Polk Audio I-Sonic 2 User Manual

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

DIGITAL SOLUTION-2

HOME THEATER SYSTEM

DS-2

Polk Customer Service [phone]

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Table of Contents

Safety Warnings ..........................................................................4

DS-2 Features ............................................................................5

Carton Contents ..........................................................................6

Quick Start Guide ........................................................................6

Rear Panel Guide ........................................................................7

System Hookup, Overview Illustrations ..................................8, 9

Hooking Up the System ........................................................10-13

Radio Antennas ....................................................................10

DVD Player ..........................................................................10

DSS Receivers ......................................................................11

VCR ......................................................................................11

CD Player ............................................................................11

Audio Tape Deck ..................................................................11

Laserdisc Player ..................................................................12

Television/Monitor ................................................................12

Subwoofer ............................................................................12

Speakers ..............................................................................13

AC Power..............................................................................13

Speaker Placement ..............................................................14

Preamp/Processor Front Panel Guide..................................15, 16

Remote Control Guide..........................................................17, 18

Calibration (optional) ..........................................................19, 20

How to Use the System ........................................................21, 22

About Surround Sound ..............................................................23

Multi-Room Hook Up and Use ....................................................24

Troubleshooting, Maintenance and Service..........................25, 26

Warranty ..................................................................................26

Specifications............................................................................27

Overall System Hookup........................................................28, 29

A Word from Matthew Polk

Dear Home Entertainment Buff,

Thank you for purchasing the Polk Audio Digital Solution. Your
new Polk Home Theater System includes the latest technologies
to assure outstanding performance and enjoyment. While we
designed the Digital Solution System to be very easy to set up
and use, please read this manual thoroughly for information on
getting the greatest enjoyment from your new system.

Designing high quality audio products is more than just a busi­ness for the people of Polk Audio—it is our passion. We are all
dedicated to your complete satisfaction and delight.

Should you have any problem or question regarding this or any
Polk Audio product, consult your Polk Audio dealer or call our
Customer Service Department at 1-800-377-7655 from 9am to
6pm, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Sincerely,

Matthew S. Polk

About Polk Audio—A History of Excellence

Polk Audio was founded in 1972 by Matthew Polk and George
Klopfer. Their dream was to make great sounding speakers
at reasonable prices. Today, Polk Audio is still headquartered
in Baltimore, Maryland, and is one of the world’s largest
manufacturers of loudspeakers for home, office and car.
Polk’s research has yielded over 20 patents for advances
in loudspeaker performance and value. Polk speakers have
earned the praise of audio experts the world over, as well
as dozens of awards for innovative, high-quality design. Polk
Audio speakers are sold in over 50 countries and through retail
audio/video specialists throughout the US.

The original RM Digital Solution-1, with its compact high

performance satellite speakers, got as close to “full size” speaker

performance as possible in a “mini sub/sat” system. How? By

optimizing the speakers with preamp, surround processor and

amplifier electronics of our own design. We did this by designing

the electronics in tandem with the speakers, making everything

work together perfectly. We had created something entirely new:

a no-compromise high performance sub/sat Dolby

®

Digital home

theater—integrated into a single, complete system.

Then we thought, what if we did this same kind of

optimization for true “full size” speakers? And the

Digital Solution-2 was born.

This Digital Solution System is the ultimate all-in-one

Home Theater System. It’s “simply the best.”

With the DS-2, you have everything you need—except sources.

There’s no need to choose a receiver or separate surround

processor or multi-channel power amplifier. With the DS-2

you already have them. They’re built-in. And, most importantly,

you know that they were designed specifically for each other to

deliver no-compromise performance.

You don’t need an advanced degree in digital electronics to get

the most out of this system. We’ve done the work for you.

The DS-2 is a complete system. Everything is pre-optimized to

achieve the best possible performance. No complicated setup

procedures are required.

Simply plug everything in, and enjoy!

