THIEL
®
SmartSub
Subwoofers
SW1 SS2 SS3 SS4
Owner Information
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Thank you for purchasing a THIEL SmartSub® system. It has been engineered to provide a very high
level of performance and also incorporates innovative (patent pending) concepts in its design to solve the
several special problems subwoofer systems usually exhibit. Consequently, it performs at a very high level
with a wide variety of speakers and room locations.
You are welcome to contact our Customer Service department with any questions or for help in setting
up this system. Our contact information is:
Contents
Caution............................................................................................................................................................... 3
Product Features................................................................................................................................................ 4
System Configurations ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Crossover Use ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Do you require a crossover? .............................................................................................................................................. 8
Processor Bass Management ............................................................................................................................................ 8
THIEL Passive Crossovers ................................................................................................................................................ 8
THIEL SmartSub Integrator ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Subwoofer Placement ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Setting up the Subwoofer................................................................................................................................. 10
Hookup ............................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Setting the Surround Processor ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Control Settings................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Pilot light........................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Auto shutdown ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Feet ...................................................................................................................................................................................11
Setup and Adjustment Flow Chart.................................................................................................................... 12
Fuse Replacement ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Specifications ................................................................................................................................................... 14
Warranty........................................................................................................................................................... 14
Caution
The SmartSub has built-in electronics
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Product Features
THIEL SmartSubs are very high performance, innovative
subwoofer systems that provides exceptionally deep,
uniform, dynamic and low distortion bass reproduction. In
addition, they provide near-ideal performance with any room
placement and when used with any type of main loudspeaker.
These performance abilities are the result of new (patents
pending) technology developed to overcome the
1000 Watt Amplifier
The SS2, SS3 and SS4 are powered by a Class D, switching-
mode 1000 watt RMS amplifier. The amplifier’s very high
power ensures that the woofers can provide all the output they
are capable of without power compression or limiting.
major problems that subwoofers typically exhibit:
poor integration with the main speakers and altered
response due to nearby walls.
These subwoofers can be used as stand-alone
units, with a THIEL passive crossover or with the
SmartSub Integrator, depending on your
requirements. Here is a brief description of some of
the unusual performance features these subwoofer
systems provide.
Very High Output, Very Low Distortion Woofers
All SmartSub models use very high output, very low
distortion drivers that utilize aluminum diaphragms,
heavy cast chassis and THIEL’s short coil/long gap,
copper stabilized motor systems powered by 10 lb
magnets in structures with a total weight of 20 lbs.
1000 watt amplifier
used in the SS2, SS3 and SS4
The short coil/long gap design results in very low
distortion levels that are only one-tenth that of typical
drivers with the same excursion rating. This magnet system’s
very long magnetic gap, along with the very high excursion
suspension, allows each driver to move a very large amount
of air – much more than most drivers their size – in order to
effortlessly reproduce even demanding sources at high
volume levels.
Since switching amplifiers are very high efficiency, about
92% in this case, very high power and currents can be
delivered without large heat sinks, fans or additional power
supply capacity for large amounts of waste heat. This type of
amplifier is ideal for subwoofer applications since the
amplifier does not have to deliver significant power at high
frequencies.
The SS2 uses two 10", the SS3 two 12" and the SS4 two 15"
drivers.
Placement Correction
Placement controls
(patent pending) match
the unit’s performance
to its environment,
whether away from
walls, in a corner or
anything in-between.
These controls correct
for both the general
increase in level and for
the partial cancellation
of certain frequencies
caused by a nearby wall.
By providing correction
of these effects for both
the side and rear walls,
SmartSubs provide
accurately balanced,
uniform response with
virtually any room
10" version of the SmartSub drivers
placement.
4
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Temperature Correction
Accurate Matching to Main Speakers
These SmartSub models contain unique circuitry (patent
pending) that corrects for compression distortion due to
heating of the drivers’ voice coils. Without this correction
subwoofer output levels could decrease by as much as 5 dB
and the response altered at times of high demand. The
correction allows the subwoofer to provide more accurate,
uncompressed and dynamic reproduction.
