DALI SUB E-9 F 9 Inch Active Subwoofer Instruction Manual

: August 20, 2024
: DALI

Table of Contents

SUB E-9 F 9 Inch Active Subwoofer
INTRODUCTION
UNPACKING
POSITIONING
CONNECTION
INSTALLING AND ADJUSTING
RUNNING-IN
OVERLOADING
MAINTENANCE
DISPOSAL
AMPLIFIER BACK PLATE (SEE FIGURE 1)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
References
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DALI SUB E-9 F
MANUAL

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DALI SUB E-9 F front grille

SUB E-9 F 9 Inch Active Subwoofer

FIGURE 1

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE BACK PANEL.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

The lightning ﬂash within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of non insulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufﬁcient magnitude to constitute an electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Read instructions – all the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
Retain instructions – the safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed warnings – all warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow instructions – all operating and use instructions should be followed.
Water and moisture – the appliance should not be used near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool and the like.
Carts and stands – the appliance should be used only with a cart or stand if recommended by the manufacturer.
Wall or ceiling mounting – the appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Ventilation – the appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built- in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the ﬂow of air through the ventilation openings.
Heat – the appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.
Power sources – the appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
Power cord protection – power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed on or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from appliance. Appliance coupler serves as disconnecting device.
Cleaning – do not use any liquid cleaners. Use only a dry cloth to wipe off dust and grease.
Non-use periods – the power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
Object and liquid entry – care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
Damage requiring service – the appliance should be serviced by qualiﬁed personnel when:
a) The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
b) Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
c) The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
d) The appliance does not appear to operate normally, or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
e) The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Servicing – the user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the opera ting instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualiﬁed service personnel.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your new DALI SUB E-9 F subwoofer. Please read this manual thoroughly before unpacking and installing the subwoofer in order to get the most from your purchase.
You can ﬁnd more information on our website: www.dali- speakers.com or by contacting your authorised DALI dealer.
Remember to sign up for the DALI newsletter at www.dali- speakers.com.
Enjoy!

UNPACKING

Be careful not to damage the contents when unpacking the parts. Check that all parts are included in the cardboard box (see Table 1). Keep the packaging materials in case your speaker needs to be relocated or serviced.
NOTE: The DALI SUB E-9 F is sold without a front grille. A front grill is available as an accessory from you DALI dealer.

POSITIONING

Both the amount and quality of the deep bass depend on the size and shape of the room, the position of the subwoofer(s) and the main speakers. If positioned near a side or back wall, the bass will be accentuated. A corner position will accentuate it even more, and we recommend this position, as it increases the maximum bass output while simultaneously reducing the risk of overloading your subwoofer.
DALI SUB E-9 F features a front-ﬁring woofer, a down-ﬁring bass port and, at the rear side of the subwoofer, an ampliﬁer metal plate which can become hot when the subwoofer is powered.
Make sure that the woofer and the bass port are not blocked or covered. Ensure that there is a minimum distance of 5 cm / 2” between the metal plate and the nearest object in the room to secure a free airﬂow.

CONNECTION

DALI SUB E-9 F has a built-in power ampliﬁer with an active crossover. The inputs of the subwoofer ampliﬁer should be connected to your stereo or surround sound (pre-) ampliﬁer/ receiver using a RCA cable (sold separately).

NOTE: When changing connections, always disconnect the mains voltage from the subwoofer to prevent damage.
The subwoofer can be connected to your stereo or surround sound ampliﬁer/receiver in two ways:

LINE input: The signal from the ampliﬁer is low pass ﬁltered inside the subwoofer using one or both of the LINE INPUTS. This way of connecting the subwoofer is typically used for connecting to a stereo ampliﬁer/receiver.
LFE input: The signal from the ampliﬁer is already ﬁltered inside the ampliﬁer when using the LFE input connector. This way of connecting the subwoofer is typically used for surround sound (A/V receiver) setups.

NOTE: When the subwoofer is connected to the music/home cinema system, do not power up the subwoofer until all other components are “ON”.

4.1 STEREO CONNECTIONS
If you want to use DALI SUB E-9 F in a stereo setup, your stereo (pre-) ampliﬁer/receiver should have either a set of stereo RCA line outputs or a mono RCA line output available (please refer to the instruction manual of your stereo (pre-)ampliﬁer/receiver). The line output connector(s) of your stereo (pre-)ampliﬁer/receiver must be connected to the LINE INPUT connectors (L+R) of the subwoofer via one or two RCA cables (sold separately).

