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 2007, 2008
Revision d
Released 26
th
August, 2008
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-202 Mk II User Manual
2
1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................3
2. UNPACKING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS ..............................................................................................3
3. PRINCIPLE FEATURES OF THE PQS-202 Mk II ...............................................................................4
4. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT AND SET-UP ....................................................................................5
Adjusting the Spikes.........................................................................................................................5
Listening Room Layout ....................................................................................................................7
Loudspeaker Placement ..................................................................................................................7
Distance from the Front Wall ......................................................................................................7
Distance from the Side Wall .......................................................................................................7
5. CONNECTING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS ...........................................................................................9
High Frequency Level Control .........................................................................................................9
Input Terminal Connections .............................................................................................................9
Single Wire Connection ..............................................................................................................10
Bi-Wire Connection .....................................................................................................................10
Loudspeaker Cables ........................................................................................................................11
6. REMOVING THE DDD SHIPPING COVERS ......................................................................................11
7. LOUDSPEAKER BREAK IN.................................................................................................................11
8. CARE OF YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS....................................................................................................12
9. WARRANTY .........................................................................................................................................12
10. SERVICE AND SUPPORT..................................................................................................................12
11. HOW TO CONTACT US .....................................................................................................................13
12. PQS-202 Mk II SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................14
13. WARRANTY REGISTRATION ............................................................................................................15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting the German Physiks PQS-202 Mk II loudspeakers for your audio system. The
PQS-202 Mk II is a 3 way design based on our PQS-201 loudspeaker. It is designed for use in high-end
2-channel systems and also as the front loudspeakers in high quality home theatre systems. It may be
positioned directly against the front wall to minimise its intrusion into the listening room. The PQS-202
Mk II 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, as this will enable you obtain the best performance.
2. UNPACKING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS
NOTE:
To allow the packing to be lifted off the loudspeakers, ensure that
the room where the loudspeakers are to be unpacked has at least
90cm of clearance between the top of the carton and the ceiling.
When lifting the loudspeakers out of the packing hold them around
the cabinet or top plate – figure 2. Do not lift them by the DDD
driver support pillars as this may damage the DDD driver.
Each loudspeaker weighs approximately 73kg (160lbs) and should
not be lifted by one person alone. Always have help when lifting a
loudspeaker.
The DDD drivers may be protected with clear film or cardboard
covers. We recommend that these be left in place until the
loudspeakers have been placed in their final location, so as to
guard against accidental damage during handling.
Each loudspeaker is supplied in an individual shipping carton. This must be kept upright as shown in
figure 1. Before opening the carton, please inspect it for damage. If you see any damage, 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.
Figure 1. PQS-202 Mk II Shipping Carton
B
A
C
4
Figure 2. Principle Features of the PQS-202 Mk II
DDD driver
DDD support
pillars
Sub woofer
driver
Input terminals &
high frequency
adjustment
Top plate
Mid plate
To unpack the loudspeakers please follow the instructions below:
1. Unscrew and remove the two screw caps on each side of the carton top cover – item A in figure 1.
2. Remove the carton top cover by carefully pulling it over the four screws.
3. Remove the foam packing piece from the top of the main body of the carton - item B in figure 1.
4. Unscrew and remove the two screw caps on each side of the carton lower tray – item C in figure 1.
5. Lift off the main body of the carton – item B in figure 1. Make sure that you have sufficient clearance
between the top of the carton and the ceiling above. This may be folded flat for easy storage.
6. Lift the loudspeaker off the lower packing tray by holding it around the cabinet or top plate. Do not lift
the loudspeaker by the DDD driver support pillars.
7. Remove any clear film from around the loudspeaker taking care not to scratch the finish. Do
not
use
a knife.
Please confirm that the cartons contain the following items:
Item
Quantity
Description
1
2
PQS-202 Mk II Loudspeakers
2
1
PQS-202 Mk II User Manual
3
2
Cleaning Cloths
If any items are missing, or show signs of damage, please contact the supplying dealer immediately.
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.
3. PRINCIPLE FEATURES OF THE PQS-202 Mk II
5
Left loudspeaker
Right loudspeaker
Figure 3. Correct Setting of Left and Right Loudspeakers
4. 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 90cm.
The PQS-202 Mk II cabinets are handed. They should be set with the sub-woofers facing inwards as
shown in figure 3.
Adjusting the Spikes
NOTE:
We strongly recommend having an assistant help to hold
the loudspeakers while the spikes are being adjusted.
The base of the PQS-202 Mk II is fitted with four spikes. These are double ended as shown in figure 4
and are locked in position with a nut. You will need an open ended 10mm spanner to adjust them -
figure 5.
