Polk Audio GXR Series manual Wiring Diagrams for GXR104-4ΩAND GXR124-4Ω, Safe Limits of Operation

WIRING DIAGRAMS FOR GXR104-4ΩAND GXR124-4Ω

Please make certain that your amplifier is rated to carry the specified load.

SAFE LIMITS OF OPERATION

Your Polk GXR Subwoofers are made with the highest quality materials for years of trouble-free performance. However, damage to loudspeakers can occur when an amplifier, regardless of its wattage, is made to play at higher listening levels than its power can clearly produce (usually

+ +

AMP

- -

Single 4Ω wiring.

AMP

+

-

+

-

+

beyond the “1 to 2 o’clock” position on the volume control). This results in very high levels of audible distortion, originating in the amplifier, which adds a harsh, gritty sound to the music. Contrary to popular belief, a speaker is more likely to be damaged by trying to get too much volume from a low-powered amp than from a high-powered one. Hear distortion? Turn it down. Contact Polk Customer Service 800-377-7655 (9am–6pm, EST, Monday through Friday).

LOW FREQUENCY CUT-OFF FOR MID-RANGE SPEAKERS IN SYSTEMS WITH SUBWOOFERS

BREAK IT IN.

-

With speakers wired in parallel:

Two 4Ω speakers will present a 2Ω load.

Make sure that your amplifier is 2Ω stable when configured in the bridge mode. Consult your amplifier owners manual before wiring in this configuration.

Now that you have a subwoofer in your system, you may want to decrease the amount of bass going to your mid-range speakers. This will get you better mid-range sound and increase the power handling. There are two ways to roll off the bass before it gets to your mid-range speakers. One way is to use a “bass blocker,” a capacitor placed in series with the speaker input. Bass blockers are installed in series, one end connected with the positive lead from your amplifier and the other end connected to the positive lead of each of your speakers. Bass blocker capacitors (200 microfarad @ 100volts,

GXR Subwoofers will achieve even greater performance once they are thoroughly broken-in. To break in your new GXR Subs, play 20 to 30 hours of music at moderate levels.

non-polarized) are available at any RadioShack or parts supply house. The other route is to use an electronic crossover device that allows filtering below 100Hz or so. Find these devices at your authorized Polk Audio dealer.

GET MORE INFORMATION ONLINE AT POLK UNIVERSITY:

http://www.polkaudio.com/car/faqad/index.php

AMPLIFIER POWER REQUIREMENTS FOR GXR SUBWOOFERS

Your Subwoofers will work well with a variety of electronic components. As little as 50 watts per channel will deliver adequate listening levels in most cars. If you have a noisy car or intend to play your system at loud listening levels, more power is necessary to achieve the best performance. More power is always

Radio/Amp

+

–

Bass blocker or capacitor

+

Speaker

–

better. Consult your Polk Audio dealer for specific recommendations.

OPTIMAL CROSSOVER SETTING

We recommend using an active crossover with a 12 to 18dB per octave low pass filter slope, and setting it to an initial setting of 80 to 90Hz as a good starting point. This is an optimal crossover setting on most vehicles.

INVERTING PHASE

Depending on the placement of your subwoofer enclosure and associated components, it may be necessary to invert the phase of one or another of your system’s connections in order to gain better subwoofer/mid-range blending. Inverting the phase simply means switching the positive connections with the negative connections at the amplifier. If you choose to do this, invert the phase of only one set of speakers (either your mains, or your subs, never both).

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE “NO SOUND?”

If, after following these hookup and installation directions, you experience difficulty, please double-check all wire connections.

Make certain your electronic equipment is operating correctly by hooking up another speaker to the speaker output. For example, if you are not getting sound from the left channel speaker, connect the right channel speaker to the left output. If you still get no sound from that side, the problem is in your amp or source electronics. Should you isolate the problem to the speaker, contact the authorized Polk Audio dealer where you bought your speakers. Authorized Polk Audio dealers are the best source for advice and assistance.

Polk Audio’s Customer Service Department is available from 9am–6pm, EST, Monday through Friday, at 800-377-7655 (US & Can only, outside the US call 410-358-3600). Please do not hesitate to call us if you have questions about your speaker system.

You will find additional information, informative articles, manual updates and cool

stuff to buy that has “Polk Audio” all over it by visiting www.polkaudio.com.

4 Contact Polk Customer Service: 800-377-7655 polkcs@polkaudio.com For more info and accessories, visit www.polkaudio.com 5