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)
© German Physiks 2009
Revision c
Released 16
th
December, 2009
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-100 Plus User Manual
2
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................3
2. UNPACKING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS ..........................................................................................3
3. THE PRINCIPLE FEATURES OF THE PQS-100 PLUS...................................................................4
4. ASSEMBLING THE LOUDSPEAKER AND STANDS ......................................................................4
5. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT AND SET-UP .................................................................................6
Adjusting the Spikes....................................................................................................................6
Listening Room Layout................................................................................................................7
Placement...................................................................................................................................8
Distance from the Front Wall ..................................................................................................8
Distance from the Side Wall ...................................................................................................8
6. CONNECTING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS........................................................................................10
Loudspeaker Cables ...................................................................................................................10
7. REMOVING THE DDD DRIVER SHIPPING COVERS.....................................................................10
8. LOUDSPEAKER BREAK IN ............................................................................................................10
9. CARE OF YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS................................................................................................10
10. WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................................11
11. SERVICE AND SUPPORT .............................................................................................................11
12. HOW TO CONTACT US ................................................................................................................12
12. PQS-100 PLUS SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................13
13. WARRANTY REGISTRATION .......................................................................................................14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting the German Physiks PQS-100 Plus loudspeakers for your audio system. The
PQS-100 Plus is a 2 way design that uses a single DDD driver coupled with a downward firing sub-
woofer. It is intended for use in both 2 channel and high-end home theatre systems. It is designed to be
mounted on the supplied PQS-Plus stands. The PQS-100 Plus 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 attempting to use the loudspeakers.
2. UNPACKING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS
NOTE:
When lifting the loudspeakers out of the packing, hold them by the
upper plate. Do not lift them by the DDD support pillars (see figure 1)
as this may damage the driver.
The DDD drivers may be protected with a clear film cover. This should
be left in place until the loudspeakers have been placed in their final
location, so as to guard against accidental damage during handling.
The loudspeakers are packed in separate cartons. The stands are packed together in a third carton.
Before opening the cartons, please inspect them for damage. If you see any damage, contact the
supplying audio dealer immediately and give them a full description of the damage. Do not attempt to
unpack the cartons until you have spoken with the dealer and have been advised how to proceed.
Please retain all of the packing as you will need this should it be necessary in the future to ship the
loudspeakers. 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.
Please confirm that the cartons contain the following items:
PQS-100 Plus Cartons 1 and 2
Item
Quantity
Description
1
1
PQS-100 Plus Loudspeaker
2
1
PQS-100 Plus User Manual –
with one loudspeaker only
PQS-Plus Stand Carton
Item
Quantity
Description
1
2
PQS-Plus Stands Bases
2
2
PQS-Plus Stand Back Panels
3
1
Box of accessories containing:
8 off M4 x 12mm socket head screws
2 off M5 x 16mm socket head screws
8 off M5 x 40mm counter sunk head screws
6 off M8 x 50mm socket head screws
2 off Hex keys
2 off Speaker terminal plates
1 off Cleaning cloth
If any items are missing or damaged, please contact the supplying audio dealer immediately.
4
3. THE PRINCIPLE FEATURES OF THE PQS-100 PLUS
4. ASSEMBLING THE LOUDSPEAKER AND STANDS
NOTE:
When tightening the stand screws, follow the directions
provided. Over-tightening the screws may result in damage
to the stand which will not be covered by the warranty.
1. Place one of the stand bases on the floor with the German Physiks logo facing upwards as shown in
figure 2.
Figure 1. The Principle Features of the PQS-100 Plus
Stand Base
Stand Back Panel
DDD Driver
Upper Plate
DDD Support
Pillars
Figure 2. Stand Base
A
5
2. Take one of the stand back panels and hold it vertically as shown in figure 3i. Carefully insert the
stand back panel into the cut-out in the rear of the stand base, ensuring that the two locating dowels in
the base (A, figure 2) fit into the matching holes in the stand back (A, Figure 3i).
3. Insert a M8 x 50mm socket head screw into each of the three recessed holes on the bottom edge of
the stand back panel (B, figure 3ii). Using the appropriate hex key, tighten these screws until the two
parts are pulled together and then tighten one further
half turn
.
4. Fit a M5 x 16mm socket head screw into hole C on the stand back panel, Fig 3i and screw it all the
way in by hand. Tighten one further
quarter turn
using the appropriate hex key. This is the loudspeaker
suspension screw.
