Polk Audio PSW1200 User Manual 2
PSW1200 OWNERS MANUAL
Table of Contents
PSW1200 features 4
Subwoofer placement 4
Connecting the
subwoofer (general) 5
Bass management/
speaker setup 5-8
Inputs and outputs 9-15
Hook up options chart 16-17
AC Power controls 19
Subwoofer adjustments 19-20
Maintenance 21
Hum 21
Technical assistance 21
Specifications 22
Warranty 23
2
IMPORTANT—
READ THIS MANUAL
WE KNOW YOU ARE ANXIOUS TO PLUG IN YOUR HOT NEW TOY
(THIS SUB) AND LET ‘ER RIP. BUT IF YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL THE
HOOK-UP OPTIONS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS, YOU WILL ULTIMATELY
GET BETTER PERFORMANCE FROM YOUR SYSTEM.
23
POLK AUDIO LIMITED WARRANTY
“Polk Audio,” “The Speaker Specialists,” and “Power Port”
are trademarks of Britannia Investment Corporation used under license by Polk Audio Incorporated.
Polk Audio, Inc., warrants to the original purchaser only that the Amplifier in this Polk
Audio Loudspeaker Product (the “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. Polk Audio,
Inc., further warrants to the original purchaser only that the
Loudspeaker(s) in
this Polk Audio Product (the “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. The original
retail purchaser shall hereinafter be referred
to as “you.” However, this Warranty will
automatically terminate prior to the expiration if you sell or otherwise transfer the
Product to any other party.
To allow Polk
Audio to offer the best possible warranty
service, please fill out the Product
Registration Card(s) and send it to the
Factory, at the address provided on the
Product Cards(s) within ten (10) days of
the date of purchase.
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
2550 Britannia Boulevard, Suite D, San
Diego, California 92173
. 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 with new or reconditioned parts 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 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.
22
SPECIFICATIONS
PSW1200
Driver Complement
2-12" woofers
Continuous average power*:
230 watts into 8 ohms @1% THD
over power bandwidth of 30-120Hz
Dynamic Power Rating* -
350 watts into 8 Ohms
System Acoustic Efficiency -
90db from 1 watt at 1 meter
Calculated Maximum Output -
115db at 1 meter
Enclosure Type
Direct radiating, vented
Port Type
Power Port
Frequency Response: Overall /- 3db Limits
20Hz -140Hz / 22Hz -125Hz
Lowpass Crossover Frequency
Adjustable 40Hz -120Hz
Phase Control
Variable 0˚ to 180˚
Inputs
Speaker and line level
Outputs
Speaker and line level
High Pass Filters
Line Level Outputs:
Switchable 40Hz or
80Hz, 12db/octave
Speaker Outputs:
Switchable: Flat, 40Hz or 80Hz
Shipping Weight
110 lbs/ea (49.9 kg)
Dimensions
261⁄2"H x 183⁄4"W x 233⁄4"D
67.3cmH x 47.6cmW x 60.3cmD
* About Power Ratings
When making comparisons between
product specifications it helps to understand what they mean, particularly with
amplifier power ratings. The Federal Trade
Commission has recently issued new
regulations regarding the power ratings
of all amplifiers including self-powered
speakers. Polk Audio supports this effort
to standardize power testing methods in
order to provide consumers with a “level
playing field” basis for comparison. Make
sure the basis for the power rating is
clearly stated before comparing it to
another product’s specification.
The FTC rating is based on the continuous
power output of the amplifier. However,
music and movies are not continuous but
are mainly composed of short bursts of
sound. For this reason we also supply a
“Dynamic Power” rating which measures
the ability of the amplifier to produce power
in short bursts similar to those found in
music and movies. In our experience an
amplifier with higher Dynamic Power output will play louder under most conditions
regardless of the continuous power rating.
Dynamic Power is typically greater than
continuous average power although it is not
uncommon for two amplifiers with identical
FTC “Continuous Average” ratings to have
very different Dynamic Power performance.
However, loudspeaker efficiency is by
far the most important factor in determining how loud your system will play.
Loudspeaker efficiency is usually given as
the amount of sound produced by 1 watt at
a distance of 1 meter. A medium efficiency
loudspeaker rating would be around 87 dB
from 1 watt at 1 meter. A highly efficient
loudspeaker might be 90 dB. Each 3dB
increase in efficiency doubles the sound
output for a given power input. So a 100
watt, 90 dB self-powered speaker and a
200 watt 87 dB unit would produce the
same sound output. For this reason we
also specify the loudspeaker efficiency
and calculated maximum sound output.
Polk Audio and the Consumer Electronics
Manufacturer’s Association are currently
engaged in an effort to set standards for
specifying the actual acoustic output of
self-powered speakers. If we are successful, consumers will be able to use these
ratings to make more meaningful product
comparisons and better purchasing
decisions in the future.
