German Physiks PQS 402 User Manual - User Manual

Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual

This product complies with European Union EMC Directive
(89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EC)

October 2007

We reserve the right to change the information contained in this manual without notice. For the
latest version please see our web site at www.german-physiks.com

PQS-402 User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 3

2. UNPACKING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS ....................................................................................... 3

3. ASSEMBLING YOUR LOUD SPEAKERS .................................................................................... 5

Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 5

Assembly Procedure ................................................................................................................. 6

4. CONNECTING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS .................................................................................... 10

High Frequency Level Control .................................................................................................. 10

Low Frequency Level Control ................................................................................................... 10

Input Terminal Connections ...................................................................................................... 11

Single Wire Connection ....................................................................................................... 11

Bi- Wire Connection ............................................................................................................. 11

Bi- Amp Connection ............................................................................................................. 11

5. LOUDSPEAKER BREAK IN.......................................................................................................... 11

6. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT AND SET-UP ............................................................................. 12

Listening Room Layout ............................................................................................................. 12

Loudspeaker Placement ........................................................................................................... 12

Distance from rear wall: ....................................................................................................... 12

Distance from side wall: ....................................................................................................... 12

7. CARE OF YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS............................................................................................. 14

8. WARRANTY .................................................................................................................................. 14

9. SERVICE AND SUPPORT............................................................................................................ 14

10. HOW TO CONTACT US .............................................................................................................. 15

11. PQS-402 SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................ 16

12. WARRANTY REGISTRATION ..................................................................................................... 16

1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the German Physiks PQS 402 for your audio system.   It uses an array of two
DDD drivers to cover all frequencies above 220Hz.  The low frequencies are handled by a system using
two 10 inch drivers combined with four 8 inch passive radiators.  The Loreley is entirely handmade and is
built and tested by highly skilled technicians at our factory in Germany.

Every step in the design and manufacture of this product has been dedicated to producing a loudspeaker
that will provide a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

We  strongly  recommend  that  you  read  this  manual  before  you  attempt  to  use  the  loudspeakers.    The
supplying audio dealer is responsible for assembling and setting up the loudspeakers.  This should not
be  attempted  by  the  customer.    Information  on  these  topics  contained  in  this  manual  is  intended  for
general use only.

2. UNPACKING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS

NOTE:

The customer should not attempt to assemble the loudspeaker.
This will be done by the supplying audio dealer.

The crates and their contents are heavy. To avoid injury, please
ensure that 2 people are available to unpack and position the
loudspeakers.

The PQS-402 is supplied in 3 crates.  Before opening them, please inspect them for damage.  If you see
any damage to the crates, please contact the supplying audio dealer immediately and provide them with
a full description of the damage.  Do not attempt to unpack the loudspeakers until you have spoken with
the dealer and have been advised how to proceed.

The woofer module assemblies for the left and right channels are packed in separate crates which are
marked “left” and “right” on the outside.  Take care not to mix components from these two crates up. The
two DDD towers are packed together in the third crate.

Please  retain  all  of  the  packing  as  you  will  need  this  should  it  be  necessary  in  the  future  to  ship  the
loudspeakers.    Should  you  need  to  return  the  loudspeakers  to  the  factory,  you  must  use  the  original
packing.    The  use  of  any  other  packing  may  result  in  the  loudspeakers  sustaining  damage  in  transit.
Such damage is not covered by the warranty.  Should you require replacement packing, please contact
your German Physiks dealer, the national distributor or the factory directly.

Use Figure 1 to identify the major components of the loudspeaker and confirm that the crates contain the
following items:

Item

Quantity

Description

Bottom Plates

Lower Modules

Distance Frames

Upper Modules

Top Plates

DDD towers

Inter-Cabinet Connecting Cables

User manual

Cleaning cloths

If any items are missing, or if any item shows signs of damage, please contact the supplying audio
dealer immediately.

1. Bottom Plate

2. Lower Module

3. Distance Frame

4. Upper Module

5.. Top Plate

6. DDD Tower

Figure 1. PQS-402 Major Components

3. ASSEMBLING YOUR LOUD SPEAKERS

Introduction

Because of the complexity of the PQS-402, customers are strongly requested not to attempt to assemble
or set up the loudspeakers on their own.  These tasks will be carried out by the supplying dealer who has
received detailed training from German Physiks engineers.  Many of the component parts are very heavy
and  personal  injury  could  result  if  they  are  inappropriately  lifted.    Component  parts  could  also  be
damaged by inexpert handling and any resulting damage would not be covered by the warranty.

