Polk Audio RM7200S User Manual

OWNER’S

MANUAL

RM7200SYSTEM
RM3300SATELLITES
RM3600CENTER CHANNEL

RM7600SYSTEM
RM4300SATELLITES
RM4600CENTER CHANNEL

2 Contact Polk Audio Customer Service 1-800-377-7655 (Outside US: 410-764-5266), [e-mail]

GETTING STARTED

Make certain your system contains all its parts:

The complete RM7200 comes in ONE carton, containing the following items:

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Four (4) magnetically shielded micro-satellite speakers with integrated wall mount brackets

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One (1) magnetically shielded micro-center channel speaker with integrated wall mount bracket

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One (1) RM7200 8" Powered Subwoofer

The complete RM7600 comes in TWO cartons.

Carton 1 contains the following items:

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Four (4) magnetically shielded satellite speakers with integrated wall mount brackets

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One (1) magnetically shielded center channel speaker with integrated wall mount brackets

Carton 2 contains the following item:

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One (1) PSW series powered subwoofer with instruction manual

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

SPEAKER PLACEMENT

CENTER CHANNEL SPEAKER (Figure 1)

Place the center channel speaker as close to your TV as possible (Figure1). The most popular placement for the center
channel speaker is right on top of your TV set. The small size and slender design of the RM7000 Series center channel
speakers makes them easy to mount on the wall directly above your TV. They look especially nifty if you have a slim
line or flat screen TV. RM7000 Satellites are magnetically shielded for safe placement on or near your TV. If you notice
video distortion or discoloration, immediately move the speaker away from the TV and call Polk Audio Customer Service
800-377-7655 (US & Can), 410-764-5266, 9am-6pm EST, Monday through Friday, or email: [e-mail].

FRONT SATELLITES (Figure 2)

The front satellite and center channel speakers of the RM7000 systems are specifically designed to complement flat
screen and inset display televisions by mounting unobtrusively on the wall flanking the TV. RM7000 Satellites are
magnetically shielded for safe placement on or near your TV. If you notice video distortion or discoloration, immediately
move the speaker away from the TV and call Polk Audio Customer Service 800-377-7655 (US & Can), 410-764-5266,
9am-6pm EST, Monday through Friday, or email: [e-mail]. The integrated brackets on the RM7000 Series
satellites make them easy to mount. They also sound great on stands (available at your Polk Audio dealer, or online at
http://polkaudio.tranguard.com/), bookshelves, or in entertainment centers. Place the small front satellites about as far
apart as the distance you are sitting from them (Figure 2). Avoid placing them less than 2 feet (60cm) from the side
walls of the room. When mounting the speakers on stands or on a shelf, place them at or near ear level.

SURROUND SPEAKERS (Figures 3a & 3b)

The best placement for surround channel speakers is on the side walls, facing each other, a foot or two (30-60cm)
behind your listening position (Figure 3a). If this placement is not possible, the speakers may be placed on a rear
wall (Figure 3b). In either case, mount the speakers two to four feet (60-120cm) above your head (when seated).

SUBWOOFER (Figures 4 & 5)

The RM7200 Systems uses a specially built compact Polk Audio Powered Subwoofer to round out its surround sound capa­bilities. This subwoofer module may be placed behind furniture or next to a sofa or chair. It can be placed anywhere in the
room, but you will get the best performance from it when it is on the same side of the room as the front satellites. Placing
it near a wall or in a corner will increase bass loudness. Allow at least 6 inches (15cm) of space between any subwoofer
driver and a wall or obstruction (Figure 4). It may lie on its side, but NEVER LAY THE SUBWOOFER ON THE AMPLIFIER
END—THIS WILL DAMAGE THE AMPLIFIER (Figure 5). The RM7200 subwoofer is magnetically shielded for safe placement
near your television set. If you notice video distortion or discoloration, immediately move the subwoofer away from the TV
and call Polk Audio Customer Service 800-377-7655 (US & Can), 410-764-5266, 9am-6pm EST, Monday through Friday, or
email: [e-mail].

