Polk Audio EX3 User Manual

POLK AUDIO

5601 METRO DRIVE

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21215

[phone]

http://www.polkaudio.com

“Polk Audio” and “The Speaker Specialists” are

trademarks of Britannia Investment Corporation used

under license by Polk Audio Incorporated.

EX3 Series

Full Range
Loudspeakers

Owner's

Manual

EX3

EX3EX3

EX3EX3

the speaker specialists

®

32

GETTING STARTED

Please inspect each loudspeaker carefully. Notify your Polk Audio dealer if you notice any damage or
missing items. Keep the carton and packing material. They will do the best job of protecting your
speakers if they need to be transported. Check that you have the following parts:

•2 Speakers

•8 Mounting clips

•2 Grilles (EX340 , EX352, EX365, EX369 only)

•8 Screws

•1 Sealing ring (EX365 only)

•1 Mounting template (Separate Sheet)

• Speaker wire

• Register online card

• Registration card

Installing car speakers is a serious project. If you have any doubts about your ability to execute any of
the installation steps found in this manual, save yourself a lot of grief and contact a professional
installer. Your Polk Audio dealer is a good place to find one. If you intend to do the installation yourself
we assume you possess some skill in the proper use of hand and power tools. No matter how much
installation experience you have, we recommend that you…

• Read this manual thoroughly before you begin

• Plan your installation carefully

• Allow enough time to complete the installation without rushing

• Take steps to protect your car and upholstery from unwanted scratches and punctures

NECESSARY TOOLS

• Phillips head screwdriver

• Flat blade screwdriver or putty knife

• Door panel pry-tool (available at most auto parts supply stores)

• Electric drill

• 1/8" (3mm) Drill bit

• Tin snips (for removing flanges on EX340 model, if necessary)

• Hole saw of appropriate diameter for the speaker size (for “new location” installation only)

• Permanent ink marker for marking the cutout (for “new location” installation only)

• Metal file

• Crimping tool

• Safety glasses

• Wire strippers and cutters

ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT

HERE AND FILE FOR

FUTURE REFERENCE

X

For more info and accessories, visit www.polkaudio.comContact Polk Customer Service: 800-377-7655 [e-mail]

Contact Polk Customer Service: 800-377-7655 [e-mail]

Installing your speakers in a “New Location”

Factory locations uncool? Pick a new location. Be sure to take into account both your vehicle’s design
and your sonic goals. Door panels, kick panels or dashboards make the most sense for round or 4"x6"
speakers. Before you begin, read all of these steps. If you have any doubts about your ability to execute
any of these steps, save yourself a lot of grief and contact a professional installer. Your Polk Audio dealer
is a good place to find one.

1. Using the door panel pry-tool, carefully remove any door panels, kick panels, molded parts or fabric
coverings to expose the surface that will need to be cut to install the new speaker.

2. Check the dimensions around and behind the installation area for fit. This includes any moving
parts behind the speaker (move the windows up and down) or the sides of the speaker (open and
close doors).

3. Locate the template over the desired location. Draw the inside circle and mark at least two opposing
screw locations. (FIG. 1)

4. Cut the circle with the appropriate tool. Drill pilot holes for the screw locations. File the edges of any
bare metal surfaces until smooth, then coat with primer to prevent rust.

5. When primer is dry, slip mounting clips over the screw holes. (FIG. 2)

6. In the meantime, run wires from your amplifier or radio to the speaker locations. Use grommets
when passing through doors.

7. Install sealing ring on the back of the basket of EX365 when using in Euro Installations. Use the (4)
screw holes located at the edge of the speaker basket for this type of installation.

8. Connect the wires to your new Polk Audio speakers. Hook the positive [+] wire to the wider of the
two EX3 terminals and the negative [–] to the narrower EX3 terminal.

9. Carefully orient the new speaker over the screw holes and mounting clips. Tighten the screws firmly
to secure the speaker to the mounting surface.

10. Snap on the new speaker grille.

11. Repeat Steps 1-9 for the other speaker(s).

54

INSTALLING EX3 SERIES FULL RANGE LOUDSPEAKERS

Installation in a factory location

1. Carefully remove the grille covering the factory speaker. In most cases it will be “press-fit” or screwed
to mounting tabs molded into the surrounding area. If you experience any resistance, consult your
dealer or your car’s owner’s manual to determine if there is any special way the manufacturer has
secured the grille.

2. Remove all screws, mounting clips or lock washers holding the factory speaker in place and save
them for reuse. Lift the speaker out of the hole a short distance.

3. Before unhooking the speaker wires, identify the positive speaker terminal (usually marked with a
red dot or [+], or it is the terminal that is larger or wider) and identify the negative speaker
terminal (usually marked [–], or having no marking, or whichever terminal is the smaller or
narrower of the two). Mark the wire connected to the positive terminal for later identification. Use
a permanent ink marker or piece of tape.

