Polk Audio DB1222, DB1212 manual English Amplifier Hookup Getting Started, Safe Limits of Operation

ENGLISH

AMPLIFIER HOOKUP

NOTE: USE WITH 2 OHM COMPATIBLE AMPLIFIERS. NOT ALL AMPLIFIERS ARE STABLE INTO A 2 OHM LOAD (ESPECIALLY IN BRIDGED MODE). PLEASE CONSULT YOUR AMPLIFIER’S OWNER’S MANUAL.

GETTING STARTED

Please inspect your loudspeaker(s) carefully. Notify your Polk Audio dealer if you notice any damage or missing items. Keep the carton and packing material; this will do the best job of protecting your speaker(s) if they must be transported.

SAFE LIMITS OF OPERATION

Polk Audio specifies the recommended amplification range for each of its passive (non-amplified) loudspeakers. Typically that specification will be expressed as a range of power such as 20-200 W (per channel). It is important to understand what those numbers mean when choosing a receiver or amplifier for your Polk loudspeakers. The lower number indicates the lowest continuous rated power that will yield acceptable performance in a typical listening environment. The higher number indicates the highest per channel power that should be used with your Polk speakers. That number should not be confused with a “Power Handling” specification and it does not imply that the speaker will safely handle that full amount of power on a long-term basis. We specify

a wide range of power ratings because not all electronics manufacturers use the same method for rating power.

In fact, high quality lower-rated amplifiers sound better and play louder than low quality units with a higher power rating.

Automobile horsepower is a good analogy. Your car probably has far more horsepower than it needs for your daily commute and is likely capable of going well over 120mph (190km/hr). Having that extra power is good for on-ramp acceleration and danger avoidance (like getting away from brain-eating zombies) but that doesn’t mean that it is advisable to operate

your car on North American highways at full power and maximum speed for an extended period of time. Just ask your local state trooper if you are in doubt. Similarly, we recommend using amplifiers and receivers with rated power above the Power Handling limits of our speakers because having extra power available for short term peaks is conducive to better sound quality, maximum dynamic range and effortless high volume output. But we strongly urge you not to use the full power of your amplifier or receiver for daily listening.

Loudspeakers can be damaged when an amplifier, regardless of its wattage, is made to play at higher listening levels than its power can clearly produce. Operation at this level can result in very high levels of audible distortion originating in the amplifier, which can add a harsh, gritty sound to your listening material. If you hear distortion—turn the volume down or risk damaging your speakers. You can damage just about any speaker, regardless of power rating, if you drive an amplifier to or beyond the point of distortion.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE

If, after following the hookup directions, you experience difficulty, please double check all wire connections. Should you isolate the problem to the speaker, contact the authorized Polk Audio dealer where you made your purchase, or contact Polk Audio Customer Service. Polk Audio’s Customer Service Department is available from 9am–6pm, EST, Monday through Friday, at 800-377-7655 (US & Canada only, outside the US call 410-358-3600) or via email at polkcs@polkaudio.com. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about your speaker system.

More detailed information—including audio how-to articles, FAQs, and online manuals—is available on our award winning website at www.polkaudio.com/car/faqad and www.polkaudio.com/car/library/manuals.

2 d b : I n c r e d i b l e S o u n d , A f f o r d a b l e P r i c e