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K2 Power subwoofer manual
Congratulations on purchasing a
product from the range, K2 Power.
We are happy you share our
passion, for "the Spirit of Sound".
K2 Power subwoofers contain the
very latest enhanced technologies,
for high power handling, and
unrivalled sound quality. To
obtain the best results from this
product, we recommend that you
follow carefully all the information
contained in this manual. If
not followed correctly any fault
observed, may not be covered by
the guarantee.
Warning
Due to the high power handling
characteristics employed, subwoofers
from the K2 Power range are capable
of producing extreme volume levels.
Continued listening at high volume
levels above 110dB, are regarded not
ideal for listening pleasure. Listening
above 130dB can permanently
damage your hearing. Focal does
not accept responsibility, for unlawful
playing, in the event of a criminal
prosecution. Please exercise restraint.
The Focal guarantee only applies if the enclosed guarantee
card is returned to us within 10
days of purchase.
Features
Membrane/cone K2 Power
Reference CKM sandwich composite,
comprising of Kevlar®/foam/Kevlar®
material structure. Extremely rigid
structure, improved power handling,
low distortion characteristics.
Multi-ferrite motor unit
Focals renowned multi-ferrite motor
continues with increased x3 level stack
(33 KX, 40 KX, 46 KX 4). Higher BL
sum magnet power. Open access for
natural cooling of the voice coil.
Designed for sealed or closed box
volumes
Optimised for comparatively small
volumes, being sealed. Producing a
full deep bass experience, even at
high volume levels (27 KX, 33 KX and
40 KX).
Power hi-fi
Designed for bass reflex enclosures.
High efficiency SPLs for fast dynamic
bass (46 KX 4).
Spider braid sandwich
All output braids whether single
double or quadruple connections
impregnated into spider, sandwiched
to form one complete layer. Zero
problem from lead-out wire fatigue.
Zero problem from lead-out wire
tapping against cone assembly.
Chassis moulded from metal alloy
Non magnetic, and inherently rigid
structure.
Focal-JMlab® - BP 374 - 108, rue de l'Avenir - 42353 La Talaudière cedex - France - www.focal-fr.com
Due to constant technological advances, Focal reserves its right to modify specifications without notice. Images may not conform exactly to specific product.
Tel. 00 33 4 77 43 57 00 - Fax 00 33 4 77 43 57 04
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A
27 KX 33 KX / 40 KX
English
10
B C
Simple connection: 4 ohms Connecting in parallel: 1 ohms
33 KX / 40 KX 33 KX / 40 KX
D E
Connecting in series: 4 ohms Double connection: 2x2 ohms
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Installation
Running-in period Connecting-up (general) Connections (33 KX and 40 KX)
K2 Power subwoofers incorporate the
very latest components. To ensure
such complex mechanical elements
work in harmony with the rest of
your system, they must be allowed to
function correctly in this environment.
Such changes in temperature and
humidity are regarded as very hostile.
For K2 Power subwoofers to benefit,
a running-in period must be used to
ensure they are prepared for this. We
recommend that once the system is
ready for listening the subwoofers
should be run-in at medium volume
setting. The use of audio material
that contains good low frequencies
is ideal to gain their full potential.
We recommend this running period
be used for at least one week. After
which the excellent performance of
your K2 Power subwoofers can be
fully appreciated.
Fitting
Each subwoofer kit comes complete
with its fixing kit. This consists of selftapping wood screws, metal inserts
and threaded bolts, plus a reel of
foam gasket material.
Depending on whether the subwoofer
is to be installed standard recessed
flush-fit or inverted, requires careful
examination before any cutting is
attempted for example a rear panel
installation (fig. A). The desired baffle
location or custom made enclosure
must be rigid and strong enough to
hold the weight of the driver. We
recommend the sealing gasket is
attached to the driver, then the driver
placed into position and attached
securely in place.
It is imperative the correct connection
is always maintained to the subwoofer.
The correct phase is important,
especially when integrating it into
a broad-bandwidth or component
speaker system; such in the case of
a 2 or 3 way set up. Not doing so
will drastically reduce the overall
performance.
Connection to the subwoofer use
the standardised system of, RED =
positive +, and BLACK = negative -.
This must be followed and inverted
if the driver is installed in the reverse
(inverted install).
For those subwoofers with twin (33 KX
and 40 KX) or quadruple connection
(46 KX 4), careful understanding of
the various parallel and series circuits
must be determined first, by verifying
compatibility with the amplifier load
characteristics, and overall system
integration.
Connections (27 KX)
The 27 KX subwoofer uses a single
4 ohms voice coil, thus consists of a
single input terminal (fig. B). Verify the
output stage and if your amplifier has
a bridging function, to gain further
benefit, use it. Ensure it is compatible
with a 4 ohms impedance load.
Both 33 KX and 40 KX subwoofers,
use a dual voice coil, thus each
consist of two input connectors. To
achieve high power integration to
your system, we recommend the
two connectors, are connected in a
parallel circuit formation (fig. C). In
this situation, an impedance load of
approximately 1 ohms will be present.
For connection to the amplifier, it is
important to ensure such low load
is compatible. It is also possible to
connect the voice coil into a series
type circuit, producing an impedance
load of approximately 4 ohms (fig. D).
This is generally recommended if your
amplifier is not compatible to low load
impedances of less that 1 ohms. The
33 KX and 40 KX can also benefit from
"Bi-amping" configurations (fig. E). It
is important to ensure both amplifiers
are of the same specification and
power rating. Also a traditional 2
channel stereo amplifier (high power
recommended) can also be used,
allowing further installation flexibility.
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Connecting in parallel: 0.25 ohm
GF
Connecting in: series / parallel connection: 1 ohm
English
12
H I
J K
Connecting in series: 4 ohms
Double connection in serie: 2x2 ohms
Double connection in parallel: 2x0.5 ohm
4 amplifiers connected: 4x1 ohm
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Installation
The mighty 46 KX 4 subwoofer incorporates a unique feature, consisting
of 4 individual wound voice coils,
intertwined together on the same
vented aluminium former. Each voice
coil winding has an impedance of 1
ohm, giving greater flexibility. Note
that core section of connecting cables
and complete amplifier compatibility
must be verified before, for load
ratings from 0.25, 1 or 4ohms (fig.
F, G, H).
"Bi-amping" can also be included for
the 46 KX 4. Thus load impedance’s
of 2x0.5 ohms and 2x2 ohms, can be
included for parallel or series circuits
(fig. I, J).
"Quad amping" can be included,
with 4x separate amplifiers, offering
identical specifications. The impedance
load will be approximately 1 ohms
(fig. K). Again, each amplifier power
and load rating must be compatible
for 1 ohms nominal impedance.
Cut-off frequency
Generally, it is accepted the frequency
scale is from 60 to 100Hz, depending
on many parameters (cabinet loading,
exterior load of vehicle interior etc,
etc). If in doubt, we recommend a
cut-off frequency of approximately
80Hz be selected. Too high a cut
off frequency and the "staging" will
be uneven. The bass frequencies
will become directional. Too low a
cut-off frequency and the general
performance maybe reduced.
Finally a process of "trial and error"
can be used to define this aspect,
for maximum enjoyment of your K2
Power KX series subwoofers.
Choosing the correct enclosure or
acoustic load (general)
The correct acoustic load, normally
the type of enclosure and volume
made available to the subwoofer, is
of prime importance for maximum
performance. All pistonic acoustic
devices (in this case subwoofers)
require a defined acoustic load to
work correctly. This means the type
of charge (sealed or bass reflex)
and volume (litres / cubic ft) must
be chosen wisely, to gain maximum
performance. Never choose "any"
ready prepared subwoofer enclosure.
They may accept your subwoofer,
concerning the hole cut-out size for
chassis, but do they match the volume
or type of charge as defined in the
subwoofer parameters?
Sealed / closed box enclosure
All K2 Power subwoofers (except
the 46 KX 4) have been carefully
optimised to work in sealed or closed
box enclosures. This type of enclosure
ensures sub bass frequencies remain
full and controlled. The available
excursion of the sub is far more
stable, for controlled linearity limiting
distortion, ensuring maximum performance is maintained. The added
benefit of a properly defined sealed
enclosure, is that it remains comparatively small in size. Compared to a
defined bass reflex enclosure, which
normally has a slight increase in
the sound pressure level, K2 Power
subwoofers have improved power
handling characteristics. Therefore
this slight reduction of level can
be compensated, with increased
amplification.
Bass-reflex enclosureConnections 46 KX 4
The 46 KX 4 subwoofer has been
developed exclusively to work in bass
reflex enclosures. Due to the large
surface area available, with high
strength multi-ferrite motor structure,
together producing high efficiency
necessary for dynamic power SPL
installations.
Any bass reflex enclosure uses an
acoustic suspension or spring, in
the form of a port. The port whether
a tube, or slot must be correctly
calculated, concerning area and
length to the volume chosen. The
air that passes through the port is
effectively the spring and pressure
load on the subwoofer diaphragm.
To reduce air whistling, the port
should remain smooth internally, with
maximum aerodynamic characteristics
applied throughout. For a port-tube
application, it is advised to use
the maximum diameter possible
corresponding to the appropriate
length; this will further reduce wind
turbulence.
The enclosure structure should be
strong and rigid throughout, not only
due to the weight of the 46 KX 4, but
notably for the amount of air pressure
displacement produced from the
diaphragm movement.
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27 KX
Sealed enclosure
20 liters (0.71 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 48Hz / Fast and tight bass
30 liters (1.06 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 45Hz / Punchy and dynamic bass
40 liters (1.41 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 44Hz / Deep and articulate bass
33 KX
Sealed enclosure
30 liters (1.06 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 42Hz / Fast and tight bass
40 liters (1.41 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 41Hz / Punchy and dynamic bass
50 liters (1.77 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 40Hz / Deep and articulate bass
40 KX
Sealed enclosure
SPL (dB) 1W/1m
SPL (dB) 1W/1m
Frequency (Hz)
40 liters (1.41 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 41Hz / Fast and tight bass
60 liters (2.19 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 37Hz / Punchy and dynamic bass
80 liters (2.82 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 36Hz / Deep and articulate bass
Frequency (Hz)
ML
46 KX 4
Vented enclosure
O N
SPL (dB) 1W/1m
SPL (dB) 1W/1m
Frequency (Hz)
80 liters (2.82 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 45Hz / Fast and tight bass
100 liters (3.53 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 40Hz / Punchy and dynamic bass
120 liters (4.24 cu. ft.)
F - 3 = 37Hz / Deep and articulate bass
Frequency (Hz)
46 KX 4
Port dimensions (46 KX 4)
Ø 10 10 10
L8911
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40 KX
33 KX
27 KX
20l 30l 40l 50l 60l 80l 100l 120l
300 370 370 370 400 450 500 500
A
300 370 370 370 400 450 500 500
B
410 380 490 605 720 730 730 850
C
190 237 237 237 170 190 190 190
P
D
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Building the enclosure
Recommendations Building an enclosure Conditions of guarantee
Building your chosen enclosure,
whether sealed or bass reflex,
shouldn’t be regarded as a "complex
job". Important observations should
never be neglected, such as correct
volumes, thick enough board material, with added bracing, correct
sealing especially for sealed enclosures. See image attached for further
understanding (fig. P).
Inverse mounting of subwoofer
(beauty box application)
Because all K2 Power KX subwoofers
use such large impressive multi-ferrite
motor units, why hide them inside?
Why not build a "beauty box", invert
the subwoofer, and make a feature of
their specialist design.
When choosing inverted mounting the
phase must be inverted, so that the
polarity is observed.
More importantly, inverting the
subwoofer has inherent advantages
for the general performance. Primarily
for sealed enclosures, the overall external dimensions can be significantly
reduced, due to the saving of wasted
volume displacement otherwise lost in
traditional subwoofer installations. For
example, up to 3 litres can be saved
due to the same displacement lost by
the array of multiferrites and large
front and back plate assemblies and
chassis. For the 46 KX 4, around 4
litres can be saved for it’s bass reflex
enclosure.
K2 Power subwoofers are able of
reproducing very high sound pressure levels. The construction should
always remain strong and rigid, to
eliminate any unwanted vibrations. A
good material such as MDF (Medium
Density Fibreboard) will effectively
ensure this is possible. Choosing the
correct thickness of MDF compared
to the surface area decided, is also
critical to ensure the enclosure does
not vibrate. For this reason the general thickness recommended is 19mm
MDF. The volume of the enclosure
depends on the type of music your are
listening to (hi-fi, dynamic bass...) (fig.
L, M, N, O).
If you decide to build your enclosure,
pay attention to the following recommendations:
• Ensure that there are no air leaks at
corners and fixings.
• We recommend the use of clamps
for perfect assembly of the panels.
The drying time of the glue must be
respected.
• When using the 46 KX 4, we advise
the use of a profiled port so that air
noises are prevented.
• Add damping material (foam) inside
the enclosure (do not use fiberglass) to
cancel possible resonances.
If the sound is "closed-in" then remove
some at the damping material.
All Focal loudspeakers are covered
by guarantee drawn up by the official
Focal distributor in your country.
Your distributor can provide all
details concerning the conditions of
guarantee. Guarantee cover extends
at least to that granted by the legal
guarantee in force in the country
where the original purchase invoice
was issued.
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Specifications
27 KX 33 KX 40 KX 46 KX 4
Nominal power
Maximum power
Sensitivity
Cone
Surround
Nom. impedance
VC diameter
VC height
Xmax
Magnet d x h
Magnet weight
Gap height
Net weight
Vas
Qts
Qes
Qms
Re
Sd
Mms
Les
Res
300W 400W 500W 1000W
600W 800W 1000W 2000W
88dB 90dB 92.5dB 96.5dB
K2 Composite Sandwich
Butyl Butyl Butyl High density foam
4 ohms 4 ohms (2x2) 4ohms (2x2) 4 ohms (4x1)
65mm - 2.55in 65mm - 2.55in 65mm - 2.55in 77mm - 3.03in
26mm - 1.02in 32mm - 1.26in 32mm - 1.25in 30mm - 1.18in
9mm - 0.35in 11mm - 0.43in 11mm - 0.43in 10mm - 0.39in
60x14mm - 2.36x0.55in 60x 14 mm - 2.36x0.55in 60x14mm - 2.36x0.55in 75x15mm - 2.95x0.59in
2106g - 4.66Ib 2916g - 6.42lb 2916g - 6.42Ib 8100g - 17.86lb
8mm - 0.3in 10mm - 0.39in 10mm - 0.39in 10mm - 0.039in
7.2kg - 15.87Ib 9.8kg - 21.6Ib 10.7kg - 23.58Ib 17kg - 37.47Ib
Fs
Le
BI
48Hz 39Hz 34.6Hz 29.4Hz
14.92I - 0.53Ft
0.908 0.733 0.82 0.345
0.97 0.84 0.97 0.37
14.19 5.77 5.3 5.05
4.6 ohms 4.2 ohms (in series) 4.2 ohms (in series) 4.2 ohms (in series)
314.16cm2 - 48.7in
100.9g - 0.22Ib 229.2g - 0.5Ib 296.5g - 0.65Ib 347.75g - 0.76Ib
1.9mH 4.3mH (in series) 4.2mH (in series) 3mH (in series)
15.63mH 20.4mH 19.92mH 61.45mH
67.29 ohms 28.85 ohms 22.95 ohms 57.32 ohms
12.05N/A 16.76N/A (in series) 16.71N/A (in series) 27N/A (in series)
®
3
2
K2 Composite Sandwich
24.59I - 0.86Ft
490.87cm2 - 7.6in
®
3
2
K2 Composite Sandwich
64.83I - 2.28Ft
804.25cm2 - 124.65in
®
3
2
K2 Composite Sandwich
206.31I - 7.66 Ft
1320.25cm2 - 204.63in
®
3
2
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