PSB CHS212, SubSonic10, SubSonic8, SubSonic9 Owner's Manual

ENGENG

ENGENG

Owner’s Manual

FRFR Guide d’utilisationFRFR Guide d’utilisation

ESPESP

ESPESP

Manual del Propietario

CONTENTS

I.

Important Safety Instructions

II.

Introduction

III.

Warranty Registration

IV.

Cabinet Care

V.

Room Acoustics, Subwoofer Placement, Multiple Subwoofers and
Setting the Controls

Quick Start

VI.

VII.

Features, Controls, AC Power

Sub Volume Control (Figure 1)

A.
B.

On Indicator Light (Figure 1)
AC Power Connection

C.
D.

Sub Cut-Off Frequency Control (Figure 1)

E.

Phase Switch (Figure 2)
LFE Input/Crossover Bypass Switch (Figure 2)

F.
G.

Low/Line Level Jacks (Figure 2)

H.

High/Speaker Level Terminals (Figure 2)

I.

Power Switch (Figure 2)
Amplifier Panel (Figure 2)

J.

AC Power Socket (Figure 2)

K.
L.

External Fuse (Figure 2)

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VIII.

Connecting The Subwoofer To Your Audio System

Connecting Home Theater Equipment

A.

Connecting Stereo Equipment Using Low/Line Level

B.

Connecting Stereo Equipment With High/Speaker Level

C.

Using Multiple Subwoofers

D.

Set-up Calibration

IX.

X.

In Case Of Problems

Specifications

XI.

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

10.

11.

12.

13.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Read these instructions.

Keep these instructions.

Heed all warnings.

Follow all instructions.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

Clean only with dry cloth.

Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade
or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the apparatus.

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged
in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into
the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.

14.

15.

16.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, this apparatus should not be exposed to rain or moisture
and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.

To completely disconnect this equipment from the mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the
receptacle.

The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage” within the product's enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the product.

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II. Introduction

PSB subwoofers are designed to provide the flattest possible frequency response, full bass extension, low distortion
and high output. Frankly, these are characteristics that most manufacturers would strive for. Our years of
experience and our sophisticated design and measurement tools allow us to achieve ideal subwoofer performance.
Beyond these characteristics there are a few other parameters that we uniquely feel are very important in the design
of a subwoofer. First and foremost it is important to us that a PSB subwoofer be musical. In this era of home
theater this might at first seem out of step, but we believe that a musical subwoofer will also sound the most
natural when playing movie soundtracks. Furthermore, an ideal subwoofer should have the ability to play musically
even under conditions of overload or stress. No subwoofer is so large with its limits so great that it can never be
overloaded, especially with modern movie soundtracks. For this reason PSB subwoofers incorporate very
intelligently applied proprietary limiting circuitry to prevent audible overload.

The limiting circuitry of all PSB subwoofers is a combination of peak limiting circuits that hold amplifier signal
swing to the point just short of the amplifiers clipping, and compression circuitry that will come in under
conditions of long term overload and reduce the amplifiers gain. The trick is to apply these circuits in such a way
that they don't squeeze the life out of the music or movie soundtrack, to allow the dynamics to get through while
preventing gross distortion. We do this by being mindful of the dynamics of music and carefully tailoring the time
constants of the circuits to that of music. For example, it is known that most music is performed with a beat of 80
to 140 beats per minute. Our test signals are configured to follow this timing and allow maximum transient effect
without distorting on sustained tones.

We go to great lengths to reduce any mechanical noises our subwoofers may make. Woofers are designed never to
bottom harshly. Ports have large radius end flares to reduce noise from turbulence. Cabinets and amplifiers are
designed so that no air leaks (which can contribute minute amounts of noise) are possible. All of our designs are
exhaustively tested. A subwoofers design isn't complete until the sub's amp and woofer can survive a 15 hour test
of being driven continuously to maximum output.

SubSonic 8, SubSonic 9, SubSonic 10

As in all other current SubSonic series subwoofers, these subwoofers utilize a high efficiency high power class H
power amp. Class H is a special high efficiency amplifier design. Briefly, audio amplifiers are inherently inefficient
because they are designed to have the capability of delivering great output power yet spend most of their life
delivering fairly low power. Their output devices must deliver current while withstanding the high power supply
“rail” voltages needed for peak outputs. With a Class H design the rail voltages are not constant. They swing high
when the music demands it and stay low during quiet passages. This is achieved by a sophisticated high frequency
switching power supply. Power dissipated as heat is greatly reduced and more power is available per dollar of cost.
A second benefit is that they tend to have high peak power relative to their steady state power. The SubSonic 10,
for example, has 500 watts continuous but is capable of over 750 watt peaks. The result is a subwoofer capable of
the great transients required by dynamic music and explosive sound effects. The SubSonic 8, 9 and 10 offer the
latest most efficient implementation of this special Class H technology.