S

IMPLY COMPLETE HOME THEATER:

T

HE DIGITAL SOLUTION 2

P

ERFORMANCE

C

ONVENIENCE

S

IMPLICITY

www.polkaudio.com

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Polk Customer Service [phone]

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NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER:

This reminder is provided to call the CATV (Cable-TV) system installer’s attention to Article
820-40 of the NEC, that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specified
that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to
the point of cable entry as practical.

NOTE:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by tuning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

NOTE:

Changes or modifications may cause this unit to fail to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules
and may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT

These products were designed and manufactured to meet strict quality and safety standards. There
are, however, some installation and operation precautions which you should be particularly aware of.

1. Read Instructions—All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the
system is operated.

2. Retain Instructions—The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the appliances and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions—All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning—Unplug the appliances from wall outlets before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

6. Attachments—Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they
may cause hazards.

7. Water and Moisture—Do not use these appliances near water-for example, near a bath tub, wash
bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.

8. Accessories—Do not place these appliances on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
The audio/video products may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to
the products. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer,
or sold with the appliances. Any mounting of the appliances should follow the manufacturer’s
instructions, and should use mounting accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

9. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the appliances and to protect them from overheating, and these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the products on a bed, sofa,
rug, or other similar surface. These products should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat
register. These products should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack
unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

10. Power Sources—These products should be operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the marking labels. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult
your appliance dealer or local power company. For video products intended to operate from battery
power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

11. Grounding or Polarization—These products are equipped with polarized alternating-current line
plugs (plugs having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the
plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not
defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

12. Power-Cord Protection—Power-supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the appliances.

13. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to the

product, be sure the antenna or cable system is
grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built up static charges.
Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides information with
respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an
antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection
to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.

14. Lightning—For added protection for these audio/video products during a lightning storm, or
when they are left un-attended and unused for long periods of time, unplug them from the wall outlet
and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the products due to
lightning and power-line surges.

15. Power Lines—An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power
lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits.
When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching
such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

16. Overloading—Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire
or electric shock.

17. Object and Liquid Entry—Never push objects of any kind into these products through openings
as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric
shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on these audio/video products.

18. Servicing—Do not attempt to service these products yourself as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified
service personnel.

19. Damage Requiring Service—Unplug these products from wall outlets and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the products
c. If the products have been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the products do not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls
may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the
product to its normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance-this indicates a need for service.

20. Replacement Parts—When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has
used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the
original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

21. Safety Check—Upon completion of any service or repairs to these products, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to determine that the products are in proper operating condition.

22. Carts and Stands—The appliances should be used only with a cart or stand that is
recommended by the manufacturer.

23. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.

See Figure 1.

Figure 1.

“ ”

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING

ACCORDING TO NATIONAL ELECTRICAL

CODE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN

ARTICLE 810 -“RADIO AND TELEVISION EQUIPMENT”

GROUND
CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)

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• The DS-2 features all five main and surround speakers optimized to deliver
the greatest possible performance from any integrated home theater system:
The RT800i Main Speakers, the CS400i Center Channel Speakers and a pair
of f/x500i Surround Speakers. Heavy duty bottom end is delivered by the
specially built Powered Subwoofer.

• The DS-2 is a fully integrated and performance optimized

system.
That means all the parts were designed together for a single purpose:
all-in-one home theater.

• Got a big room to fill? No worries. The DS-2 has a high power 6
channel power amplifier

built right into the subwoofer enclosure.
This is an honest-to-goodness, beefy high-end power amp with all the
features that send audiophiles into rapture: high current, discrete
circuits, dynamic headroom... But forget the jargon, this system plays
loud and clean without strain even in the largest rooms.

• The DS-2 preamp/processor also includes one of the world’s most
sophisticated digital surround sound processors

, which hooks up to the

power amplifiers with a single convenient cable.

• Plug’n’Play

– the preamp/processor is pre-configured for the speakers
to bring you high performance right out of their boxes, without the need
for complicated set-up procedures.

