Polk Audio PSW Series PSW650 User Manual

PSW650  
Instruction  
Manual  
5601 METRO DRIVE,  
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21215, USA,  
410-764-5275, FAX: 410-764-5266  
RM1006-1  
PLACEMENT  
CONNECTING THE SUBWOOFER  
TO THE SYSTEM—GENERAL  
HOOK-UP OPTIONS  
Strip 1/2" of insulation from each of the  
two conductors on both ends to expose  
the bare wire. Twist the exposed wire  
of each conductor to form two un-frayed  
strands. Connect two conductors to the  
receiver or amp (refer to the owner’s  
manual supplied with your electronics  
for assistance with proper hookup).  
Connect the two conductors on the  
other end of the wire to the speaker  
terminals. Repeat for the other channel.  
Polk PSW Series subwoofers offer many  
placement options–in an entertainment  
center, behind furniture, or next to a  
sofa or chair. The subwoofer may be  
placed anywhere in the room, but for  
the greatest possible bass output place  
the subwoofer near a corner of the  
room. Allow at least 6 inches (15cm)  
of space between any subwoofer driver  
and a wall or obstruction (Figure 1).  
The subwoofer should only be placed  
on its feet. (Figure 2). NEVER LAY  
THE SUBWOOFER ON THE AMPLI-  
FIER END—THIS WILL DAMAGE  
THE AMPLIFIER.  
The PSW650 offers a wide range of  
hook-up and use options. Each option  
has advantages and potential down-  
sides. The option that is best for you  
depends on your electronics, main  
speakers and your personal taste. Read  
all the options before selecting.  
If you elect to use the speaker level  
inputs, use two-conductor 16 gauge  
or thicker speaker wires. If you choose  
to use the line level inputs, use high  
quality, shielded RCA type interconnect  
cables. See your Polk dealer for wire  
recommendations.  
The hook-up method will have a large  
impact on the “blending” between your  
main front speakers and the subwoofer.  
A poor blend will sound unnatural; you  
will be more aware that the main and  
subwoofer speakers are two separate  
units. In a well-blended system, you will  
not be able to pinpoint the location of  
the subwoofer in the mix. Experiment  
with alternate options to find the  
Note that one of the speaker input  
terminals on the rear of the speaker is  
marked red (+) and the other black (-).  
Make certain that you connect the wire  
from the red (+) terminal of your ampli-  
fier to the red (+) terminal on your  
speaker, and the wire from the black (-)  
terminal of the amplifier to the black (-)  
terminal on your speaker. Most wire has  
some indication (such as color coding,  
ribbing, or writing) on one of the two  
conductors to help maintain consistency.  
If your subwoofer doesn’t seem to  
To connect wire to the binding post,  
unscrew the plastic hex nut on the bind-  
ing post 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; this will not give  
you a good connection. Twist the hex nut  
back down the binding post until it firm-  
ly meets the wire. Do not over-tighten.  
(Figure 3.)  
The PSW650 is not magnetically shield-  
ed and should not be placed close to a  
television set. If you see any color dis-  
tortion in your TV, move the subwoofer  
a few inches further away from the set.  
method that works best for you.  
produce much bass, it is most likely  
that one of the speaker wires is con-  
nected backwards. Double check all  
connections for correct polarity.  
FIGURE 3.  
LOOSEN HEX NUT  
FIGURE 2A.  
INSERT SPEAKER WIRE  
THROUGH HOLE  
TIGHTEN HEX NUT  
DO NOT INSERT  
INSULATED SECTION  
OF SPEAKER WIRE  
FIGURE 1.  
FIGURE 2.  
OK  
Driver Side  
6 inches (15cm)  
From wall  
AMPLIFIER  
4
5
If you have a Dolby® Digital surround  
decoder, use the “Large” setting for  
the front left and right speakers in the  
“speaker set up” or “bass management”  
function of your electronics. Select the  
subwoofer as “Off” or “None.” This will  
direct all bass and LFE (low frequency  
effects) channel information to the  
subwoofer via the left and right speaker  
outputs. Consult the owner’s manual of  
your electronics to learn how to select  
these settings.  
The “high pass crossover” switch  
(Figure 5) on the PSW650 gives you  
the option of filtering bass from your  
main front speakers for the purpose  
of increasing power handling and  
lowering distortion at high volume  
levels. If you are using small front  
main speakers, select “80Hz.” For  
large floor-standing speakers, especially  
those with built-in powered woofers,  
select “full range.” This function works  
only when the subwoofer is connected  
to the amplifier via speaker wire.  
HOOK-UP OPTIONS (CONTINUED)  
OPTION #1  
OPTION #2  
This option is recommended for  
surround systems with pre-amp  
output jacks, particularly “high end”  
separates systems.  
This is the recommended hook-up option  
for most stereo and Dolby® Pro Logic®  
systems, particularly those receivers  
that do not have pre-amp output jacks.  
In this method, the subwoofer is fed  
signal by the speaker level outputs of  
your amp or receiver. This method is  
very easy to connect, is less susceptible  
to hum and noise, and provides high  
performance sound. With this method  
there is absolutely no reason to connect  
the PSW650 to the subwoofer output  
jack of Dolby Pro Logic electronics.  
