Niles Audio PSW800 User Manual
B LENDING H IGH F IDELITY AND A RCHITECTURE
®
INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
®
MODEL
®
PSW
800
SUBWOOFER
Congratulations!
Thank you for choosing a Niles loudspeaker. With proper installation and operation,
you'll enjoy years of trouble-free use.
The PSW800 wall mount subwoofer is uniquely designed to provide unobtrusive low
frequency augmentation. The selectable high and low-pass filters make it suitable for use
with a wide variety of satellite speakers.
Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation components
and accessories for audio/video systems. For a free full line catalog write: Niles, Catalog
Request, P.O. Box 160818, Miami, Florida 33116-0818
©1999 Niles Audio Corporation. Because Niles strives to continuously improve its products, Niles reserves the right to
change product specifications without notice. Niles, the Niles logo, Blueprint Series In-Wall Loudspeakers, and Blending
High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. QuickSnap, and MicroPerf are
trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Decora is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Dolby is a
registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dynamat is a trademark of Dynamic Control.
DS00206A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEA TURES AND BENEFITS 2
HOW MANY SUBWOOFERS? 4
CONNECTIONS 5
IMPEDANCE 7
TREATMENT & PLACEMENT 9
INST ALLATION FUNDAMENTALS 10
INSTALLATION IN NEW CONSTRUCTION 14
INSTALLATION IN EXISTING CONSTRUCTION 15
FINAL INSTA LLATION IN NEW OR EXISTING CONSTRUCTION 16
OPERA TION 18
SPECIFICA TIONS 19
WARRAN TY REGISTRATION CARD 2 1
LIMITED WARRANTY 22
2
Features and Benefits
The PSW800 In-wall subwoofer includes an easy
access, baffle mounted high-pass filter to prevent over-excursion of the satellite’s woofers.
The PSW800 In-wall subwoofer includes an
easy access, baffle mounted low-pass frequency selection switch.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Features and Benefits
Mica-Filled, Dual Voice Coil
Polypropylene Woofer
The mica-filled polypropylene woofer utilized in the PSW800 is optimized for transient speed and dynamics. The mica filling
adds just the right amount of stiffness while
at the same time reducing the overall cone
weight. This combination offers phenomenal rigidity and stiffness-to-mass characteristics that make it especially suited for low
frequency reproduction. Niles speaker
engineers have coupled this exceptional
cone material with a dual voice-coil drive
system that enables installers to custom
configure single or double woofer systems
to a stereo amplifier.
Figure 1
Model PSW800 Shown
New Construction Wings
Bracket
Frame
SpeakerBaffle
IR Knockout
Grille
Inverted Dust Cap
The inverted dust cap feature of the
PSW800 actually reinforces the cone to further increase the stiffness-to-mass ratio and
reduce distortion. In a subwoofer application, this dust cap inversion offers the additional benefit of reducing the “oil can” effect
that can cause traditional woofers to produce unwanted high frequency overtones.
High Power Handling
The PSW800 employs an exceptionally
heavy-duty magnet/voice-coil/spider assembly that is capable of handling high power
amplifiers (up to 150 watts).
Infinite Baffle Design
The PSW800 is designed for optimum low
frequency reproduction in a traditional 2x4
stud wall with varying air volumes. It does
not require a special enclosure to provide
high performance.
Selectable Low-Pass Filter
Installers can select to roll off the high frequencies from the PSW800 at 12dB per
octave at either 100Hz or 140Hz. This
selection is accomplished via baffle-mounted controls that are accessible even after the
subwoofer has been installed.
Selectable High-Pass Filter
Installers can also select whether or not to filter the low frequencies from the satellite
speakers at a fixed frequency of 120Hz. Like
the low-pass filter, this selection is accessed
via baffle mounted controls.
Weatherproof Construction
All components of the PSW800 are weatherproof. The aluminum grille and stainless steel
mounting screws are rustproof. This makes
the subwoofer ideal for moist environments
which would cause some brands of speakers
to discolor. Protected outdoor installations are
perfectly suited for the PSW800.
