Polk Audio Blackstone TL1900 User Manual

Blackstone®TL

TL1900

Compact High Performance 5.1 Audio System
Chaîne audio 5.1 compacte haute performance
Compacto de alto rendimiento 5.1 Sistema de audio

For more detailed hookup info, visit www.polkaudio.com.

Pour plus de détails sur le raccordement, visitez www.polkaudio.com.

Para obtener información más detallada sobre conexiones, visite www.polkaudio.com.

2 Polk Audio Customer Service 1-800-377-7655 (Outside US: 410-358-3600 | Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Eastern Time | [e-mail]

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ
BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
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.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus 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 apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, this apparatus
should not be exposed to rain or moisture and objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.

16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the mains,
disconnect the power supply cord plug from the receptacle.

17. The main plug of the power supply cord shall remain
readily operable.

WARNING: Listen Carefully
Polk Audio loudspeakers and subwoofers are capable of playing at extremely
high volume levels, which could cause serious or permanent hearing damage.
Polk Audio, Inc. accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury or property
damage resulting from the misuse of its products.

Keep these guidelines in mind and always use your own good judgment when
controlling volume: You should limit prolonged exposure to volumes that exceed
85 decibels(dB).

For more about safe volume levels, go to www.polkaudio.com/education/article/
SPL/, or refer to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
guidelines at www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/noise/standards_more.html.

Product Disposal—
Certain international, national
and/or local laws and/or reg­ulations may apply regarding the
disposal of this product. For further
detailed information, please
contact the retailer where you
purchased this product or the Polk
Audio Importer/Distributor in your
country. A listing of Polk Audio
Importer/Distributors can be
found on the Polk Audio website
www.polkaudio.com
or by contacting Polk Audio
at: 5601 Metro Drive,
Baltimore, Maryland 21215,
USA—Phone: [phone].

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TL1900 SYSTEM CONTENTS

5.1 Home Theater System Includes: 4 TL19 Satellite Speakers,
1 TL19 Center Channel Speaker, 1 TL1900 Subwoofer.

SUGGESTED SPEAKER PLACEMENT

Suggested speaker placement with options for rear speaker placement.

Subwoofer should be placed more than six inches from wall anywhere in
the room.

Place subwoofer upright on feet. Do not place amplifier side down.

Note: Additional satellite speakers may be purchased for 6.1, 7.1 or 9.2
surround systems by contacting Polk customer service at 1-800-377-7655

5.1

CENTER

CHANNEL

SUB

LEFT

CHANNEL

LEFT SURROUND

RIGHT

CHANNEL

RIGHT SURROUND

X=Y=Z

X

Y

Z

7.1

CENTER

CHANNEL

SUB

LEFT

CHANNEL

LEFT

SURROUND

RIGHT

SURROUND

LEFT SURROUND BACK

RIGHT

CHANNEL

RIGHT SURROUND BACK

X

Y

Z

4 Polk Audio Customer Service 1-800-377-7655 (Outside US: 410-358-3600 | Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Eastern Time | [e-mail]

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MOUNTING OPTIONS

Mounting In Drywall

Use screw (a or b) and wall anchor where appropriate.

PSW108
line Art

Wall Mounting
Use keyhole slots or bracket when wall mounting (threaded insert
can also be used with articulating brackets, sold separately).

All threaded inserts are 1/4"-20.

Center Channel Mounting Options
Use Keyhole slots for wall mounting and run wires though indentation
below binding posts.

USING BINDING POST CONNECTIONS.

1. Loosen hex nut.

2. Insert speaker wire through hole.

3. Tighten hex nut.

4. Do not insert insulated section of
speaker wire.

WIRE RECOMMENDATIONS

RUNS GAUGE

Lengths up to 25' 18 or 16

Lengths greater than 25' but less than 50’ 16 or 14

Lengths greater than 50' but less than 75’ 14 or 12

Lengths greater than 75' 12

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SYSTEM HOOKUP OPTIONS

Important: Use only one of these options. Never combine hookup options.

OPTION #1

Receivers that include a “Sub Out” feature—the most common hookup
method with Dolby

®

Digital receivers.

Note: that one of the speaker input terminals on the rear of the speaker
is marked red (+) and the other black (-). Make certain that you connect
the wire from the red (+) terminal of your receiver to the red (+) terminal
on your speaker, and the wire from the black (-) terminal of the receiver to
the black (-) terminal on your speaker. Speaker wire has some indication
(such as color coding, ribbing, or writing) on one of the two conductors
to help maintain consistency. If your subwoofer doesn’t seem to produce
much bass, it is most likely that one of the speaker wires is connected
backwards. Double check all connections for correct polarity.