• The perfectly matched front, rear

, and center speakers ensure
seamless blending and lifelike surround sound effects. You’ll feel like
you are part of the action rather than a distant observer.

• Home theater is a group experience. The speakers in the DS-2 system
were designed to deliver broad, even dispersion

of full-response sound
throughout the room. Everyone hears clean, clear dialog, music and
sound effects.

• Some CDs have too much bass, some have too little. The same is
true for movies. Most people like to adjust bass volume from CD to CD,
movie to movie. We put the subwoofer volume control on the remote
to make it easy for you to get the right amount of bass without
leaving your chair.

• Half of the world is looking for the meaning of life. The other half is
looking for better bass. (This is as good as humor gets in the audio
business.) If you are part of the latter group, we’ve got the subwoofer
for you. The DS-2 subwoofer uses our patented Power Port bass venting
system

to deliver deep, powerful bass with low distortion. Your friends

will be green with envy.

• Most folks like more bass on movies than music. With the DS-2, once
you have set subwoofer level for each surround mode, the system
remembers and returns to that setting

. We call this feature
subwoofer/surround memory. If you are watching a DVD and you select a
bass level of -7, then switch to a CD in stereo and change the bass setting
to -10, the system will return to a bass setting of -7 when you go back to
the surround mode. We love this feature. We think you will too.

• Simple, intuitive operation

. Everyone in the house, from kids to
grandparents, can enjoy ultra high-performance home theater
entertainment without reading this dopey manual.

• You have lots of potential entertainment sources. The DS-2
preamp/processor has enough analog and digital audio inputs to
hook up any source – DVD, Laserdisc, VCR, DSS, Tape, CD, Camcorder,
and Cable TV.

• The DS-2 preamp/processor has three digital inputs, including an RF
input, for laserdisc players with an AC-3 RF output, plus two other digital
inputs for a DVD player and the latest Dolby Digital capable satellite TV
(DSS) receivers.

• The DS-2 comes with audiophile-grade cables

(in some cases
fitted with gold plated connectors) for hooking up all the parts of the
DS-2 system.

• Is picture quality as important to you as the quality of sound? You’re
going to appreciate that the DS-2 preamp/processor offers S-video
inputs and outputs in addition to standard composite video. S Video
cables provide better picture detail than conventional video cables.

• Would you like music in another room? No problem. The DS-2 has
independent multi-room stereo pre-amp outputs

that allow you to hear
one source in a remote room while a different source is playing in the
main room, at different volume levels. (Requires optional external
stereo integrated amplifier and speakers for the second zone.)

DS-2 FEATURES

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Carton Contents

Your new Polk Audio Digital Solution system comes in six (6) cartons.
If you do not have any of the pieces listed below, or if any component
seems damaged, contact your Polk Audio retailer immediately.

Carton 1:

One (1) Preamp/Processor
One (1) Infrared remote control
Two (2) AA batteries for remote
Three (3) 20' (6M) speaker cables
Two (2) 40' (12M) speaker cables
One (1) 4 Meter DB-25 interconnect cable
One (1) FM antenna wire
One (1) AM loop antenna

Carton 2:

One (1) DS-2 subwoofer with integrated 6 channel
power amplifier
One (1) IEC-type AC power cable

Cartons 3 & 4:

One (1) EACH, RT800i loudspeaker
Four (4) carpet spikes and four (4) rubber feet per speaker

Carton 5:

One pair (2) f/x500i loudspeakers
Eight (8) adhesive rubber pads
Two (2) wall mounting screws
Template for wall mounting

Carton 6:

One (1) CS400i Center Channel Speaker
Four (4) adhesive rubber feet

Quick Start Guide (see illustrations on pages 8 and 9)

1. Remove all of the components and accessories from the
shipping cartons.

2. Connect sources such as DVD player, VCR, etc. to the
preamp/processor audio and video inputs using coaxial
(RCA-type) cables.