3
POLK AUDIO – A HISTORY OF
EXCELLENCE
Matthew Polk and George Klopfer
founded Polk Audio in 1972. Their
dream was to make high performance
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 in audio/video specialist
retail locations throughout the U.S.
A WORD FROM MATTHEW POLK
Dear Music Lover,
Thank you for purchasing Polk Audio
speakers. Designing and building speakers 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.
Your new Polk subwoofer includes
the latest loudspeaker technology to
assure outstanding performance
and unmatched quality. Please take
a moment to read this manual; when
you fully understand all the hook-up
options and their implications, you will
ultimately get better performance from
your system.
We also make a variety of main, center,
rear channel and accessory speakers so
you can assemble a complete and well
matched high-performance surround
sound system. If you would like more
information on building the Polk system
of your dreams, consult your Polk Audio
dealer or call our Customer Service
Department. In North America call
(800) 377-7655, Monday through
Friday, 9:00 AM through 6:00 PM
Eastern Time.
Sincerely,
Matthew S. Polk
Chairman and Co-Founder
P.S. A wealth of information can also be
found on our award-winning web site:
www.polkaudio.com.
FEATURES:
• Two 12-inch direct radiating smooth
response subwoofer drivers.
• Power Port™ patented bass port for
deep bass with low distortion.
• High-current 350 watt power amplifier.
• 7 low level input channels—left front,
right front, center, subwoofer, LFE, left
rear and right rear—to allow connection of every channel’s output to the
subwoofer. There is never a question
whether or not all the bass on your
recording is getting to your PSW1200
subwoofer!
• Front panel volume control
• Variable low-pass crossover and
variable phase controls allow you to
optimize performance to match your
audio system, room acoustics, and
program material
• Auto movie detect and bass boost.
(When the center channel input senses
a signal, it automatically boosts the
overall subwoofer level by 3dB)
• Auto on/off circuit that automatically
turns your Subwoofer on when it senses
a program signal. When no signal is
present, the amplifier turns itself off
within 15 minutes
• Unfiltered LFE/Subwoofer input for
use with low pass filtered subwoofer
output jacks
• Speaker and line level inputs and outputs
• Switchable high-pass filters. When
passed through the PSW1200, main
channel signals may be high pass
filtered at either 40Hz or 80Hz from
both line or speaker level outputs
GETTING STARTED
Please inspect your subwoofer and its
drivers carefully. Notify your Polk dealer
if you notice any damage or missing
items. Keep the carton and packing
material. They will do the best job of
protecting your PSW1200 if it needs
to be transported.
PLACEMENT
The Polk PSW1200 subwoofer may be
placed anywhere in the room, but for
the greatest possible bass output, place
the subwoofer near a corner of the
room. Due to a room acoustics phenomenon called “standing waves,” bass
response may be uneven throughout a
room. In some areas of the room, the
bass will be very loud, in others very
weak. Experiment with subwoofer placement to find the location that yields the
deepest, tightest bass in your favorite
listening position.
Allow at least 6 inches (15cm) of space
between any subwoofer driver and a
wall or obstruction.
(Fig. 1a).
4
FIGURE 1a.
≥ 6"
21
optimal phase tuning.
MAINTAINING THE APPEARANCE
OF YOUR PSW1200
Your new speaker cabinet is finished in
woodgrain vinyl that can be dusted or
cleaned with a moist soft cloth. Avoid
harsh detergents and cleaning fluids,
they can permanently damage your
speaker’s finish. Remove grilles and
gently vacuum the dust.
Q. “WHY DOES MY SYSTEM HUM?”
A. “It doesn’t know the words.”
This is what passes for humor in the
audio business. Here is the real answer:
If you have any electrical 60Hz hum
in your system, you are more likely
to hear it once you hook up your
Subwoofer. Most hum problems are
caused by ground loops. That is, the
electrical grounds of the components in
your system are not at the same electrical potential. A very common ground
loop source is cable TV. Disconnect the
coaxial cable from your TV and/or VCR.
If the hum goes away, the cable is the
ground loop villain. In that case, you
need a 75-ohm ground loop isolator.
This device is about the size of a pen
and is attached to your coaxial cable
where it plugs into your VCR (or television). You can obtain this device from
some audio dealers, Radio Shack stores,
Zantech (1-800-843-5465) or Channel
Plus (1-800-99-5225).
Ground loops and hum can also be the
result of faulty electrical wiring in your
home. Consult a licensed electrician to
evaluate and, if necessary, repair the
AC wiring in your home. Light dimmers
also tend to introduce noise into audio
systems. Remove them.
If none of our suggestions work for you,
call our customer service number shown
below.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
OR SERVICE
If, after following the hook-up
directions, you have trouble, please
double-check all wire connections.