MicroPerf™Grilles
The PSW800 employs Niles’ exclusive
MicroPerf grille construction. The exceptionally tight hole pattern provides
acoustic transparency at all audio frequencies and enables the woofer element
to remain invisible. MicroPerf grilles can
be painted to blend seamlessly with the
surrounding decor.
14 AWG Input/Output Terminals
The PSW800 is equipped with both left and
right speaker level input terminals to accommodate a stereo amplifier driving a single
subwoofer. Output terminals are also provided to utilize the switchable low-pass filter and
provide for convenient wiring to the satellite
speakers.
Easy Retrofit Installation in your
Existing Home
Designed for ease of installation, the Niles
mounting system makes retrofit installations
simple and fast. A supplied template assures
fast and accurate hole cutting. The bracket
slips behind the drywall and the screws
secure the bracket to the frame, sandwiching the drywall between them. The speaker
baffle attaches to the frame, and the grille
mounts over the speaker.
Three Stage Installation System for
Remodels or New Construction
You install only the parts you need for a
particular stage of construction. When the
framing and wiring are finished, you
install the
bracket. After the drywall is up,
but before the painter begins to paint, you
install the
frame and provide the rustproof
aluminum
grilles to the painter so that
they can be painted to match the surroundings. Only when construction is
completely finished do you put the valuable
speaker in the wall. You don’t have
to mask or prep the speaker for painting,
and worries about theft during the final
phases of construction are never an issue!
Features and Benefits
3
How Many Subwoofers?
4
How Many Subwoofers?
For most applications a single PSW800’s is
appropriate. However, in large rooms, high
performance listening rooms or in home
theaters, an array of two or more PSW800
will deliver astounding results. Unlike
other subwoofer systems, a Niles
Subwoofer Array is concealed. Consider
the distance between the subwoofer(s) and
the listener, the size of the amplifier, and
the desired quality and volume of sound
when deciding how many PSW800s to
install in your home.
Single Stereo Subwoofer
One PSW800 can produce the bass sound
from both the left and the right channels
because of its unique dual voice coil
design. One voice coil powers the left channel and the other powers the right channel.
A stereo crossover divides the signal and filters it according to the settings of the switches on the front panel. A single stereo subwoofer is compatible with any 4 ohm stable
amplifier. Eight ohm stable amplifiers may
be used with a Niles IM volume control (see
Impedance section on Page 7)
Dual Subwoofer Systems
Using two PSW800 subwoofers in a system raises the maximum attainable volume
of the system by 3dB. Additionally, at
lower volumes, excursion — and therefore
distortion levels — are reduced. In a large
room, or a home theater system, the effect
on bass quality is extremely desirable.
Another 2dB increase is possible if the
voice coils of each are PSW800 paralleled.
This requires a multi-channel amplifier or
an amplifier capable of driving the 2 to 2.6
ohm load of the overall system.
VLSA Installations
A Very Large Subwoofer Array (VLSA)
installation lowers the amount of excursion required to achieve a high sound
pressure level. Lowering excursion dramatically improves the quality of the
sound. VLSA installations are most appropriate when the listener appreciates detail
and bass extension, but must have a concealed installation. A VLSA of four subwoofers must have a multi-channel amplifier with one channel assigned to each
subwoofer.
(See Figure 7).
Decibels and Power
65dB Conversation at three feet.
75dB Sewing Machine at three feet.
85dB Vacuum Cleaner at 10 feet.
95dB Subway Train entering a station
at 20 feet.
3dB The smallest difference in volume
the human ear can easily detect.
10dB Perceived as twice as much loud-
ness if it is an increase (half as
much if it is a decrease).
Any speaker requires twice as much
amplifier power to increase 3dB and ten
times as much power to increase 10dB.
Comparison of 1, 2 or 4 Subwoofers
16’ x 18’ x 8’ Room @ 12’
25 Watts 1 00
Watts
1 Sub 95dB 101dB
2 Subs 100dB 106dB
VLSA of 4 Subs 1 03dB 1 09dB
2 x Watts = 3dB Increase in Volume.
2 x Subs = 3dB Increase in Volume.
