$5.00
Thank-you for choosing the Vandersteen VCC-5 Reference, a center
speaker designed for the full-range signal of modern discrete multi-
channel formats (Ie. AC-3 and/or DTS). With proper care, your new
speaker will provide many years of trouble free, high quality performance.
We recommend that you read this entire manual prior to installing,
connecting or using your Vandersteen VCC-5 Video Center Channel
Dialog Speaker.
Vandersteen Audio
The VCC-5 Video Center Channel Dialog Speaker blend with the VCC-5 will insure maximum intelli-
is an integral part of a home audio/video system
where it helps localize dialog and other movie
sounds at the TV screen. The VCC-5 is the product
of extensive research into the qualities required for
realistic movie sound reproduction. The engineer-
gibility on dialog and superior realism on music and
sound effects.
The VCC-5’s innovative, aligned triaxial design
eliminates lobing effects and allows the VCC-5 to
be placed at any height above or below the screen
ing, construction and materials of the VCC-5 far ex- while maintaining consistent sound throughout the
ceed conventional industry standards and result in a
level of performance unmatched by other center
channel dialog speakers.
listening area. Its adjustable proximity compensa-
tion helps counter the effects of placement in a cabi-
net or near a wall and insures optimum performance
The VCC-5 is a phase coherent design intended to in any environment. Its pleasing appearance allows
be used in a high-quality audio/video surround sys- the VCC-5 to visually complement your main
tem in combination with main speakers that have ac- speakers and the décor of your home.
curate frequency response and phase response.
The Vandersteen Audio VCC-5 Video Center
Whether you chose Vandersteen Audio main speak- Channel Dialog Speaker is designed and built in the
ers or others with the proper qualities, the seamless
United States of America.
VCC-5
VIDEO REFERENCE CENTER
CHANNEL DIALOG SPEAKER
OPERATIONS MANUAL
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this functional metamorphosis will require an external sur- inputs to the surround amplifier or surround speakers to
round sound processor that is compatible with the core elec- limit the low bass.
tronics, a pair of speakers for the surround channels and an
amplifier to drive them. An A/V receiver based system will system, choose an amplifier matched to the power re-
only require the addition of the surround speakers as the quirements of the speakers that has similar sonic charac-
processor and surround amplifier are already built into the teristics to the amplifier driving the main speakers. This
To drive the surround speakers in a separates based
receiver.
In a system with separates, a surround sound processor
can be either a stereo amplifier or two channels of a
multi-channel A/V amplifier.
that can be inserted into the tape loop of the preamplifier
will allow you to engage any of the surround sound modes
for movie viewing while still being able to switch the proc-
essor and other surround related equipment completely out
of the system for listening to stereo CDs or records. This
will give you maximum flexibility since the system is not
compromised to favor one listening mode over another.
There are several performance attributes to consider
when selecting surround speakers for a high-fidelity home
theater system. You are not forced into the compromises of
a theater so you can use uncompromising speakers with pre-
cise imaging that enhances the spaciousness of your system
and insures satisfying and stable surround effects. While
small bookshelf surround speakers often have these desir-
able imaging characteristics, they do not have the bass ex-
tension or power handling capability of larger speakers.
This is usually not a problem with conventional matrixed
surround modes that attenuate the low frequencies to the
surround speakers and keep the levels relatively low, but the
discrete multi-channel modes as well as proprietary ma-
trixed modes on many processors send full-frequency infor-
mation to the surround speakers. When you consider the
excessive dynamic demands this puts on small bookshelf
speakers, it is easy to see the advantages of using speakers
designed to handle a full range signal.
The Vandersteen VSM-1 phase-correct on-wall speaker
complements our center and main speakers while providing
the benefits of convenient, inconspicuous on-wall mounting.
It is capable of handling a full-range signal and can be
matched with a 2Wq subwoofer since the bass response of a
wall-mounted speaker is very predictable. Once stereo sub-
woofers are set-up for the front left and right channels, a
third 2Wq can be used with the VSM-1 to provide true full-
range surround capability.
