POLK AUDIO PSW350 (01) PDF Document

The POLK AUDIO PSW350 features:

• A 10″ direct radiating subwoofer driver for deep bass, smooth response, and low distortion.

• Dual bass ports for deep bass and high acoustic efficiency.

• A high current 100 watt power amplifier.

• Subwoofer volume control, variable crossover control, and a phase switch to optimize performance for your audio system, room acoustics, and program material.

• An LFE (Low Frequency Effects) input.

• An auto on-off circuit that automatically turns the subwoofer on when it senses a program signal and mutes the subwoofer when no signal is present.

Please inspect your POLK AUDIO PSW350 loudspeaker carefully. Keep the carton and packing material, as they will do the best job of protecting your speaker if it needs to be transported.

Due to its compact size, the POLK AUDIO PSW350 offers plenty of placement options, such as 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 it in a corner of the room.

While the subwoofer may be laid on its side, placing it on its feet or base will yield the best performance. NEVER lay the subwoofer on the amplifier end, as this will damage the amplifier.

The POLK AUDIO PSW350 is magnetically shielded and can be placed close to a television set if necessary. However, it is not recommended to place your TV set on the subwoofer, as the vibration may shorten the life of the TV. If you see any color distortion in your TV, move the subwoofer a few inches further from the set.

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.

First, 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 unfrayed strands.

The POLK AUDIO PSW350 uses push-tab connectors. To connect the wire:

1. Push the plastic tab of one connector to open up the hole.

2. Insert the bare wire into the hole, and release the plastic tab.

3. Repeat this step for the other terminal.

Make sure that the two bare wire ends do not touch each other. Such an electrical short will cause your receiver or amplifier to turn off or malfunction.

Note that one of the 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 amplifier to the red (+) terminal on your speaker, and the wire from the black (-) terminal of the amplifier to the black (-) terminal on your speaker. If your speakers sound “thin” with little bass and little to no center image, odds are that one of the speaker wires is connected backwards. Double-check all connections.

This method is preferred for most systems.

1. Connect the left and right channel speaker output from your electronics to the left and right speaker level INPUT of the subwoofer.

2. Connect the subwoofer left and right speaker level OUTPUT to the corresponding left and right speakers.

If it’s easier, you can connect two sets of speaker wires from your electronics, running one set to the subwoofer and the other to the front speakers.

When using this option, it is necessary to adjust the settings of your electronics as follows: Front speakers = large, subwoofer = “OFF” or “NONE”. This may sound incorrect because you have a subwoofer, but it will yield the best performance.

This method can be used with electronics that include a “SUB OUT” feature.

1. Connect a single RCA cable from the “SUB OUT” of your electronics to the LFE input of the POLK AUDIO PSW350. This input bypasses the subwoofer’s variable low pass filter and relies on the filter built into your electronics.

2. If your “SUB OUT” is an unfiltered signal, use either the left or right “Line Level Input” to use the low pass crossover in the subwoofer.

When using this option, it is necessary to adjust the settings of your electronics as follows: Front speakers = large or small depending on their output capabilities; Subwoofer = “ON”.

This method is for use with electronics featuring a “PRE OUT”.

1. Connect the left and right preamp output from your electronics to the left and right LINE LEVEL input of the subwoofer.

2. This may require the use of RCA “Y” cables (not supplied) to hook up both the subwoofer and your electronics.

When using this option, it is necessary to adjust the settings on your electronics as follows: Front speakers = LARGE, Subwoofer = “OFF” or “NO”.

The POLK AUDIO PSW350 features an 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.

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.

Phase Switch: Have someone else 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.

Your new speaker cabinet is made of a rugged material that can be dusted or cleaned with a moist cloth. Avoid harsh detergents and cleaning fluids, as they can permanently damage your speaker’s finish.

If, after following the hook-up directions, you experience difficulty, please double-check all wire connections. If the problem persists, refer to the troubleshooting guide below.