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One location or setting will NOT work for all 

installations.  The ideas above are only suggestions.  

Each installation of these products can be different 

and you must figure out what works best for your 

specific room and system.

Input Connections of the Subwoofer

This subwoofer offers several different “input” 

connections allowing it to be compatible with almost all 

A/V equipment. The "line level" or "low level" input 

connection is usually the best choice when connecting 

the subwoofer to a preamp or receiver that has a 

subwoofer output connection. The “speaker level" or 

"high level" inputs are typically used when connecting 

the subwoofer to a preamp or receiver that does not 

have subwoofer outputs.

Low Level Input Connections:

Connect an RCA subwoofer cable from the subwoofer 

output on the preamp or receiver to the left or right low 

level input connection on the rear panel of this 

subwoofer. If you need more subwoofer volume, first 

make sure the volume knob is turned up.  Then, if you 

still need more volume, attach a "Y" adapter cable to 

the subwoofer cable and then to the right and left low 

level input connections on this subwoofer.  This will 

give another 3 to 6 dB of subwoofer output. Using the 

low level input connections requires frequency 

adjustments (40 to 200 Hz) to be made with the 

frequency knob on the back of this subwoofer.

LFE Input Connection:

Before attempting to utilize the LFE input, consult the 

installation manual of your preamp or receiver to 

determine if it is set to LFE output.  This may not be an 

option.  It is usually featured on newer surround sound 

receivers and preamps.  If you proceed, connect an 

RCA subwoofer cable from the subwoofer output on 

the preamp or receiver to the LFE input connection on 

the rear panel of this subwoofer. Using the LFE input 

connection requires frequency adjustments to be made 

in the menu of the preamp or receiver.  The frequency 

knob on the back of this subwoofer is disabled under 

this setup.

Both low level and LFE input connections should be 

made using a good quality RCA subwoofer cable. Try 

to keep this cable as short as possible and also try to 

avoid running it close to other electrical equipment that 

could cause unwanted noise or hum. If the cable is 

being installed inside the wall cavity, make sure the 

subwoofer cable is kept away from electrical wire.

High Level Input Connections:

To connect your subwoofer with your main right and left 

speakers, you will use the high level input connections 

on the back of this subwoofer's panel. Locate the right 

and left primary speaker connections on the back of 

your receiver or amplifier.  Connect four good quality 

speaker cables from these connections to the high 

level inputs on the back of this subwoofer (the black 

and red binding posts).  Then also connect four 

speaker cables from the same connectors on the back 

of your receiver or amplifier to the main right and left 

speakers.  If your receiver has "B” speaker 

connections, you can connect your subwoofer to these 

connections instead. Using the high level input 

connections requires frequency adjustments (40 to 200 

Hz) to be made using the frequency knob on the back 

of this subwoofer.

Adjusting Subwoofer Settings In Your

Receiver/Preamp

Read the instruction manual for your preamp or 

receiver to understand all settings available for 

subwoofer adjustments. Go to the “Setup Menu” in the 

preamp or receiver. Find the section for subwoofer 

adjustments and make sure all the proper settings for 

subwoofer outputs are on and set to the correct level 

for your application. Different receivers and preamps 

will offer different types of features and settings for 

subwoofer output.

Digital home theater equipment dedicates one channel 

to reproduce the special low-frequency information 

contained in digitally encoded soundtracks. Go to the 

menu of your receiver or preamp and verify that the 

subwoofer output is activated.  Having it set this way 

will relieve the amplifier of having to reproduce the 

difficult low bass signals that can drive the receiver into 

audio distortion.

Subwoofer Amplifier Controls

 

After the subwoofer is connected to the 

receiver/preamp and all the settings are complete, it is 

time to adjust the subwoofer amplifier controls.

This series of subwoofers provides a wide range of 

adjustments to optimize its performance in any 

listening area and with any combination of speaker 

systems. These adjustments are located on the back of 

the subwoofer on the amplifier panel.

Volume Knob:

 Adjusts the sound level of the 

subwoofer. This is used to give more or less volume to 

the overall sound of the subwoofer. Also use this 

adjustment to match the volume of the subwoofer to 

other speakers in the system. When turning this up or 

down, it only affects the signal of the subwoofer inputs. 

It will not adjust the volume of your main speakers. A 

good starting point is to set the knob 1/3 of the way up 

(10 o’clock).

Frequency Knob: 

This is a variable filter that controls 

the upper frequencies of the subwoofer. Lava 

Subwoofers use a filter that is continuously variable 

from 40 Hz to 200 Hz. If this is adjusted properly, it will 

help smooth the listening frequencies between the 

subwoofer and the main two speakers. NOTE: This 

must be set properly; please take the time to try 

different settings. Setting the filter too high will cause 

the bass from the main speakers to overlap the bass 

from the subwoofer and will cause a distorted bass 

sound. If the filter is set too low, there will seem to be 

missing frequencies between the bass from the sub 

and the main speakers.

Phase Switch:

 This is used to select the polarity for 

the subwoofer and should be relative to your front 

speakers. It allows for cancellation of bass energy 

caused by the particular listening room or area. To set 

this: while sitting in the main listening seat, listen to a 

recording that has low frequency percussion 

instruments or music with a continuous bass line. Try it 

first in the “0” setting and then listening to the same 

music in the “180” setting. Then set the switch to the 

setting that reproduced the most bass. Furniture, wall 

coverings, and subwoofer location all can affect this 

setting. If any of these elements are changed or added 

to, you will need to go through this process again.