The SubSonic 10 cabinet is constructed from 1” thick MDF. This material and its application in this design forms
an extremely rigid cabinet free of any audible resonances due to panel or brace movement. Large curvilinear ports
with large radius flanges drastically reduce port noise to inaudible levels while minimizing acoustic compression
common to smaller diameter port designs. Air will create noise whenever it comes into contact with a hard surface.
Minimizing the area of the surface that the air actually comes in contact with reduces this noise.

The dual opposing woofer design drastically reduces cabinet vibrations. During woofer cone travel, an opposite­direction force is exerted on a single woofer cabinet. This force attempts to move the cabinet backward. By
mounting the second woofer in a directly opposite position, the two opposing forces nullify each other and no
energy is lost due to these forces acting on the cabinet. The effect is easily demonstrable. Crank up your SubSonic
8/9/10 and put your hand on the cabinet. It's acoustically dead!

Severe duty aluminum cast baskets, very large magnet structures, and high power voice coils allow the SubSonic 9
and 10 to effortlessly churn out low frequencies at foundation shaking levels. The SubSonic 9 and 10 woofer's low
mass fiberglass cone increases efficiency while it's rigidity practically eliminates cone flexing.

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CHS212 (CustomSound™ Series)

The CHS212 is a custom installation subwoofer counterpart to our highly regarded SubSonic 10. Many high end
home theater systems have most of their components, including the speaker, hidden away in cabinets. While this
hides the clutter it can be detrimental to performance unless the effects of the equipment cabinet are taken into
account. The same high power/high travel 12” woofers are used with the same 500 watt continuous, 750 watt
peak amplifier. The cabinet has been optimized for in-cabinet use.

The cabinet is much simpler than that of the SS10 with no extra cosmetic details that would be wasted when built
into another cabinet. A tough texture paint cabinet is used with dimensions chosen to fit within most equipment
cabinets. One 12” unit is front firing while the second unit is mounted on the bottom of the cabinet and is down
firing. This assures that both the drivers and the two port tubes are all tightly clustered and that all bass energy will
have no problem exiting the equipment cabinet.

Whichever PSB subwoofer you have chosen, we hope that you appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into
its design and, of course, that you enjoy using it. Please take the time to read the following sections about the
placement of your subwoofer, and its connections and adjustments.

III. Warranty Registration

We recommend you take a few moments now to register your warranty, preferably on-line at
psbspeakers.com/w/Warranty.html or via the enclosed registration form so that we will be able to serve you better
in the future.

Unpacking

The packing materials of your PSB Platinum Series speakers are designed to protect them from damage during
shipping. Retain the packaging in case the need arises to transport the speakers in the future.

Cabinet Care

IV.

Cabinets have varying materials and finishes, including wood veneers and painted cast anodized aluminum parts.
They should be treated as you would any fine furniture with similar finishes. Dust lightly with a soft cloth;
avoiding abrasives. If necessary, wipe carefully with a cloth slightly dampened with glass cleaner to remove heavy
soil.

Grilles and Ports

A lint brush does a good job of cleaning grilles. Grilles can be taken off and vacuumed if you prefer. If need be,
you can use a lint brush to clean ports. Avoid touching speaker diaphragms.

V. Room Acoustics, Speaker Placement, Multiple Subwoofers and Setting Controls

Room Acoustics

If you are critical about low-frequency response, there's quite a bit of useful experimentation you can do, especially
in combination with the crossover, level, and phase controls of our subwoofers.

Since the earliest days of high fidelity, one of the main challenges for the designers of speakers, and of their users,
has been management of the lowest frequencies—the deep bass. Many of the most notable developments in
speaker design have been made with a view to getting more bass output from smaller boxes.

One consideration is the size of the listening room. The larger the volume of air a speaker must excite, the more
acoustic output you will require from it to achieve the sound levels you want. In any environment, sounds
attenuate as you move farther away from their source, but in smaller rooms that tends to be offset by
reinforcement from wall reflections. The larger the space is, the farther the sound has to travel both to reach the
reflecting surfaces and then to get to your ears, which means it has to be louder to begin with.

With traditional full-range speakers, that involves an intricate matching act between amplifier power, speaker
sensitivity, impedance and power handling. But the bulk of the power goes to reproducing bass, so the use of
powered subwoofers and separate midrange/treble satellites both allows you to be conservative in the amount of

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power your main amplifier produces, and ensures a good match between the low-frequency amplifier and the
woofer it is paired with.

