3
Option 1. As a Stand-Alone Unit
If your main speakers play sufficiently loudly for all your uses
and they reproduce the bass with satisfying completeness,
then the subwoofer is only needed to reproduce the LFE (low
frequency effects, or subwoofer) “point one” channel, and it
can be used in the LFE configuration without a crossover.
If your main speakers play sufficiently loudly for all your
uses but do not reproduce the full low frequency range of
the left/right channels, you should also use the subwoofer to
augment the bass response of your main speakers. This can be
accomplished without altering the signal or wiring to your main
speakers by using one of the next two configurations.
Option 2. With a SmartSub Passive Crossover
A THIEL PXO5 passive crossover can be used if one is
available to match your main THIEL speakers and if low
frequency adjustments are not desired or required.
System Configurations
It is important to note that, unlike most home audio subwoofers, THIEL SmartSubs do not contain crossover systems, therefore
they must be used in conjuction with external crossover units to operate properly. When used in conjunction with a THIEL PXO5
Passive Crossover, near-perfect bass integration is acheived. Generic crossovers both outboard and contained within most home
theater processors may also be used to varying degrees of effectiveness.
The SmartSubs can be used in four ways depending on your requirements:
1. As a stand-alone unit dedicated solely to reproduction of LFE “point one” channel information
2. With a THIEL PXO5 passive crossover
3. With a combination of passive crossover and LFE connection in a home theater application
4. In true crossover mode reproducing low frequency information redirected to it by an external active crossover
The configuration chosen will determine your required equipment, hookup connections and processor settings. Which system
configuration is best for you depends mainly on the capabilities of your main left/right speakers.
Additional discussion of these options can be found in the section
Crossover Use
. In addition, there is a comprehensive flow chart
for your reference on pages 12 and 13 that guides you through all aspects of system configuration, hookup, and adjustment.
LEFT
RIGHT CENTER L REAR
R REAR
SUB
Right Bal Input
Left Bal Input
L +
L –
R –
R +
INPUT
OUTPUT
Power Amplifier
for main speakers
Preamp or Processor
Left/Right
outputs
Sub
output
Main Left/Right speakers
Subwoofer
1 Sub
2 Subs
LFE Configuration
In this configuration the subwoofer is used only for reproduction of the ‘point one’
subwoofer channel and is driven by the processor’s subwoofer output connected
to the subwoofer’s LFE input. This configuration is a good choice when the main
speakers play sufficiently loudly and their bass is satisfactory for applications other
than movie effects.
Passive Crossover Configuration
This configuration illustrates connections described in option 2 and is the most
common for home theater systems using THIEL main speakers.
Tell the processor the main speakers are large, even if they are not.
LEFT
RIGHT CENTER L REAR
R REAR
SUB
Right Bal Input
Left Bal Input
L +
L –
R –
R +
INPUT
OUTPUT
Power Amplifier
for main speakers
Preamp or Processor
Left/Right
outputs
Main Left/Right speakers
Subwoofer
1 Sub
2 Subs
