Klipsch WA-2

Klipsch WA-2, wireless subwoofer transmission kit

The WA-2 eliminates the long cable that normally connects a home theater or stereo amplifier to its subwoofer. Instead, it sends the bass signal wirelessly, allowing the subwoofer to be placed wherever it sounds best in the room, without cabling constraints. The kit includes two small units: a transmitter connected to the amplifier and a receiver connected to the subwoofer.

A wireless link instead of a cable

The transmitter picks up the signal intended for the subwoofer from the amplifier, then sends it to the receiver placed near the subwoofer, up to fifteen meters away (15 m range). The wired connection, often long and inconvenient to run from one wall to another, is eliminated. Up to four WA-2 kits can operate together in an average-sized home, making several subwoofers wireless without interfering with one another.

Frequency-free operation

Transmission takes place on the 2.4 GHz band, the same one used by home Wi-Fi. To prevent its signal from mixing with that of a wireless network or telephone, the WA-2 automatically selects a free channel and changes it when needed (automatic channel selection). The transmitter and receiver also recognize each other automatically when first powered on: no pairing procedure is required in most cases. A green LED on each unit confirms that the connection has been established.

Subwoofers compatible with the WA port

The WA-2 cannot be connected to just any subwoofer. It requires a model equipped with a WA port, a four-pin input found on selected subwoofers from Klipsch, Energy, Mirage, and Jamo. The receiver connects to it via a four-pin cable that must be carefully aligned before being inserted: incorrect pin alignment can damage the connector.

Subwoofers equipped with a WA port include the Klipsch SW-110, SW-112, SW-308, SW-310, and SW-311, the Energy ESW-M6 and ESW-M8, the Mirage MM-6 and MM-8, as well as the Jamo Sub 800.

Gain adjustment to match the amplifier

Not all amplifiers send the same signal level to the subwoofer. To compensate, the transmitter features a three-position gain selector: 0 dB in the center, suitable for most amplifiers and processors, with 12 dB more or less on either side. If the bass is too weak despite correct adjustment on the amplifier, move the selector to +12 dB; if it distorts, move it back to -12 dB. This adjustment is made on the transmitter, only once during installation.

Connecting to the amplifier

The transmitter connects to the amplifier’s subwoofer output (often labeled Sub Out, SW Out, or Subwoofer Pre Out) using the supplied audio cable, via input C. On a stereo amplifier without a dedicated subwoofer output, use its left and right preamplified outputs instead, connected to inputs C and B on the transmitter; these line outputs are required to establish the connection. The power supply connects to input E on the transmitter, then to a mains outlet.

If the red LEDs flash instead of turning green, manual pairing restores the connection: press and hold the transmitter and receiver buttons simultaneously until both LEDs stop flashing and remain solid, which takes about five seconds.

Technical Specifications

Type and function

• Wireless subwoofer transmission kit consisting of a transmitter and a receiver
• Transmission of bass signal and low-frequency effects from a home theater or stereo amplifier to a subwoofer equipped with a WA port
• Up to 4 kits can be used simultaneously in an average-sized home

Wireless transmission

• Transmission band: 2.4 GHz (ISM band)
• Channel selection: automatic, with channel switching as needed
• Range: 15 m
• Pairing
  • Automatic pairing upon first power-on
  • Manual re-pairing by holding both buttons for approximately five seconds
• Light indicators
  • Solid green LED: connection established
  • Flashing red LEDs: pairing must be repeated

Audio performance

• Transmitted frequency response: 15 to 150 Hz (+0 / -3 dB)

Gain adjustment

• Gain selector located on the transmitter, three positions: -12 dB, 0 dB, +12 dB
• Center 0 dB position suitable for most amplifiers and processors

Connection to the amplifier (transmitter)

• Input C: amplifier subwoofer output (Sub Out, SW Out, Subwoofer Pre Out), via the supplied audio cable
• Inputs C and B: left and right preamp outputs for a stereo amplifier without a dedicated subwoofer output
• Input E: mains power
• A stereo amplifier must have left and right line outputs

Connection to the subwoofer (receiver)

• Four-pin cable to connect to the subwoofer’s WA port, aligning the pins before inserting it
• Receiver mounting: supplied Velcro strips, or two rear screws on certain subwoofers

Compatibility (subwoofers with WA port)

• Klipsch: SW-110, SW-112, SW-308, SW-310, SW-311, R-110SW, R-112SW, R-115SW, SPL-100, SPL-120, SPL-150
• Energy: ESW-M6, ESW-M8
• Mirage: MM-6, MM-8
• Jamo: Sub 800

Kit contents

• Transmitter
• Receiver
• Mains power supply
• Audio cable
• Velcro strips
• User manual