Should budget considerations dictate the use of inexpen-
sive, limited-range surround speakers, we recommend that
you select a phase-correct two-way with a five or six inch
woofer in a narrow baffle. Speakers with small woofers and
narrow baffles usually sound decent through the critical
middle frequencies and have good imaging characteristics.
To prevent the small speakers’ woofers from distorting or
being damaged by intense low frequency sound effects, you
can program your processor to limit the bass to the surround
channels or be careful to only use modes where the bass to
the surround channels is automatically limited. If you can-
not program your processor to limit the bass and you want
to use a surround mode that sends full-range information to
the surround speakers, you can install capacitors on the
ADD A CENTER CHANNEL
A center channel speaker and an amplifier to drive it
are the final components you need to complete the audio
portion of your audio/video system. The center channel
speaker will help localize dialog and other film sounds at
the screen for viewers seated outside of the central listen-
ing area. During a movie, much of the sound you hear
will be coming from the center speaker so it must be care-
fully chosen to properly integrate with the main speakers.
While adding a good, well-matched center channel
speaker will improve the system’s performance for listen-
ers seated to the sides, a poor center channel speaker will
completely ruin the sound of the system for everyone. No
center speaker is always preferable to a poor or mis-
matched center speaker.
TRUE UPGRADABILITY
By basing your system on a good music system, not
only can you build it piece by piece, you can upgrade it
the same way. You can upgrade the power amplifier or
preamplifier for better sound in a separates based system
or switch processors to acquire new surround modes.
With an A/V receiver, you can add a separate power am-
plifier to better drive the main speakers and at the same
time take a big step toward the superior performance of
separates. You can change from small bookshelf sur-
round speakers to VSM-1 on-wall speakers and move the
small speakers into a bedroom, den or office system.
Since the system is so modular, it will be easy to make
any changes that future surround modes or technology
will require without having to redo the entire system.
The music system based audio/video system is a good
value. Most of your stereo components will integrate di-
rectly into your audio/video system. Every improvement
you make to the core components will increase your en-
joyment of both music and film. This double return on
your investment will keep costs down since there is no
duplication of components between separate systems.
PASS THE POPCORN, PLEASE
Setting-up the audio portion of your home audio/video
system along these guidelines will enable it to reproduce
the sound of a blockbuster action movie with the same
ease and realism that it reproduces a chamber orchestra or
solo vocalist. Whether you use a standard size TV or a
ten-foot projection unit, your system’s superior voice in-
telligibility, superb musical accuracy and extraordinary
sound effects capabilities will bring your favorite music
and your favorite films to life for you and your entire
family.
Vandersteen Audio
VCC-5 Operation Manual
3
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VCC-5 SETUP AND USE
CONNECTIONS
The VCC-5’s barrier strip provides superior gas-tight
connections that do not deteriorate with time. The center
speaker should be connected with cable similar to what
you are using to connect the main speakers.
Connect the VCC-5 as follows:
1. Crimp and solder spade lugs to the speaker ends of the
cable for your center channel as shown in illustration #
1. With a pair of pliers, slightly bend the spade lugs’
blades so that the body of the spade lug will be held
away from the input plate once the wires are connected
as shown in illustration # 2.
2. Connect the center channel cable to the VCC-5 as
shown in illustration # 3. The input screws should be
snug, but should not be over tightened.
Illustration # 1
Illustration # 2
PHASE
Like all Vandersteen speakers, the VCC-5 is phase-
correct with its tweeter, mid-range and woofers connected
in positive polarity through transient-perfect, first-order
crossover networks. When it is used with Vandersteen or
other phase-correct main speakers, the VCC-5 should be
connected in positive polarity.
(Amp + to speaker +, amp - to speaker -.)
(The only rare exception would be when the center channel
amplifier or the main amplifier inverts phase. If you be-
lieve that one of your amplifiers inverts phase, contact the
amplifier’s manufacturer for verification. Most modern
amplifiers do not invert phase.)
