ADS 336px Owner's Manual

PN #319-0700

introduction

About your new loudspeakers

Thank you for purchasing the a/d/s/ 336PX loudspeaker system. The 336PX is without
question the finest automotive loudspeaker a/d/s/ has ever produced. It reflects most refined
technology combined with obsessive construction techniques to deliver unequalled
performance. The 336PX is assembled by specially trained craftspeople with years of
experience building a/d/s/ products. This elite group maintains extremely tight tolerance
control at each step, which assures that each 336PX precisely matches the performance curves
of the original reference.

The most obvious feature of the 336PX is the rugged and non resonant machined metal
woofer frame. This precision chassis is hand assembled from specially selected components to
assure that each frame has the precise geometric proportions for optimum performance. The
large open area and round support rods eliminate the reflections from the frame ribs which
can cause midrange coloration in ordinary loudspeakers. The frame’s bi-metallic construction
forms a resonance-canceling structure which guarantees the utmost sonic purity.

The woofer cone is a newly designed composite of a proprietary copolymer modified with a
filling made of an acid metasilicate of magnesium. This filling forms microscopic platelets
which help stiffen the cone while simultaneously providing a lossy mechanism to damp
undesired resonances.

The motor structure of the 336PX utilizes new geometry to create a symmetrical magnetic
field for low distortion. Also, to ensure high power handling, the center pole is vented along
with a series of perimeter vents to cool the voice coil.

The 336PX tweeter is based on a long line of a/d/s/ designs revered for their clarity and smooth
response. In the 336PX, the new conformal grille and solid aluminum mounting system help
to improve power response and dispersion.

And finally, the crossover used in the 336PX contains components which were each selected
for their own unique sonic signature. The capacitors are all high-quality polypropylene-film
types which have extremely low loss, and do not exhibit the harsh edgy sound of electrolytics
or the clarity-robbing softness of polyester types. For optimum ultra high frequency
performance, the series capacitors in the tweeter circuit are further bypassed with unique
thick-film Polypropylene capacitors specially made with stranded lead wires. This reduces the
loss caused by the main capacitors’ parasitic inductance, increasing clarity and improving
transient response. The crossover is mounted on an aluminum baseplate with a polished
acrylic cover, thereby keeping ferrous materials away from the circuitry as much as possible.

Installation and connection

The quality of the installation will affects the performance and reliability of all loudspeakers.
The high performance capability and construction methods used in the 336PX result in a more
demanding installation than conventional loudspeakers. Therefore we strongly recommend
that the 336PX be installed by an a/d/s/ authorized professional installer. A professional
installation can reduce the risk of damage to either your car or your audio components. If you
do choose to install the audio system yourself, we recommend that you carefully follow the
guidelines discussed in this booklet.

Installation tips and warnings

• Study the layout of your automobile thoroughly before you drill or cut any holes.

• Take extra care when working near gas tanks, gas lines, brake or hydraulic lines and
electrical wiring.

• Keep the woofers and the tweeters away from metal filings and shavings. Once foreign
objects are stuck to the magnets or tweeter dome, it will be virtually impossible to remove
them. Keep the tweeters in their protective bags until final mounting to prevent metal dust
or chips from passing through the grille and accumulating on the dome.

• Exercise caution when handling any of the 336PX drivers when the grilles are removed. A
slip of the hand with a screwdriver or other tool can result in irreparable damage to the cone
or dome.

Installation

• Do not install any of the components component where they will be subject to excessive
heat, moisture or dust; or where they will be kicked or repeatedly bumped or brushed.

• Make absolutely sure the woofer and tweeter are connected to the proper outputs of the
crossover network. If these connections are reversed, low-frequency signals will be fed to
the tweeter. If this happens, the tweeter will likely be damaged. Such damage is not covered
by the warranty.

• When removing or installing the grille of the 336PX speakers do not touch the woofer’s
rubber surround or the tweeter dome with the edge of the grille. Damage to the surround
or dome will significantly degrade performance.

• Never run wiring outside or beneath the vehicle where it can be damaged by road hazards
or the moving parts of the vehicle. Use existing wire channels, sill, panels, and molding strips
inside the automobile to hide the wiring for neat appearance and safety.

• Make sure your radio/cassette player and/or other equipment is turned off while connecting
the speaker terminals. Turn on the various components and slowly advance the volume
control only after checking and double checking all connections. NOTE: If sound is weak and
distorted, immediately turn down the volume and see the Troubleshooting section of this
manual.

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Planning the installation

The modular configuration of the 336PX makes it possible to mount the individual units in a
variety of locations. However, due to the nature of the construction of the 336PX frames, high
precision is required when cutting the mounting holes for installation of the woofer. Likewise
the tweeter is designed for flush mounting only. You will need access to the area immediately
behind the tweeter mounting panel in order to tighten the locking ring.

speaker

placement

For the best imaging and most coherent sound, the output from the woofer and tweeter of
each channel should reach the listener at the same time and from the same direction. The best
results will generally be achieved when the woofer and tweeter are adjacent to each other.
Many installations however may dictate that the two units are separated. If they are mounted
too far apart, the sound they produce may lose coherence.

A woofer mounted on the front door, for example, could have its corresponding tweeter
mounted on the dashboard near the door. It would be inappropriate, however, to mount the
tweeter on the dashboard or front door with the woofer on the rear deck.

The 336PX bass / midrange speakers produce maximum undistorted bass output when
mounted on a rigid surface and in an enclosure which is acoustically isolated from the
passenger compartment. The front doors are often the best locations for the woofers. In some
cases you may be able to mount the woofers in the front kick panels if the areas behind the
panels are reasonably large. In other cases, it may be possible to use existing openings
provided by the auto manufacturer for factory options. Thin panels or shelves must be
reinforced with fiberboard or sheet metal. Steps should also be taken to eliminate air leaks in
and around the mounting surface.

Use the supplied templates when planning the installation. Be sure you have enough clearance
behind the mounting panel. When installing speakers on a rear deck, watch out for trunk lid
hinges and springs. If you are mounting speakers in doors, be sure they will not interfere with
the window operating mechanism. Check the intended installation location with the window
down as well as up.

Label the free ends of all wires before routing so they can be quickly and accurately identified.
It is especially important to avoid reversing the woofer and the tweeter connections.

Amplifier requirements

The 336PX will operate well on as little as 20Watts RMS per channel to achieve reasonable
volume levels in a moving vehicle without clipping the amplifier. We recommend a maximum
of 150 watts so as not to exceed the thermal or mechanical limitations of the speaker system.
The use of a low powered amplifier to try to attain very high output levels can lead to
overdriving the amplifier. This will generate high distortion levels which can easily damage the
loudspeakers, even if the amplifier’s rated power is far below the rated power of the
loudspeaker.

As a rule, do not turn the volume up past the point where you hear distortion from either an
overstressed speaker or amplifier. For the best performance and reliability, select an amplifier

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