4. Disconnect the factory speaker. After disconnecting the factory speaker, connect the wires to your new
Polk Audio speaker, hooking up the positive [+] wire to the wider of the two EX3 terminals and the
negative [–] to the narrower EX3 terminal.

5. Mount your EX3 Loudspeaker using the mounting hardware you saved from Step 2.

6. Remount the factory grille cover.

7. Repeat Steps 1-6 for the other speaker(s).

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FIG. 2
Example of a

typical mounting
procedure.

SCREW

SPEAKER WIRES

MOUNTING
CLIP

FIG. 1
Template for

description
purposes only.

SCREW HOLE

TEMPLATE

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76

EX340 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

EX340 models have flanges that can be removed to facilitate easy placement in tight spots, such as in
some import vehicles (FIG. 3). Remove only the flange(s) that are necessary to make the speaker fit the
chosen location. Secure the speaker with at least two opposing flanges. In some vehicles, you may have
to bend or angle (but not break) one of the two flanges to get the proper fit when installing the speakers
in your dashboard. To remove flanges, use tin snips. Do not use a sander or grinder, as that could cause
fine metal shavings to fall into the voice coil and driver suspension units.

AIMING THE ROTATING ELLIPTICAL LENS FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE

EX3 Series speakers (except EX369) feature a Rotating Elliptical Lens (REL) mounted on the tweeter

(FIG. 4). This lens allows you to customize your system’s response by focusing high frequencies at your

listening position. This will result in more detail, better imaging and the best possible high frequency
performance in your vehicle. Aim the REL while listening to a piece of music that you are familiar with.
To aim the Rotating Elliptical Lens, simply rotate it to direct the high frequency energy toward your
listening position (FIGS. 4 & 5). To avoid “bright” highs, aim the REL away from hard reflective
surfaces (glass or hard plastic panels).

LOW FREQUENCY CUT-OFF FOR SYSTEMS WITH SUBWOOFERS

If you have a subwoofer in your system, you may want to decrease the amount of bass frequencies
going to your mid-range speakers (which is what your “full range” speakers would be if you had a
subwoofer in your system). Doing this will result in better mid-range detail and increased power
handling. There are two ways to roll off the bass before it gets to your mid-range speakers. One way is to
use a “bass blocker,” a capacitor placed in series with the speaker input. Bass blockers are installed in
series, one end connected with the positive lead from your amplifier and the other end connected to the
positive lead of each of your speakers (FIG. 6). Bass blocker capacitors (200 microfarad @ 100volts,
non-polarized) are available at most car stereo dealers, RadioShack and parts supply stores. The other
route is to use an electronic crossover device that allows filtering below 100Hz or so. You can find these
devices at your authorized Polk Audio dealer.

FIG. 4
Rotating

Elliptical
Lens

FIG. 5
Radiation

Pattern

FIG. 6
Bass

Blockers

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FIG. 3
EX340

USE TIN SNIPS TO REMOVE FLANGES

++

Bass blocker

Radio/Amp Speaker

or capacitor

––

98

AMPLIFIER POWER REQUIREMENTS

Your new EX3 Loudspeaker will work well with a variety of electronic components. As little as 10 watts
per channel will deliver adequate listening levels in most cars. If you have a noisy car or intend to play
your system at loud listening levels, more power will be necessary to achieve the best performance.
Consult your Polk Audio dealer for specific amplifier recommendations.

SAFE LIMITS OF OPERATION

Your new EX3 Loudspeakers are made with the highest quality materials for years of durable, trouble­free performance. However, damage can occur to loudspeakers when an amplifier, regardless of its
wattage, is made to play at higher listening levels than its power can clearly produce. This is usually
beyond the “1 to 2 o’clock” position on the volume control. This results in very high levels of audible
distortion, originating in the amplifier, which add a harsh, gritty sound to your music. Contrary to
popular belief, a speaker is more likely to be damaged by trying to get too much volume from a low­powered amp than from a high-powered one.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE

If, after following these hookup and installation directions, you experience difficulty, please double­check all wire connections.

Make certain your electronic equipment is operating correctly by hooking up another speaker to the
speaker output. For example, if you are not getting sound from the left channel speaker, connect the
right channel speaker to the left output. If you still get no sound from that side, the problem is in your
amp or source electronics. Should you isolate the problem to the speaker, contact the authorized Polk
Audio dealer where you bought your speakers. Authorized Polk Audio dealers are the best source for
advice and assistance.

Polk Audio’s Customer Service Department is available from 9am–6pm, EST, Monday through Friday,
at 800-377-7655, or via email [e-mail]. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have
questions about your speaker system.