Figure 4. Double Ended Spike and Nut
6
The round ends of the spikes should be used when the loudspeakers are to be placed on a hard floor
such as tile or wood and the pointed ends should be used when the loudspeakers are to be placed on
a carpeted floor. The loudspeakers are shipped with the round end of the spikes facing out.
When placing the loudspeakers on a carpeted floor, ensure that the spikes are set to protrude
sufficiently from the base to pass through the carpet and make firm contact with the underlying floor.
The easiest way to adjust the spikes is to lay the loudspeaker on its side. To protect the finish, we
suggest that you use a clean soft blanket to lay the loudspeaker on. Set the two spikes at the back
and the left hand front spike to protrude approximately the same amount - within 1 or 2mm – and then
tighten the locking nut. Do not use excessive force when locking the nut as this may damage the
loudspeaker base plate. Set the right hand front spike to protrude the same amount, but do not tighten
the locking nut.
Stand the loudspeaker up and place it in its initial position. Please refer to figure 6 for guidance on
positioning.
If the loudspeaker is placed on a carpet, push downwards on the mid plate either side of the DDD
driver (figure 2) and ensure that the spikes are in firm contact with the underlying floor.
To check that the loudspeaker is sitting squarely on the spikes:
1.
If the loudspeaker can be rocked in the 10 o’clock to 4 o’clock direction,
lean
the loudspeaker to the left and screw
out
the right hand front spike by the amount of
movement you saw at the base of the cabinet. It is best to have an assistant to hold the
loudspeaker. Stand the loudspeaker back up and repeat the process until the
loudspeaker is sitting squarely on its spikes. Lean the loudspeaker to the left again and
tighten the nut on the right front spike (figure 5), taking care not to change the spike’s
setting. Do not use excessive force when locking the nut as this may damage the
loudspeaker base plate.
2.
If the loudspeaker can be rocked in the 2 o’clock to 8 o’clock direction,
lean the
loudspeaker to the left and screw
in
the right hand front spike by the amount of
movement you saw at the base of the cabinet. It is best to have an assistant to hold the
loudspeaker. Stand the loudspeaker back up and repeat the process until the
loudspeaker is sitting squarely on its spikes. Lean the loudspeaker to the left again and
tighten the nut on the right front spike (figure 5), taking care not to change the spike’s
setting. Do not use excessive force when locking the nut as this may damage the
loudspeaker base plate.
Loosen
Lock
Figure 5. Adjusting a Spike Nut
7
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 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.
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.
Loudspeaker Placement
Distance from the Front Wall
The PQS-202 Mk IIs may be placed directly against the front wall if it is desired to minimise their
intrusion into the listening room. We recommend that you start with the loudspeakers positioned 1.0m
from the front wall. As you move the loudspeakers closer to the wall the level of the bass response will
increase. The converse will be true as you move the loudspeakers away from the front wall. Aim to
find a position that provides an even bass response, combined with the best defined and most realistic
stereo image when you are seated at the listening position.
Distance from the Side Wall
We recommend that the distance of the listening position from the loudspeakers be 1.5 to 2 times the
distance between the centres of the loudspeakers. Moving the loudspeakers further apart will degrade
the stereo image.
Avoid placing the loudspeakers closer than 1m from the side walls, as the 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 a position that provides an even bass response, combined with the best defined and most
realistic stereo image when you are seated at the listening position.
Figure 6 gives a general guide to loudspeaker positioning and the location of the listening position.
Note how the recommended listening position varies with the separation between the loudspeakers.
8
Distance = “d”
Listening
Position
Minimum:
1 metre/3.3 feet
Minimum:
1 metre/3.3 feet
Do not have the listening position
closer than 1.2m from the rear wall
Figure 6. Listening Room Arrangement
Minimum: against wall
Optimum: 1 metre/3.3 feet or more
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5. CONNECTING YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS
NOTE:
An amplifier capable of delivering at least 100W into 4 ohms
should be used for each loudspeaker.
The PQS-202 Mk II is a 3 way design with separate input terminals for the low frequency and high
frequency sections of the crossover. These drive the woofer/sub woofer and DDD driver respectively.
The loudspeaker also has a high frequency level control.
The input terminals and high frequency level control are located on a panel fitted on the back of the
cabinet – figure 2. Figure 7 identifies the features on this panel.
High Frequency Level Control
This adjusts the output from the DDD driver and is centred at 8,000Hz. 4 settings are provided: -2dB,
Flat, +2dB and +4dB. To adjust the control, pull the jumper out and then push it back into the
appropriate pair of sockets. For the initial setting of the loudspeakers this should be set to the Flat
position. The final setting should be made once the loudspeakers have been broken in and the final
position in the listening room established. We suggest that you experiment with different settings to
determine which gives the most satisfactory frequency balance.