After size, the most important aspect of a listening room is its shape. In any room, sound reflects off the walls,
ceiling, and floor. If the distance between two opposite parallel surfaces is a simple fraction of the wavelength of a
particular frequency, notes of that frequency will bounce back and forth in perfect phase—an effect called a
standing wave or room mode.

At some point in the room, this note will be reinforced substantially; at others it will cancel out almost entirely. If
the prime listening seat is placed at either of these locations, the note will be a horrible boom or virtually non­existent. The standing waves are different between floor and ceiling, side walls, and end walls, unless any of these
dimensions are the same. An ideal listening room would have no parallel surfaces—an unusual situation, to say the
least—so that such waves would not establish themselves. The worst kind of room is a perfect cube.

Almost all rooms are susceptible to some standing waves at low frequencies, but their effects can be minimized by
careful positioning of both the speakers and the listening seat. Moving either of these even a few inches is
sometimes enough to cure—or create—an intolerable sound. The only way to find out what works best is by
experimentation.

With full-range speakers, the range of places you can put the speakers and still get proper imaging may be fairly
limited, and some of these positions may result in standing waves that can't be tamed. Things are more controllable
through the use of a subwoofer or two. Positioning of the bass speakers has almost no impact on imaging, so a
subwoofer can be located with only standing waves in mind

Subwoofer Placement

There is no argument among audiophiles that the loudest bass output from a subwoofer comes from corner
placement. The natural megaphone-like flaring outward of walls from a room corner focuses low
frequencies—giving them no place to go but toward you. In the case of subwoofers, there is no automatic penalty
in giving overall balance for this maximal bass, since your main speakers can be located elsewhere. It still may be too
much bass for your room or (more particularly) your favorite listening spot in the room, but unless you are seated in
a “null” spot, where sound from the sub is cancelled or diminished by out-of-phase reflections from elsewhere,
there should be plenty of bass from corner placement.

PSB Subwoofer

PSB
Subwoofer

Most bass output; least
even bass response

Moderate bass output;
more even bass response

PSB
Subwoofer

Lowest bass output;
most even bass response

If you are seated in such a null spot, your only real choices are generally to move either the subwoofer or your
listening position until bass returns to the point that satisfies. Cranking up the level control or changing the
crossover point almost certainly won't help much. But flipping the phase control 180 degrees sometimes may make
a difference, especially if the null is a product of cancellations caused by interaction with low frequencies from your
main speakers.

If you are in the opposite sort of situation, where direct and reflected bass waves converge in phase and produce a
strong peak at your listening location, you can—if you like—deal with that both with changes in placement or in
the position of your sub's level control (or, less likely but possible, the crossover frequency chosen). We say “if you
like” because there is no such thing as too much bass for some listeners, and we don't want to be dogmatic. You are
definitely the one who has to be pleased, unless your Significant Other chimes in to the contrary.

As you go outward from the corner along one wall or another, the general consensus (with which we tend to agree)

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7

is that while bass output diminishes somewhat, it also becomes more uniform throughout the room, with fewer
of the “standing waves” that produce peaks and nulls at various points.

Chances are things won't be so simple, so the best method for positioning a subwoofer, although a rather
undignified-looking one, is to put the subwoofer in your listening chair, then play music with lots of bass through
the system something with steady low frequencies (such as organ music) or continuous test tones, not movie
material. Move around the room and note where the bass sounds best; if you place the subwoofer there and
yourself in your chair, you should get the same bass performance. Bear in mind that the test only works if you
have your ears as high off the floor as the subwoofer will be, so don't be afraid to crawl around. A recommended
starting point for the placement of this subwoofer would be in either of the front corners of the room (on either
side of the main speakers).

Although the CHS212 can be placed anywhere within the room, as described above, it will frequently be mounted
within a cabinet or “wall unit” intended for hiding away the components of your home theater. When cabinet
mounted a few extra details must be attended too. The woofers on the CHS212 are placed on the front face and
the underneath so that they are closest to a “sonic exit” of the cabinet. The cabinet may have a front door with a
grille (cloth or latticework). It may also have a solid front as long as a substantial slot (typically 4” by 17” or more)
is near the woofers. The best location for this slot would be at floor level in line with the area to the front of the
cabinet and between the woofer cabinet legs. An inch or so of space between the front firing woofer and the
cabinet front will create enough of a channel for the bass to get down to a floor level slot.

