The Outlaw
Bookshelf Loudspeakers
BLS-B(C) Black (and Cherry)
Owner’s Manual
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Owner’s Manual
Setup Guide
Unpacking
Loudspeaker Rear Panel
The carton and packing materials used in shipping your new speakers were
specially designed to cushion them from the shocks and vibrations of shipping.
We strongly suggest that you save the carton and packing materials to use if you
move, or if the speakers ever need to be shipped back to us for any reason.
To minimize the size of the carton in storage, you may wish to flatten it by
carefully opening the top and bottom flaps and folding the carton flat. Pack-
ing materials that cannot be collapsed should be saved along with the carton
in a plastic bag.
Boundary
0
High
Frequency
+2dB
0dB
-2dB
-2dB
-4dB
A
D
E
Contents
After unpacking your new speakers, please confirm that the following items
have been included.
B
C
2 BLS-B(C) Black (or Cherry) Loudspeakers
2 Black Metal Grills (pre-installed)
Owner’s Manual
If any of the above is missing from your shipment, please contact Outlaw Audio
immediately at 866-OUTLAWS.
Loudspeaker Controls and Connections
A
Boundary Switch
This three-position switch provides a (0dB, 2dB and 4dB) reduction in
upper bass frequencies to maintain a linear response for wall or corner
loaded speaker placements.
Preparing the Speaker Wire for Installation
High quality speaker wires are essential for optimal performance. We recom-
mend the use of a heavy gauge (16 or heavier) oxygen-free multi-strand copper
wire. For lengths over 25 feet, a heavier gauge of wire should be used. As with
other gauge based conductors, the lower the number the heavier the gauge.
B
C
D
E
High Frequency Speaker Binding Posts
Use these or the low frequency terminals to connect the speaker to the
amplifier.
Low Frequency Speaker Binding Posts
Use these or the high frequency terminals to connect the speaker to the
amplifier.
When purchasing wire, look for cabling that clearly marks polarity on one
conductor. Often speaker wire manufacturers will use a single solid line or their
logo on one side for this purpose. This will make connections easier later on.
Most installers consider the marked conductor their “positive” lead.
High Frequency Switch
This three-position switch provides a (-2dB, 0dB, +2dB) treble compensa-
tion for bright or heavily dampened listening environments.
Since your Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeakers offer true five-way binding posts you
can use speaker wires that have terminated ends such as banana plugs, spades,
or pins. When using spades, they must be compatible with 5/16 inch posts.
Binding Post Jumpers
These connect the two pairs of binding posts and should remain installed
unless using a bi-wire or bi-amplify connection scheme.
To prepare your non-terminated wire for installation, you will need
to perform the following tasks:
1. Split each end of the speaker wire in half leaving approximately two
inches of “separate conductors” as shown below.
Setup Guide
ꢀ. Remove a half inch of insulation from each conductor, also shown
below.
Connecting To Your System
3. Separately twist each stranded wire together ensuring that all four
To get the maximum performance from your new Outlaw Loudspeaker system it
must be properly connected, positioned properly within the room and configured
to match your listening environment. There are three primary connection styles
compatible with your Outlaw Loudspeakers. These include the standard one wire
(per) speaker connection, bi-wiring which uses either a pair of speaker wires or a
custom bi-wire cable and a single amplifier channel per speaker, or bi-amplifying
which uses two speaker wires and two power amplifiers per speaker.
leads are kept apart.
1/2"
2"
The Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeakers
3
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Owner’s Manual
Setup Guide
Option 1:
Option ꢀ:
Connecting to a system with single speaker wire.
Connecting to a system in a bi-wire scheme.
This is the most common way to connect an individual speaker to a power Some audiophiles prefer to use a bi-wire scheme when connecting their speakers
amplifier or receiver. A standard 16 or 14 gauge speaker wire is used to join and amplifiers. While this connection type does not provide the added power of
the amp and speaker together.
a bi-amplified wiring scheme (described in the next section), it can be beneficial
in reducing the amount of EMF (electromotive force) that the woofer generates
on the more “voltage-sensitive” high frequency circuitry.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to your amplifier or speakers and avoid
the risk of electrical shock always disconnect the power to your receiver
or amplifier when making any system connections.
