Wharfedale XR-CENTER User Manual

Connecting Your Loudspeakers -Bi-Wiring

Positioning Your Loudspeakers

Using separate cables for treble and bass units in a Bi-Wiring configuration reduces 

Conventional Loudspeakers

intermodulation effects and improves headroom and clarity. To bi-wire, you will need to install 

Models XR 3500, XR 4000 and XR 5000 are designed to be floor standing. We suggest that they 

two lengths of twin core cable between the amplifier and each loudspeaker.

are positioned at least 200mmfrom the rear walls and 700mmfrom the side walls, facing 

Unscrew each terminal a few turns and remove the metal straps. Connect the cables between the 

slightly inwards. Models XR 1000, XR 2000 and XR 3000 should ideally be stand or wall 

amplifier and the loudspeakers as indicated above and re-tighten all the terminals securely.

mounted though they may be placed on a rigid shelf. The bass extension will improve if these 

Note: Some amplifiers have two pairs of output terminals to facilitate bi-wiring but this is not 

speakers are operated closer to the rear walls. A useful rule of thumb is that the listener should 

essential. The advantages of bi-wiring are fully retained if your amplifier has only one pair of 

be as far from the loudspeakers as they are from each other.

output terminals per channel (as in the illustration).

If the loudspeakers are placed too close to the walls the bass will increase but may be boomy 
and indistinct. If the loudspeakers are placed further away from the walls, the inward angle may 
be increased by up to 40%, although this may restrict the width of the optimum listening 
position. The speakers should ideally be positioned so that the treble units are roughly at ear 
level to a seated listener. As personal taste plays a large role, experiment with different 
configurations and play a wide range of programmes before finalising the position of your 
speakers.

Bi-Amplifying (Bi-Amping)

By connecting each loudspeaker drive unit to its own dedicated amplifier the advantages of Bi-
Wiring can be extended. If you own two identical stereo power amplifiers, your Crystal speakers 
may be Bi-Amped. For further details please consult your dealer.

Centre Channel and Surround Connections

The XR CEN and rear surround loudspeakers are intended for use specifically with Audio Visual 
equipment having Centre and Rear loudspeaker outputs. Connect these loudspeakers as shown, 
again observing polarity. The speakers may be connected as shown, or bi-wired.

XR CEN Centre Loudspeaker

The loudspeaker should be positioned centrally between the loudspeakers close to the television 
and mounted either above or below the screen.

The loudspeaker should be located on a stable flat surface to avoid any danger of the cabinet 
moving when it is vibrated by high sound levels. If you mount the unit on top of the television, 
move it forward so that the front grilles are level with or slightly in front of the screen. This will 
reduce reflections from the screen and the top of the cabinet.

Although you can place the centre channel 
loudspeaker under the TV monitor, this should 
always be regarded as second best. The preferred 
position is always above the monitor, as shown. 
The XR  CEN uses screened drive units and may 
be placed close to a TV screen without ill-effects. 
Conventional loudspeakers should not be 
operated within 500mm of a TV screen as the 
drive unit magnets may interfere with the picture 
and cause colour distortion.

1 5 -

40

º

Caution-Connecting Wires

When connecting your loudspeakers, avoid 
trailing cables across open floor spaces where 
they can be a source of danger.
Route cables safely under carpets or along 
room boundaries.