If the CHS212 is within a cabinet, special attention should be given to preventing rattles from strong bass tones.
Rattles can be found by repeatedly playing a selection with a variety of strong sustained bass tones. Action
movies with a lot of LFE (low frequency effects) content can be helpful as well. With the other speakers down,
turn the level up to the highest level likely to be encountered and listen closely for rattles. If they occur, find the
cabinet panels that are causing the rattle. Usually a joint or contact area between two surfaces is vibrating and this
is the cause of the rattle. Some foam tape or the commonly available self adhesive felt discs, placed between the
offending surfaces will damp the rattle. Absorptive material, such as fiberglass, may help damp internal
resonances of the cabinet's cavities, but it will need to be quite thick to have significant effect. Filling the full
cavity above the subwoofer can give a significant improvement, just be sure that the woofers and their bass exit
path are not obstructed. Although it normally runs cool, be especially sure that any heat generated by the rear
amplifier has an exit path and that no materials are in contact with its metal surfaces.

Multiple Subwoofers—Why Two Subs Are Better Than One

Since the objective of most people who buy subs is to make sure of plentiful low frequencies, the only situation
most of us will run into that makes subwoofer placement really difficult is the factor we all fear—the “bad” room
that just won't let you get satisfying amounts or quality of bass. There are rooms with troublesome dimensions,
especially as you approach a perfect cube (with a closed door). There is unlikely to be any combination of speaker
and listener position that will be free of obvious acoustic anomalies.

In such a case, the best way to iron out those anomalies is with two subwoofers, placed carefully to work with each
other. This can also be true when the problem is too much, or too uneven, bass. The overall system needs all the
help it can get, and that often means the use of two subwoofers, each one of which corrects for the acoustic
problems excited by the other. For excellent results from this solution, the two subs don't have to be identical. It
may be fine, in fact, to use two lesser subs to equal the performance of one with stronger specs.

The same “crawl around the room” method as previously described should be used for determining the location
of the second subwoofer, except in this instance one is listening for the minimum amount of bass output. This is
a recommended starting point for determining the best placement for your subwoofer(s).

Setting the Subwoofer Controls

Once a reasonably smooth response has been achieved by careful positioning of the subwoofers, the overall
performance can be fine-tuned by means of the controls found on the speaker. An important one is the low-pass
filter, which controls the upper limit of the subwoofer's frequency range. This should be set high enough to
overlap the low frequency cutoff of the satellite speakers, but not high enough to localize specific sounds from
the sub.

If the frequency response of your satellite speakers is such that the subwoofer's low-pass filter must be set higher

8

than about 80Hz in order to avoid gaps in the overall system response, then you might well be able to localize
specific sounds from the sub. This can be very distracting when these sounds appear to come from beside or
behind you. One solution is to make sure the subwoofer is in the front of the listening area; another is to use
multiple subwoofers to make such sounds more diffuse.

Subwoofers also offer a phase control so the upper frequencies they produce will not cancel out the lower
frequencies of the satellites. A judicious tweaking of this control can pay major dividends in spectral smoothness
in the crossover area. Phase changes with frequency, however, so these controls may need readjusting every time
you vary the cutoff frequency.

Also adjustable is the overall level of the subwoofer's output. Many users tend to set this too high at first, in an
effort to achieve truly impressive bass. Again, smooth response is the aim, and it may well be that, if you use them,
two subwoofers end up being set differently—if, for example, one is in a corner and the other is not. It's all part
of the overall-balancing act that is bass management in real rooms.

We get virtually no inquiries about subwoofer placement from customers, which is a good indication that it's not
something over which people lose much sleep. A good subwoofer is such a pleasure when used with a good main
speaker that enjoyment is definitely the rule.

VI. Quick Start

If you cannot wait to hear your new PSB subwoofer: Turn off all other components, and follow one of the
connection diagrams. Connect the supplied power cord to the AC power socket. Set the PSB subwoofer volume
control to its minimum position (counterclockwise), then plug the subwoofer into an active AC outlet. The same
receptacle as the rest of your audio/video system or another on the same electrical circuit should be used to avoid
ground hum. Set the subwoofer's Sub Cut-Off Frequency control to its midpoint, and the phase switch to 0°. Flip
the Power Switch to the on position. Play a bass-rich program source, and slowly bring up the Sub Volume control
(clockwise) until the subwoofer contributes a natural level of low frequency sound. Now please read the rest of
this guide and fine-tune your installation accordingly—it will be time well spent!