The following description of the assembly process is for general information only.  It is not intended to be
used  as  a  guide  for  assembling  the  loudspeakers,  as  it  has  been  simplified  for  the  sake  for  clarity.
Please refer to figure 1 to familiarise yourself with the major components.

We will describe the assembly process for the left loudspeaker.  This has its two 10 inch drivers located
on the right side of the woofer modules, as can be seen in figure 2 below.

Figure 2. PQS-402 Front View

Left Speaker

Right Speaker

Assembly Procedure

1. Place the left loudspeaker bottom plate on the floor in the position where the speaker is to be sited.
Ensure that it is sitting squarely on all 5 support points and that it is level.

Figure 4. Lower Module with Distance Frame

Figure 3. Lower Module on Bottom Plate

2.  Identify the left lower module.  This has
the  input  terminals  and  level  selectors  on
its  rear  face.  This  module  is  very  heavy
and  you  may  find  it  easier  to  grip  if  the
woofer  grills  are  removed  first.      Place  it
carefully  on  top  of  the  bottom  plate  as
shown in figure 3.  Ensure that it is properly
seated.

3.    Replace  any  grills  that  have  been
removed and then place the distance frame
on  top  of  the  lower  module  as  shown  in
figure 4.  Ensure that it is properly seated.

4.    The  next  operation  must  be  carried  out  by  two  people.  You  will  need  8  of  the  black  inter-cabinet
connecting cables ready to hand.  Identify the left loudspeaker upper module.  Place this on top of the
distance  frame  and  ensure  that  it  is  properly  seated.    One  person  should  stand  at  the  front  of  the
speaker and with their hands placed as shown in figure 5, carefully tilt the upper module forward over
one edge sufficiently to allow the second person to fit the inter-cabinet connecting cables between the
two modules.  The upper module may be tilted forward on either edge.  Choose the one that is most
convenient.  Take great care to ensure that it cannot slip forward whilst being tilted.  The sockets are
colour coded.  Please ensure that all the cables are correctly connected.

When  all  the  cables  have  been  fitted,  slowly  tilt  the  upper  module  until  it  is  fully  upright,  while  taking
care that none of the cables become pinched between the upper module and the distance frame.  Take
great also that you do not trap any fingers under the module as it is put into position.

Figure 5. Fitting Upper Module and Connection Cables

5.  Identify the left loudspeaker top plate and fit one black and one red cable to each pair of sockets as
shown in figure 6.

The top plate has 3 screws, marked X in figure 7, which will be used by the dealer to adjust the module
stack for any variation in verticality.  The customer should not attempt to adjust these.

Figure 6. Top Plate Cable Connection

Figure 7. Top Plate Adjusting Screws

6.  Identify the DDD tower.  Referring to figure 8, carefully fit the base of the DDD tower, Y, over the
locating disc on the bottom plate and ensure that it is sitting squarely.    Take great care not to damage
the front of the lower bass module with the DDD tower, as there is very little clearance between where
the DDD tower fits and the bass module.

Offer up the top plate and plug the 4 connecting cables into their respective sockets on the top of the
upper module and  DDD tower.  These sockets are colour coded.   Please check that like colours are
connected.

Carefully  lower  the  top  plate  onto  the  upper  module  and  DDD  tower.    Take  especial  care  that  the
locating disc on the top plate sits squarely inside the top of the DDD tower and is not simply resting on
the  point  Z.    Also  take  care  the  cables  do  not  become  pinched  as  the  top  plate  is  lowered  onto  the
upper module and DDD tower.

Figure 8. Fitting the DDD Tower and Top Plate

4. CONNECTING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS

The  German  Physiks  PQS-402  is  a  2  way  loudspeaker  with  separate  input  terminals  for  the  low
frequency  and  high  frequency  sections  of  the  crossover.    These  drive  the  woofers  and  DDD  drivers
respectively  and  are  labeled  as  such.    Provision  is  also  made  to  allow  the  output  level  of  the  low
frequency and high frequency cross overs to be adjusted.

The input terminals and cross over adjustment points are located on a panel fitted on the back of the
lower woofer cabinet. Figure 9 identifies the features on this panel.

High Frequency Level Control

This adjusts the output from the DDD drivers.  4 settings are provided: -2dB, Flat, +2dB and +4dB.  For
the  initial setting of the speaker this should be set to the flat  position.   To adjust the control, pull the
jumper  out  and  then  push  it  back  into  the  appropriate  pair  of  sockets.  The  centre  frequency  for  this
control is 8,000Hz.

