Boston Acoustics HORIZON MCS90 User manual

important Safety instructions

This symbol found on the apparatus

indicates hazards arising from danger-

ous voltages.

This symbol found on the apparatus

indicates the user should read all safety

statements found in the usermanual.

_] This symbol found on the apparatusindicates double insulation.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or electric

shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or

moisture.

This symbol found on the apparatus indi-

cates that the apparatus must be placed in a

separate collection facility for electronic

waste and not disposed of with household

waste.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Read these instructions.

Keep these instructions.

tteed all warnings.

Follow all instructions.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

Clean only with dry cloth.

Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in

accordance with tile manufacturer's instructions.

Do not install near any heat sources such as radi-

ators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus

(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

or gr ounding-type plug. A polarized plug has

two blades with one wider than the other.

A grounding type plug has two blades and a

third grounding prong. The wide blade or the

third prong are provided for your safety. If the

provided plug does not fit into your outlet,

consult an electrician for replacement of the

obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on

or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience

receptacles, and the point where they exit

from the apparatus.

Only use attachments/accessories specified by

the manufacturer.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms

or when unused for long periods of time.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnek

Servicing is required when the apparatus has

been damaged in any way, such as power sup-

nlv cord or nluc_ is damac_ed lic]uid has been

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

spilled or objects have fallen into the appara-

tus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or

moisture, does not operate normally, or has

been dropped.

Maintain a minimum distance of 50 mm around

the front, rear and sides of the apparatus for

sufficient ventilation. Yhe ventilation should not

be impeded by covering the ventilation open--

ings or placing on or around the apparatus

items such as newspapers, table--cloths, cur--

tains, etc.

No naked flame sources, such as lighted

candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

Fhe apparatus shall not be exposed to drip--

ping or splashing. No objects filled with liq-

uids, such as vases, shall be placed on the

apparatus.

Either the power inlet connector on the rear of

the apparatus or the power plug at the wall

must remain accessible, to be able to discon-

nect power from the apparatus.

Ib completely disconnect this apparatus from

the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply

cord plug from the AC receptacle.

Fhe mains plug of the power supply cord shall

remain readily operable.

_pecllRca_|ons Satellites Center Channel Subwoofer

Frequency Response: 120nz -20knz 120nz -20knz 40 - 180nz

Recommended Amplifier

Power Range: 10 -100 watts 10 -100 watts

Sensitivity: 88dB [2.8v at I m] 88dB [2.8v at I m]

Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms 8 ohms

Crossover Frequency: 3,000Hz 3,000Hz

Amplifier Output: 100 watts RMS

Woofer: 3"with Phase Plugs 3"with Phase Plugs 8"

& MagnaGuard '_ & MagnaGuard

Tweeter: _" (13mm) _" (13mm)

Dimensions (H x W x D) 7_ x 4_ x 4_X/ 5_X_,x 12%x 3sh" 12s4x 15% x 15s_"

(189x 113 x 93mm) (145 x 321 x 95mm) (324x 390x 390mm)

Weight 2.5 Ibs 4.6 Ibs 22.7 Ibs

(1.14kg) (2.1kg) (103kg)

MCS 90 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Boston Acoustics Multi{hannel Speaker System.These speakers incorporate higtNuality cornponer]ts

that produce the famous Boston sound.The system is ideally suited for use as a 5.1 channel solution in a high-quality home

theater or music system. The system is complete with everything you need for the typical speaker system including speaker

wire, satellite speakers, a center channel speaker, and a subwoofer. Please check out Bostonacoustics.com/placement for

information or] placing your speakers.

The MCS 90 speaker system delivers exceptionally articulate on-screen dialog, music, effects, and room filling bass from a

small, sleek package. Compact driver placement and quality, system specific crossovers assure a wide uniform dispersion

for complete coverage of a listening room. All speakers also feature MagnaGuard '_magnetic shielding which ensures the

speaker's magnetic field does not interfere with the televisions picture.

Unpacking the System

Carefully unpack the system. If there is any sign of damage from transit, report it immediately to your dealer and/or delivery

service. Keep the shipping carton and packing materials for future use. Open the package and verify the following contents:

(4) Satellite speakers

(1) Center Channel speaker

(1) Subwoofer

(2) 40' (12m) speaker wires

(3) 15'(4.6m) speaker wires

(1) 15' (4.6m) subwoofer cable

(8) Rubber bumpers (used for wall mounting)

i7/1 ii7/!

(4) Satellite speakers

with 1removable foot

[]

(1) Center Channel speaker

with 2 removable feet

/'L

[] i

/_' "d

Subwoofer

Placement Options

The MCS 90 satellites and center char]nel are easily place(] on a tabletop or wall-mounted.The

speakers are configured for tabletop use when you first unpack the system. The foot installed ors

the rear of the speaker will keep it upright.

The MCS 90 satellites and center char]nel are designed to easily mount orsthe wall using the keyhole

slot(s) orsthe back of the speaker. When mounting the speakers to the wall use the supplied rubber

bumpers. You must remove the attached foot to wall-mount your speakers. Remove the thumbscrew

from the back of the foot. It is slotted for easy removal with a screwdriver or a coin.

The keyhole mour]ting option is similar to hanging a picture frame orsawall. Install a #8 screw (not

ir]duded) into the sheetrock, making sure to go into a stud, and hang the speaker or]to the screw head.

If a stud is not available, a sheetrock anchor should be used to support the weight of the speaker. It is

advisable to cor]nect the speaker wire prior to waiPmour]ting.

/- it,i

-:% ,i

NOTE: Because there are so many different kinds of surfaces orswhich the speakers could be mounted.There is no one

type of fastener that we could supply that would work in all the possible situations. So taking into account the surface the

speaker is being mounted ors,acq uire the appropriate type of fasteners. If you're not sure what type of fastener to use, take

the mounting bracket to a friendly hardware store, tell them about the wall you're mour]ting the speaker ors, and ask them

to recommend an appropriate fastener. Keep in mind the weight of the speaker.