You’ll find an informative article on “Subwoofer Positioning and Adjustment”
in the set up section at http://www.polkaudio.com/home/faqad/.

For accessories and information visit www.polkaudio.com 3

CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS TO YOUR SYSTEM (General Directions)

We recommend using two-conductor 16 gauge or thicker speaker wire. Strip 1/2 inch (12.7mm) of insulation from each of the two conductors
to expose the bare metal and twist each of the individual conductors into single unfrayed strands. Note that one of the terminals on the rear of
each speaker is red (+) and the other is black (–). Make certain that you connect the wire from the red (+) terminal of your amplifier or receiver
to the red (+) terminal on your speaker and the wire from the black (–) terminal of your amplifier or receiver to the black (–) terminal on your
speaker. Most wire has some indicator (such as color-coding, ribbing or writing) on one of the two conductors to help you maintain consistency.
If your speakers sound “thin,” with little bass and little or no center image, chances are that one of the speaker wires is connected backwards.
Double-check all connections.

USING PUSH-TAB AND 5-WAY BINDING POSTS

To connect wire to the push-tab connectors, push the plastic tab of one connector to open the hole. Insert the bare wire into the hole and
release the plastic tab (Figure 6). Repeat this step with the other connectors.

To connect wire using the binding posts (Figure 7), unscrew the hex nut and insert the bare wire into the hole near the base of the binding
post. Do not insert the insulated part of the wire into the hole as this will not give you a good connection. Twist the hex nut back down the
binding post until it firmly meets the wire. Do not overtighten.

To Use Banana Plugs (US only): Carefully pry out the Binding Post Plugs (plastic plugs on the end of the binding posts) to expose Banana
Plug holes. Insert Banana Plugs. (This is for US owners only.)

HOOK-UP OPTIONS

The versatile RM7000 Series loudspeaker systems give you many hook-up options. The option that is best for you depends on your electronics
and your personal taste. Here are the hookups we recommend for each system. (You may want to experiment to see what works best for you.)

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SUBWOOFER HOOKUP

For best sound, DO NOT USE THE “SUBWOOFER OUTPUT” OR LFE JACK ON YOUR RECEIVER TO CONNECT THE SUBWOOFER. The RM7200 and
RM7600 Systems both feature a powered subwoofer that has a built-in, adjustable low pass filter to separate the low frequency signals (the bass)
from the full range signal. The dedicated “subwoofer output” jacks (sometimes labeled “LFE” or “Low Frequency Effects”) on most receivers also
contain a fixed low pass filter. If you connect the subwoofer to the receiver’s LFE Out jack, the two filters will interact and reduce the fidelity of
your system. Follow the hook up and receiver set-up/bass management instructions below and all of the bass will go to the subwoofer, you will
not lose any bass, and you will get the highest possible performance from your system. We promise.

You’ll find an informative article on “Bass Management and Subwoofer Connections”
in the set up section at http://www.polkaudio.com/home/faqad/.

RM7200 HOOKUP OPTIONS

OPTION 1—SPEAKER WIRE HOOKUP, OUR FAVORITE HOOKUP METHOD (Figure 8):

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Using speaker wire, connect the left and right front speaker outputs of your receiver or amplifier to the “speaker level” (wire) inputs
of the powered subwoofer.

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Then, connect the left and right front satellite speakers with speaker wire from the “speaker level” outputs of the powered subwoofer.

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Connect the Center Channel Speaker directly to the center channel output from your receiver.

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Connect the Rear Surround Satellites directly to the rear or surround channel outputs from your receiver.