3. Connect the video output of the DS-2 preamp/processor to a
video input on your TV.

4. Connect the preamp/processor to the subwoofer with the
supplied 4 meter DB-25 cable.

5. Using the supplied speaker wires, connect the speakers to the
speaker terminals on the back of the subwoofer. Be sure to
maintain correct polarity ( + to +, - to -) on all channels. The
wire with the black band should always be connected to the
black ( - ) terminal and the wire with the color band should
always be connected to the red ( + ) terminal.

6. Plug the AC cord that was in the subwoofer box into the AC
receptacle on the subwoofer.

7. Plug the AC cords from the preamp/processor and subwoofer
into 120V/60 Hz AC power outlets.

8. Turn the power switch on the subwoofer to the “Standby”
position.

9. Press the power button on the preamp/processor front panel
or remote control.

10. Select the input of your choice.

11. Set volume and bass level to taste and enjoy!

GETTING STARTED

BASIC SETUP

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Area A—Antenna Connections

This is where you hook up indoor or outdoor antennas for AM and FM
radio reception.

Area B—Audio Analog Inputs/Outputs

This is where connections are made for the analog audio outputs of
sources such as CD player, DVD player, tape deck, etc. It is a good idea
to connect the analog outputs of all sources, even sources such as DVD
and Laserdisc players that have digital audio connections. Doing so
allows the use of digital sources for multi-room sound.

Area C—Multi-Room Outputs

These jacks allow you to use the sources (CD player, tape deck, etc.)
connected to the preamp/processor as sources of sound in another
room. See the section on “Using Multi Room” on page 25 of this manual.

Area D—Video Inputs/Outputs

These jacks are used to feed the video signals of video players such as
VCR and DVD into the preamp/processor and then out to your TV. This
allows you to switch audio and video at the same time. For example,
when you want to switch from watching the VCR to watching the DVD,
you only have to push one button on the DS-2 remote instead of two
(one to switch audio on the DS-2 remote and one to switch video on the
TV remote).

There are two kinds of video jacks on the preamp/processor: standard
“composite,” and S-VHS (or S-video). If a video source and your TV have
S-video connectors, use them; you will get a picture with more detail.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you connect a video source to the preamp/
processor with an S-video cable, you must connect the TV to the
preamp/processor with an S-video cable, or you will not see the
picture on your TV. See “Connection Precautions” on page 10.

Area E—Digital Inputs

This is where you connect sources with digital audio outputs, such as
DVD, 12" Laserdisc, and digital DSS receivers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The input jack labeled “LD RF” is for a Dolby
Digital RF signal from a 12" Laserdisc player only. Do not connect
a normal audio output terminal or the digital coaxial output of a
DVD player or any other source to the “LD RF” jack. You will
damage the DS-2 if you do.

Area F—Remote Control Extension Jacks

These jacks are for potential future Polk Audio products. When we bring
out other electronic products, these jacks will help you unify the remote
control functions of the DS-2 and the new device.

Area G—Multi-pin Connectors

(on Preamp/Processor and Subwoofer)

These may look like connectors for computer printers, but they are not.
This is the way the 6 channels of sound get from the preamp/processor
to the 6 amplifiers that are built in to the subwoofer enclosure. We even
supply the cable.

Area H—Speaker Connections

(on Subwoofer)

This is where you hook up the speakers to the built-in amplifiers.

Area I—AC Outlets

Connect the power cables of components such as a cassette deck and
CD player to these outlets. The one marked UNSWITCHED is always
live as long as the DS-2 is plugged into a live outlet. A component
connected here may be left on permanently, or may be switched off
with its own power switch. Caution: In order to avoid potential turn-off
thumps, anything plugged in here should be turned on before

the DS-2

is turned on.

The outlet marked SWITCHED only delivers power if the DS-2 is on.
This is a good place to plug in any component that you want to turn on
and off along with the DS-2 system. Check the AC power rating of the
components you want to plug into these outlets. If either component
draws more than 0.8 Amperes

of current, do not use these outlets.