To connect your speakers using the bi-wiring option, carefully follow
the steps below:
To connect each speaker with a single speaker wire, carefully follow
the steps below:
1. Turn off all system components and unplug the receiver or
amplifier.
1. Turn off all system components and unplug the receiver or amplifier.
ꢀ. Connect both pairs of speaker wire on one end by twisting the
positive (marked) copper ends together as shown at right.
ꢀ. Loosen one set of the Outlaw Loudspeaker’s binding posts.
3. Repeat step 2 for the negative (unmarked) copper leads on the same
NOTE: Be sure that the binding posts jumpers remain installed.
end of the speaker wire, also shown at right.
3. Insert the appropriate polarity wire through the postholes on the
NOTE: Some speaker wire manufacturers offer a speaker wire
specifically designed for bi-wire applications. With these wires, Steps
2 and 3 are unnecessary.
binding post.
ꢁ. Carefully tighten the binding post until snug. Over tightening will
strip the binding post and prevent a solid connection.
ꢁ. Loosen your receiver or amplifier’s corresponding binding posts.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 at the amplifier binding post with the opposite
5. Insert the appropriate polarity wire through the postholes on the
end of the speaker wire.
amplifier’s binding post.
NOTE: Remember that polarity must be maintained between speaker and
amplifier, ie. positive terminal (red post) on speaker to positive terminal
on power amplifier.
Be sure to use the “double speaker wire” connection you have just
created. The opposite end of this wire will have four leads, a pair for
each set of speaker binding posts.
CAUTION: Check terminal posts on both connections (speaker and ampli-
fier) to ensure that loose copper strands have not been allowed to “short”
the binding post pairs. Any loose strands that touch both the positive and
negative terminal posts must be removed before powering up the amplifier.
Failure to do so may result in damage to the amplifier or speaker.
6. Carefully tighten the binding post until snug. Over tightening will
strip the binding post and prevent a solid connection.
7. Loosen both sets of the Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeaker’s binding
posts.
8. Remove both binding posts jumpers.
CAUTION: Failure to remove these jumpers using this connec-
tion scheme will result in damage to your power amplifier and or
speakers.
Option 1: Standard Connection
Left Speaker
Right Speaker
9. Select one speaker wire lead to connect to the high frequency binding
posts.
10. Insert the appropriate polarity wire through the postholes on the
binding post.
11. Carefully tighten the binding post until snug. Over tightening will
strip the binding post and prevent a solid connection.
Boundary
High
Boundary
High
Frequency
Frequency
0
-2dB
-4dB
+2dB
0dB
-2dB
0
-2dB
-4dB
+2dB
0dB
-2dB
1ꢀ. Repeat steps 9-11 for the low frequency binding posts.
Jumpers
remain in
place
NOTE: Remember that polarity must be maintained between speaker and
amplifier, ie. positive terminal (red post) on speaker to positive terminal
on power amplifier.
CAUTION: Check terminal posts on both connections (speaker and ampli-
fier) to ensure that loose copper strands have not been allowed to “short”
the binding post pairs. Any loose strands that touch both the positive and
negative terminal posts must be removed before powering up the amplifier.
Failure to do so may result in damage to the amplifier or speaker.
LEFT
RIGHT
Receiver/Amplifier
ꢁ
Outlaw Audio
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Owner’s Manual
Setup Guide
Option 3:
Option ꢀ: Bi-Wired Connection
Connecting to a system in a bi-amplify scheme.
Left Speaker
Right Speaker
Like the bi-wire scheme described above, a bi-amplified wiring scheme does
reduce the amount of EMF on the speaker’s high frequency circuitry. However,
in a bi-amplified wiring scheme, the user provides separate amplification for
both sections (high frequencies and low frequencies) of the speaker.