Connect your main front speakers to  
your receiver or amplifier in the normal  
way. If your pre-amp, processor, ampli-  
fier or receiver has a spare set of front  
left and right pre-outputs, connect them  
to the Line Level In jacks of the sub-  
woofer (Figure 6). Use well-shielded  
RCA type cables. If your pre-amp,  
processor, amplifier or receiver has a  
single set of pre-outputs and they are  
being used to deliver signal to an ampli-  
fier, use “Y” cables as shown in Figure 6.  
Connect speaker wires from your amp  
or receiver to the PSW650’s speaker  
input connectors, and connect your  
main left and right front speakers to the  
speaker output jacks (Figure 4). Be  
sure to maintain correct polarity as  
described in the general hook up  
instructions.  
FIGURE 5.  
FIGURE 4.  
FIGURE 6.  
6
7
If you have a Dolby® Digital surround  
processor, use the “Large” setting for  
the front left and right speakers in the  
“speaker set up” or “bass management”  
function of your electronics. Select the  
subwoofer as “Off” or “None.” This will  
direct all bass and LFE (low frequency  
effects) channel information to the sub-  
woofer via the left and right pre-amp  
outputs. Consult the owner’s manual of  
your electronics to learn how to select  
these settings.  
If the subwoofer output jack is filtered,  
we suggest using hook up OPTION #1  
or #2. If it is unfiltered, connect the  
subwoofer output jack to either of the  
line level “IN” jacks (Figure 8). With  
Dolby Digital systems, select subwoofer  
as “on” or “yes” in the “speaker set up”  
or “bass management” function of your  
electronics. Read the owner’s manual  
of your electronics to learn how to  
select this setting.  
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR  
SUBWOOFER OUTPUT JACK  
IS FILTERED OR NOT  
OPTION #3  
This option uses the subwoofer output  
jack as the only source of signal to  
the PSW650. In most cases we do not  
recommend using only this subwoofer  
output jack to connect the subwoofer.  
Why? Because many receivers and pre-  
amp/processors, the subwoofer output  
jack is filtered; that is, all sounds above  
a certain frequency (usually 80Hz) have  
been filtered out. That defeats the sub’s  
variable crossover control, one of your  
primary tools in adjusting the subwoofer  
to blend perfectly with your main speak-  
ers. Some units have unfiltered sub-  
woofer outputs, and fewer still allow  
you to switch the filter off. Read your  
receiver or preamp/processor’s manual  
to find out which is the case with your  
equipment. If you still don’t know, try  
the experiment described on page 9.  
Use the “speaker set-up” or “bass man-  
agement” function of your Dolby Digital  
processor to select subwoofer as “on”  
or “yes.” Connect the subwoofer output  
jack to the “LFE/Subwoofer” input of the  
PSW650. Disconnect the other speakers  
in the system so that all you can hear  
is the subwoofer. Play music or a movie  
with vocal content. If you can hear and  
understand the words, your output jack  
is not filtered. If all you can hear is  
bass, and the vocals are barely or not  
at all audible, your subwoofer input  
jack is filtered.  
CONNECTING LFE  
WITH OPTION #1 AND #2  
When using either hook-up OPTION #1 or  
#2 with a Dolby Digital system, you may  
also connect the subwoofer output to  
the PSW650. In Dolby Digital systems,  
select the subwoofer as “On” or “Yes” in  
the “speaker set up” or “bass manage-  
ment” function of your electronics.  
Consult the owner’s manual of your  
electronics to learn how to select these  
settings. Read “HOW TO TELL IF  
YOUR SUBWOOFER OUTPUT JACK  
IS FILTERED OR NOT” on the next  
FIGURE 8.  
page. If your sub output is filtered,  
connect it to the “LFE/Subwoofer” input  
of the PSW650. If the subwoofer output  
is unfiltered, connect to either of the  
“IN” line input jacks (Figure 7).  
FIGURE 7.  
8
9
AC POWER  
SUBWOOFER ADJUSTMENTS  
OPTION #4  
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 this crossover fre-  
quency setting. Turning the knob up  
from the recommended setting will add  
more “warmth” to the bass and lower  
mid-range, possibly at the sacrifice of  
bass “tightness” and midrange clarity.  
Turning the knob down from the recom-  
mended setting will make the bass  
and lower midrange sound “thinner.”  
Experiment and set this control to taste.  
SUBWOOFER LEVEL CONTROL  
The PSW650 has a built-in power ampli-  
fier and must be plugged into a standard  
household 110-120V AC power source in  
order to operate.  
This is the best option to use in stereo  
or Dolby® Pro Logic® systems with pre-  
out/main in jacks and small speakers.  
Subwoofer level is adjustable via the  
knob located on the front of the sub-  
woofer under the logo pod. Play a piece  
of music that has an average amount  
of bass content. Start with the knob set  
to “5” and the “bass boost” switch set to  
0. Adjust by ear using a wide variety of  
CD and video sources. Adjust for deep,  
powerful bass without “boominess.”  