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.
There are two recommended methods of connecting the PQS-202 Mk II to the amplifier.
Figure 7. Input Terminals and High Frequency Level Control
High Frequency
Level Control
Crossover Input for
DDD Driver
Crossover Input for
Woofer
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- WOOFER +
High Frequency Level
+ 4dB
+ 2dB
- 2dB
Flat
- DDD +
- +
Amplifier
Single Wire Connection
Bi- Wire Connection
Loudspeaker Cable
- WOOFER +
High Frequency Level
+ 4dB
+ 2dB
- 2dB
Flat
- DDD +
Supplied Link
- +
Amplifier
Figure 8. Loudspeaker Cable Connection
Single Wire Connection
This uses one cable to connect each loudspeaker to the power amplifier. The two red terminals and
the two black terminals on the crossover panel should be linked together. The loudspeaker will be
shipped with high quality links in this position.
Connect the loudspeaker cable to the woofer input terminals taking care to ensure that the woofer
positive terminal is connected to the power amplifier positive output terminal and the woofer negative
terminal is connected to the power amplifier negative output terminal. See the left hand diagram in
figure 8 for details.
Bi-Wire Connection
In this method of connection the DDD driver and woofer inputs are connected to the power amplifier
with separate loudspeaker cables. Ensure that the links between the two red terminals and the two
black terminals on the crossover panel have been removed.
Connect one loudspeaker cable to the DDD driver input terminals taking care to ensure that the
positive terminal is connected to the power amplifier positive output terminal and the negative terminal
is connected to the power amplifier negative output terminal.
Connect the other loudspeaker cable to the woofer input terminals taking care to ensure that the
woofer positive terminal is connected to the power amplifier positive output terminal and the woofer
negative terminal is connected to the power amplifier negative output terminal. See the right hand
diagram in figure 8 for details.
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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 on the power amplifier until the DDD
shipping covers have been removed as shown in section 6.
6. REMOVING THE DDD SHIPPING COVERS
NOTE:
Do not touch the DDD driver diaphragms.
If your loudspeakers are fitted with titanium DDD drivers, these will be covered with either a layer of clear
film or cardboard to protect them whilst in transit. This should now be removed. The film should be
peeled off by hand. Do
not
use a knife.
To remove the cardboard protector, slit the adhesive tape securing it by sliding a
short
bladed knife
between the two layers of cardboard whilst holding the knife as shown in figure 9. Do not cut in the way
shown in figure 10, as there is a danger that you will cut the DDD driver diaphragm.
7. 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.
Figure 9. The Correct Way to
Remove the DDD Driver Cover
Figure 10. The Wrong Way to
Remove the DDD Driver Cover
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8. 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.
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. Please use the cleaning cloths supplied with the loudspeakers. These cloths
should be used dry. Do not use any liquid with them. Additional cloths may be obtained via your local
German Physiks dealer, national distributor or direct from German Physiks.
9. 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 at the end of 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.
10. 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. The serial number is printed on a label attached to the underside of the
base plate.
13
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.
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.
11. 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
14
12. PQS-202 Mk II SPECIFICATIONS
Version
With DDD Titanium Driver
With DDD Carbon Driver
Impedance
3 ohms
3 ohms
Frequency Response
35 - 21,500Hz
35 - 24,000Hz
Power Handling
Nominal
300W
300W
Short term
600W
600W
Amplification required
Minimum 100W/4 ohms
Crossover frequency
120Hz & 300Hz
120Hz & 250Hz
Crossover slopes
DDD section
12dB/octave electronic & 18dB/octave acoustic
Woofer section
12dB/octave electronic & 18dB/octave acoustic
Sub woofer section
18dB/octave electronic & 30dB/octave acoustic
High frequency adjustment
-2dB, Flat, +2dB or +4dB centred at 8,000Hz
Sensitivity
86.0dB for 1W at 1m
Operating principle
3 way loudspeaker with 360° surround radiation using the
DDD Bending Wave Converter
Input connectors
2 sets of binding posts
Drivers
1 x Titanium DDD driver
1 x 6 inch woofer
1 x 12 inch sub woofer
1 x Carbon DDD driver
1 x 6 inch woofer
1 x 12 inch sub woofer
Dimensions
430mm W x 886mm H x 500mm D
16.9" W x 34.9" H x 19.7" D
Weight
73kg
160lbs
73kg
160lbs
Warranty
5 years
As part of our process of continually improving our products, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice
15
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-202 Mk II
DDD Type
Delete as necessary
Titanium / Carbon.
Serial Number
See label under speaker
Finish
Date of
Purchase
Where
Purchased
Address
Country
Zip/Post Code