When the VCC-5 is used with mixed-phase main speakers,
it should be tried both in-phase and out-of-phase to deter-
mine which polarity provides better integration into the
system. If you have difficulty determining the best polar-
VANDERSTEEN
ity for the VCC-5 with mixed-phase main speakers, your
dealer should be able to help you.
VCC/REF
PROXIMITY
COMPENSATION
(Please do not call the factory with phase questions about
a mixed-phase system. There is nothing regarding the
ON
proper connections for the VCC-5 in this type of system
that can be determined over the phone. Someone from
your dealer will need to come to your home and evaluate
OFF
the possible configurations with their trained ears.
INPUT
VANDRTEEN AUDIO
Always turn off the center channel amplifier
116 W. Fourth nford CA, 93230
before disconnecting the speaker cable from
the VCC-5 to prevent the possibility of a
short.
Illustration # 3
Vandersteen Audio
VCC-5 Operation Manual
4
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PLACEMENT
speaker may perform better mounted above the screen. If
the center speaker is mounted two feet or more above the
listener’s heads, it should be angled slightly downward as
described in the earlier section. With a perforated screen,
the VCC-5 should be placed behind the screen, as close to
the center as possible.
We do not recommend using double center speakers in
any installation. Two VCC-5’s will interfere with each
other and cause a loss of definition and linearity. If for
some reason you have to run two center speakers, they
should be mounted above and below the screen, not to the
sides, and they both should be the same distance from the
listeners.
The triaxial design of the VCC-5 enables it to be
placed at any height relative to the main speakers and the
listeners without affecting its performance. If possible,
the center speaker should be located farther away from
the listeners than the main speakers. This additional dis-
tance will slightly delay the center channel sound which
often improves the spatial characteristics of the system.
DIRECT VIEW OR REAR PROJECTION TVS
In most systems with a direct view or rear projection
TV, the VCC-5 should be centered on the top front edge
of the TV. The center speaker will probably be some-
what higher than the main speakers which will raise the
overall image up slightly and localize the dialog and
other center channel information on the upper part of the
screen. When your TV is built into a cabinet or wall
unit, the VCC-5 should be built in directly above the
center of the TV. If your TV is tall or mounted high
enough that the center speaker is two feet or more above
the listener’s heads, some rubber or plastic feet can be
put below the rear of the speaker to tilt the front of it
slightly downward toward the listeners. In situations
where direct view TVs are mounted very high, the center
speaker may perform better placed under the TV.
MAGNETIC SHIELDING CONSIDERATIONS
While it is impossible to totally eliminate the magnetic
field of a high-quality, large-magnet driver such as the
ones in the VCC-5, we use two stages of shielding to re-
duce it to a level where it will not present a problem in
most applications. We have used the VCC-5 on many dif-
ferent TVs and even on the most sensitive, we have always
been able to eliminate any interference with the following
methods.
The VCC-5 has a stronger magnetic field to the front
and rear than it does to the top, bottom or sides. On a sen-
sitive direct view TV, hold the speaker high above the top
of the TV as you approach it and then lower the speaker
FRONT PROJECTION TVS
The large screen of most front projection TVs along directly down onto the top of the TV.
with their lack of a suitable surface to hold the center
When the position of the VCC-5 on the TV has been
speaker can present some special challenges to position- set, you should degauss the TV either by pushing its de-
ing the VCC-5. With a conventional nonperforated
screen at a normal height, the center speaker is usually
gauss button or turning the TV off and on several times.
(Modern TVs automatically degauss after a set number of
mounted on a stand just below the screen. With smaller power cycles.) If the center speaker is moved, the TV
screens or screens that are lower than normal, the center should be degaussed again.
Vandersteen Audio
VCC-5 Operation Manual
5
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BALANCING LEVELS
processor should be bandpass limited to 60-80Hz 6dB
per octave. If your processor does not have this option
contact your dealer for a X-2 Outboard High Pass Filter
at the input of the center channel amplifier.