You will find additional information, informative articles, manual updates and cool

stuff to buy that has “Polk Audio” all over it by visiting www.polkaudio.com.

EX3 SERIES FULL RANGE SPECIFICATIONS

EX369 EX368 EX365 EX357

Type 6" X 9" 6" X 8" 6.5" 5" X 7"

three way coaxial coaxial coaxial

Driver complement 6" X 9" 6" X 8" 6.5" 5" X 7"

(15cm x 22.9cm) (15cm x 20cm) (16.5cm) (12.7cm x 17.8cm)
woofer, mid/woofer, mid/woofer, mid/woofer,
1" (25mm) 3/4" (19mm) 3/4" (19mm) 3/4" (19mm)

soft dome tweeter, soft dome soft dome soft dome

1/2" (12mm) tweeter tweeter tweeter
super tweeter

Mounting 8 3/4" X 6" 7 1/2" X 5 1/4" 5 1/4" 7 3/16" X 5"
dimensions (222mm X (191mm X (133mm) (183mm X

152mm) 133mm) 126mm)

Mounting depth 3 3/16" 2 7/16" 2 1/16" 2 3/16"
(top) (81mm) (62mm) (52mm) (56mm)

Mounting depth 3 11/16" 2 5/8" 2 5/16" 2 7/16"
(bottom) (94mm) (67mm) (59mm) (62mm)

Peak Power handling 300w 190w 180w 180w

Continuous Power 100w 60w 60w 60w
handling

Nominal Imp. 4 ohms 4 ohms 4 ohms 4 ohms

Freq. response 50-22kHz 50-22kHz 55-22kHz 55-22kHz

Grille height 1 1/2" 1 1/2" 9/16" N/A
& diameter 6 7/8" X 10 1/4" 6 7/8" X 10 1/4" 6 1/2" N/A

Sensitivity 93dB 91dB 92dB 91dB

For more info and accessories, visit www.polkaudio.comContact Polk Customer Service: 800-377-7655 [e-mail]

EX3 SERIES 1 YEAR WARRANTY

Polk Audio, Inc. warrants the original purchaser only that this Polk Audio EX 3 Series Product (the
Product) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of (1) one year from the
date of original retail purchase from a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer. However, this warranty will
automatically terminate prior to the expiration of the (1) one year period if the original retail
purchaser sells or otherwise transfers the Product to any other party. The original retail purchaser shall
herein after be referred to as “you.” To allow Polk Audio to offer the best possible warranty service,
please fill out the Product Registration Card(s) and send them to the Factory at the address provided in
the Registration Card within (10) ten days of the date of purchase.

Defective Products must be shipped, together with a proof of purchase, prepaid insured to the
Authorized Polk Audio Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or to 2550 Brittania Blvd.,
Suite D, San Diego, CA 92154. 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 the Warranty period, Polk Audio or the Polk Audio 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 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 the cabinetry not directly attributable
to defects in materials or workmanship, or service, repair, or modifications of the Product which has
not been authorized or approved by Polk Audio.

This Warranty is in lieu of all other expressed Warranties. If this Product is defective in materials and
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 Dealer has been
advised of the possibility of such damages, or any other 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. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights which may vary from state to state.

This warranty applies only to Products purchased in 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.

10 11

EX3 SERIES FULL RANGE SPECIFICATIONS

EX352 EX350 EX346 EX340

Type 5 1/4" 5" 4" X 6" 4"

coaxial coaxial coaxial coaxial

Driver complement 5 1/4" 5" 4" X 6" 4"

(13cm) (12.7cm) (10cm X 15cm) (10cm)
mid/woofer, mid/woofer, mid/woofer, mid/woofer,
3/4" (19mm) 3/4" (19mm) 3/4" (19mm) 3/4" (19mm)
soft dome soft dome soft dome soft dome
tweeter tweeter tweeter tweeter

Mounting 5" 4" 5 7/8" X 4"
dimensions (127mm) (102mm) 3 7/8" (102mm)

(149mm X
98mm)

Mounting depth 2 1/4" 1 7/8" 2 1/16" 2"
(top) (57mm) (48mm) (52mm) (51mm)

Mounting depth 2 1/2" 1 15/16" 2 1/8" 2"
(bottom) (64mm) 50mm) (54mm) (51mm)

Peak Power 135w 105w 105w 105w
handling

Continuous Power 45w 35w 35w 35w
handling

Nominal Imp. 4 ohms 4 ohms 4 ohms 4 ohms

Freq. response 73-22kHz 90-22kHz 80-22kHz 90-22kHz

Grille height 9/16" N/A N/A 3/4"
& diameter 6 1/8" N/A N/A 5 3/16"

Sensitivity 91dB 91dB 91dB 91dB

For more info and accessories, visit www.polkaudio.comContact Polk Customer Service: 800-377-7655 [e-mail]