OPTION 2—LINE LEVEL HOOKUP, USED WITH ELECTRONICS THAT HAVE PRE-OUT JACKS FOR THE LEFT AND RIGHT
FRONT CHANNELS (Figure 9)

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Connect your front speakers to your receiver or amplifier in the normal way (Figure 8). If your pre-amp, processor, amplifier or receiver has
a spare set of front left and right pre-outs, connect them to the Line Level “In” jacks of the subwoofer. Use well-shielded RCA cables. If your
pre-amp, processor, amplifier or receiver has a single set of pre-outs and they are being used to deliver signal to an amplifier, use “Y” cables
as shown in (Figure 9).

4 Contact Polk Audio Customer Service 1-800-377-7655 (Outside US: 410-764-5266), [e-mail]

RM7600 HOOKUP OPTIONS

OPTION 1—SPEAKER WIRE HOOKUP, OUR FAVORITE HOOKUP METHOD (Figure 8):



Using Speaker Wire, connect the left and right front speaker outputs of your receiver or amplifier to the “speaker level” (wire) inputs
of the powered subwoofer.



Then, connect the left and right front satellite speakers with speaker wire from the “speaker level” outputs of the powered subwoofer.

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Connect the Center Channel Speaker directly to the center channel output from your receiver.

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Connect the Rear Surround Satellites directly to the rear or surround channel outputs from your receiver.

OPTION 2—LINE LEVEL HOOKUP, USED WITH ELECTRONICS THAT HAVE PRE-OUT JACKS FOR THE LEFT AND RIGHT
FRONT CHANNELS (Figure 9):



Connect your front speakers to your receiver or amplifier in the normal way (Figure 8). If your pre-amp, processor, amplifier or receiver has
a spare set of front left and right pre-outs, connect them to the Line Level “In” jacks of the subwoofer. Use well-shielded RCA cables. If your
pre-amp, processor, amplifier or receiver has a single set of pre-outs and they are being used to deliver signal to an amplifier, use “Y” cables
as shown in (Figure 9).

RECEIVER SET-UP/BASS MANAGEMENT FOR RM7200 & RM7600 SYSTEMS

All surround receivers allow you to “customize” their performance depending on the size of your speakers. Refer to the owner’s manual of your
receiver or surround processor to learn how this is done. To get the best performance from your RM7000 Series Home Theater Systems, use the
following settings with the above hook-up methods:

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Front speakers—set to “large”

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Center speaker—set to “normal” or “small”

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Surround speakers—set to “small”

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Subwoofer—set to “OFF” or “none.” (We know; doesn’t make sense, right? Both your RM7200 and RM7600 have subwoofers. But really truly,
this is the correct setting for the recommended Speaker Wire and Line Level hookup methods. In the Speaker Wire Hookup, setting the front
left and right speakers to “Large” and routing them through the subwoofer’s low pass filter delivers a full range signal to the subwoofer’s
low pass filter. The low pass filter takes the low frequencies and passes the rest on to the front speakers, for perfect sub/sat blending. In the
Line Level Hookup, setting the front left and right speakers to “Large” and choosing subwoofer “OFF” directs all the bass and LFE channel
information to the subwoofer via the left and right pre-amp outputs.)

WALL-MOUNTING YOUR RM7200 & RM7600 SATELLITES & CENTER
CHANNEL SPEAKER (Figures 10–12)

All five satellites of both the RM7200 and RM7600 Systems have integrated wall-mounting brackets built onto the rear of each speaker. On-wall
installation of these RM speakers requires basic skills and basic tools (drill and screwdriver). If you are in doubt that you possess the necessary
skills or tools, consult your Polk dealer or a professional installer. Otherwise, follow the steps below to safely secure the speakers to the location
of your choice.

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Make sure the material on which you plan to mount the speakers (plaster, drywall, paneling, stone, etc.) can support the weight of the
speakers (See product weight specifications on page 14).

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Make sure the locations you select do not conceal electrical wiring or plumbing.

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Prior to installation, hold the speaker in the chosen location to make sure it safely clears obstacles such as ceiling, adjacent walls, corners,
beams, lighting fixtures and door/window frames.