Adjustable Rubber Leveler and Adjustable Spike Installation

Screw the supplied levelers or spikes into the threaded inserts located in the base, bottom or in the four feet
attached to the bottom of the subwoofer. Speaker spikes are for carpet use. Threaded rubber isolation levelers are
for shelf or hard floor use.

a) Carpet Use

Screw a spike with a lock nut attached into the insert located in the base, bottom or in each of the four
feet attached to the bottom of the subwoofer. Locate the subwoofer, adjust to the desired height
(higher for thicker carpet) by turning the spikes and tightening the lock nuts.

b) Hard Floor or Shelf Use

Screw a threaded rubber isolation bumper with a lock nut attached into the insert located in the base,
bottom or in each of the four feet attached to the bottom of the subwoofer. Locate the subwoofer,
adjust to the desired height by turning the rubber isolation bumpers and tightening the lock nuts.

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VII. Features, Controls, AC Power

A.

SUB VOLUME CONTROL

Adjusts the output level of the
PSB subwoofer only: This is
not intended as a day-to-day
volume control. See “IX. Setup
Calibration”

The PSB subwoofer includes
designed-in dynamic-range
protection: it is virtually impossible
to overdrive the subwoofer,
regardless of volume setting or the
demands of the program material.
Where even higher levels of low
frequencies are required, a second
PSB subwoofer can provide a
significant gain in total bass levels.

ON INDICATOR LIGHT

B.

SUB CUT-OFF FREQUENCY

D.

CONTROL

Adjusts the high-frequency roll-off of
signals sent to the subwoofer.
Continuously variable from 50Hz to
150Hz for precise matching of
subwoofer bass reproduction with the
main (left and right) stereo speakers.
See “IX. Setup Calibration”

Figure 1

(located on the front
of the subwoofer)

The light is located between the

PHASE SWITCH

control knobs. With both the 120
and 230 volt versions, the
subwoofer is initially in stand-by
mode awaiting the presence of an
audio signal. When the subwoofer
receives an audio signal the On
indicator will illuminate. At the end
of the audio signal the subwoofer
will stay on for approximately 15
minutes.

AC POWER CONNECTION

C.

The PSB subwoofer has its own self-contained amplifier and thus requires AC power (keep this in mind
when selecting a location). You may plug the power cord into any standard wall outlet and leave the
connection in the wall as the PSB subwoofer draws extremely little current when idle. You may want to
unplug your PSB subwoofer when it will not be used for an extended period such as a vacation.

E.

Selects the subwoofer output phase
between in-phase (0°) and out-of-phase
(180°), to compensate for the low to
mid bass acoustic effects of different
placement locations and listening
rooms. See “IX. Setup Calibration”.

LFE INPUT/CROSSOVER BYPASS

F.

SWITCH

When active, the subwoofer variable low
pass filter is bypassed so that this function
can be accomplished by the low pass filter
within a receiver/processor. See “IX. Setup
Calibration”.

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Figure 2

Made in Canada / Fabrique au Canada

G.

LOW/LINE LEVEL JACKS

Connect the PSB subwoofer to a
separate-component preamplifier, or to
an integrated amplifier or receiver with
preamplifier-out/main-in facilities, at line
level. See “VIII. Connecting The
Subwoofer to Your Audio System”.

HIGH/SPEAKER LEVEL TERMINALS

H.

Connect the PSB subwoofer to
receivers or integrated amplifiers
equipped with speaker outputs only.
See “VIII. Connecting The Subwoofer to
Your Audio System".

POWER SWITCH

I.

The Power Switch turns the PSB
subwoofer on and off. As the
subwoofer draws only an extremely
small current when idle, this may be left
normally on and turned off only when
you do not expect to use the subwoofer
for an extended period. The Power
Switch must be in the on position for
normal operation.

J.

AMPLIFIER PANEL

The metal provides cooling for the PSB
subwoofer’s internal amplifier by
radiating heat produced in normal
operation. Allow air circulation,
including at least four inches clearance
from wall or furnishings.

AC POWER SOCKET

K.

Supplies AC power to the PSB
subwoofer. Connect the supplied power
cord to the AC power socket. Plug the
power cord into any standard wall
outlet. With 230 volt versions, in some
countries it may be necessary to
replace the power cord to meet the
standards in use locally. The same
receptacle as the rest of the system or
another on the same electrical circuit
should be used to avoid ground hum.

L.

EXTERNAL FUSE

When you turn on the subwoofer and
there is no LED light and/or sound,
please check the fuse (accessible
from the rear panel) to ensure it is
electrically intact. The fuse could have
become broken during transit. A spare
fuse is contained within the fuse holder
compartment behind the inscribed text.
Use a wide slot screwdriver to pry the
fuse holder compartment from the AC
power socket. If it is necessary to
replace the fuse, use a fuse equivalent
to the type and rating of the fuse
shipped with the product. See the
specifications page at the end of the
manual for a detail description of the
fuse required for your model of
subwoofer.