2 x Subs = 1/2 the subwoofer excursion for
the same volume.
If you double the distance from the subwoofer to the primary listening position
you decrease the volume by 4 to 6dB.
Connections
Single Stereo Subwoofer
A four conductor wire (Left+, Left-, Right+
and Right-) 16 gauge or larger is run from
the amplifier location to the local volume
control.
(SeeFigure4).
From the local volume control, the four
conductor cable is run to the PSW800 and
connected to the Input connectors. A two
conductor wire is connected to each of the
stereo outputs and fed to the left and right
speakers. Now, the volume control will
raise and lower the volume for the subwoofer and the left and right speakers
simultaneously. Additionally, the crossover
is now connected so that the crossover
switches can be adjusted.
Dual Subwoofer Systems
A four conductor wire (Left+, Left-, Right+
and Right-) 16 gauge or larger is run from
the amplifier location to the local volume
control.
(SeeFigure5).
From the local volume control, a two conductor cable is run to each of the PSW800s
and connected to either the left or the right
Input connectors.
Each of the satellite speakers must be connected to the correct subwoofer. Typically,
a two conductor wire is connected from the
left channel output on the left channel subwoofer and fed to the left satellite speaker
and another two conductor wire connects
from the right channel subwoofer output to
the right channel satellite.
5
Connections
Left Right
PSW800 PSW800
Amplifier
Either
Input
OK
Wire to
Corresponding
Output
Satellite Speaker Satellite Speaker
Left Right
PSW800 PSW800
Amplifier
Either
Input
OK
Wire to
Corresponding
Output
Satellite Speaker Satellite Speaker
Figure 4
A Single PSW800 Hook-Up
Figure 5
A Dual PSW800 Hook-Up
PSW-800 PASSIVESUBWOOFER Niles Audio Corporation, Inc.
H
SW2
C
L
LEFT IN
L
C
SW1
H
RIGHT IN
LEFT OUT
RIGHT OUT
WF WF
—
+
L
R
PSW-800 PASSIVESUBWOOFER Niles Audio Corporation, Inc.
H
SW2
C
L
LEFT IN
L
C
SW1
H
RIGHT IN
WF WF
—
+
L
R
PSW-800 PASSIVESUBWOOFER Niles Audio Corporation, Inc.
H
SW2
C
L
LEFT IN
L
C
SW1
H
RIGHT IN
LEFT OUT
RIGHT OUT
LEFT OUT
RIGHT OUT
WF WF
—
+
L
R
PSW-800 PASSIVESUBWOOFER Niles Audio Corporation, Inc.
H
SW2
C
L
LEFT IN
L
C
SW1
H
RIGHT IN
WF WF
—
+
L
R
LEFT OUT
RIGHT OUT
6
Connections
Now, the volume control will raise and
lower the volume for the subwoofer and
the left and right speakers simultaneously.
Additionally, the crossovers are now connected so that the crossover switches can
be adjusted to your requirements. You must
adjust the crossovers on each subwoofer
with this hook-up.
Optionally, a jumper of wire may be connected between the L+ and the R+; and
between the L- and the R-. This connects
both voice coils of the PSW800, giving
you a 2dB increase in output. Since each
subwoofer’s impedance drops from 8
Ω to
4
Ω, make sure your amplifier is 2Ω stable
to accommodate the satellite speaker’s
impedance.
(See Figure 6).
Very Large Subwoofer Array
(VLSA)
Using four or more PSW800 subwoofers
in a system creates a system of unprecedented clarity, with stunning bass impact
and potentially extraordinary maximum
volume capability. Because of the
extremely low impedance of a parallel
VLSA system, multiple channel amplifiers
are normally used to power them.
Because of this, in-wall volume controls
are incompatible with VLSA systems.
In a system of this type, it is recommended
that the satellite speakers be driven full
range (or with an external electronic
crossover) by a separate amplifier channel.
Connections are straight-forward; two
conductor wires connect each amplifier
channel to each individual subwoofer.
(SeeFigure7).
Each PSW800 has a jumper installed to
parallel the voice coils for maximum efficiency.
(SeeFigure6).