If the problem is that you are not getting
enough bass, make sure the AC cord is
connected to a live AC power source and
that the power switch is set to the “on”
or “auto” position. Should you isolate
the problem to the speaker, contact the
authorized Polk Audio dealer where you
made your purchase. Authorized Polk
Audio dealers are the best source for
advice and assistance.
Our cheerful customer service representatives are happy to answer your
questions and provide fast, friendly
service. In North America call (800)
377-7655, Monday through Friday,
9:00 AM through 6:00 PM Eastern time.
20
VARIABLE LOW PASS CROSSOVER
(Fig. 18)–This control adjusts the
frequency range over which the
Subwoofer operates. This control only
affects signals that are sent through the
Front, Center and Rear line level “In”
jacks and the Speaker Level Inputs.
It has no effect on signals fed into the
LFE/Subwoofer input. When using
smaller main speakers, the upper range
of the control will probably yield the
best results. With larger speakers, the
lower end of the control range will probably sound best, but always let your
ear be the final judge. After setting
subwoofer levels, you may want to
experiment with the crossover frequency setting. Turning the knob up will add
more “warmth” to the bass and lower
midrange, possibly at the expense of
bass “tightness” and midrange clarity.
Turning the knob down will make
the bass and lower midrange sound
“thinner.” Experiment and set this
control to taste.
VARIABLE PHASE ALIGNMENT
(Fig. 18)–Have someone else turn
the knob slowly while you sit in your
favorite listening position. Use music
with good bass and a deep male vocal.
When you hear the best balance of deep
bass and the natural lower octaves
of the male voice, you have achieved
FIGURE 18.
VARIABLE
LOW PASS
CROSSOVER
40Hz 120Hz
VARIABLE
PHASE
ALIGNMENT
0° 180°
POWER
SWITCHABLE
HIGH PASS
CROSSOVER
(LINE LEVEL)
40HZ 80HZ
FRONT
LEFT
OUT
LEFT
FRONT
IN
LEFT
REAR
IN
CENTER 1
IN
LFE/SUBWOOFER IN
ON OFF AUTO
FRONT
RIGHT
OUT
RIGHT
FRONT
IN
RIGHT
REAR
IN
CENTER 2
IN
FRONT SPEAKER LEVEL OUT
L R
40HZ
80HZ
FULL RANGE
+
–
SWITCHABLE
HIGH PASS
CROSSOVER
(SPEAKER LEVEL)
+
–
40Hz 120Hz
0° 180°
The subwoofer should be placed only on
its integrated Power Port™ base.
(Fig. 1b) NEVER LAY THE SUBWOOFER
ON THE AMPLIFIER END – THIS WILL
DAMAGE THE AMPLIFIER.
The PSW1200 is not magnetically
shielded and should not be placed
close to a television set. If you see
any color distortion in your TV, move
the subwoofer a few inches farther
from the set.
CONNECTING THE SUBWOOFER TO
THE SYSTEM—GENERAL
The PSW1200 was designed to allow
you to get the maximum bass performance from your stereo or home theater
system, regardless of the type of equipment you have. Due to the broad range
of equipment available, and the versatility of the PSW1200, we are not able to
describe every possible hook up method.
Start by understanding the issues and
the capabilities of the PSW1200. From
there, you should be able to determine
the hook up method that is perfect
for you.
WHAT ARE THE GOALS?
The first goal is to make sure that all
the bass information on the recording
gets to your speakers. Second, that the
bass gets to the speakers that are best
suited to reproduce it. And third that all
the speakers in the system “blend” per-
fectly. A poor blend will sound unnatural; you will be aware that the main and
subwoofer speakers are separate units.
In a well-blended system, the subwoofer
will not call attention to itself; you will
simply hear at lot more deep, tight,
exciting bass. Experiment with alternate
hook-up methods to find the one that
works best for you.
WHAT IS BASS MANAGEMENT AND HOW
DO I USE IT?
Bass management involves moving bass
signals from one speaker to another. For
example, if you have a speaker that is
not well suited to reproducing loud deep
bass, bass management allows you to
move that channel’s bass to another
speaker—generally to the subwoofer.
The PSW1200 has some built-in bass
management features for those systems
that have no bass management facility
at all, or for those whose facilities are
inadequate for your needs.
Stereo receivers and preamps never
have bass management facilities.
If you have a stereo-only system, go
immediately to page 9. Dolby Pro Logic®
receivers and processors usually have
minimal bass management facilities.
Dolby Digital® processors always have
bass management features but
the capabilities and operation may
vary from model to model.
The bass management system function
in your receiver or processor is usually
accessed through an on-screen display
and may be called “Speaker Set-Up.”
Some units use switches on the front
and/or rear panels. Read your electronics’ owner’s manual to learn how to
access your bass management/speaker
setup features. Here is a list of the
terms and choices you will find, and
how they operate:
5
FIGURE 1b.
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