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VIII. Connecting The Subwoofer To Your Audio System

There are several ways to connect a subwoofer into a system. For best results overall, we recommend using
Low/Line Level connections.

When making a Low/Line Level connection, be sure to follow the coding on the cables to maintain left-to-left
and right-to-right. Use high quality, well-shielded, low capacitance RCA cables of minimal necessary length, to
avoid picking up noise in the cable runs. When making a High/Speaker Level connection, in addition to
maintaining left-to-left and right-to-right, be sure to use the coding of the pair of wires in each speaker cable to
maintain phase—+/red/rib/writing to +/red/rib/writing and -/white/smooth/clear to -/white/smooth/clear.
We recommend minimum 16 gauge wire and, for longer runs, larger (lower gauge) wire.

A. Connecting Home Theater Equipment (see Figure 3, page 15):

You can use a single RCA cable to connect the Subwoofer Output of your receiver, integrated amplifier, or

preamplifier to either right or left side of the Low Level Input on the subwoofer.

Home Theater receivers, integrated amplifiers, surround sound processors, and preamplifiers usually have a

special Subwoofer Output to provide the optional (Dolby Digital 5.1) Low Frequency Effects (LFE) Channel
present on many movie and other programming sources. To reproduce these deep-bass effects (when they are
present), supplementing the bass information in the main channels, this output must be connected to the
subwoofer.

The subwoofer output/LFE signal is filtered by most receivers/processors. The subwoofer's variable low pass

filter is usually not required and should be bypassed by switching the LFE Input/Crossover bypass switch to
active only if the receiver/processor subwoofer/LFE output is low pass filtered. The default position for

this switch is off.

With some Home Theater electronics and settings, connecting the Subwoofer Output does not provide the
low frequencies from normal stereo music through the subwoofer. If this is true of your system, you can
make two connections. First, connect the Subwoofer Output from the electronics to the right or left side of
the Low Level Input of the subwoofer, as described above. Then also connect the High Level Output
from the electronics to the High Level Input of our subwoofer,as described below. When listening to music
using High Level Input, set the LFE Input/Crossover bypass switch to the off position. The switch would
usually be set to active whenever the receiver/processor's Subwoofer Output is used during playback of
movies. Most Home Theater electronics will not require this second connection, which, if not required, will
produce greater bass than intended.

B. Connecting Stereo Equipment Using Low/line Level (see Figure 4, page 16):

If your receiver or integrated amplifier has preamplifier outputs, or if you are using a separate preamplifier,
the preferred connection is from the Preamplifier Output of the electronics to the Low Level Input of the
subwoofer. Use a dual RCA audio cable and maintain right and left. (You may need to use Y-connectors at
the preamplifier outputs to also send signals to the Power Amplifier/Main Inputs.)

Connecting the Low/Line Level Outputs from the subwoofer back to the Power Amplifier Input is an
important option. The Low/Line Level Inputs of the subwoofer are internally processed through an active
high pass filter (at 12dB/octave below 80Hz) to the Low/Line Level Outputs of the subwoofer. Connecting
the Low/Line Level Outputs from the subwoofer back to the Power Amplifier Inputs delivers the
processed signal, with reduced low frequency content, to the main speakers. With less low frequency demands,
the main speakers can play louder. Particularly with smaller and/or less efficient main speakers, relieving
speakers other than the subwoofer of the demands of reproducing low frequencies will allow greater sound
output and dynamic capabilities from the other speakers and from the system overall.

12

C. Connecting Stereo Equipment With High/Speaker Level (see Figure 5, page 17):

You also can get excellent sonic results by connecting the High/Speaker Level Output of your receiver,
integrated amplifier or power amplifier to the High Level Input of the subwoofer. Use standard speaker cable
and maintain polarity + , as well as right and left side.

D. Using Multiple Subwoofers (see Figure 6, page 18):

Particularly in difficult rooms with difficult layouts, using two subwoofers is an alternative to smooth, as well as
increase bass response. One subwoofer can be located to increase response, with the second subwoofer located
to smooth response. The wiring of two subs in a system is illustrated in Figure 6 (the two subs do not need to
be identical). Please refer to Section V, Multiple Subwoofers for further information.

IX. Set-up Calibration

The following procedure assumes your PSB subwoofer is installed and connected. If possible, work in a team with
another person: one listening, one making subwoofer-control adjustments.