To achieve the correct balance, the VCC-5’s Prox-
imity Compensation must be turned off when the levels
are set using the noise generator. Balancing the levels
with the Proximity Compensation turned on will not
cause any damage, but the level of the center channel
will probably be set too high.
Surround processors have a built-in pink noise genera-
tor that is used with a Sound Pressure Level meter to bal-
ance the volume levels of the various speakers in the au-
dio/video system. (An SPL meter is a required tool for
properly setting-up an audio/video system. Radio Shack
sells an inexpensive SPL meter with more than adequate
accuracy.) Do not try to balance the levels by ear. The
frequency range difference between the center and main
speakers will affect your perception of the pink noise lev-
els and result in improper balancing.
Some processors can be programmed for use with a big
or small center speaker. With the VCC-5, the processor
should be set for a big center speaker provided that this
setting does not remove the bass from the front left and
right channels. For very high play back levels the
Once the speaker levels have been balanced, they
should not need to be altered unless the system compo-
nents are changed, the speakers are repositioned or the
listening area is moved.
PROXIMITY COMPENSATION
2. If you cannot hear a difference between the two set-
The VCC-5’s Proximity Compensation circuit is de-
tings or you cannot decide which setting is better,
signed to help counter the sonic effects of nearby walls
leave the switch on. In our opinion, the VCC-5 has
and other surfaces.
slightly lower coloration with the Proximity Com-
pensation turned on.
1. Using good, clear dialog as a source, listen to your
system with the VCC-5’s Proximity Compensation
both on and off to determine which setting provides
more natural and intelligible voices in your particular
listening environment.
3. Once the switch has been set, it needs no further at-
tention unless the system is moved into a different
environment
AMPLIFICATION
To maintain the seamless integration of the VCC-5
with the front left and right speakers, the center channel
amplifier should be a close sonic match to the amplifier
driving the main speakers. The impedance of the VCC-5
center speaker is 4 ohms so that a high current amplifier is
required and it should have at least as much power as the
main amplifier. With only one channel of amplification
needed, you can bridge a good sounding, lower powered
stereo amplifier into mono. To prevent system damage
from power line fluctuations or other unpredictable phe-
nomena, all the amplifiers in an audio/video system
should be turned off when the system is not being used.
Preamplifiers and CD players however, should be left on
due to their lengthy warm-up periods.
SERVICE
and the steps you have taken to isolate the problem to the
VCC-5. A Return Authorization is available on our
vice .
Should your VCC-5 require service, please follow
these procedures.
1. Verify that the problem is in the speaker by substitut-
ing a speaker that is known to be working in place of
the VCC-5.
3. Return the damaged or defective VCC-5 to Vander-
steen Audio packed in its original box. Include the
filled-out Return Authorization Form with the VCC-5.
2. Contact Vandersteen Audio, describe the problem
Vandersteen Audio
VCC-5 Operation Manual
6
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PACKING INSTRUCTIONS
To prevent physical or cosmetic damage always pack the
VCC-5 in its original box prior to transportation or shipment.
Please follow these instructions when packing the VCC-5.
TOP TRAY
1. Place the speaker on one side on a padded surface.
2. Pull the plastic bag over the speaker
3. Carefully turn the speaker right side up and close bag.
VCC-5
4. Place one tray, foam side down into the box.
5. Place the speaker into bottom tray.
6. Carefully place top tray, foam side up over the speaker.
7. Close the box flaps and seal with tape.
MAINTENANCE
The appearance of the VCC-5 can be preserved by ob-
serving a few precautions and performing some simple main-
tenance. The grille cloth on the VCC-5 can be vacuumed
using a brush attachment that will not snag the cloth. The
top should be treated as a piece of fine furniture. The wood
veneers are oiled at the factory and can be maintained with
an occasional light application of Pledge or a similar prod-
uct.
PLASTIC BAG
BOTTOM TRAY
Care should be taken that objects that could mar the finish
are not placed on top of the speaker. Do not expose the
speaker to excessive heat, sunlight or moisture, which can
damage the fit and finish of the veneer.
