Polk Audio HDX3 User Manual

User’s Guide

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Introduction

HD Radio™ stations offer digital-quality sound, simultaneous data transmission, and multiple channels of programming,
all from their familiar location on the radio dial. The HDX3™ provides rich, lifelike sound and simple operation in a
compact stereo system. Its smooth, natural response and room-filling sound enhance audio fidelity on both AM and
FM bands.

What’s In The Box?

HDX3 console

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Speak

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ers (2)
Speaker cables (2)
AM Antenna
FM Antennas (2)
Remote Control

Who Is Polk Audio

The acoustic system of the HDX3 was designed for maximum performance by Polk Audio, an award-winning
designer and manufacturer of high-performance audio products for over 30 years. Polk Audio holds over 50 patents
for advances in audio design and technology. Polk’s products include loudspeakers and electronic components for
home, auto and marine applications, including the first XM satellite radio home component tuner, the world’s first
audiophile-grade active IP-addressable loudspeaker, the first THX Ultra2 Certified in-ceiling loudspeaker, and the
first entertainment system to include HD Radio technology, satellite radio capability and a DVD player. For more
information please visit www.polkaudio.com.

HD Radio Technology & Multicasting

The single largest technological advancement in radio in more than 45 years, HD Radio technology is the new standard
for digital AM and FM radio in the US and around the world. HD Radio technology transforms your radio listening
experience in exciting new ways, offering you the quality, choice and interactive data services that are fast becoming
a new information and entertainment standard.
Multicasting, which is the ability to broadcast multiple program streams over a single FM frequency (97.7-2, 97.7-3,
etc.), greatly increases the amount and diversity of content you can access. HD Radio technology offers:

St

atic-free, crystal-clear reception
CD-quality sound on FM Digital; FM-stereo quality sound on AM
Stations stay in their well-known, traditional place on the radio dial
A variety of “data services” ranging from text-based information (artist name, song title, weather alerts, school

closings and more) to live traffic reports, all of which would scroll across your receiver display.

To find HD Radio stations in your area, please visit www.hdradio.com.

HD Radio™ Technology Manufactured Under License From iBiquity Digital Corporation. iBiquity Digital, the HD Radio logo, and the HD
logo are registered trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation. HD Radio™ is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation U.S. and Foreign
Patents.
Polk Audio is a Directed Electronics company which trades on NASDAQ under the symbol DEIX. Investor information can be found at
http://investor.directed.com. Polk Audio is a registered trademark of Polk Audio, Inc. HDX3 is a trademark of Polk Audio, Inc.

Setting Up Your HDX3

1. Connect The FM Antenna

To attach either of the provided FM antennas, connect it to the 75 ohm port and position for best reception. For optimal FM reception, use the
T-shaped dipole. Position its “arms” laterally or vertically for best reception of your favorite stations. The black wire antenna may be adequate for
receiving strong stations in urban areas, while the dipole will provide better reception of weak stations from more rural locations.

Note For Cable Radio

The HDX3 can accept cable FM programming. Contact your cable TV provider for assistance connecting your radio to a cable FM feed. The cable
installation must be able to filter re-emission of the RF spectrum so that only the FM band, and not the cable TV signal, is transmitted to the radio.

2.

Connect The AM Antenna

Connect the AM antenna wires, matching the color to the AM antenna terminals and position the antenna for best reception.

3.

Connect The Speakers

Connect the speaker wires to the + / - terminals on the speakers and on the HDX3 console (RED to RED and BLACK to BLACK). For best stereo
reproduction, each speaker should be approximately the same distance away from the primary listening position, and this distance should be
approximately equal to the separation between the two speakers. Finally, for best bass performance place the speakers at least 1” (25 mm) from a
back wall.

Note

To avoid blocking the cooling vents on the sides of the HDX3 console, place the speakers at least 1” away from the console sides.

4. Connect The Power Supply

Plug the power-supply cord into a wall outlet.

5. Connect
To connect the HDX3 to another audio device, connect a stereo cable (not supplied) to the LINE
OUT (VAR) port. The HDX3 volume controls also control the volume for playback, so this full-range

output can be used with a subwoofer or a full-range speaker system.

6. Connect

Turn down the volume level on both the device you are connecting and the HDX3, and plug the
device into the AUX port on the front of the HDX3. Start with the volume in the 12 o’clock position.

Connecting Headphones

Connect the headphones into the stereo minijack on the front of the console.

Note

The headphone jack can be used as a stereo output jack.
When you connect headphones, the speakers are muted.

To An Audio System (Optional)

An Auxiliary Device (MP3 Player) (Optional)

AM Antenna Terminals

FM Antenna Port

Speaker TerminalsLine Out