Jumpers
removed
Some audiophiles tend to prefer this method of connectivity as it ensures that
the more “power hungry” woofers are not limited by the additional power
demands of the high frequency portion of the speaker while still maintaining
the EMF benefits of a bi-wire scheme.
Boundary
High
Boundary
High
Frequency
Frequency
0
+2dB
0
-2dB
-4dB
+2dB
0dB
-2dB
-2dB
-4dB
0dB
-2dB
NOTE: In a bi-amplify scheme, it is necessary to use matching amplifiers
for both high frequency and low frequency connections, otherwise an
imbalance will occur between each portion of the speaker. This imbalance
will negatively impact performance. Also, using the “A +B” terminals on
a receiver does not offer an improved connection over using a single
speaker wire from the “A” terminals. Separate amplifier channels are
required to receive the benefits of bi-amplification.
1. Turn off all system components and unplug the receiver/pre-amp
LEFT
RIGHT
and amplifiers.
ꢀ. Connect a Y-adapter to the corresponding pre-amp output on your
processor.
3. Connect the two amplifier channels you intend to use, one to each
Receiver/Amplifier
of the two outputs the Y-adapter has created.
ꢁ. Loosen the corresponding binding posts on the power amplifier you
plan to use for the high frequency portion of your Outlaw Bookshelf
Loudspeakers.
Option 3: Bi-Amplified Connection
5. Insert the appropriate polarity wire through the postholes on the
Left Speaker
Right Speaker
amplifier’s binding post.
6. Carefully tighten the binding post until snug. Over tightening will
strip the binding post and prevent a solid connection.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 for the power amplifier you intend to use to drive the
Jumpers
removed
low frequency portion of your Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeakers.
8. Loosen both sets of the Outlaw Loudspeaker’s binding posts.
Boundary
High
Boundary
High
Frequency
Frequency
0
-2dB
-4dB
+2dB
0dB
-2dB
0
-2dB
-4dB
+2dB
0dB
-2dB
9. Remove both binding post jumpers.
CAUTION: Failure to remove these jumpers using this connec-
tion scheme will result in damage to your power amplifier and
or speakers.
10. Connect your “high frequency” amplifier to the high frequency binding
posts on your Outlaw Loudspeaker by inserting the appropriate
polarity wires through the postholes on the binding post.
11. Carefully tighten the binding posts until snug. Over tightening will
strip the binding post and prevent a solid connection.
INPUT
INPUT
INPUT
INPUT
1ꢀ. Repeat steps 10-11 for the low frequency portion of your Outlaw
Loudspeakers.
NOTE: Remember that polarity must be maintained between speaker
and amplifier, ie. positive terminal (red post) on speaker to positive
terminal on power amplifier.
Amplifiers
CAUTION: Check terminal posts on both connections (speaker and ampli-
fier) to ensure that loose copper strands have not been allowed to “short”
the binding post pairs. Any loose strands that touch both the positive and
negative terminal posts must be removed before powering up the amplifier.
Failure to do so may result in damage to the amplifier or speaker.
PRE OUT
LEFT RIGHT
Receiver/Pre-Amp/Processor
The Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeakers
5
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Owner’s Manual
Notes on Speaker Placement
These settings are:
Notes on Speaker Placement
The following suggestions should be adhered to as closely as possible. While each
listening room imparts its own sonic compromises, these guidelines will help
you achieve the greatest performance form your Outlaw Loudspeaker system.
Open air placement
The speaker is more than 24 inches away from all walls.
Single wall placement
The speaker is within 24 inches of a single wall.
Corner placement
The speaker is located within 24 inches of two walls.
Placing your speakers at equal distances from the listening position, thus
creating an “equilateral” triangle will help create an optimal stereo imag-
ing environment. See diagram.
The available settings allow you to tailor the behavior of your Outlaw Loud-
speakers for optimal performance under most listening room conditions.