SPECIFICATIONS
Driver:
Magnetically shielded triaxial design com-
bining (2) 6 1/2” die-cast basket polycone
woofers, (1) 6 1/2” die-cast polycone mid-
range and a proprietary 1” critically-
damped, alloy dome tweeter.
VANDERSTEEN AUDIO
116 W. FOURTH STREET HANFORD, CA, 93230
Crossover:
Phase:
150, 3500Hz. First order, 6dB per octave.
All drivers in positive absolute phase.
MODEL VCC-5 CENTER
FRAGILE
↑
↑
UP
UP
Enclosure:
1-11/2” think constrained-layer-dampened
MDF.
DIMENSIONAL PURITY
Impedance:
Sensitivity:
Response:
4 ohms nominal.
86dB at 1 meter with a 2.83 volt input.
55Hz to 21,000Hz ± 3dB Proximity Off.
Amplification: 100 to 200 watts per channel .
VANDERSTEEN AUDIO
Size:
24 1/4” wide, 9 3/4” high, 17 1/2” deep.
68# net, 78# gross.
116 WEST FOURTH STREET
HANFORD, CA 93230
(559) 582-0324
Weight:
Specifications and design are subject to change without notice due
to our continuous research and development program
Vandersteen Audio
VCC-5 Operation Manual
7
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LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
VANDERSTEEN AUDIO loudspeakers are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials or
workmanship, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS, for one (1) year from the date of purchase from an
authorized VANDERSTEEN AUDIO dealer.
THIS WARRANTY IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS:
This warranty is void and inapplicable if the loudspeaker has:
a. not been used in accordance with the instructions contained in the operations manual.
b. been subject to misuse or abuse; examples of which would be burned driver voice coils.
c. been modified, repaired, or tampered with by anyone not specifically authorized to do so by Vandersteen Audio.
d. been subject to inputs in excess of the maximum rating, or inputs from an unstable or clipped amplifier.
e. suffered physical damage to the structure or components due to accident, neglect, or transportation.
IF A VANDERSTEEN AUDIO LOUDSPEAKER FAILS TO MEET THE ABOVE WARRANTY AND THE ABOVE CONDI-
TIONS HAVE BEEN MET, THEN THE CUSTOMER’S SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE TO RETURN THE PRODUCT TO
VANDERSTEEN AUDIO WHERE THE DEFECT WILL BE REPAIRED WITHOUT CHARGE FOR PARTS OR LABOR.
THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY TO PRODUCTS RETURNED TO VANDERSTEEN AUDIO IN HANFORD, CA USA.
(Returning the product to Vandersteen Audio from some countries other than the United States may involve consider-
able time and expense. The customer is responsible for all fees and duties and for providing instructions and all the
paperwork required to return the product after it is serviced.)
The speaker must be packed in the original packing and returned to VANDERSTEEN AUDIO via insured freight by the
customer at his or her own expense. A returned product must be accompanied by a Return Authorization Form,
(available from VANDERSTEEN AUDIO upon request) which includes a written description of the defect and return
shipping information.
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE ABOVE PRODUCT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF
THE ABOVE WARRANTY. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
COST OR DAMAGES TO PURCHASER.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or an exclusion of incidental or conse-
quential damages so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply. This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
you may also have other rights in your state.
VANDERSTEEN AUDIO reserves the right to modify the design of any product without any obligation to previous
purchasers and/or to change the prices or specifications without notice or obligation to anyone.
A Personal Note
I have been doing volunteer work for several years with elderly people
with severe hearing losses, and I have seen the frustration and anger that are
brought on by these losses. We now know that many of these people developed
their hearing problems because of exposure to high noise levels when younger.
Many home stereo systems, as well as audio/video, personal, and automo-
bile sound systems are capable of volume levels potentially damaging to your
hearing. Please use common sense, and listen to your music and movies at safe
levels now so you will still have the ability to hear and enjoy them in the future.
Richard Vandersteen
Model VCC-5 Operation Manual Copyright 2001 Vandersteen Audio, Inc.
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