Polk Audio PSW 303 - Manual (Page 4)

4 Contact Polk Audio Customer Service 1-800-377-7655, [email protected]
R E C E I V E R S E T - U P / B A S S M A N A G E M E N T
All surround receivers allow you to “customize” their performance depending on the size of your speakers. Refer to the owner’s manual of your receiver or
surround processor to learn how this is done. To get the best performance from small “satellite/subwoofer” type systems, use the following settings with the
above hook-up method:
Front speakers -- set to “large”
Center speaker -- set to “normal” or “small”
Surround speakers -- set to “small”
Subwoofer -- set to “OFF” or “none.” (We know. Doesn’t make sense, right? Your system obviously has a subwoofer. But really truly, this is the correct setting
for the recommended hook-up method. By setting the front left and right speakers to “Large” and routing them through the subwoofer as instructed above, you
deliver a full range signal to the subwoofer’s low pass filter. The low pass filter directs low frequencies and to the subwoofer. Full range signal is passed to the
front speakers, for perfect sub/sat blending.)
H O O K - U P M E T H O D # 2 ( F I G U R E 8 )
This method can be used with electronics that include a “SUB OUT” feature (Figure 8). It is not recommended for use with compact sub/sat systems. Connect a
single RCA cable from the “SUB OUT” of your electronics to the LFE input of the subwoofer. This input bypasses the subwoofer’s variable low pass filter and relies
on the filter built into your electronics. If your “SUB OUT” is an unfiltered signal (check your owner’s manual), use either left or right “Line Level Input,” to use
the low pass crossover in the subwoofer. When using method #2, it is necessary to adjust the settings of your electronics as follows: Front speakers = large or
small depending on their output capabilities; Subwoofer = “ON.”
H O O K - U P M E T H O D # 3 ( F I G U R E 9 )
This method is for use with electronics featuring “PRE OUT” jacks—and may be used as a secondary hook up method for use with compact satellite speakers
such as Polk RM Series. Connect the left and right preamp output from your electronics to the left and right LINE LEVEL input of the subwoofer. This may require
use of RCA “Y” cables (not supplied) to hookup both the subwoofer and your power amplifier. When using method #3, it is necessary to adjust the settings on
your preamp/processor as follows: Front speakers = LARGE; Subwoofer = “OFF” or “NO.”
A C P O W E R C O N N E C T I O N A N D A U T O O N / O F F ( F I G U R E S 1 0 , 1 1 & 1 2 )
These PSW series subwoofers feature auto on/off circuitry, marked “auto” on the power switch, that automatically turns your subwoofer on when it senses a
program signal. When no signal is present, the circuit turns the subwoofer off after a few minutes. If you are concerned about the brief delay between when the
music starts and when the subwoofer turns on, simply leave your subwoofer in the “on” position. When the power switch is set to “OFF” (PSW303 or PSW404)
or “STANDBY” (PSW505) it consumes a low amount of power. If this is a concern, you may want to leave your PSW system unplugged during extended periods
of non use, such as during a vacation.
Note (PSW505 owners only): Your PSW505 has a detachable power cord.
S U B W O O F E R A D J U S T M E N T S ( F I G U R E S 1 0 , 1 1 & 1 2 )
Your Powered Subwoofer offers a range of setting options. We recommend the following settings as starting points, but the settings that are best for you depend
upon your speaker placement, electronics and personal taste. After you’ve become familiar with what the settings do, experiment with alternate options to find
the method that works best for your system setup. You’ll find an informative article on “Subwoofer Positioning and Adjustment” in the set up section at:
http://www.polkaudio.com/home/faqad/
“ M A K I N G A D J U S T M E N T S ” O R “ F I N E T U N I N G ” ( F I G U R E S 1 0 , 1 1 & 1 2 )
• For RM System adjustments please refer to their owners manuals.
• Volume—Adjust by ear using a wide variety of CDs and video sources. Adjust for deep, powerful bass without “boominess.”
• Low Pass—This control adjusts the frequency range over which the subwoofer operates. When using smaller main speakers, the upper range of the control
will probably yield the best results. With larger speakers, the lower end of the control range will probably sound best, but always let your ear be the final
judge. If male vocals sound “thin,” turn this control up until the voice sounds rich but not boomy. If male vocals sound too “thick” or “chesty,” turn this
control down until the voice sounds natural. NOTE: This control does not operate when the subwoofer is connected with Method #2 (LFE Input).
• Phase Switch—Have someone switch between the 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.