Connect the preamp output jacks to  
the left and right inputs of the PSW650  
with high quality RCA cables. Connect  
the left and right outputs of the PSW650  
to the power amp inputs (Figure 9).  
The L&R outputs of the PSW650 are  
high-pass filtered and will prevent bass  
frequencies below 80Hz from getting  
into the front amplifier and speakers.  
This is desirable if you are using small  
speakers. If you are using large speak-  
ers and you want them to play bass,  
do not use this option.  
The power switch has three positions:  
“On,” “Off” and “Auto” (Figure 10). In  
the “Auto” position, the amplifier will  
automatically turn on, and the green  
pilot light on the front of the subwoofer  
will illuminate, as soon as the speaker  
senses a signal coming from your elec-  
tronics. The amplifier and the green  
pilot light will turn off approximately 15  
minutes after input signal ceases. In the  
“On” position, the power amplifier will  
operate and the green pilot light will  
illuminate until the switch is set to “Off”  
position or the AC cord is disconnected  
from a power source.  
VARIABLE LOW PASS CROSSOVER  
(FIGURE 10)  
This control adjusts the frequency range  
over which the subwoofer operates. This  
control only affects signals that are sent  
through the line level “IN” jacks and the  
speaker level inputs. It has no effect on  
signals fed into the LFE input. When  
using smaller main speakers, the upper  
range of the control will probably yield  
the best results. With larger speakers,  
SWITCHABLE BASS BOOST (FIGURE 10)  
In most cases, this switch should be  
set to “0.” If you have hooked up the  
subwoofer from a subwoofer output or  
pre-out jacks and cannot get enough  
bass output even with the subwoofer  
level control turned all the way up,  
switch to the +3dB position. In typical  
FIGURE 9.  
FIGURE 10.  
10  
11  
SPECIFICATIONS  
PSW650  
systems where the 3dB boost is not  
needed, this switch can be useful for  
providing a quick boost for bass-shy  
program material. Most people prefer  
more bass output for movies than  
your VCR (or television). You can  
obtain this device from some audio  
dealers, Radio Shack stores, Zantech  
(1-800-843-5465), or Channel Plus  
(1-800-999-5225).  
Driver Complement:  
2 - 10"(25cm) woofers  
music, so you can use this switch as a  
handy way to adjust bass levels as you  
switch between movie to music sources.  
Amplifier Power:  
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.  
250 watts  
Enclosure Type:  
SWITCHABLE PHASE ALIGNMENT  
(FIGURE 10)  
direct radiating, vented  
Port Type:  
Have someone else switch between  
these two settings 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 natural lower octaves of the  
male voice, you have achieved optimum  
phase tuning.  
dual, rear firing, Power Port™  
Overall Frequency Response:  
If none of our suggestions work for  
you, call our customer service number  
shown below.  
25Hz - 180Hz  
-3dB Limits:  
28Hz - 125Hz  
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  
OR SERVICE  
Crossover Frequency:  
If, after following the hook-up direc-  
tions, you experience difficulty, 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. Make sure that your  
electronic equipment is operating cor-  
rectly by hooking up another speaker to  
the speaker output. 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.  
adjustable 40Hz - 120Hz  
MAINTAINING THE APPEARANCE  
OF YOUR PSW650  
Phase Control:  
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. Vacuum the  
grilles to remove dust.  
switch normal and reverse (0º or 180º)  
Inputs:  
speaker and line level (filtered)  
LFE line (unfiltered)  
Outputs:  
speaker level, pass-through or 80Hz  
high pass filtered (switchable)  
line level, high pass filtered at 80Hz  
Q. “Why does my system hum?”  
A. “It doesn’t know the words.”  
Available Finish:  
This is what passes for humor in the  
audio business. Here’s the real answer:  
black woodgrain  
Dimensions:  
18 3/4"H x 17 1/2"W x 18 3/4"D  
47.6cmH x 44.5cmW x 45.7cmD  
If you have any electrical 60Hz hum  
in your system you are going to hear  
it clearly once you hook up your sub-  
woofer. 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 coaxi-  
al cable from your TV 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  
Our 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. Or you can e-mail us  
at our Internet service address:  
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
12  
13  
POLK AUDIO LIMITED WARRANTY  
Polk Audio, Inc., warrants to the original pur- This warranty does not include service or  
chaser 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  
parts to repair damage caused by accident,  
disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inade-  
quate packing or shipping procedures, com-  
mercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the  
from the date of original retail purchase from rated maximum of the unit, cosmetic appear-  
a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer. Polk Audio,  
Inc., further warrants to the original pur-  
chaser only that the Loudspeaker(s) in  
this Polk Audio Product (the “Product”) will  
be free from defects in material and work-  
manship 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 expira-  
tion 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  
ance 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 exclu-  
sion may not apply to you.  
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 or replace this Product at no addition-  
al 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.  
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.  
“Polk Audio,” “The Speaker Specialists,” and “Power Port”  
are trademarks of Britannia Investment Corporation used under license by Polk Audio Incorporated.  

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