A. Set Sub Volume to 0, Sub Cut-Off Frequency to 50Hz. Set any loudness, bass and treble, and/or equalizer

controls on your preamplifier or integrated amplifier or receiver, or other components, to their nominal
(midpoint or off) positions. Ensure the LFE Input/Crossover bypass switch is set to off unless the subwoofer
is connected to the LFE/Subwoofer output of your receiver/processor and the output is low pass filtered.

B. Play a familiar compact disc, LP, or video soundtrack that includes substantial deep-bass content over an

extended section. Your PSB dealer can help you select a few such titles.

C. Gradually turn the Sub Volume control clockwise until you achieve natural balance between the subwoofers

deep-bass output and your main left and right loudspeakers.

D. Slowly turn the Sub Cut-Off Frequency control clockwise to reach the best mid-bass blend with your main

left and right speakers. This will be the point at which the upper bass retains solid impact and fullness. Boom or
muddiness is the result if the control is too high. A thin, “reedy” quality to the mid-bass such as deep male
voices (FM announcers; Darth Vader) is the result if the control is too low.

E. Switch the Phase control between 0° and 180° several times, leaving it in the position that yields the fullest low

to mid bass output. You will now probably want to repeat steps C & D to double-check the subwoofer blend.

Cycling through steps C & D several times with slightly different settings of both the Sub Volume and Sub Cut-
Off Frequency controls will help you get the most musical performance from your PSB Subwoofer and your
system. The best combination is that which yields the most solid very-low-bass sounds, without mid-bass boom or
a gap in response between the subwoofer and the main speakers.

As you will discover, the Sub Cut-Off Frequency and Sub Volume controls are interactive. Raising the latter
while lowering the former can have the effect of extending deep-bass response somewhat, with a small sacrifice in
overall loudness capability (this will still be well beyond the full-range loudness capability of most systems). In
general, for well-recorded acoustic music the lowest Sub Cut-Off Frequency setting that yields a smooth
transition between subwoofer and main speakers is often the best choice, and will promote deeper low-bass
extension.

Note: The Sub Volume control is not a bass-boost or volume control. It is a set-and-forget adjustment, not
intended for day-to-day adjustment. Use your preamplifier or receiver/integrated amp tone controls to modify
program tonal balance.

ENGENG

13

X. In Case of Problems

Symptom

No sound/power
indicator not lit.

Action

Ensure the main power switch is toggled to the “power” position. This switch is
located at the back of the subwoofer.

Ensure the power cord is connected to the subwoofer and plugged into a live AC
outlet.

Ensure the subwoofer’s volume control is NOT in the minimum counterclockwise
position.

All PSB subwoofers utilize signal sensing auto on/off circuitry. If no signal is sent to
the subwoofer, it will not power up and the front panel power indicator will not be
illuminated. When using the subwoofer output of a receiver or processor, no signal
may be immediately present in this output. The subwoofer will only power up when
bass appears at the subwoofer output.

If the low level cable or speaker cable connection is poor or has been severed, the
subwoofer will not power up. Swap cables to determine if this is the source of the
problem.

To ensure the problem is not associated with the subwoofer, rapidly disconnect and
connect the subwoofer low level or high level input. If the subwoofer power indicator
then illuminates, the receiver/processor/amp may not be sending a signal to the
subwoofer. When driving the low level inputs from a subwoofer output, ensure the
receiver/processor is correctly configured to provide signal at the subwoofer output.

Check the main fuse located in the power cord socket and replace as required. If the
new fuse also blows, the subwoofer amplifier requires service.

Sounds distorted

Hum Hum that appears when using the subwoofer’s low level input(s) is usually caused by

See your dealer if you require service. PSB dealers are equipped to handle almost all problems. If you have moved
since your purchase, the nearest authorized PSB dealer should be able to help you. You may locate your nearest
PSB authorized dealer on-line at www.psbspeakers.com/r/list.html. If the problem is not resolved, please contact
us, providing the Model name, Serial Number, date of purchase, dealer name, and a full description of the problem.

Lower volume if the subwoofer begins to sound distorted to determine if playback
at a lower level solves the problem. If a slight reduction in level solves the problem,
were you being realistic in your subwoofer level setting? If the distorted sound
remains at a low level, one or both of the woofers may be damaged.

using an inferior, damaged, exceptionally long low level cable or cables routed near
high current wiring/appliances. Replace/shorten the low level cable connecting the
subwoofer to the source equipment (receiver or processor). Low level cable runs of
longer than 20 feet may require the use of a line driver (not available from PSB).

Hum heard when using the subwoofer’s high level input(s) is usually caused by an
intermittent or missing positive or negative connection. Ensure there is a good
connection between all speaker wires connecting the subwoofer and receiver/amplifier.
If the subwoofer high level connection is routed through a switch box, ensure the
box shorts the positive and negative connections together when the subwoofer should
be inactive. Hum will result if the switch box floats the positive or negative connection.