Using the following guidelines, adjust each speaker according to its individual
environment. Keep in mind that this setting can and should vary by speaker
when necessary.
Soundstage is directly affected by “toe-in”. Pointing the loudspeakers directly
at the sweet spot creates the most accurate soundstage. See diagram.
When the Outlaw Loudspeaker is no closer than 24 inches to any wall, the
Boundary switch should be set to “0”. If the Outlaw Loudspeaker is within
24 inches of a single wall, set the Boundary switch to “-2dB”. If the Outlaw
Loudspeaker is corner loaded (within 24 inches of two different walls), use the
“-4dB” boundary switch position.
High Frequency Switch
Each room imparts its own sonic signature to the signal that arrives at the
listening position. In rooms with minimal wall treatments, significant glass (i.e.
a large number of windows), hardwood or tile floors, the resulting sound may
have an overemphasized high frequency response. This is typically character-
ized as a slight edginess that may present itself in the form of listening fatigue.
In these listening environments we recommend using the “-2dB” position on
the Outlaw Loudspeaker’s High Frequency switch.
However, room anomalies may require that a speaker be toed further in
or out. Toeing a speaker out (adjusting the angle of the speaker outward
including straight forward) will widen your soundstage. The opposite will
occur when toeing a speaker in.
In overly dampened rooms with wall-to-wall carpets, extensive absorptive wall
coverings, acoustic panels, etc., you may find the high frequency response
lacking. This could be observed as a dull or less detailed performance. In these
listening environments, we recommend selecting the “+2dB” position on the
Outlaw Loudspeaker’s High Frequency switch.
Proximity to walls and corners will increase low frequency output. When
placed too close this additional low frequency output may sound unnatural
or bloated. Whenever possible place your speakers no closer than two feet
to the nearest wall.
Since most listening rooms are fairly well balanced, with a mix of dampening and
reflective surfaces the “0dB” position will be optimal for the majority of users.
External System Adjustments
Setting the Outlaw Loudspeaker’s Controls
Crossovers for use with powered subwoofers
The Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeakers have a low frequency output that rivals
Boundary Compensation Switch
Depending on the proximity of your Outlaw Loudspeaker(s) to a wall or corner, many larger speakers. As a standalone speaker they will provide a tight and
you may find that certain upper bass frequencies sound boomy, or excessively true-to-source reproduction of your audiophile grade recordings. But for those
hot. At these critical frequencies, this added energy manifests itself as “chesti- seeking that last octave of audibility you may wish to consider the addition of
ness,” particularly in male voices. To compensate for these compromised, a powered subwoofer. Proper integration of sub and speaker begins with the
but often-necessary speaker placements, the Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeakers careful selection of the crossover.
provide a custom Boundary Compensation Circuit.
Some receivers and processors supply a series of crossover options to integrate
While other manufacturers have recognized the importance of boundary your subwoofer. If you are using an Outlaw processor or receiver the optimal
compensation circuitry, they often fall short in their implementation, opting setting is 60Hz.
for a single “averaged” adjustment for all non-ideal speaker placements.
For other systems, you will need to consider the Outlaw Loudspeaker’s +/-3dB
After carefully calculating the effects of wall proximity and corner loading down point of 54Hz. Based upon the prevailing use of symmetrical fourth order
on the Outlaw Loudspeakers, we have integrated a no-compromise Boundary networks in receivers and processors, we suggest choosing the closest crossover
Compensation Circuit that includes different settings for each of the major point provided by your system that is equal to or greater than 60Hz.
speaker placement locations.
6
Outlaw Audio
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Owner’s Manual
Specifications
We recommend using a lint-free cloth to clean your speaker’s cabinets. If
necessary you may moisten that cloth with plain water. Special care should
be taken to avoid getting water on the dome tweeter or woofer. Do not use any
other solvents or chemicals as damage may occur.