The crossover controls on each subwoofer
affect only the subwoofer response. Level
controls on the amplifiers facilitate blending and compensation for placement.
Speaker Wire
For most applications, we recommend you
use 16 or 18 gauge wire. For wiring runs
longer than 80 feet we recommend 14
gauge wire. The spring loaded terminals of
the PSW800 speakers will accommodate
up to 12 gauge wire directly. Larger sizes
can be accommodated via pin connectors.
When you run wire inside walls, special
jacketing (CL-2 or CL-3) is required to both
protect the wire and for fire prevention. In
some areas conduit is required. For a trouble-free installation, low voltage wire such
as speaker wire must be run in accordance
with the National Electrical Code and any
applicable provisions of the local building
code. Consult your local Niles dealer or
your building contractor if you are unsure
of code requirements in your area.
Figure 6
Connecting the two voice coils in parallel with a
jumper (a piece of speaker wire).
Figure 7
Connections to a VLSA are normally made from
each PSW800 to a multi-channel amplifier like
the Niles SI-1230 twelve-channel amplifier.
SI-1230
Subwoofers
PSW-800 PASSIVE SUBWOOFER
LEFT—IN
RIGHT—IN
SW2
L
C
H
WF WF
–
SW1
H
C
L
Impedance
With One or Two Subwoofers
When one or two PSW800 subwoofers
are connected to the satellite speakers, the
overall system impedance to the amplifier
lowers.
System Impedance in Ohms (Ω)
One or Two Subwoofers
8
Ω Sats 4Ω Sats
1 Sub 4
Ω 2.6Ω
2 Subs @8Ω each 4Ω 2.6Ω
2 Subs @4Ω each 2.6Ω 2Ω
If the impedance is too low for your amplifier, utilize a Niles speaker selector or IM
volume control to match the impedance.
VLSA (Four or More Subwoofers)
A VLSA installation lowers the amount of
excursion required to achieve a high
sound pressure level. Lowering excursion
dramatically improves the quality of the
sound. VLSA installations are most appropriate when the listener appreciates detail
and bass extension, but must have a concealed installation.
Each subwoofer should have its voice
coils connected in parallel for full output,
therefore
the impedance of each is four
ohms
. Because of this low impedance, a
multi-channel amplifier stable to four
ohms is the best way to drive more than
two subwoofers. Each PSW800 is connected to its own channel of the multichannel amplifier.
Check Your Amplifier’s Specs
Every amplifier has a minimum impedance
specification. Check your owner’s manual
for the specification for four ohm low
impedance drive capability. If there is no
clear indication and your amplifier or
receiver has two sets of speaker terminals
(typically labeled “A” and “B”) your ampli-
fier may be capable of driving a four ohm
load. Perform the following test to be sure:
Parallel/Serial Speaker Connection Test
1. Hook up one pair of speakers to the “A”
speaker terminals of your amplifier.
Leave the “B” terminals unconnected to
speakers.
2. Engage both the “A” and the “B”. Listen
for sound.
If your amplifier plays sound when “A”
and “B” are engaged, it is capable of driving a four ohm speaker load. If your
amplifier does not play sound when “A”
and “B” are selected, it is only capable of
driving an eight ohm speaker load. An
eight ohm stable amplifier may only be
used with a PSW800 satellite/subwoofer
system by installing an impedance magnifying volume control.
An amplifier stable to four ohms may be
connected without impedance matching
devices. Parallel connections via the “A”
speaker terminals to one or two PSW800
subwoofers (If the voice coils are not in parallel) and one pair of eight ohm satellite
speakers results in a four ohm load.
The “B” speaker terminals cannot be used
to power a second pair of speakers anymore.
The low impedance drive capability
of your amplifier is already utilized by the
satellite/subwoofer combination. If you are
connecting other speakers in other rooms
you must install either a speaker selector or
impedance magnifying volume controls.
A few professional/audiophile amplifiers
advertise the capability of driving two
ohm speaker loads. These amplifiers may
be used without impedance matching
devices if the rating is quoted as “RMS” or
“Continuous” power.
7
Impedance
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