appropriate stands, or on top of a television /monitor.
The VE-8, VE-12, and VE-15 speakers are intended for floor placement only! Do not place heavy
objects of any type, such as televisions on top of any Cerwin-Vega! speaker unless otherwise recommended
by Cerwin-Vega!! VE Series speakers are for residential applications only.
1
Figure 1
POLARI TY
Speaker Inputs
SPEAKER I N
+
-