Rather than providing generic built-in crossover controls
that can rarely achieve high quality blending of the
subwoofer with main speakers, the SmartSub can be used
when needed with a separate unit, either a dedicated passive
crossover or the universal SmartSub Integrator.
The passive crossovers provide perfectly blended
augmentation of the main speakers, allowing the
combination to provide very accurate reproduction of the
entire sonic spectrum, to below the audible range.
Passive Crossover
Heat sensor on voice coil
A thermistor is mounted to the woofer’s voice coil so that
the amplifier can continuously measure the voice coil’s
temperature. Knowing this, circuitry automatically adjusts
both frequency response and level of the signal to accurately
compensate for all effects of temperature on performance.
This compensation ensures that the subwoofer’s response
and sensitivity don’t change with temperature.
The SmartSub Integrator provides unprecedented ability
to perfectly match any main speakers and provide total
system performance that is as well integrated and balanced as
a full range speaker. This superior performance is achieved by
innovative circuitry (patents pending) that automatically
calculates the ideal subwoofer response to perfectly match
the characteristics of the main speakers. Therefore, instead
of the usual crossover controls that tell the subwoofer how to
perform, the SmartSub Integrator has settings for the
characteristics of the main speakers you are matching, the
configuration of your system and the performance you
desire. This information is then used to automatically
calculate and implement the ideal subwoofer response. In
addition, the unit enables the total system to operate in
either augment or crossover system mode and can control up
to 16 subwoofer units in either mono or stereo configuration.
Protection from overheating
An automatic shutdown feature is included that protects
the drivers from excessive heat produced by input levels that
are excessively high. By knowing the temperature of the
voice coil at all times, a shutdown is automatically executed
if temperatures ever reach levels that could cause damage.
The unit continues to monitor the temperature and is
automatically restarted when the temperature falls to a safe
level.
SmartSub Integrator
5
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System Configurations
The SmartSubs can be used in four ways depending on
your requirements:
If your main speakers play sufficiently loudly for all your
uses but do not reproduce the full low frequency range of the
left/right channels, you should also use the subwoofer to
augment the bass response of your main speakers. This can
be accomplished without altering the signal or wiring to your
main speakers by using one of the next two configurations.
1. As a stand-alone unit.
2. With a passive crossover.
3. With the SmartSub Integrator in augment mode.
4. With the SmartSub Integrator in crossover mode.
The configuration chosen will determine your required
equipment, hookup connections and processor settings.
Which system configuration is best for you depends mainly
on the capabilities of your main left/right speakers.
2
A SmartSub Passive crossover can be used if one is
available to match your main THIEL speakers and if low
frequency adjustments are not required.
A two-channel crossover is illustrated but a five-channel
unit is also available to allow the subwoofer to augment the
bass of five channels.
Additional discussion of these options can be found in
the section Crossover Use. In addition, there is a
comprehensive flow chart for your reference on pages 12 and
13 that guides you through all aspects of system
configuration, hookup, and adjustment. More information
on Integrator hookup and adjustment can be found in that
product’s manual.
Passive Crossover Configuration
This configuration has connections and benefits identical to the
following one except the passive crossover provides no adjustments
and is available for only selected THIEL model main speakers.
1
If your main speakers play sufficiently loudly for all
your uses and they reproduce the bass with satisfying
completeness, then the subwoofer is only needed to
reproduce the LFE (low frequency effects, or subwoofer)
channel and it can be used in the LFE configuration
without a crossover or Integrator.
Power Amplifier
Preamp or Processor
for main speakers
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LFE Configuration
In this configuration the subwoofer is used only for reproduction of
the ‘point one’ subwoofer channel and is driven by the processor’s
subwoofer output connected to the subwoofer’s LFE input.
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sufficiently loud and their bass is satisfactory for applications other
than movie effects.