Volume Level
When available, match the levels of all of your speakers, including the Outlaw
Loudspeakers, as described in your receiver or processor owner’s manual. We
recommend using an SPL meter (such as Radio Shack part number 33-2050).
When using the test tones, measure from the listening chair and set the meter
to the 75 dB level. In order to accurately measure levels between channels use
“C” weighting and the “slow” setting.
Troubleshooting Guide
PROBLEm: No output from the speakers
Check to ensure that your amplifier is powered on.
Surround Sound Considerations
A great speaker has many characteristics. Most importantly, it should have a
linear response, with a large soundstage and precision imaging while at the
same time be capable of reproducing considerable dynamics without sounding
Check to make sure your source (CD, DVD etc.) is actively outputting a
signal.
Check to ensure speaker wires are properly connected.
strained. If these design goals are accomplished, the speaker will be at home PROBLEm: Amplifier shuts down at power up or during high
both in music only and full in-home theater systems.
volume playback
Check for a shorted speaker wire connection. This is observed as speaker
With the above in mind, we offer the following advice when integrating your
Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeakers in a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 surround sound system.
wire that touches both the positive and negative (red and black) binding
posts at the same time. This can occur at the amplifier or the speaker’s
binding posts.
Tweeter height should remain as close to even as possible between your
front left, center and right channel speakers. This helps maintain “timbre”
which is the characteristic of a sound that separates itself from other sounds
of the same volume level and pitch.
Check to make sure your speaker wires are connected properly.
PROBLEm: Woofer or tweeter sounds “distorted”
Check bass and treble controls and return them to flat.
When a sound effect pans from one speaker to the next, you’ll want your
speakers’ timbre to match as closely as possible. This will ensure that
whatever instrument or sound effect you are hearing sounds the same,
regardless of which speaker in your system it is emanating from.
Reduce volume of playback as amplifier may be “clipping”
Specifications
When using “direct radiating” speakers, like the Outlaw Loudspeaker’s
in the surround position, they should be placed just behind the listening
position. While timbre remains very important, these speakers should be
placed approximately 1-2 feet above the listener’s ears to create a more
diffused sound field.
SENSITIVITY
87dB
RATED AmPLIFIER POWER
ImPEDANCE
50-200watts
8 Ohms
Surround back channels, more commonly used in newer DD-EX ™ and
FREqUENCY RESPONSE
DRIVERS Tweeter
54Hz-22kHz 3dB
DTS-ES™ soundtracks should be placed at the same height as the sur-
round channels. If you are using a pair of speakers in the surround back
position, they should each be placed approximately 30 degrees off of the
center axis. If only a single surround back speaker is used, it should be
placed on center axis.
1" Custom Silk Dome designed and
manufactured with precision
Scandanavian parts
Woofer
5-1/4" SEAS Driver with Diecast Magnesium
basket, treated paper cone, low-loss rubber
surround and 26mm CCAW voice coil.
Today’s blockbuster movie soundtracks take advantage of a dedicated
subwoofer channel called the LFE (Low Frequency Effects). For this
reason, we advocate the used of a powered subwoofer like our LFM series
subs. Placement of the subwoofer will depend on room acoustics, so you’ll
want to consult with your subwoofer manufacturer for tips on getting the
most from your sub. The Outlaw LFM series subwoofer manuals, which
an excellent primer on subwoofer placement. We invite you to use that
information to maximize your system’s performance.
LINEAR COIL TRAVEL
10mm p-p
BOUNDARY COmPENSATION
SWITCH
0dB, -2dB, -4dB starting at 400Hz where it
plateaus at 250Hz and remains flat to
resonance
HIGH FREqUENCY SWITCH
+2dB, 0dB, -2dB starting at 4kHz and peaking
at 20kHz
DImENSIONS (HxDxW)
12-1/8" x 10-15/16" (w/ grille) x 7-1/4"
16.5 lbs
Caring for your Speakers
Exceptional efforts were taken during the design and manufacture of the Outlaw
Bookshelf Loudspeakers so that they could provide you with a lifetime’s worth
of music and movie reproduction. Proper care along the way will ensure that
they always look as great as they sound.