4.2 SURROUND SOUND CONNECTIONS
4.2.1 LINE INPUT
Use the LINE INPUT connectors L or R if you want to adjust the subwoofer frequency output using the DALI SUB E-9 F crossover control.
To use this option, connect the subwoofer output connector(s) of your surround sound (pre-) ampliﬁer/receiver with the LINE INPUT connectors on the subwoofer using an RCA cable (sold separately). If the surround sound (pre-)ampliﬁer/receiver has only one subwoofer output connector, connect it to the LINE INPUT L connector (white) of the subwoofer using an RCA cable.
Please refer to chapter “5.0 Installing and Adjusting” for instructions on how to make the adjustments.
4.2.2 LFE INPUT
Use the LFE input connector (black), if you want to adjust the subwoofer output from your surround sound (pre-) ampliﬁer/receiver. When the LFE input connector is used, the built-in crossovers are bypassed and the crossover control will not be functioning.
To use this option, connect the surround sound (pre-) ampliﬁer/receiver subwoofer output to the LFE input connector on the DALI SUB E-9 F with an RCA cable (sold separately).
Please refer to the instruction manual of your surround sound (pre-) ampliﬁer/receiver on how to adjust the crossover settings.

4.3 USING TWO DALI SUB E-9 F SUBWOOFERS
In most cases you will achieve excellent results with one DALI SUB E-9 F. Use of two subwoofers is possible as a no-compromise stereo solution, or for reproduction of very powerful sound pressures in a stereo or surround setup in larger rooms.
The connections are basically the same as stated in previous chapters, but for stereo setup you should only connect the left channel output connector of your stereo or surround (pre-) ampliﬁer/receiver to the LINE INPUT L connector on the DALI SUB E-9 F placed to the left in your room. In a similar way you should connect the right channel output connector of your stereo or surround (pre-) ampliﬁer/receiver to the LINE INPUT R connector on the DALI SUB E-9 F placed to the right in your room.
For a surround setup, split the output signal from your surround sound (pre-) ampliﬁer/receiver using a RCA splitter (sold separately) and connect the two outputs. In all other respects, follow the instructions above – but use separate channels. Please consult your authorised DALI dealer if you have further questions.

INSTALLING AND ADJUSTING

Start by checking that the voltage of your mains output corresponds to the indication on the back of your DALI SUB E-9 F.
WARNING: If the wrong voltage is supplied, there is a serious risk that the electronics of the subwoofer will suffer permanent damage.
After checking the VOLTAGE, connect the mains cable and move the POWER switch to ‘ON’. The subwoofer is adjusted using the controls on the rear side of the subwoofer (see chapter “10.0
Ampliﬁer Back Plate”) in accordance with the following tuning method which will help you achieve the best results: Play a piece of music you know well, preferably one including rhythmic bass such as kettle drums, bass guitar etc.
Since the performance is highly dependent on the main speakers, the listening room, the subwoofer position in the room and your personal preferences, we recommend experimenting with different settings to achieve the best listening results rather than giving any speciﬁc advice on settings.

NOTE: The position of the subwoofer will signiﬁcantly affect its contribution to the overall sound (see chapter “3.0 Positioning”). When you have decided which method of connection you want to use and you have positioned the subwoofer, you can begin the process of tuning the system.

You are now ready to adjust your DALI SUB E-9 F.

5.1 PHASE SETTING
The PHASE switch of the subwoofer has two settings: 0° or 180°. The phase setting will adjust the timing between the subwoofer and the main speakers. To set the phase, do the following:

Turn up the volume of your subwoofer a little higher than you would normally do.
Set the crossover point to maximum (120 Hz).
NOTE: If you have connected the subwoofer via LFE instead of LINE IN you need to set the crossover point for your subwoofer to maximum in the menu of your surround sound (pre-) ampliﬁer/receiver.
In your listening position, play music of the type previously described.
Toggle between 0° and 180° while focusing on the bass output.

The optimal setting of the PHASE switch is where you experience maximum bass output.
5.2 VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
On the rear of the subwoofer you can increase or reduce the volume by turning the VOLUME control clockwise or counter clockwise.
The volume should be adjusted so that the bass matches the level of your main speakers.
You should be able to appreciate your subwoofer’s contribution to the overall sound, without it ever being overpowering. Bass must be tight and accurate so that the subwoofer reproduces the exact amount of bass present in the music/soundtrack; no more, no less. When installing the DALI SUB E-9 F in a surround sound system, we recommend selecting a ﬁxed level on the subwoofer and adjusting the subwoofer output using the surround (pre-) ampliﬁer’s/receiver’s setup function.
If bass levels are set too high, distortion will reduce the quality of your listening experience.
Remember that you can boost the bass level by selecting a physical position close to the wall or even better – in a corner (see chapter “3.0 Positioning”).