Subwoofer
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3
The SmartSub Integrator in augment configuration
should be used if a passive crossover is not available
for your main speakers, you desire adjustability of the main
channel bass level or extension, or if you desire more than
one subwoofer in your system, or two stereo subwoofers.
4
If your main speakers do not play sufficiently loudly
due to bass overloading, then the Integrator should
be used in crossover mode to allow the transfer of low
frequency energy from the main speakers and into the
subwoofer.
Integrator Augment Configuration
Integrator Crossover Configuration
In this configuration the subwoofer is used to reproduce both the
subwoofer channel and the deep bass portion of the left and right
channels and achieves near-perfect blending of the main channel
bass with the main speakers.
Connecting the SmartSub Integrator between the processor and the
main speaker power amp allows the Integrator to be used in
crossover mode so that bass can be kept from the main speakers
and reproduced by the subwoofer instead. This usually allows the
main speakers to play more loudly than otherwise so that the bass
range and the output of the system are enhanced.
Tell the processor the main speakers are large, even if they are not.
This configuration can be ideal if the main speakers play loudly
enough. It’s also perfect for audio systems where the subwoofer is
used to extend the bass range.
Tell the processor the main speakers are large, even if they are not.
Preamp or Processor
Power Amplifier
for main speakers
Power Amplifier
Preamp or Processor
for main speakers
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Crossover Use
Do you require a crossover?
Processor Bass Management
Without a crossover the subwoofer will provide very high
quality reproduction of the Low Frequency Effects (LFE), or
“point 1”, channel of a multi channel sound system.
Surround sound processors have the ability to redirect
the bass energy away from your main speakers and into the
subwoofer channel where it is reproduced by the subwoofer,
with the benefits of allowing the main speakers to play
louder than they otherwise would, and the bass to be
reproduced better. This is implemented by telling the
processor that your main speakers are “small”.
When used with a crossover, the subwoofer can, in
addition, also reproduce the low frequency part of the main
channels in a 2 channel or multi channel music or video
sound system. It is desirable to use the subwoofer in this
capacity if the main speakers do not reproduce the entire
bass range or if the main speakers cannot play at the volume
level desired without distortion. Depending on your
requirements, the crossover can be either the bass
The limitation of this bass management approach is the
poor balance and integration between the subwoofer and the
main speakers that the processor’s generic filters provide. It
may be suitable for low standard video systems and will
seldom be suitable for music.
management capabilities of a sound processor, one of our
dedicated passive crossovers, or the SmartSub Integrator.
Here is a description of each of these with their advantages.
THIEL Passive Crossovers
There are several passive crossovers available that match
a THIEL subwoofer to various THIEL speaker models.
Since they are designed for specific models, they achieve very
good integration and balance between the subwoofer and the
main speakers. Also, being passive, they are of quite
reasonable cost. They allow the subwoofer to augment the
main speakers in the precise way that will enable the
combination of main speaker and subwoofer to produce
perfectly balanced and blended sound with the bass range
extended to below 20 Hz. Two passive crossovers can be
used with two subwoofers to provide stereo bass
reproduction.
Crossover Types Compared
Crossover type Integration Flexibility XO mode?
Processor
Passive XO
Integrator
Poor
Low
Low
High
Yes
No
Very good
Excellent
Yes
A limitation is that these crossovers do not redirect bass
energy away from the main speakers and so the main
speakers will not play any louder than otherwise.
This is often an ideal system for music systems and a
good approach for video systems when the main speakers
play sufficiently loud but do not have extended, deep bass
response.
THIEL SmartSub Integrator
The SmartSub Integrator provides a high level of
flexibility, universality, and functionality. It provides near-
perfect integration with any main speakers, regardless of
brand. It can be used both in augment mode, where the
subwoofer extends the bass range of the main speakers, and
in crossover mode. In crossover mode the built-in high pass
filter transfers bass energy away from the main speakers and
redirects it to the subwoofer, so that the main speakers are
able to play louder. The Integrator also allows adjustment of
crossover frequency, LFE level and separate adjustment of
main channel bass extension and low frequency level. In
addition, it can control stereo subwoofers, and be used to
control systems with up to 16 subwoofers.