Note: Use either the L or R Line input (another hookup option is to use a
Y-split cable and connect both L and R Line inputs). After you make this
Sub Out connection, turn the “Low Pass” filter fully clockwise.

5.1

7.1

Connect all speakers directly to the receiver. When using method #1,
adjust your receiver’s speaker configurations as follows: Set Front, Center
and Surround speakers to “small.”

Receiver Settings:
Front, Center, and Surrounds = “SMALL”
Subwoofer = “ON,” or “YES,” or “PRESENT”
Set the crossover frequency on the receiver to 120Hz.

Consult your receiver’s owner’s manual for speaker configuration.

6 Polk Audio Customer Service 1-800-377-7655 (Outside US: 410-358-3600 | Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Eastern Time | [e-mail]

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OPTION #2

Two channel or Dolby

®

Pro Logic receiver with no “Sub Out.”

If you elect to use the speaker level inputs, use two-conductor 16 gauge
or thicker speaker wires. See your Polk dealer for wire recommendations.

Note that one of the speaker input terminals on the rear of the speaker is
marked red (+) and the other black (-). Make certain that you connect the
wire from the red (+) terminal of your receiver to the red (+) terminal on
your speaker, and the wire from the black (-) terminal of the receiver to
the black (-) terminal on your speaker. Speaker wire has some indication
(such as color coding, ribbing, or writing) on one of the two conductors
to help maintain consistency. If your subwoofer doesn’t seem to produce
much bass, it is most likely that one of the speaker wires is connected
backwards. Double check all connections for correct polarity.

Strip 1/2” (12mm) of insulation from each of the two conductors on both
ends to expose the bare wire. Twist the exposed wire of each conductor
to form two unfrayed strands.

 • Connecttheleftandrightfrontspeakeroutputsofyourreceiver

to the speaker level inputs of the powered subwoofer using
speaker wire.

 • Then,connecttheleftandrightfrontspeakersusingspeakerwire

from the speaker level outputs from the powered subwoofer.

 • ConnecttheCenterChannelSpeakerdirectlytothecenterchannel

output from your receiver.

 • ConnecttheRearSurroundSatellitesdirectlytotherearorsurround

channel outputs from your receiver.

5.1

7.1

Receiver Settings:

Front speakers = LARGE
Subwoofer = “OFF” or “NO”
Center and Surrounds= SMALL
Crossover Frequency= 120 Hz

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Rear Amp Panel

Power Switch Settings:
ON = GREEN LED
OFF = RED LED (no signal)
AUTO
No signal = RED LED
Signal = GREEN LED

ADJUSTING YOUR SYSTEM

SUBWOOFER ADJUSTMENTS

Your Powered Subwoofer offers a range of setting options. We
recommend the following settings as starting points, but the settings
that are best for you depend upon your speaker placement, electronics
and personal taste. After you’ve become familiar with what the settings
do, experiment with alternate options to find the method that works best
for your system setup. You’ll find an informative article on “Subwoofer
Positioning and Adjustment” in the set up section at:
http://www.polkaudio.com/polk-university/articles/bass­management-and-subwoofer-connections.

Note: When you set up your subwoofer for the first time, you will
probably have to make adjustments several times before you hear what
you personally like. Start with the volume at 50%.

AC POWER CONNECTION AND AUTO ON/OFF

Your subwoofer features auto on/off circuitry, marked “auto” on the power
switch, which automatically turns your subwoofer on when it senses a
program signal. We recommend the “auto” setting if your subwoofer is
always receiving power (ie, if it’s plugged into a wall outlet).

When no signal is present, the circuit turns the subwoofer off after
15 minutes. If you are concerned about the brief delay between when
the music starts and when the subwoofer turns on, simply leave your
subwoofer in the “On” position. You may want to leave your system
unplugged during extended periods of non use, such as during a vacation.

FINE TUNING YOUR SUBWOOFER

 •Volume—Adjust by ear using a wide variety of CDs and video

sources. Adjust for deep, powerful bass without “boominess.”

 • Low Pass—NOTE: This control should be turned all the way up

when the subwoofer is connected with Method #1 (LINE IN). This
control adjusts the frequency range over which the subwoofer
operates. If male vocals sound “thin,” turn this control up until the
voice sounds rich but not “boomy.” If male vocals sound too “thick”
or “chesty,” turn this control down until the voice sounds natural.

