Treatment & Placement

Treatment & Placement

Typically, sheetrock encloses the sub- woofer in most installations. Sheetrock has a fairly loud resonant “twang” compared to the rigid non-resonant enclosures of most floor standing subwoofers. None of the following modifications are absolutely necessary, however any one or combina- tion of them will improve the performance of the subwoofer.

Minimum Enclosure Size

The PSW800 will produce magnificent results if the wall cavity behind the woofer is a minimum of 1900 cubic inches. If the

wall studs center measure 4” deep (2x4) and are spaced 14-1/4” apart (16” spacing) you would want the length of the air cavity to be a minimum of 33-1/3”. A larger cavity is fine.

Insulation

Lay a batten of fiberglass insulation (e.g. R-19 un-batted insulation) behind of the speaker. If you have more than one subwoofer in the room, place the same amount of insulation behind each subwoofer. If your enclosure is smaller than the recommended 1900 cubic inches, try packing more insulation into the space behind the speaker. This effectively increases the enclosure size.

Enclosure Bracing

Insert small pieces of 1x2 or 1x1 scrap wood as wedges between the front and back panels of sheetrock if possible. Do not use too long of a piece as you could create a bulge in the wall surface.

Enclosure Lining

Purchase some subwoofer damping materi- al from a car stereo store (there are various brands available, e.g. Dynamat). Apply the damping material to the back of the wall behind the PSW800 and to the sheetrock surrounding the wall beside the subwoofer.

Speaker Placement Techniques

Although the PSW800 has extensive ability to compensate for unusual placements with its crossover switches; placement is still the primary tool for satisfying your particular listening needs.

Maximizing Output

The Boundary Effect – Placing your sub- woofer near the floor or in a corner will increase the volume of bass sound pro- duced by the subwoofer! This is called the boundary effect. Generally, you can expect a 3dB increase in sound pressure level by harnessing the boundary effect.

Proximity – Place the subwoofer as close as possible to the primary listening posi- tion. Sound dissipates indoors at approxi- mately 4dB to 6dB for each time you dou- ble the distance from the subwoofer to the listener. Therefore you can expect a 4dB to 6dB increase in output every time you halve the distance from the subwoofer to the listener.

Improving the Stereo Image

Place the subwoofer(s) as close as possible to the satellite speakers.

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Niles Audio PSW800 Minimum Enclosure Size, Insulation, Enclosure Bracing, Enclosure Lining, Speaker Placement Techniques

PSW800 specifications

The Niles Audio PSW800 is a powerful subwoofer designed for home audio systems, delivering exceptional performance with an innovative blend of technology and engineering. Known for its deep, rich bass and high-efficiency output, the PSW800 is an ideal choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

At the heart of the PSW800 is a high-quality 8-inch woofer, which utilizes a polypropylene cone that provides durability and reduces distortion. This driver is coupled with a robust magnet structure that enhances its performance, ensuring that the subwoofer can reproduce low frequencies with clarity and impact. With a frequency response range that extends down to 30 Hz, the PSW800 can produce the low-end sounds crucial for a full audio experience, whether it’s the thunderous explosions in an action movie or the intricate bass lines in music tracks.

One standout feature of the PSW800 is its built-in high-current amplifier. This powerful amplifier can deliver up to 200 watts of peak power, providing the necessary force to drive the woofer effectively. The combination of a dedicated amplifier with the woofer allows for a more cohesive and dynamic sound output, making it a valuable addition to any surround sound system.

The Niles Audio PSW800 also incorporates advanced room optimization technology. This system allows the subwoofer to adapt to various room acoustics by optimizing its performance based on the environment. This is particularly beneficial for users who may not have a dedicated home theater space and need a flexible solution to achieve the best sound quality.

Convenience features such as adjustable crossover frequency and volume controls offer users the ability to tailor the subwoofer's output to their specific listening preferences and room characteristics. Additionally, the PSW800 includes both line-level and speaker-level inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment.

The sleek design of the Niles Audio PSW800 ensures that it can blend seamlessly into any home decor while providing a solid and reliable performance. Its compact form factor makes it suitable for various living spaces without compromising sound quality.

In summary, the Niles Audio PSW800 stands out in the crowded subwoofer market, providing a combination of powerful bass performance, adaptive technology, and user-friendly features. For anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience, this subwoofer delivers exceptional value and performance.