This is a complete, no-compromise approach with no
limitations.
8
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C
a
u
t
i
o
n
!
T
h
e
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i
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t
-
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e
c
t
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o
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i
c
s
.
Higher output is achieved when the subwoofer is placed
near a wall and even more output is available when placed
near a corner of the room. If very high output is desired in
large rooms corner placement can be used with little trade-
off in sound quality. For use in very large rooms, greater than
4,000 ft3, more than one SS2 may be required if very high
playback levels are desired.
• Do not place the cabinet near sources of heat such as
f
•
•
u
r
n
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r
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.
Subwoofer Placement
If the subwoofer is used only for LFE reproduction, it
can be placed almost anywhere. If more than one subwoofer
is used, placing them in different locations tends to even out
possible room resonance irregularities.
If the subwoofer is used with a crossover or Integrator to
reproduce the low frequency portion of the main channels
then placement is a little more important. The subwoofer(s)
preferably should be approximately the same distance from
the main listening area as the main speakers. With one
subwoofer the best position is usually somewhere between
the main speakers but behind them a few feet if possible in
order to maintain good stereo imaging.
The use of two subwoofers allows the low frequency
signal to be processed in stereo by the crossover unit, and,
therefore to provide the best possible imaging. In this case,
it is preferable that the subwoofers be placed somewhat near
each main speaker. Good placement is anywhere from
between the speakers, near each speaker, or at the side walls.
Dual corner placement provides maximum output from each sub,
higher total output, good “imaging” and more even room response.
For LFE (“point 1”) channel use, corner placement is often ideal,
providing maximum output.
Dual subs near the main speakers provide the higher output of dual
subs combined with the best “imaging” and most even room
response.
Center placement against the front wall is often optimum for music or
movie systems where the subwoofer is used to reproduce left/right
channel bass. It provides high output and good “imaging”.
Dual subs at the side walls provide the higher output of dual subs,
high output from each sub, good “imaging” and even room response.
9
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U
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The LFE Level is functional only for the LFE input.
If
you
are
not
using
the
LFE
input,
set
this
to
mi
ni
mum
(
O
F
F
)
.
If you are using the LFE input then the subwoofer
Setting up the Subwoofer
Hookup
If the subwoofer is being used with a passive crossover or
SmartSub Integrator, a balanced XLR interconnect cable is
connected from the unit’s subwoofer output to the
subwoofer’s Normal Input. If more than one subwoofer is
used, they are “daisy-chained” by connecting an additional
XLR interconnect cable from the Normal Output connector
of the first subwoofer to the Normal Input of the next
subwoofer.
The placement settings should be adjusted to correspond
to the placement of the subwoofer. Set the Side Wall Distance
to the distance from the side of the subwoofer to the side
wall and the Rear Wall Distance to the distance from the rear
of the subwoofer to the rear wall. The distance is displayed
in meters, which is the distance in feet divided by 3.3. If a
distance is greater than maximum indication set the control
to maximum (OFF). If the subwoofer is placed in a cabinet
the settings should correspond to the room wall distances,
not the distances to internal cabinet walls. If the subwoofer
is recessed into the wall so the front is flush with the wall,
then the rear control should be set to it’s minimum (negative)
setting.
If the Integrator is not being used, then an RCA
interconnect cable is connected from the processor’s
subwoofer output jack to the subwoofer’s LFE Input. If more
than one subwoofer is used, an additional cable is connected
from the LFE Output connector of the first subwoofer to the
LFE Input of the next subwoofer.
The subwoofer’s power cord must be plugged into an AC
outlet and the power switch turned to the “on” position.
If the norm/auto switch is turned to the “On” position
the subwoofer is always on, ready to reproduce a signal. If the
switch is set to the “Auto” position, the subwoofer’s amplifier
will automatically turn on when it detects a signal to
reproduce and stay on for approximately 1/2 hour after a
signal.