WEIGHT
The Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeakers
7
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Owner’s Manual
Outlaw Audio Limited Warranty
The Outlaw Audio 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
This product is guaranteed to satisfy all your needs for a high performance
bookshelf speaker system. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied
with it, please contact us at 866-OUTLAWA (688-5292) within 30 days of receipt
of the unit and you will receive a return authorization.
the packing (even after 30 days) so that if you ever move, the speakers will
be adequately protected.
If you decide to return the speakers, your only cost will be the original shipping
charge. When your loudspeakers arrive, we will inspect them to insure that they
were shipped back to us in original condition. Upon satisfactory inspection, we
will issue a full credit for your original purchase price.
Please save all of your packing material in that the speakers can get dama-
mged in shipping without proper protection. We recommend that you keep
Outlaw Audio Limited Warranty
This warranty protects the owner of the Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeakers
(the PRODUCT) for five (5) years from the date of purchase.
If your product needs service, please call Outlaw Audio Inc. at 866-OUT-
LAWA (688-5292).
This warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship with the
following specific exceptions. These are:
You will need to present the original bill of sale to establish the date of
purchase. In the event that the proof of purchase cannot be established
with the original receipt, the warranty period shall be determined by the
earliest date of manufacture shown on the unit, provided that the serial
number label has not been altered in any manner, or by our records
relating to that serial number.
• Damage caused by improper installation or adjustment
• Damage caused by accident, unreasonable use or neglect
• Damage from failure to follow instructions contained in this
Owner’s Manual
In the event that you wish to return your Outlaw speakers back to us, for
any reason, please call to arrange for a Return Authorization Number.
This will insure that your problem is discussed with a service technician
who will determine if there is a quick solution to your problem.
• Damage from the performance of repairs by someone not authorized
by Outlaw Audio
• Any unit on which the serial number has been defaced, modified,
or removed
Outlaw Audio shall not be liable for, in any way responsible for, any inci-
dental or consequential damages of any kind. Some states do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the
exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, therefore, the limita-
tions and exclusions stated herein may not apply to you. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights; and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
• Damage occurring during shipment
• Units which have been altered or modified in design, appearance
or construction
This warranty covers only the actual defects within the PRODUCT itself.
IT DOES NOT cover costs of installation in (or removal from) a fixed
installation, or normal set-up, claims based on any misrepresentation by
the seller, or performance variations resulting from installation related
circumstances such as signal quality, AC power or incompatibilities with
speakers and/or other system components.
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES GIVEN BY OUTLAW AUDIO WHICH
EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION GIVEN HEREIN. ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR PURPOSE SOLD, MERCHANTIABILITY,
DESCRIPTION, QUALITY OR ANY OTHER MATTERS ARE LIMITED
TO THE TERMS OF THE EXPRESSED LIMITED WARRANTY STATED
HEREIN.
During the warranty period, Outlaw Audio will, at its option, either repair
the defect, or replace the defective product, or the defective parts, or com-
ponents thereof at no charge to the owner for parts and labor covered by
this warranty. If necessary repairs are not covered by this warranty, or if
a unit is examined which is not in need of repair, you will be charged for
the repairs and/or the examination. If non-warranted repairs are needed,
we will notify you of the estimated cost and ask for your authorization to
perform said repairs.
Products are sold on the basis of specifications applicable at the time of
sales. Outlaw Audio shall have no obligation to modify products once
they have been sold.
This warranty is applicable only in the United States.
For applicability in other countries, please call Outlaw Audio.
You must pay shipping charges incurred in getting your Product to the
factory. We will pay the return shipping charges if the repairs are covered
by the warranty. Please save the original shipping cartons as the unit
MUST be returned in the original carton and packing.
(Replacement cartons are available at a modest charge.)
O u t l a w A u d i o
8
Outlaw Audio
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