5.3 CROSSOVER FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENT
Once you have set the phase and the volume level, you need to adjust the frequency overlap between the main speakers and the DALI SUB E-9 F.
5.3.1 USING LINE INPUT
The crossover frequency adjustment on the subwoofer is only possible when using the LINE INPUT(S).
On the rear of the subwoofer, adjust the CROSSOVER control upwards until you can hear the bass is even with no drop-outs (Frequency range 40-120 Hz). Smaller speakers typically require a higher crossover point, whereas larger speakers will accept a lower crossover point. For example when using your DALI SUB E-9 F together with DALI ZENSOR 1, we recommend a crossover point of approximately 90 Hz.
After having adjusted the crossover frequency you may have to re-adjust the volume to optimise performance.
5.3.2 USING LFE INPUT
When connecting your DALI SUB E-9 F to smaller speakers, e.g. the DALI ZENSOR 1, we recommend a crossover point of approximately 90 Hz. This must be entered in the menu system of your (pre-) ampliﬁer. You might need to enter the ‘small’ setting when selecting type of front speakers in the AV receiver menu.
Connecting larger speakers (typically ﬂoor-standing front speakers) will allow you to choose a lower crossover point, and to deﬁne your speakers as ‘large’ in the menu system.
If in doubt about the capacity of your speakers, we recommend setting the crossover point quite high, deﬁning your speakers as small, and ﬁnally reducing the crossover point to the lowest possible position while maintaining an even bass with no drop-outs.
5.4 POWER
The POWER switch is the main ON/OFF switch. We recommend switching ‘OFF’ the subwoofer when it is not to be used for extended periods. When changing connections, always disconnect the mains voltage from the subwoofer. We recommend that you ALWAYS turn ‘OFF’ the POWER switch on the rear side of the subwoofer BEFORE turning off the mains switch.
5.5 ON / STAND BY MODE
The subwoofer has a built-in circuit that will power up the ampliﬁer of the subwoofer when an input signal is detected (given that the POWER is set to ‘ON’ and the POWER MODE switch is set to ‘AUTO’). When the subwoofer is ‘ON’, the ON/STANDBY LED will light up green. If an input signal is not detected for approximately 20 minutes, the subwoofer will go into standby mode and the ON/STANDBY LED will light up red.

RUNNING-IN

You should expect the sound quality from your new subwoofer to gradually improve during the initial period of use. Nothing particular has to be done in order to run in the subwoofer – but expect up to 100 hours of playback (depending on playback level) before full performance level is reached. Use normal music for running-in the subwoofer.

OVERLOADING

If DALI SUB E-9 F is overloaded, the built-in safety circuit may power down the subwoofer. The subwoofer will power on again when the temperature of the built-in ampliﬁer is within safe working range. If overloaded, we recommend that you turn off the subwoofer for a few minutes before turning it on again.
NOTE: The built-in safety circuit is no guarantee against damage as a result of overloading.

MAINTENANCE

Cleaning the subwoofer surfaces can be done with ordinary household cleaning agents and using a micro ﬁbre cloth. Avoid using products that are abrasive or contains acid, alkali or antibacterial agents. Avoid using aerosols. Avoid using cleaning agents directly on the drive unit and clean it with extreme care.

8.1 AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT
The surfaces of the subwoofer may fade or become discoloured over time when exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore avoid positioning the subwoofer in direct sunlight.

DISPOSAL

DALI products are designed to meet the international directives concerning Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The waste symbol indicates that the subwoofer meet the directives. The subwoofer must be processed or recycled appropriately. Please consult your local waste authority for guidance.

AMPLIFIER BACK PLATE (SEE FIGURE 1)

A) VOLUME control: Turn the control towards “Max” to increase the sound level. To reduce the sound level, turn the control towards “Min”.
B) CROSSOVER control: Adjustment of the crossover frequency from 40 Hz to 120 Hz.
C) PHASE switch: Toggle the phase of the subwoofer to either 0° or 180°.
D) LINE input: Connect the “L” input connector (white) to the LEFT RCA line output connector of your stereo/surround sound (pre-) ampliﬁer. Connect the “R” input connector (red) to the RIGHT RCA line output connector of your stereo/surround sound (pre-) ampliﬁer.
E) LFE input: Connect the “LFE” input connector (black) to the LFE RCA line output of your surround sound ampliﬁer.
F) POWER switch: Set the switch to ‘ON’ to power up the subwoofer. Set the switch to ‘OFF’ to power off the subwoofer.
G) FUSE compartment: If the subwoofer fails to power up when connected to the mains and the POWER switch is set to ON, the fuse may have blown or be faulty. Replace the fuse with the same type as originally supplied – see fuse type on the ampliﬁer back plate. If the fuse blows repeatedly, have the subwoofer checked at an authorised service centre – contact your authorised dealer.
H) MAINS connector: Connect the supplied power cord to the MAINS connector and your mains outlet.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT CORRECT VOLTAGE IS SUPPLIED FROM YOUR MAINS OUTLET BEFORE CONNECTION.
I) POWER MODE switch:
‘ON’: The power to the subwoofer will be controlled by the POWER switch.
‘AUTO’: When the main power switch is on, the subwoofer ampliﬁer will turn on when an input signal is detected on one of the inputs. When a signal is not detected for approximately 20 minutes, the subwoofer ampliﬁer will go into standby-mode.
‘OFF’: The subwoofer will immediately go into standby mode.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

In Table 2 you will ﬁnd the most common speciﬁcations for our subwoofers. Please have in mind that there are countless methods for measuring subwoofers. However, none of them tell you anything useful about how a subwoofer really sounds. Only your ears can decide whether one subwoofer sounds better than another. Like all our speakers, DALI SUB E-9 F is designed to reproduce music as honestly as possible.
Enjoy your new DALI SUB E-9 F!

DALI SUB E-9 F TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS