PS112 Powered Subwoofer
Owners
Manual
PS112
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
The lightning flash with arrowhead,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within
the products enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk
of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF
FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
General:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Warning: To reduce risk of fire or electrical shock,
do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture.
This unit is capable of producing high sound pressure levels. Continued exposure to high sound pressure levels can cause permanent hearing impairment or loss. User caution is advised and ear protection is recommended when playing at high volumes.
6. Caution: to prevent electrical shock do not use this
(polarized) plug with an extension cord, receptacle
or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
Attention: pour pevenir les chocs elecriques pas
utiliser cette fiche polarisee avec un prolongateur,
une prise de courant ou un autre sortie de courant,
sauf si les lames peuvent etre inserees afond ans en
laisser aucune partie a decouvert.
7. Unplug this equipment during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
8. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or
back. No user serviceable parts inside.
Installation:
9. The equipment shall be installed near the AC Socket
Outlet and the disconnect device shall be easily accessible.
10. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
11. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other equipment (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
12. Do not use this equipment near water.
13. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing
and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, are placed on the equipment.
14. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the equipment.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/equipment combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.
Connection:
15. Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power
source as marked on the unit.
16. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the equipment.
17. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug.
2
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.
18. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
19. To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC
Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the
AC receptacle.
Care of Equipment:
20. Clean only with a dry cloth.
21. Do not permit objects or liquids of any kind to be
pushed, spilled and/or fall into the equipment through
enclosure openings.
22. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
Thank You
Your decision to own this McIntosh PS112 Powered
Subwoofer ranks you at the very top among discriminating
music listeners. You now have The Best. The McIntosh
dedication to Quality, is assurance that you will receive
many years of musical enjoyment from this unit.
Please take a short time to read the information in this
manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all
the features and functions of your new McIntosh.
Please Take A Moment
The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance claim or
future service. The spaces below have been provided for
you to record that information:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name:
Technical Assistance
Repair of Equipment:
23. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the equipment has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the equipment, the equipment has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
24. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be referred to qualified service personnel.
25. When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by
McIntosh or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
26. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks
to determine that the product is in proper operating
condition.
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh dealer who is familiar with
your McIntosh equipment and any other brands that may
be part of your system. If you or your dealer wish additional help concerning a suspected problem, you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-1545
Fax: 607-723-3636
Customer Service
If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of
repair, you can return it to your dealer. You can also return
it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the
McIntosh Service Department at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3515
Fax: 607-723-1917
Copyright 2001 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
3
Introduction and Performance Features
IntroductionTable of Contents
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment............................. 3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .................... 3
Table of Contents and General Notes ............................... 4
Introduction ...................................................................... 4
Performance Features ....................................................... 5
Dimensions ....................................................................... 6
Installation ........................................................................ 8
Rear Panel Connections .................................................... 9
How to Connect for Home Theater ................................ 10
How to Connect for Stereo ............................................. 12
Front Panel Displays and Controls ................................. 14
How to Operate ............................................................... 15
Specifications ................................................................. 18
Packing Instruction ......................................................... 19
General Notes
1. The following Connecting Cable is available from the
McIntosh Parts Department:
Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, 2 conductor shielded, with two 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plugs.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owner s
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the PS112.
3. In the event that the PS112 over heats, due to improper
ventilation and/or high ambient temperature, the protection
circuit will activate. The Front Panel Power Guard LED will
continuously indicate ON and the audio will be muted. When
the PS112 has returned to a safe operating temperature,
normal operation will resume.
4. The PS112s Power Control will
function with 5 to 20 volts
applied to the Power Control
Input. Use a 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug to connect to the
Power Control Input. Refer to
figure 1.
5. To avoid damage, do not connect
the speaker level output
terminals from any receiver,
amplifier or integrated amplifier to the inputs of the PS112
Powered Subwoofer.
Negative
No Connection
Positive
Figure 1
The McIntosh PS112 Powered Subwoofer is designed for
Home Theater and Music Reproduction. It has a 12 inch
LD/HP1 woofer, a 400 watt amplifier and built-in high and
low pass filters.
The PS112 Powered Subwoofers performance is
equivalent to the quality of McIntoshs legendary line of
Amplifiers, Preamplifiers, Signal Processors, Signal
Sources and Loudspeakers, without imparting distortion or
coloration of its own. It also complements the capabilities
and the remarkably low distortion of McIntosh Power Amplifiers.
Many of todays loudspeakers are designed only for
Home Theater applications. Not so with the PS112. It is
also designed for the accurate reproduction of the low frequencies contained in music. Motion picture sound effects,
explosions, and vehicle crashes require a wide dynamic
range and high sound levels. These sounds are such that a
speaker system having moderate distortion would reproduce them with little audible difference. This is not true
with the reproduction of music. Music is by nature and
definition harmonious. To reproduce it accurately, all forms
of distortion, both harmonic and intermodulation, must be
kept to a minimum. This has been the result of the design
of the new McIntosh PS112 Powered Subwoofer. Each
component in the device has been carefully designed for
durability, efficiency, and above all, low distortion. The
McIntosh PS112 Powered Subwoofer will reproduce music
accurately and function as an excellent Home Theater Powered Subwoofer.
1
LD/HP Pat. No. 5,151,943
4
Performance Features
Patented LD/HP Technology
The McIntosh Loudspeaker Element features the patented
LD/HP motor structure. This design, when compared to
conventional Loudspeaker Elements, reduces distortion
significantly. It also increases power handling and
efficiency.
· Power Guard
The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents the
PS112s Amplifier from being overdriven into clipping,
with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage your
valuable loudspeaker.
Flared Acoustic Bass Port
The Acoustic Bass Port in the PS112 has Flared Front and
Rear openings to eliminate air movement noise.
Shielded Magnetic Field
The PS112 may be used in Home Theater Installations near
a television receiver or monitor without causing the
television image to degrade. McIntosh has designed special
shielding around the magnetic structure of the PS112s
Loudspeaker Element to prevent interference.
Phase Switch
The Phase Switch can be set to 0
cancellation.
Sub Frequency Filter
The variable Sub Frequency Filter selects the low frequencies sent to the PS112s Power Amplifier when used with a
full range source signal.
Hi-Pass Filter
The variable Hi-Pass Filter selects the midrange and high
frequencies sent to the Hi-Pass Out Jacks for use with an
external power amplifier and loudspeakers.
0
or 1800 to avoid phase
· Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection
circuits ensure the PS112 will have a long and trouble free
operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits guard
against overheating.
Gold Plated Input Connectors
The PS112 input connectors are gold plated for superior
corrosion resistance and high electrical conductivity.
Remote Power Control
The turn-on method uses a standard McIntosh Power Control jack to receive a turn-on signal from a McIntosh Control Center. The alternate turn-on method for the PS112 utilizes signal-sensing circuitry.
Low Distortion
The PS112s Amplifier has very Low Total Harmonic Distortion. This THD rating combined with the low distortion
of the McIntosh LD/HP Driver provides exceptionally
smooth and clean low frequency response.
Bass Enhance
The Bass Enhance Switch provides a Low Frequency Bass
Boost for use with video sources to enhance the impact of
low frequency sound effects.
5
PS112 Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your PS112 Powered Subwoofer. There is
additional information on page 8 pertaining to installing the
PS112.
Front View of PS112 with Grille Removed
Rear View of PS112
6
Side View of PS112 with Grille
PS112 Dimensions
Side View of PS112 with Grille Removed
7
Installation
Locating the PS112
Always provide adequate ventilation for the PS112 Powered Subwoofer. Cool operation ensures the longest possible life for any electronic instrument. An installation
should provide at least 2 inches spacing on all sides of the
PS112, so that airflow is not obstructed.
The optimal method for selecting speaker locations includes the use of a real time spectrum analyzer (RTA) operated by an experienced system installer. An uncompromising installation would take into consideration the floor,
wall and ceiling coverings, the type and placement of furniture and can even include the architectural design of the
room and its construction materials. The frequencies reproduced by the PS112 Powered Subwoofer are non-directional. The PS112 does not have to be placed aiming directly at the listener; however, it will sound best located
toward the front of the room and away from corners. Refer
to figure 2.
Installation
Figure 2
8
PS112 Rear Panel Connections
LINE IN Jacks accept signal
from output of a control center and the
HI-PASS OUT Jacks send
hi-pass filtered signals to an
additional amplifier and
speakers
POWER CONTROL IN
receives turn on/off signals from a McIntosh
component and the
POWER CONTROL OUT
sends the turn on/off signal to the next McIntosh
component
Connect the PS112
power cord to a live
AC outlet. Refer to
information on the
back panel to determine the correct
voltage
Main Fuse holder,
refer to information
on the back panel
of your PS112 to
determine the correct fuse size and
rating
9
How to Connect for Home Theater
The McIntosh PS112 Powered Subwoofer may be turned
On or Off by two different methods. The preferred method
is to utilize the Power Control Signal from a McIntosh A/V
Control Center or Surround Decoder. If the Power Control
Signal is not available, the PS112 has built-in signal-sensing circuitry which will automatically turn-on the
subwoofer.
1. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh A/V
Control Center or Surround Decoder Power Control
Out Jack to the McIntosh Power Amplifier Control In
Jack.
2. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh
Power Amplifier Out Connector to the McIntosh PS112
POWER CONTROL IN Jack.
Note: If two or more McIntosh PS112 Powered
Subwoofers are being used in the same system,
connect the POWER CONTROL OUT from the first
PS112 to the next PS112 POWER CONTROL IN
Jack.
3. Connect an audio cable from the McIntosh A/V Control
Center or Surround Decoder Subwoofer Out to the
McIntosh PS112 RIGHT or LEFT LINE IN.
Notes: 1. If two or more McIntosh PS112 Powered
Subwoofers are being used in the same system,
use a Y Adapter to connect audio cables from
the McIntosh A/V Control Center or Surround
Decoder Subwoofer Out to the McIntosh PS112
LINE IN on both subwoofers.
2. The PS112s Power Control will function with 5
to 20 volts applied to the Power Control Input.
Use a 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug to connect
to the Power Control Input.
3. If the input signal is insufficient for proper
system balance, connect the cable from the
McIntosh A/V Control Center or Surround
Decoder Subwoofer Out to a Y adapter and
connect the Y adapter outputs to both the
LEFT and RIGHT LINE IN Jacks. This will
increase the input gain of the PS112 by 6dB.
4. Connect the PS112 power cord to an active AC outlet.
McIntosh A/V Control Center
McIntosh Six Channel Power Amplifier
10
How to Connect for Home Theater
To AC
Outlet
11
How to Connect for Stereo
The McIntosh PS112 Powered Subwoofer may be turned
On or Off by two different methods. The preferred method
is to utilize the Power Control Signal from a McIntosh Audio Control Center or Preamplifier. If the Power Control
Signal is not available, the PS112 has built-in signal-sensing circuitry which will automatically turn-on the
subwoofer.
1. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh Audio Control Center or Preamplifier Power Control Out
Jack to the McIntosh PS112 POWER CONTROL IN
Jack.
2. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh
PS112 POWER CONTROL OUT Jack to the McIntosh
Power Amplifier Power Control In Jack.
Note: If two or more McIntosh PS112 Powered
Subwoofers are being used in the same system,
connect the POWER CONTROL OUT from the first
PS112 to the next PS112 POWER CONTROL IN
Jack, and then on to the McIntosh Power Amplifier
Power Control Jack.
3. Connect an audio cable from the McIntosh Audio Control Center or Preamplifier Main Outputs to the McIntosh PS112 LEFT and RIGHT LINE IN Jacks.
Notes: If two or more McIntosh PS112 Powered
Subwoofers are being used in the same system,
use a Y Adapter to connect audio cables from
the McIntosh Audio Control Center or
Preamplifier Main Output to the McIntosh PS112
LINE IN on both subwoofers.
4. Connect an audio cable from the McIntosh PS112
LEFT and RIGHT HI-PASS OUT Jacks to the McIntosh Power Amplifier Left and Right Input Jacks.
5. Connect the PS112 power cord to an active AC outlet.
McIntosh Audio Control Center
12
McIntosh Power Amplifier
How to Connect for Stereo
To A C
Outlet
13
PS112 Front Panel Displays and Controls
BASS ENHANCE
boosts low frequency
bass when set to
VIDEO
LEVEL Control
allows adjustment of
acoustic output to balance with the other
loudspeakers
STANDBY LED
indicates the unit is not
active and is ready to
accept a power control
command
SUB FREQUENCY
Filter selects the low
frequencies sent to
the PS112s Power
Amplifier
POWER GUARD LED
lights when the amplifier
POWER GUARD circuit
activates
PHASE reversing
switch to help avoid
phase cancellation
The ON LED indicates
when the amplifier is on
POWER Switch Turns
AC power On/Off
HI PASS FREQUENCY
Filter selects the lowest
of the frequencies sent to
the HI PASS OUT Jacks
14
How to Operate the PS112 in Home Theater
How to Operate the PS112 in Home Theater
Level Control
Start with the LEVEL CONTROL in the center position
and perform the system level calibration on the A/V Control Center or Surround Decoder for the subwoofer level. If
the subwoofer level can not be set, adjust the PS112s
LEVEL CONTROL to provide adequate range during calibration.
Bass Enhance
Set the BASS ENHANCE Switch to VIDEO to add a low
frequency bass boost to enhance the impact of low frequency sound effects.
Sub Frequency
When the PS112 is used with a discrete Sub Out from a
Home Theater Control Center, the SUB FREQUENCY
Control should be set to OUT, as the signal should contain
only low frequency information.
Hi-Pass Frequency
When the PS112 is used with a discrete Sub Out from a
Home Theater Control Center, the HI-PASS FREQUENCY
Control is not used.
Power
When the POWER SWITCH is set to the OFF position, the
PS112 can not be turned on by a Remote Power Conrol input or audio input signal sensing.
Remote Power Control
The turn-on method uses a turn-on signal from a McIntosh
Control Center or Preamplifier. When a Power Control
Cable is connected between the Control Center or Preamplifier and the PS112, the signal-sensing circuit is disabled
and the PS112 will always be on whenever the Control
Center or Preamplifier is on. The PS112 also has a Power
Control OUTput jack for triggering additional subwoofers
or other McIntosh component(s).
The PS112 utilizes signal-sensing circuitry for its turnon method. In this mode, the PS112 turns on when a music
signal is detected at the Line INput(s). A time delay of
thirty minutes is incorporated in the circuit to prevent the
PS112 from turning off during a music or movie passage
where there is little low frequency activity. This turn-on
method is beneficial when running an additional Power
Control Cable is not feasible.
Phase
The PHASE Switch sets the acoustic output phase of the
PS112 to either 0 or 180 degrees relative to its input. This
switch is to help avoid phase cancellation (characterized by
a loss of bass information) between the PS112 and any
other low frequency producing speaker in the system.
Careful listening with this circuit switched to 0 and then
listening with it switched to 180 will help you determine if
this effect will be beneficial to the system. Set the switch to
the desired bass.
15
How to Operate the PS112 in Stereo
How to Operate the PS112 in Stereo
Level Control
Start with the LEVEL CONTROL in the center position
and adjust until the subwoofer volume is matched to the
rest of the system when listening to a full-range source.
