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
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to Products purchased in other countries
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“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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