Speaker Connections

After your speakers are properly place(], you are ready

to wire your system. First,turn offal[ system power.

Use the speaker wire included with the system to

make your cor]r]ectior]s. For longer distances, #16 or

#18 gauge wire available from your dealer should be

used. Please see the illustration for guidance con-

necting the wires to the MCS 90 satellites and center

char]nel.

For cor]nection to your receiver please refer to its

owner's mar]ual.

CZZZZ}}]¸ C22ZI] ¸

Important!

To ensure the best performance observe polarities when making speaker

cor]r]ections, as shown in the ilkJstration. Cor]nect each + terminal ors the back of

the amplifier or receiver to the respective + (red) terminal ors each speaker. Cor]nect

the (black) terminaB in the same way. Ifthe cor]r]ections are not made correctly it

carscause poor bass response and imaging. Also, to avoid short circuits that may

damage your equipment be careful not to let any of the bare wires touch each other.

+Red - Black

Subwoofer Connections

Turn offall power. Use the subwoofer cable included with your

system to cor]nect the subwoofer to your receivers Subwoofer or

LFEOutput. Cor]nect the other end to the"Line In"on the back of

the Subwoofer.

Subwoofer Controls

Power On

Plug the subwoofer's AC cord into a wall outlet. We do not recommend using use the

outlets or] the back of the receiver. The subwoofer features auto on/stand by. An LED

indicator next to the volume control indicates what mode the subwoofer is in.

RED = STANDBY (No signal detected, Amp Off)

GREEN= ON (Signal detected, Amp Or])

',, /

LED indicator

Thesubwoofer will automatically enter the Standby mode after severalminutes when no signal isdetected from your system.

Thesubwoofer will then power ONinstantly when asignal isdetected.

Volume Control

Begin by adjusting the Subwoofer Volume Control to the 11 otlock position. Further adjust the Subwoofer Volume Control

until you hear a match in volume between the main speakers and subwoofer. Ideally, bass response should not overpower

the room but rather be adjusted so there is a natural blend across the entire musical range.

Operation

When using the MCS gO in a Dolby _ Digital or DTS'_'home theater system, make sure all speakers are set to"Srnall". When

using the system in a Dolby Pro Logic _°home theater system, make sure the receiver's center channel mode is set to'Normal."

Some Dolby Digital equipped receivers/processors offer different setup options for each source or surround mode (e.g., CD-

stereo, videotape, Dolby Digital, Pro LogicS°).In each case, follow your equipment's instructions to ensure that the subwoofer

output is turned or] and that the speakers are set to"Small"in each mode.

If your receiver hasadjustable crossover settings, we recommend the subwoofer crossover be set at 150Hz.

Refer to the owner's manual for your AV receiver for any additional recommendations or] system operation.

Maintenance and Service

The satellite and subwoofer enclosures may be cleaned using a soft cloth to remove fingerprints or to wipe off dust. All wiring

cor]r]ections should be inspected and cleaned or remade at least once a year.

Ira problem does occur, make sure that all cor]r]ections are properly made, secure and clear]. Ira problem occurs in one loud-

speaker, rewire that speaker in a different location within the system. Should the problem persist in this speaker the problem

is within the speaker. If the speaker sounds fine in the new position it is a strong indication of a more in depth issue with the

electronics in the system. In the event that your MCS gO ever needs service, contact your local Boston Acoustics dealer or visit

www.Bostona.com for a list of dealers in your area.

Ifyour subwoofer does not play,check that all the connectors or] the cables are making proper contact and that the AC plug

isconnected to a "live"receptacle.

Limited Warranty

Boston Acoustics warrants to the original purchaser of our MCS 90 system that it will be free of defects in materials and

workmanship in its mechanical parts for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase. The warranty period for the electrical

components of MCS 90 is ] year.

Your responsibilities are to install and use them according to the instructions supplied, to provide safe and secure transporta-

tion to an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative, and to present proof of purchase in the form of your sales slip

when requesting service.

Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, improper installation, accidents, shipping, or repairs/

modifications by anyone other than an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative.

This warranty is limited to the Boston Acoustics product and does not cover damage to any associated equipment. This

warranty does not cover the cost of removal or reinstallation.This warranty is void ifthe serial number has beers removed or

defaced. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

If Service Seems Necessary

First, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the )roduct. If that is not possible, write to:

Boston Acoustics, Inc.

300 Jubilee Drive

Peabody, MA 01960 USA

Or contact us via e-mail at:

[email protected]

We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your MCS 90 to the factory, please ship it

prepaid. After it has beers repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in the United States and Canada.

For EU Customers Only

This symbol found ors the product indicates that the product must not be disposed of with household waste.

Instead, it may be placed in a separate collection facility for electronic waste or returned to a retailer when pur-

chasing similar product.The producer paid to recycle this product. Doing this contributes to reuse and recycling,

minimizes adverse effects orsthe er]viror]ment and human health and avoids any fines for incorrect disposal.

Boston Acoustics continually strives to update and improve its products. The specifications and construction details are

subject to change without notice.

300 bt_:_eE}_ve_Pc_t><xt}4 L4A(Ylgt0 _-A

wwwobostonacousticsocom

Boston, Boston Acoustics, MagnaGuard, Kortec, and the Boston Acoustics logo are registered trademarks of Boston Acoustics,

Inc. Dolby Digital, and Dolby Pro Logic are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. DTS is a registered trademarks of DTS,

Inc. Specifications are subject to change without notice. (,) 2008 Boston Acoustics, Inc. 142-003282-0

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