Low Frequency Level Control

This adjusts the output from the woofers. 3 settings are provided:

The centre frequency for this control is 60Hz.

No jumpers fitted

+10dB

Red socket jumper only fitted

+5dB

Red and black socket jumpers fitted

Flat

High Frequency

Level Control

Low Frequency

Level Control

Cross Over High
Frequency Input for
DDD Driver

Cross Over Low
Frequency Input for
Woofer

Figure 9. Input Terminals and High Frequency Level Control

Input Terminal Connections

NOTE:

The loudspeaker terminals should be tightened as firmly as
possible by hand. Do not use pliers or any other tools as
this may damage the terminals.

The provision of separate inputs for the low frequency and high frequency sections of the crossover
allows the PQS-402 to be operated in 3 modes:

Single wire connection

Bi-wire connection

Bi-amp connection

Single Wire Connection

This is the most commonly used method of connecting a loudspeaker and power amplifier. Only one
loudspeaker  cable  is  used  for  each  loudspeaker.    The  PQS-402  will  be  shipped  configured  for  this
mode  of  operation.    In  this  case  the  red  terminals  on  the  DDD  and  woofer  inputs  will  be  connected
together  and  the  black  terminals  on  the  DDD  and  Woofer  inputs  will  be  connected  together.  These
connections  must  be  made  using  the  special  links  provided.    The  loudspeaker  cable  should  be
connected to the woofer input terminals.

An amplifier capable of delivering at least 340W rms into 4 ohms per channel should be used for each
speaker.

Bi- Wire Connection

In  this  method  of  connection  the  woofer  and  DDD  inputs  are  connected  to  the  power  amplifier  with
separate loudspeaker cables.  Ensure that the links fitted between the woofer and DDD input terminals
have been removed.

An amplifier capable of delivering at least 340W rms into 4 ohms per channel should be used for each
speaker.

Bi- Amp Connection

In  this  method  of  connection  the  woofer  and  DDD  inputs  are  driven  by  separate  power  amplifiers.
Ensure that the links fitted between the woofer and DDD input terminals have been removed.

An amplifier capable of delivering at least 200W rms into 4 ohms per channel should be used for the
woofer input and one capable of delivering at least 140W rms into 4 ohms per channel should be used
for the DDD input.

We  recommend  that  you  use  loudspeaker  cables  terminated  with  high  quality  spade  lugs,  as  these
provide  the  best  electrical  connection.  The  lugs  should  be  either  soldered  or  crimped  to  the  speaker
cable – the latter is preferred.  We do not recommend the use of bare wire to connect to the speaker
terminal. This produces an inferior connection that will further degrade as the bare conductors become
tarnished.

5. LOUDSPEAKER BREAK IN

Like  all  audiophile  equipment,  German  Physiks  loudspeakers  require  a  break  in  period  from  new
before  they  reach  their  optimum  level  of  performance.    The  music  used  for  the  break  in  should  be
dynamic in order to properly exercise all the components of the loudspeaker.

For the first 10 hours play the loudspeaker at low level only.  This is a level where you would easily be
able to carry out a conversation without needing to raise your voice.

After this, the speaker may be played at normal listening levels.  The break in process will be complete
after 200 to 300 hours.

6. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT AND SET-UP

NOTE:

DO NOT place the loudspeakers close to cathode ray type
monitors or projectors, as the very powerful magnets used
in the drivers may affect the picture. We recommend a
minimum separation of 2m.

Before the loudspeakers can be set up, the break in procedure in section 5 must be completed.

The  German  Physiks  PQS-402  is  an  extremely  high  performance  loudspeaker  and  optimum
performance will only be achieved when set up by a trained technician.  For this reason the supplying
audio dealer will carry out the set-up for the customer.

Listening Room Layout

The following points will help you optimise your listening room layout.

1.  The  left  and  right  sides  of  the  room  should  be  symmetrical.    If  the  room  is  asymmetrical,  this  will
degrade  the  quality  of  the  stereo  image.  This  is  because  most  of  the  sound  energy  that  you  hear  is
reflected before it reaches your ears.

2.  Place  the  speakers  symmetrically  in  the  room,  i.e.  the  same  distance  from  the  centre  line  of  the
room and the same distance from the rear wall.