Plug the component directly into a wall socket or power strip.

Area J—Subwoofer AC Functions

(on Subwoofer)

Once everything else is hooked up, set the switch to the “Standby”
position. If the system fails to function, disconnect the subwoofer’s
power cord from the AC outlet, remove and inspect the fuse. Replace
with 7.5A Slow Blow 250V fuse only.

Area K—Pilot Light

(on Subwoofer)

When the subwoofer is plugged in to a live AC outlet and the
power switch (J) is set to “Standby” this light will glow red while
the preamp/processor is “off,” and green when the preamp
processor is “on.”

REAR PANEL GUIDED TOUR

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BASIC SYSTEM HOOK UP

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SPEAKER HOOK UP

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Connection Precautions

• Do not plug the preamp/processor or subwoofer into AC outlets until
all the connections have been made.

• When connecting sources, use either standard composite (good) or S-
video (better) throughout. Do not use both composite and S-video
connections. Use the same type of connection between the
preamp/processor and your TV.

• Connect one cable at a time observing the “input” and “output.”
This will avoid any cross connection between channels and signal
inputs and outputs.

• Insert the plugs securely. Incomplete connections may result in noise
or signal loss.

• We’ve included high quality pre-cut and terminated speaker wire,
and a 25-pin processor-subwoofer cable. To hook up your sources, we
recommend the use of high quality audio and video connecting cables.
See your Polk Audio dealer for specific recommendations.

• Prior to connecting other audio and video equipment to the DS-2,
please read their owners’ manuals.

Connecting Radio Antennas

Connect the supplied FM wire antenna to the FM (75 Ohm) F-type
connector. For better reception connect an indoor or outdoor FM antenna.

The preamp/processor comes supplied with an AM loop antenna that
connects to the GROUND and AM terminals as illustrated. To
use those terminals, unscrew the tabs and insert the antenna’s
bare wires into the holes, then tighten the tabs. To find the best
place to put the AM antenna, tune in a local AM radio station
(see page 22) and move the AM loop antenna around until you
get the clearest reception. You can secure the antenna to a
wall or the inside wall of an equipment cabinet with screws.

Connecting a DVD Player

Connect the coaxial digital output of the DVD player to the DVD
DIGITAL INPUT of the preamp/processor.We recommend that you
also connect the Left and Right analog outputs of the DVD player
to the analog audio DVD inputs of the preamp/processor using
RCA connectors. This will allow you to tape record the audio
output of the DVD player and use the DVD player as an audio
source for a remote room.

Connect either the composite video or the S-video output of the
DVD player to the corresponding DVD video input of the preamp/
processor. Do not use both composite and S-video connections. If

you use S-video connections here, you must connect your TV to the
preamp/processor with an S-video cable in order to get a picture
with this input. If your DVD player has “component” video outputs

(three jacks), you must connect those directly to a TV that has
corresponding “component” video inputs.

A very few DVD players do not have a coaxial (RCA type) digital output but
only an optical cable output. In that case, hook up the DVD player into the
DSS optical digital and analog audio and video inputs. Select “DSS” when
you want to use your DVD player.

OPTION: If the DVD player is also being used as a CD player and there is
no other CD player in the system, you may want to plug the analog audio
outputs of the DVD player into the analog CD inputs rather than the analog
DVD inputs. This allows you to set one bass level for stereo and another
bass level for surround. When you play a CD in the DVD player, push the
CD button on the remote and you will hear the CD with the amount of bass
you previously selected. When you play a DVD movie, push the DVD button
on the remote and you’ll automatically hear the DVD with the bass level
set to another previously set level (generally higher). The one downside of
this hookup is that you will not be able to record DVD movies to your VCR.
That is copyright infringement and you shouldn’t be doing it anyway. Don’t
you read those FBI warnings at the beginning of every DVD?

HOOKING UP THE SYSTEM