 • Phase Switch—Sit in your favorite listening position. Play music

(not a movie) with a walking bass line. We recommend playing jazz
or country music. Now listen carefully for the point at which the
subwoofer transitions to your main speakers. This is the crossover
point, and this point should be below the frequency of a male
human voice. Whichever phase setting sounds louder or fuller at
the subwoofer’s crossover (transition) point is the optimum setting.
Sometimes no difference will be heard.

TROUBLESHOOTING

No sound coming from subwoofer If hookup is “Sub Out” to LINE

IN, is your receiver set to
“Subwoofer—yes” If hookup is
via speaker wire, check that the
polarity of the wires is correct.

Subwoofer doesn’t sound right If hookup is “Sub Out” to LINE

IN, is your receiver set to
“Subwoofer—yes” If hookup is
via speaker wire, check that the
polarity of the wires is correct.

Subwoofer has no power Check outlet; check fuse after

unplugging the subwoofer and
calling customer service.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND SERVICE

If, after following these hook up directions, you experience difficulty,
please double-check all wire connections. Should you isolate the problem
to the speaker, contact the authorized Polk Audio dealer where you made
your purchase, or call Polk Audio’s friendly Customer Service Department
at 1-800-377-7655 (calls from US or CAN only), (Outside the US or CAN,
410-358-3600), 9am to 6pm EST, Monday through Friday.

You may also contact us via email: [e-mail]. For
more detailed hook up information and manual updates, visit:
www.polkaudio.com.

For recommended accessories (including speaker stands, brackets,
accessories and exclusive Polk Audio logowear), visit our Webstore:
http://shop.polkaudio.com.

For performance specifications on the Blackstone® TL1900 system,
visit our website at www.polkaudio.com.

8 Polk Audio Customer Service 1-800-377-7655 (Outside US: 410-358-3600 | Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Eastern Time | [e-mail]

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LIMITED WARRANTY

Polk Audio, Inc., warrants to the original retail purchaser only. This
warranty will terminate automatically prior to its stated expiration if the
original retail purchaser sells or transfers the Product to any other party.

Polk Audio, Inc., warrants, to the original retail purchaser only, that
the LOUDSPEAKER(S), PASSIVE CROSSOVER COMPONENT(S) and
ENCLOSURE on this Polk Audio Loudspeaker Product will be free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the
date of original retail purchase from a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer.

Furthermore, Polk Audio, Inc., warrants, to the original retail purchaser
only, that any AMPLIFIER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENT that
may be included in this Polk Audio Loudspeaker Product will be free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from
the date of original retail purchase from a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer.

To allow Polk Audio to offer the best possible warranty service, please
register your new product online at: www.polkaudio.com/registration or
call Polk customer service 800-377-7655 in the USA and Canada (outside
the USA: 410-358-3600) within ten (10) days of the date of original
purchase. Be sure to keep your original purchase receipt.

Defective Products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase,
prepaid insured to the Polk Audio Authorized Dealer from whom you
purchased the Product, or to the Factory at 1 Viper Way Vista, CA

92081. Products must be shipped in the original shipping container or its
equivalent; in any case the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne
by you. If upon examination at the Factory or Polk Audio Authorized Dealer
it is determined that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship
at any time during this Warranty period, Polk Audio or the Polk Audio
Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this Product at
no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts and
Products become the property of Polk Audio. Products replaced or repaired
under this warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time,
freight prepaid.

This warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused
by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing
or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the
rated maximum of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly
attributable to defect in materials or workmanship, or service, \repair, or
modification of the Product which has not been authorized or approved
by Polk Audio. This warranty shall terminate if the Serial number on the
Product has been removed, tampered with or defaced.

This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed Warranties. If this Product
is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, your sole
remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event
will Polk Audio, Inc. be liable to you for any incidental or consequential
damages arising out of the use or inability to use the Product, even if Polk
Audio, Inc. or a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer has been advised of the
possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages,
so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.

All implied warranties on this Product are limited to the duration of this
expressed Warranty. Some states do not allow limitation on how long an
implied Warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other
rights which vary from state to state.

This Warranty applies only to Products purchased in Canada, the United
States of America, its possessions, and U.S. and NATO armed forces
exchanges and audio clubs.

The Warranty terms and conditions applicable to Products purchased in
other countries are available from the Polk Audio Authorized Distributors
in such countries.