3.  Avoid placing the speakers  similar distances from the side and rear walls, as this may lead to an
uneven bass response

4.  Avoid  having  any  hard  surfaces  between  your  listening  position  and  the  loudspeakers.    This  will
generate  additional  reflections  that  may  degrade  the  stereo  image.    For  this  reason,  where  ever
possible equipment should be located at the side of the room.   If you have a hardwood floor, it may be
advantageous  to  place  a  carpet  on  the  floor  covering  the  area  between  the  loudspeakers  and  the
listening position, as this will reduce unwanted early reflections.

5. Avoid having the listening position closer than 1.2m from the rear wall as early reflections from this
wall will degrade the stereo image.

Loudspeaker Placement

Distance from rear wall:

We recommend that you start with the speaker positioned 1.5m from the

rear wall.  As you move the speaker closer to the wall the level of the bass response will be increased.
The converse will be true as you move the speaker away from the rear wall. The PQS-402 should not
be placed closer that 1m from the rear wall.   If the speaker is too close to the rear wall, not only will the
bass  response  be  excessive,  but  the  stereo  image  will  be  degraded  due  to  an  increase  in  early
reflections.  Aim to find a position that provides an even bass response so that all the bass notes in the
music are reproduced  at an equal level.   Be sure to  choose a recording that  itself has an even  bass
response.

Distance from side wall:

We recommend that the distance between the centres of the DDD towers

be 2/3 of the distance of the loudspeakers from the listening point. Moving the speakers further apart
will degrade the stereo image.

We  do  not  recommend  placing  the  loudspeakers  closer  than  1m  from  the  side  walls,  as  the  early
reflections will degrade the stereo image.

Positioning the speakers too close to the side walls will also lead to an uneven bass response.  Aim to
find the position that provides the best defined and most realistic stereo image when you are seated at
the listening position.

Figure 10 gives a general guide to speaker positioning and the location of the listening position.  Note
how the recommended listening position varies with the separation between the DDD towers and also
how  as  the  listening  position  is  moved  away  from  the  loudspeakers  the  woofer  modules  need  to  be
toed in by rotating the woofer modules towards the adjacent side walls while keeping the DDD tower
centres in the same position.

Figure 10. Listening Room Arrangement

7. CARE OF YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS

NOTE:

NEVER attempt to open the cabinets. There are no user
serviceable parts inside the loudspeakers.

NEVER touch the diaphragm on the DDD driver, or allow
any object to come into contact with the diaphragm.

NEVER attempt to clean the dust off the diaphragm. Dust
has no affect on its performance and may be safely
ignored.

NEVER attempt to clean the speakers with any abrasive
materials or any cleaners containing ammonia, alcohol or
other solvents,

as these may damage the finish.

The only maintenance the speakers will require is periodic dusting to remove dust and any finger prints
from the cabinets. Please use the cleaning cloths supplied with the loudspeakers. These cloths
should be used dry. Do not use any form of liquid with them. Additional cloths may be obtained via
local your German Physiks dealer, national distributor or direct from German Physiks.

8. WARRANTY

Your

German Physiks loudspeakers are warranted to be free from defects if used under normal

conditions for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase, provided that the customer registers their
purchase by completing  and returning the registration form in this manual  within 7 days of purchase.
They  must  also  return  a  copy  of  the  receipt  issued  at  the  time  of  purchase.    If  this  is  not  done  the
warranty  period  will  be  5  years  from  the  date  of  shipment  from  the  factory.   This  warranty  is
transferable to subsequent owners, who must register their purchase with us.

Modifications or repairs performed by the factory, or by an authorised repair agent, shall be guaranteed
for the remaining period of the warranty, or for 1 year, which ever is greater.

Any unauthorised modifications or repairs will invalidate the warranty. The warranty will also be
invalidated if German Physiks determines that the unit has been subject to misuse including, but not
limited to, burnt out voice coils and dents or scratches on driver diaphragms or cabinets.

There is no other express warranty on German Physiks products. This warranty shall not extend
beyond the stated warranty period. No responsibility is assumed for incidental or consequential
damage.

9. SERVICE AND SUPPORT

In the first instance please contact your local German Physiks dealer or distributor. They will diagnose
the  fault  and  liaise  with  German  Physiks  to  decide  the  best  way  to  affect  a  repair.  If  they  unable  to
assist you, please contact German Physiks by phone on + 49 61 09 50 29 823, by fax on   + 49  61 09
50 29 826, or by email at service@german-physiks.com. You may also contact us via our web site at
www.german-physiks.com.    Please  take  into  account  time  differences  between  Germany  and  where
you  are  calling  from  should  you  need  to  phone  us.    Email  is  our  preferred  method  of  initial  contact.
Please  supply  the  model  name  and  serial  numbers  of  your  loudspeakers  and  as much  detail  of  your
problem as possible.