Bass Enhance
Set the BASS ENHANCE Switch to MUSIC, turning the
BASS ENHANCE effect off. Careful listening with this
circuit switched to MUSIC and then listening with it
switched to VIDEO will help determine if this effect will
be beneficial to the system.
Sub Frequency
When used with a full-range input, the SUB FREQUENCY
Control should be set to the highest frequency the
subwoofer is to reproduce.
Hi-Pass Frequency
When used with a full-range input, the PS112 could be
used with a preamplifier, a separate amplifier and a pair of
loudspeakers. The HI-PASS FREQUENCY Control should
be set to the lowest frequency the left and right loudspeakers are to reproduce.
Remote Power Control
The turn-on method uses a turn-on signal from a McIntosh
Control Center or Preamplifier. When a Power Control
Cable is connected between the Control Center or Preamplifier and the PS112, the signal-sensing circuit is disabled
and the PS112 will always be on whenever the Control
Center or Preamplifier is on. The PS112 also has a Power
Control OUTput jack for triggering additional subwoofers
or other McIntosh component(s).
The PS112 utilizes signal-sensing circuitry for its turnon method. In this mode, the PS112 turns on when a music
signal is detected at the Line INput(s). A time delay of
thirty minutes is incorporated in the circuit to prevent the
PS112 from turning off during a music or movie passage
where there is little low frequency activity. This turn-on
method is beneficial when running an additional Power
Control Cable is not feasible.
Phase
The PHASE Switch sets the acoustic output phase of the
PS112 to either 0 or 180 degrees relative to its input. This
switch is to help avoid phase cancellation (characterized by
a loss of bass information) between the PS112 and any
other low frequency producing speaker in the system.
Careful listening with this circuit switched to 0 and then
listening with it switched to 180 will help you determine if
this effect will be beneficial to the system. Set the switch to
the desired bass.
16
Notes
17
Specifications
Specifications
Power Output
400 Watts Sine Wave Continuous Power
Dynamic Headroom
1.8dB
Input Sensitivity
0.4V for Rated Output
Total Harmonic Distortion
Maximum Total Harmonic Distortion at any power level
from 250 milliwatts to rated power output is 0.05%
A-Weighted Signal To Noise Ratio
118dB Below Rated Output
Input Impedance
15,000 ohms
Maximum Input Signal
9V
Enclosure Configuration
Front Firing Flared Port Design
Maximum Sound Pressure Level
115dB
Driver Complement
12 inch LD/HP Woofer
Standard Finish
Black Ash, Natural Cherry, Red Cherry
Premium Finish
Rosewood Gloss, Piano Black
Dimensions
22-1/2 inches (57.15cm) Height, 15 inches (38.1cm)
Width, 19 inches (45.72cm) Depth (including Grille)
Weight
99 lb. (44.9kg) net, 119 lb (54kg) in shipping carton
Power Requirements
100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 4.0 amps
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.6 amps
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.6 amps
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 1.8 amps
230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 1.8 amps
240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 1.8 amps
Low Pass Filter
40 - 120Hz Variable with the front panel control
Hi-Pass Filter
40 - 120Hz Variable with the front panel control
Level Control
Variable Level Control with the front panel control
Power Control In
5 - 20 VDC Trigger
Power Control Out
5 VDC
18
Packing Instructions
Packing Instructions
In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown
below. Use banding straps to make sure box is held together securely.
Use the original shipping carton and parts only if they
are in good servicable condition. If a shipping carton or
any of the interior part(s) are needed, please call or write
Customer Service Department of McIntosh Laboratory.
Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers.
Quantity Part Number Description
2 034177 End Cover Top/Bottom
2 034153 Side Carton U - Shaped
1 034154 Top Foam End Cap
1 034155 Bottom Foam End Cap
19
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
McIntosh Part No. 040739
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