Setting the Surround Processor
Tell the processor that you have a subwoofer.
If you are using a Passive Crossover or the Integrator
then the surround processor should be set to deliver the left/
right channel bass to the main speaker channels by telling it
that the main speakers are full-range (even if they are not).
The unit is equipped with a control input that will turn
the unit on when a DC voltage between 5 and 25 volts is
applied, if the Auto/On switch is set to the “Auto” position.
If you are not using a Passive Crossover or Integrator and
the main speakers are not able to reproduce deep bass, you
can tell the processor that the front speakers are “small” so
that the main channel bass is redirected to the subwoofer.
Pilot light
The pilot light on the back panel and the front of the
subwoofer glows green during normal operation. This green
light can be turned off if you desire by pressing both the
increase and decrease buttons simultaneously when the
numeric display is not on. The light can be turned back on in
the same way.
If you are using the Integrator set the subwoofer channel
level in the processor to the same level as the left and right
channels and use the Integrator to adjust the LFE level. If
you are not using the Integrator use the processor’s
subwoofer level setting to adjust the LFE level.
Auto shutdown
Control Settings
The subwoofer is equipped with an automatic shutdown
feature that will turn off the output of the subwoofer if the
drivers, amplifier or rear panel get too hot or if the line
voltage is too low. This can occur if a very high input level
lasts too long or if the subwoofer has insufficient ventilation.
If the automatic shutdown is activated, subwoofer output
will be interrupted and the light on the input panel will flash.
The unit will resume operation when conditions return to
safe levels. Here is a list of the light flash modes and the
conditions they indicate.
There are three adjustments which are made by using the
three buttons below the numeric readout. Use the Select
button to select which adjustment will be active, indicated by
which light is lighted. The setting of the active adjustment is
displayed in the readout for 10 seconds after any of the
buttons is pressed. Adjust the active setting by using the
Increase and Decrease buttons.
Green / Red
Hot drivers
level must be adjusted to achieve the proper balance with the
other speakers. It is usually more convenient to adjust the
subwoofer level with the processor’s subwoofer level control,
and in this case a good starting point for the level setting is
90. If the system’s processor cannot control subwoofer level,
then the subwoofer’s level adjustment is used. The level can
be adjusted “by ear” to achieve a pleasing balance so that the
low frequency sound effects are not too weak or too strong.
Red long / Green short
Red / Yellow
Hot rear panel
Hot amplifier
Low line voltage
Ye l low blinking
If the unit shuts down often, this indicates that you
should improve its ventilation, turn down the system’s
volume control, turn down the subwoofer’s level control or
add an additional subwoofer.
10
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Feet
The SS2 and SS3 are supplied with four pointed, screw-in
The SS4 has four large castors and four large stabilizer feet built
into the bottom of its cabinet. The unit is supplied with the
stabilizers screwed into the bottom so that the unit can be rolled to
its desired location. If desired, the stabilizers can be screwed down
beyond the point where they are touching the floor in order to lift
the SS4 off of its wheels and allow the weight to be connected
through the stabilizers to the floor. This will prevent the unit from
moving on its wheels. The stabilizers should be adjusted individually
so that the unit does not rock and sits firmly.
feet that can be used to provide firmer coupling to the floor
for slightly better sound quality and to prevent the unit from
moving during use. Please be advised that their use can put
dents in hardwood floors. They are screwed into the bottom
of the unit, and should be individually adjusted until the unit
is firmly seated onto the floor without rocking. Then tighten
each of the back-nuts to lock the feet in place.
This light and the one on the front of the
subwoofer will glow green if the amplifier
is currently operational, and red for 5
seconds during start-up or if the amplifier
is set for auto-on that is not currently
activated. It will flash in various colors
and patterns when heat or line voltage is
a problem.
THIEL
®
SmartSub
Patents Pending
Set this adjustment to match the distance
from the side of the subwoofer to the side
wall of the room (in meters).