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Using the keyhole slots in the bracket template (included), mark the installation location of the keyhole slots with a pencil (Figure 10).
Orient the template so that the small ends of the keyhole slots are facing “up” according to the direction of installation.

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If you are certain that there is a stud behind the wall surface, drive #10 screws (not included) through the wall and into the stud
(Figure 11a).

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If there is no stud behind the wall at the chosen location, install #10 wall anchors (not supplied) into the wall by following the
wall-anchor-manufacturer’s instructions (Figure 11b).

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For masonry walls, use a masonry drill bit and #10 masonry anchor and screw (not included).

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Tighten screws into stud or wall anchors, leaving screw heads protruding 1/16" (1.6mm).

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Line up the keyhole slots on the bracket so that the screw heads pass through the large center hole of the slots.

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Let the speaker slide straight down, allowing the screw head to slip behind the smaller end of the keyhole slot (Figure 12).

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Tug gently on the speaker to make certain that the screws and bracket are properly aligned and that the wall anchors are secure.

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If the bracket is not held snug against the wall by the screw heads, remove the speaker from the wall, drive the screws in a little further
and then remount the speaker.

For accessories and information visit www.polkaudio.com 5

RM7200 POWERED SUBWOOFER ADJUSTMENTS (Figure 13)

The RM7200 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/home/faqad/.

RM7200 AC POWER (Figure 13)

The RM7200 Powered Subwoofer has a built-in power amplifier and must be plugged into a standard household AC power source in order
to operate. The power switch has three positions: “On,” “Off” and “Auto” (Figure 13). When the Powered Subwoofer is plugged in (even with
the power switch in the “off” position) the power light will glow RED. In the “Auto” position, the amplifier will automatically turn on as soon
as the speaker senses a signal coming from your electronics. The power light will change from RED to GREEN upon sensing a signal. The
subwoofer will turn off approximately 15 minutes after input signal ceases, and the power light will return to RED. In the “On” position,
the power amplifier will operate and the power light will glow GREEN until the switch is set to the “Off” position or the AC cord is
disconnected from a power source. We recommend using the “Auto” position. Turn it to “Off” if the system will not be used for extended
periods of time, such as during vacations.

RM7200 SUBWOOFER LEVEL CONTROL (Volume)

Subwoofer level (volume) is adjusted via the knob on the rear amplifier plate. To set Subwoofer Level, play a piece of music that has an
average amount of bass content. Start with the knob set to “5” and the Phase Switch set to 0. Adjust by ear using a wide variety of CDs
and video sources. Adjust for deep, powerful bass without “boominess.”

RM7200 LOW PASS FILTER

This control adjusts the frequency range over which the subwoofer operates. With the RM7200, the upper range of this control will yield the
best results. Experiment and let your ears be the final judge. 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.

RM7200 RECOMMENDED SETTINGS — ON WALL & OFF WALL (Figures 13, 15a & 15b)

Mounting your right and left front satellites on the wall tends to increase their low-midrange response (the low range of a male voice).
Mounting them on stands away from the sides of the room tends to decrease their low-midrange response. If you mount the satellites on
the wall, we recommend setting your variable crossover control (see Figure 13) at a lower setting (Figure 15a). If you mount the satellites
on stands, we recommend setting your variable crossover control at a higher setting (Figure 15b).

Turning the knob up from the recommended setting (Figure 15a or 15b) will add more “warmth” to the bass and lower midrange, possibly
at the sacrifice of bass “tightness” and midrange clarity. Turning the knob down from the recommended setting will make the bass and lower
midrange sound “thinner.”

RM7200 PHASE SWITCH

Changing the phase of your subwoofer can strengthen its bass “attack.” If the bass sounds muddy or unclear, try toggling the phase control.
Have someone else switch between the two settings while you sit in your favorite listening position. Use music with good bass (preferably
“plucked” string bass) and a deep male vocal. When you hear the best balance of deep bass and natural lower octaves of the male voice, you
have achieved optimum phase tuning.