5. Pick up a PQS-100 Plus by the upper plate and holding it with the rear face away from you, fit the key-
hole plate in the rear face of the loudspeaker figure 4, over the loudspeaker suspension screw you have
just fitted – C, figure 3i.
Figure 3. PQS-Plus Stand Back Panel
i
A
C
ii
B
D
D
E
E
Key-hole Plate
Figure 4. PQS-100 Plus Rear Face
6
NOTE:
Make sure that the key-hole plate is properly engaged with
the suspension screw before you let go of the loudspeaker.
6.
Insert a M5 x 40mm counter sunk head screw into each of the four loudspeaker locking screw holes
on the rear face of the stand back panel, D, figure 3ii. Ensure that the screws are properly engaged with
the inserts on the rear face of the loudspeaker. Tighten using the appropriate hex key until the screw
head is flush with the surface of the stand back panel and then tighten a further
half turn
.
7. Take a terminal plate and connect the red banana plug to the read socket on the back of the
loudspeaker and the black banana plug to the black socket on the back of the loudspeaker as shown in
figure 5.
8. Line up the four holes in the terminal plate with the four holes marked E in figure 3ii and insert a M4 x
12mm socket head screw into each hole. Tighten each screw using the appropriate hex key until the
terminal plate is pulled securely against the back of the stand.
5. 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.
Adjusting the Spikes
The base of the PQS-Plus stand is fitted with four spikes of the type shown in figure 6. The spikes are
supplied with a special washer, A, figure 6. This is flat on one side and has a recess machined into the
other side. It is intended to be placed under the spike, flat side down and used where the user does
not want the spike to come into direct contact with the floor, for example when the loudspeakers are to
be placed on a polished wooden floor. When the washer is used, make sure that the tip of the spike is
located in the centre of the recess.
Figure 5. Loudspeaker Terminal Plate
7
The easiest way to adjust the spikes is to remove the loudspeaker from the stand and place it
somewhere it cannot be damaged.
Set the stands in their initial position in the listening room. Please refer to figure 7 for guidance on
positioning. Place a soft clean blanket next to the stand and lay it on its side on the blanket. Set the
two spikes at the back and the left hand front spike to protrude approximately the same amount - within
1 or 2mm. If the spike is stiff use a 13mm spanner to turn it. The spike should be screwed in about
10mm to ensure it is firmly located in the stand base. Tighten the locking nuts (A, figure 6)
by hand
.
Set the right hand front spike to protrude the same amount, but do not tighten the locking nut. Set the
stand back on its spikes.
To check that the stand is sitting squarely on the spikes:
1.
If the stand can be rocked in the 10 o’clock to 4 o’clock direction
, lean the stand
to the left and screw
out
the right hand front spike by the amount of movement you
saw. Set the stand back upright and repeat the process until it is sitting squarely on all
four spikes. Lean the stand to the left again and lock the nut on the right front spike (A,
figure 6), taking care not to change the spike’s setting. Lock the spike nut by hand. Do
not use excessive force, as this may damage the loudspeaker base plate.
2.
If the stand can be rocked in the 2 o’clock to 8 o’clock direction
, lean the stand
to the left and screw
in
the right hand front spike by the amount of movement you saw.
Set the stand back upright and repeat the process until it is sitting squarely on all four
spikes. Lean the stand to the left again and lock the nut on the right front spike (A,
figure 6), taking care not to change the spike’s setting. Lock the spike nut by hand. Do
not use excessive force, as this may damage the loudspeaker base plate.
Listening Room Layout
The following points will help you to 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 loudspeakers symmetrically in the room, i.e. the same distance from the centre line of the
room and the same distance from the front wall.
Figure 6. Spike and Washer
A
B
8
3. Avoid placing the loudspeakers similar distances from the side and front 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 hard floor (wood or tile),
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.
Placement
Distance from the Front Wall
Initially, we recommend that the loudspeakers be positioned against the front wall and set facing
directly down the room as shown in figure 7. They may be set as much as 2m from the front wall. The
closer the loudspeakers are set to the front wall, the stronger the bass will be. The actual distance
chosen will depend on the type of bass that the listener requires.
The distance of the listening position from the loudspeakers should be 1.5 to 2 times the distance
between the centres of the loudspeakers. Moving the loudspeakers further apart will degrade the
stereo image. The best setting for each room will be found by experiment. It is not necessary to toe-in
the loudspeakers towards the listening position. If the bass level is excessive try moving the
loudspeakers progressively away from the wall. Aim to find a position that provides an even bass
response, combined with a well focussed stereo image when you are seated at the listening position.