Set this adjustment to match the distance
from the rear of the subwoofer to the rear
wall of the room (in meters).
Side Wall Distance
meters
This level adjustment functions only for
Rear Wall Distance
LFE Level
meters
the LFE input. If you are not using the
LFE input, set this to minimum (OFF).
If the subwoofer volume is set by the
processor then a good starting point is
90.
This displays the current setting of the
adjustment designated by the light above.
Increase
Select
This button increases the active setting.
This button selects which setting is active.
This button decreases the active setting.
Decrease
LFE Input
WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
REPLACE FUSE ONLY WITH SAME RATING
Connect an input cable to this connector
if the subwoofer is being used for the
processor’s subwoofer output.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
LFE Output
If the LFE input is used, this connector
can connect to an additional subwoofer.
!
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION
POUR EVITER TOUS RISQUES DE FEU OU DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET APPAREIL A L'HUMIDITE
AUCUN COMPOSANT NE PEUT ETRE REMPLACE PAR L'UTILISATEUR
VEULLEZ CONTACTER LE SERVICE APRES VENTE AGREE
REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE PAR UN AUTRE DE LA MEME VALEUR
Connect an input cable to this connector
if the subwoofer is being driven by a
crossover or Integrator.
Normal Input
If the Normal input is used, then this
connector can be used to connect to an
additional subwoofer.
Normal Output
Trigger On
Model
o
Ser N
DC voltage (5-25 volts) to this jack will
turn the amplifier on if the auto/on switch
is set to auto. Removing the voltage turns
the amp off.
Voltage
Fuse
120v 8A
240v 4A
Off
On
On
Slo-blow
Setting this switch to On turns the
amplifier on (after a 3 second start-up
delay) provided that the main power
switch is on. The Auto position allows the
amplifier to automatically turn on when it
detects an input or a trigger.
Auto
THIEL Audio
•
1026 Nandino Boulevard • Lexington, Kentucky • USA
•
Power cord plugs here
Turn power on here
See page 14 for fuse replacement
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Fuse Replacement
If the subwoofer is completely dead, with no indicator lights on, the main fuse has probably blown and will need to be
replaced. The fuse should be replaced only with an equivalent type. The fuse type is 5 x 20 mm size, slo-blow or time delay
type, with a rating of 5 amp for 230 volt units and 10 amp for 115 volt units. The BUSS number is GMC-5A or GMC-10A,
respectively. Littlefuse numbers are 232005 or 218010. Or contact THIEL for a replacement fuse.
Specifications
Amplifier
Type ................................................................................................................................... Switching, Class D
Power output (at 120 or 240 line voltage).............................................................................1000 watts, RMS
Line voltage ....................................................................................................................... 90-130 or 180-260
Cabinet
Response ................................... Normal input: 12 Hz–300 Hz, ±0.5 dB; LFE input 17 Hz–300 Hz, ±0.5 dB
Bandwidth .................................................... Normal input 10-800 Hz, ±3 dB; LFE input: 16–800 Hz, ±3 dB
Sensitivity ............................................................................................................ 1 volt for 120 dB @ 1 m, 4π
SS2
SS3
SS4
Size (inches height, width, depth)
Weight (pounds)
231/2, 11, 211/2
108
34, 16, 221/2
167
51, 19, 261/2
290
Driver description
Driver displacement (cu in)
Output dB @20Hz / 30Hz (corner placement)
Two 10"
130
105 /112
Two 12"
200
109 /116
Two 15"
330
113 /120
Warranty
THIEL warrants every THIEL SmartSub system against defects in materials and workmanship to the original owner for a
period of ten years from the date of purchase. THIEL will, at no charge, replace any defective part and make any repairs
necessary to ensure its proper performance when the defective unit is returned to us postpaid.
This warranty does not cover damage due to accident or abuse and is void if the unit has been tampered with.
This warranty is automatic and no registration is required. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also
have other rights which are particular to your state.
14
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THIEL
1026 Nandino Blvd., Lexington, KY 40511, USA
7/04
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