6 Contact Polk Audio Customer Service 1-800-377-7655 (Outside US: 410-764-5266), [e-mail]

RM7600 POWERED SUBWOOFER ADJUSTMENTS (Figure 14)

The RM7600 Powered Subwoofer offers a wide 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.

Outside the US:

These adjustments are specific to the Polk Audio PSW650 Model Subwoofer. If you are using a subwoofer other than the PSW650, please refer to
that subwoofer’s owner’s manual for correct, model-specific adjustment instructions

You’ll find an informative article on “Subwoofer Positioning and Adjustment”
in the set up section at http://www.polkaudio.com/home/faqad/.

RM7600 AC POWER (Figure 14)

The RM7600 Powered Subwoofer has a built-in power amplifier and must be plugged into a standard household AC power source in order to
operate. The power switch has three positions: “On,” “Off” and “Auto” (Figure 14). The Powered Subwoofer also has a small GREEN light under
the Level Control Pod on the subwoofer’s front face. This light is not illuminated when the Subwoofer power switch is in the “Off” position. In
the “Auto” position, the amplifier will automatically turn on as soon as the speaker senses a signal coming from your electronics. The power
light will glow GREEN upon sensing a signal. The subwoofer will turn off approximately 15 minutes after input signal ceases, and the power
light will go off. In the “On” position, the power amplifier will operate and the power light will glow GREEN until the switch is set to the “Off”
position or the AC cord is disconnected from a power source. We recommend using the “Auto” position. Turn it to “Off” if the system will not
be used for extended periods of time, such as during vacations.

RM7600 SUBWOOFER LEVEL CONTROL (Volume)

Subwoofer level (volume) is adjusted via the knob on the front of the subwoofer under the logo pod. This lets you adjust the level of bass easily
after you have made the more complex adjustments on the rear of the Subwoofer. To set level, play a piece of music that has an average amount
of bass content. Start with the knob set to “5” and the Phase Switch set to 0. Adjust by ear using a wide variety of CDs and video sources. Adjust
for deep, powerful bass without “boominess.”

RM7600 SETTINGS

On the back of the subwoofer (Figure 14), you will see the following controls:

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Variable crossover control

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Phase toggle switch

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+3dB bass boost switch

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High Pass Filter toggle switch (You will never need to change this out of the “0” position. Trust us.)

The Subwoofer Level Control is found under the logo pod on the front of the subwoofer.

RM7600 VARIABLE CROSSOVER FREQUENCY CONTROL

This control adjusts the frequency range over which the subwoofer operates. It only effects signals that are sent through the low level,
subwoofer and Speaker Wire inputs. It has no effect on signals fed into the LFE input (and you shouldn’t be using that input anyway).

RM7600 RECOMMENDED SETTINGS — ON WALL & OFF WALL (Figures 14, 15 & 15b)

Mounting your right and left front satellites on the wall tends to increase their low-midrange response (the low range of a male voice).
Mounting them on stands away from the sides of the room tends to decrease their low-midrange response. If you mount the satellites on
the wall, we recommend setting your variable crossover control (see Figure 14) at a lower setting (Figure 15a). If you mount the satellites
on stands, we recommend setting your variable crossover control at a higher setting (Figure 15b).

Turning the knob up from the recommended setting (Figure 15a or 15b) will add more “warmth” to the bass and lower midrange, possibly
at the sacrifice of bass “tightness” and midrange clarity. Turning the knob down from the recommended setting will make the bass and lower
midrange sound “thinner.”

RM7600 PHASE SWITCH

Changing the phase of your subwoofer can strengthen its bass “attack.” If the bass sounds muddy or unclear, try toggling the phase control.
Have someone else switch between the two settings while you sit in your favorite listening position. Use music with good bass (preferably
“plucked” string bass) and a deep male vocal. When you hear the best balance of deep bass and natural lower octaves of the male voice, you
have achieved optimum phase tuning.