Distance from the Side Wall
Avoid placing the loudspeakers closer than 0.5m from the side walls, as early reflections will degrade
the stereo image. Positioning the loudspeakers 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
combined with an even bass when you are seated at the listening position.
9
Figure 7. Listening Room Arrangement
Listening
Position
Do not have the listening position
closer than 1.2m from the rear wall
Distance = “d”
Minimum:
0.5 metre/1.6 feet
Minimum:
0.5 metre/1.6 feet
10
6. CONNECTING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS
NOTE: An amplifier capable of delivering at least 70W into 4 ohms
must be used for each loudspeaker.
The input terminals are located on a panel fitted to the back of the stand. Connect the amplifier output
terminal marked red or positive, to the red or positive input terminal of the loudspeaker and the
amplifier output terminal marked black or negative, to the black or negative input terminal of the
loudspeaker.
Loudspeaker Cables
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
loudspeaker cable – the latter is preferred. We do not recommend the use of bare wire to connect to
the loudspeaker terminals. This produces an inferior connection that will further degrade as the bare
conductors become tarnished.
NOTE:
Do not switch the power amplifier on until the DDD shipping
covers have been removed as described in section 7.
7. REMOVING THE DDD DRIVER SHIPPING COVERS
NOTE:
Do not touch the DDD driver diaphragms.
The DDD drivers are normally shipped with a protective film covering. This should now be removed. The
film should be carefully peeled off by hand. Do
not
use a knife or any other tool.
8. 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. Initially the sound may seem harsh. Please do
not be concerned. The sound will become more relaxed and smooth as the break in progresses. The
music used for the break in should be dynamic in order to properly exercise all the components of the
loudspeakers.
For the first 10 hours play the loudspeakers 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 loudspeakers may be played at normal listening levels. The break in process will be
complete after 200 to 300 hours.
9. CARE OF YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS
NOTE:
NEVER attempt to open the cabinets. There are no user
serviceable parts inside the loudspeakers.
NEVER touch the diaphragms on the DDD drivers, or allow
any object to come into contact with the diaphragms.
NEVER attempt to clean dust off the diaphragms. Dust has
no affect on their performance and may be safely ignored.
11
NOTE:
NEVER attempt to clean the loudspeakers with any abrasive
materials, or any cleaners containing ammonia, alcohol or
other solvents,
as these may damage the finish.
The only maintenance the loudspeakers will require is periodic dusting to remove dust and any finger
prints from the cabinets and stands. Please use the cleaning cloth supplied with the loudspeakers.
This cloth should be used dry. Do not use any form of liquid with it. Additional cloths may be obtained
from your local German Physiks dealer, national distributor or direct from German Physiks.
10. WARRANTY
These 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. A
copy of the receipt issued at the time of purchase must also be returned. 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 loudspeakers have 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.
11. 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 are 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 can 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 information
about the 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 event 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.
12
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.
12. 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
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12. PQS-100 PLUS SPECIFICATIONS
Impedance
5.6 ohms at 45Hz
Frequency Response
45Hz – 24,000Hz
Power Handling
Nominal
200W
Short term
320W
Amplification required
Minimum 70W/4 ohms
Crossover frequency
120Hz
Crossover slopes
DDD section
6dB/octave electronic & 18dB/octave acoustic
Woofer section
12dB/octave electronic & 18dB/octave acoustic
Sensitivity
86dB for 1W at 1m
Operating principle
2 way loudspeaker with 360° surround radiation using the DDD
Bending Wave Converter.
Input connectors
1 set of binding posts
Drivers
1 x Carbon Fibre DDD driver
1 x 6 inch woofer
Dimensions
Loudspeaker
267mm W x 510mm H x 310mm D
10.5" W x 20.0" H x 12.2" D
PQS Plus Stand
325mm W x 1,100mm H x 393mm D
12.8" W x 43.3" H x 15.5" D
Weight
Loudspeaker
21.0kg
46.2lbs
PQS Stand
10.2kg
22.4lbs
Warranty
5 years
As part of our process of continually improving our products, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice
14
13. 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
Model
PQS-100 Plus
Serial Number
See label under speaker
Finish
Date of
Purchase
Where
Purchased
Address
Country
Zip/Post Code