Decreasing the volume control of the subwoofer and increasing the volume control
of the receiver/processor/amplifier subwoofer output can sometimes reduce hum to
an acceptable level.

We appreciate your purchase, and hope this owner’s guide helps you enjoy the exceptional satisfaction that
PSB speaker systems have to offer. We wish you many years of enjoyable listening!

14

/ /

/

With SUBWOOFER/LFE INPUT

INTÉGRATION avec RÉCEPTEUR A/V / ENTRÉE LFE
INTEGRACIÓN con RECEPTOR de AUDIO-VIDEO/ENTRADA LFE

FIGURE 3

SubSonic 8 CE
MODEL ONLY

SEE

T 1.5A, 250V

(A)

220-240V 50/60HZ

(B)

(C)

Made in Canada / Fabrique au Canada

Hook up same for all models—SubSonic
8 Back Plate used for illustration.

Le raccordement est le même pour tous
les modèles—Plaque arrière SubSonic 8
est utilisée pour fins d'illustration.

La conexión es la misma para todos los
modelos—Se usa el panel posterior del
SubSonic 8 como ilustración.

Use this configuration to connect the subwoofer to an A/V receiver or processor's subwoofer/LFE output. The LFE input/crossover
bypass switch should be set to active only if your A/V receiver/processor subwoofer/LFE output is low pass filtered.

Utilisez cette configuration pour raccorder le haut-parleur de sous-grave à un récepteur A/V ou à la sortie sub/LFE du processeur.
L'interrupteur de l'entrée/dérivation du filtre séparateur de fréquences LFE doit être réglé à « active » seulement si votre sortie de
récepteur/processeur/caisson de grave LFE est filtrée bas-niveau.

Use esta configuración para conectar el subgrave a un receptor de audio/video o a la salida sub/LFE de un procesador. El interruptor
que permite pasar por alto le entrada LFE/red divisora debe ponerse un la posición activa solamente si hay un filtro de pase bajo en
la salida para altavoz subgrave del receptor de audio-video/procesador.

ENGENG

15

/

//

With LOW LEVEL INPUT and OUTPUT OPTION

Avec L'OPTION D'ENTRÉE BAS-NIVEAU et de SORTIE BAS-NIVEAU
Con OPCIÓN de ENTRADA y SALIDA a NIVEL BAJO

FIGURE 4

CHS212 CE
MODEL ONLY

SEE

T2.5A, 250V

(A)

220-240V 50/60HZ

(B)

(C)

Made in Canada / Fabrique au Canada

OPTION

LOW LEVEL

INPUT FROM

PREAMP

LOW LEVEL
OUTPUT
TO AMP

SPKR / R SPKR / L

R L

PRE- AMP OUT

SPKR / R SPKR / L

R L

INPUT / MAIN - IN

ALTERNATE:
RECEIVER OR INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
WITH PRE-AMP OUT AND MAIN-IN JACKS

PREAMPLIFIER

POWER
AMPLIFIER

ALTERNATE:
RECEIVER OR INTEGRATED
AMPLIFIER WITH PRE-AMP
OUT AND MAIN-IN JACKS

This method of wiring does not limit low frequencies reaching left
and right main speakers.

Ce câblage ne limite pas les basses fréquences atteignant les
haut-parleurs principaux gauche et droite.

Esta conexión no limita las frecuencias bajas que llegan a los
altavoces principales derecho e izquierdo.

Hook up same for all models—CHS212 Back Plate used for illustration.
Le raccordement est le même pour tous les modèles—Plaque arrière CHS212 est

utilisée pour fins d'illustration.
La conexión es la misma para todos los modelos—Se usa el panel posterior del

CHS212 como ilustración.

Low level connections wire the subwoofer to a preamplifier or to the "pre-out" jacks of an integrated amplifier or receiver, using
standard RCA cables.

Les raccordements bas-niveau relient le haut-parleur de sous-grave à un préamplificateur ou aux bornes «sortie préamplificateur» d'un
préamplificateur, d'un amplificateur intégré ou d’un récepteur au moyen de câbles RCA standard.

Para conexión al nivel bajo se conecta el subgrave al pre-amplificador o a los conectores "pre salida" de un amplificador integrado o
receptor usando cables comunes tipo RCA.

PRE- AMP OUT

INPUT / MAIN - IN

RIGHT
SPEAKER

R L

R L

PREAMPLIFIER

POWER
AMPLIFIER

LEFT
SPEAKER

16