In the vast majority of cases, the repair will be dealt with by sending spare parts from the factory. In the
unlikely even that it becomes necessary to return your loudspeakers or any part of them to the factory,
you  will  be  given  a  Return  Authorization  (RA)  number.   This  number  must  be  clearly  marked  on  the
outside of the packing. Returns made without a RA number will not be accepted.  Any returned items
must be shipped in the original packing. German Physiks will not be responsible for any damage that
occurs as a result of the use of non-standard packing.  Returns received in non-standard packing will
be replaced with new packing at the owner's expense.  If you need new packing, please contact your
German Physiks dealer or the factory.

For items returned to the factory under warranty during the first year, German Physiks will pay for the
shipping charges both ways. A shipping company approved by German Physiks must be used and the
items will be returned to the customer using the same carrier, or an equivalent service.

For loudspeakers returned to the factory under warranty after the first year, the customer is responsible
for paying all shipping and related charges back to the factory. A shipping company approved by
German Physiks must be used. Providing this condition is met, German Physiks will pay the cost of
shipping the loudspeakers back to the customer.

German Physiks will not pay any shipping costs if:

a. Loudspeakers or parts are returned without a RA number
b. No fault is found
c. If the fault is judged to be due to misuse such as, but not limited to, burnt out voice
    coils and dents or scratches on driver diaphragms or cabinets.

Customers are responsible for all freight, duties and related shipping charges for loudspeakers
returned for non-warranty repairs.

10. HOW TO CONTACT US

If you wish to get in touch with us please use the contact information shown below.  Please note that
our  office  hours  are  from 9.30  a.m.  to  5.00  p.m.  Monday  to  Thursday,  excluding  public  holidays  and
that we cannot respond to enquiries outside of these hours.  We recommend that where ever possible
you contact us by email, as this will allow us to give your enquiry more consideration and thus provide
a more detailed reply.

Address

DDD-Manufactur GmbH

Gutenbergstraße 4

D-63477 Maintal
GERMANY

Telephone

+ 49 61 09 50 29 823

Fax

+ 49 61 09 50 29 826

service@german-physiks.com

Web

www.german-physiks.com

11. PQS-402 SPECIFICATIONS

Version

With Titanium DDD Drivers

With Carbon DDD Drivers

Impedance

2.2 ohms at 1,200 Hz

Frequency Response

25 – 21,500 Hz

25 – 24,000 Hz

Power Handling

Nominal

450W

Short term

750W

Amplification required

DDD Section: Minimum 140 watts into 4 ohms

Woofer: Minimum 200 watts into 4 ohms

Cross over frequency

220 Hz

Cross over slopes

DDD section

12 dB/octave electronic and 24 dB/octave acoustic

Woofer section

18 dB/octave electronic and 24 dB/octave acoustic

High frequency adjustment

-2dB, flat, +2dB and 4dB. Centre frequency: 8,000Hz

Low frequency adjustment

+10 dB, + 5 dB and flat. Centre frequency: 60 Hz

Sensitivity

88.4 dB for 1 watt a 1m

88.8 dB for 1 watt at 1m

Maximum output level

112dB

118dB

Operating principle

2 way speaker using DDD Bending Wave Converters giving a 360°
radiation pattern.

Input connectors

2 sets of binding posts allowing bi-amping and bi-wiring

Drivers

2 x Titanium DDD drivers
2 x 10 inch woofers
4 x passive 8 inch radiators

2 x Carbon DDD drivers
2 x 10 inch woofers
4 x passive 8 inch radiators

Dimensions

620mm W x 1560mm H x 750mm D

24.4" W x 61.4" H x 29.5" D

Weight

Approx 165kg

Approx 363lbs

Actual weight depends on detailed specification

Warranty

5 years

As part of our process of continually improving our products, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice

12. WARRANTY REGISTRATION

In order to register your purchase and obtain the full 5 year warranty, Please complete the form below
within 7 days of purchase and return it by post together with a copy of the receipt of purchase to:

DDD-Manufactur GmbH

Gutenbergstraße 4

D-63477 Maintal
GERMANY

Name

Address

Country

Zip/Post Code

Speaker Model

German Physiks PQS 402

DDD Type

Delete as necessary

Titanium/Carbon

Serial Number

Finish

Date of
Purchase

Where
Purchased

Address

Country

Zip/Post Code

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