Auto Power On/Off Switch:

 Set the switch to "ON" 

and the subwoofer will automatically turn on when it 

senses any kind of signal from the receiver/preamp. To 

override this feature, set the switch to "OFF" and the 

subwoofer will turn on and off manually with the power 

switch. 

Power Indicator Light: 

When the Auto Power On/Off 

switch is turned to "ON", the power indicator light will 

always be red or green.

Red: standby mode

Green: active and receiving audio signal

Power Switch: 

This turns the AC power to the 

subwoofer either on or off.

Cleaning the Subwoofer

 

All Lava Subwoofers feature lightly textured, durable 

paint finish. When needed, we suggest cleaning with 

a damp cloth with water only. Do not use any kind of 

abrasive cleaners or detergents.

Important Safety Instructions

 

1.

 Follow all instructions and warnings in this manual. 

2.

 Do not use this apparatus near water. 

3.

 Clean only with a damp cloth. 

4.

 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in 

accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 

5.

 Do not install near any heat sources such as 

radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus 

(including amplifiers) that produce heat. 

6.

 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or 

grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades 

with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug 

has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide 

blade of the third prong is provided for your safety. If 

the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult 

an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 

7.

 Protect the power cord from being walked on or 

pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience 

receptacles, and the point where they exit from the 

apparatus.

8.

 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the 

manufacturer. 

9.

 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or 

table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the 

apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when 

moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury 

from tip-over. 

10.

 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or 

when unused for long periods of time. 

11.

 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 

Servicing is required when the apparatus has been 

damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or 

plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects 

have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has 

been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate 

normally, or has been dropped. 

12.

 The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or 

splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as 

vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. 

WARNING:

 To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, 

do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. 

Where the main plug of an appliance coupler is used 

as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall 

remain readily operable. 

WARNING:

 The Class I apparatus shall be connected 

to a main socket outlet with a protective grounded 

connection. 

WARNING:

 The 110-120V~/220-240V~ voltage 

selector must be set to the correct local voltage with 

the proper fuse installed.

Powered Subwoofers LPS08 • LPS10 • LPS12

Instruction Guide and Owner’s Manual

Description

 

Lava Subwoofers were designed and built to provide 

the incredibly powerful low frequency reproduction 

demanded by today's audio/video.  These models 

feature a high-powered amplifier, a coated cellulose 

composite driver, and a sleekly designed cabinet that 

will fit into any room's decor.

 

Lava amplifiers use a special design; with a 

heavy-duty transformer to minimize unwanted heat 

build up, the amps can drive harder and longer. This 

also means very low distortion and powerful 

reproduction of music and theater sound. With this 

kind of efficiency from an amplifier, you’re guaranteed 

to get strong and clean bass at any listening level.

 

The coated cellulose composite drivers incorporate 

large magnets and voice coils which allow for high 

volumes and deep, rolling bass. Every subwoofer 

driver is tested to make sure that it holds up to Lava 

Subwoofer's strict specifications.

 

The cabinet features two large, front-loaded ports 

located below the woofer. Ports this size allow for 

more air to escape the cabinet when the subwoofer is 

playing at high volumes, which provides deeper bass 

and longer life to the subwoofer and amplifier. Since 

the ports are located on the front of the cabinet, the 

subwoofer can be mounted into cabinetry without 

sacrificing any performance. The cabinet also features 

a black vinyl, lightly textured finish, and smoothly 

rounded corners.

INSPECT Your Subwoofer!

 

Now is the time to inspect your subwoofer for any 

damage. When it left our factory, it was inspected to 

make sure it was in perfect condition. If for some 

reason it was damaged in transit to you, please let us 

know right away so corrective action can be taken.

CAUTION: For NO reason should you 

open this subwoofer. This will void the 

warranty!

 

To reduce the risk of electrical shock and fire, do not 

remove the amplifier panel from the back of the 

cabinet or remove the driver from the front of the 

cabinet. All service to this product MUST be done by 

Lava Subwoofers. 

Before installing the subwoofer, please read the 

following instructions: 

• Always turn off the power of your receiver/preamp 

and the powered subwoofer. 

• When turning your amplifier/receiver back on, make 

sure your volume is turned all the way down.

• Never expose this subwoofer to excessive cold, 

heat, humidity or direct sunlight.

• This device should never be used in, on or near 

water due to risk of fatal shock.

• DO NOT attempt to open or dismantle this 

subwoofer.

• These models should always have plenty of air flow 

to reduce the chance of over heating.

Subwoofer Placement

 

This subwoofer is engineered, designed and built to 

reproduce low frequencies at and below 150Hz. 

Frequencies at this level are basically 

omni-directional. This makes it easy to find a good 

place for the sub; however, there are also several 

location options that can either give more or less 

bass. When placed near a wall, you will get louder, 

deeper bass. Placing the subwoofer in a corner will 

produce a high volume of bass output, while near only 

one wall will provide less bass. Placement away from 

any wall may not produce enough bass. Because 

even a slight change of how the unit sits will alter the 

bass output, we suggest trying your subwoofer in 

different locations. This will allow you to hear the 

difference of bass output and decide what is best for 

that particular room and the listener’s preference.

Our suggestion is to place the subwoofer close to the 

pair of speakers it will be matched with. For example, 

if the subwoofer is to reproduce bass from the front 

two channels, then it should be located near the front 

two speakers. If it’s to reproduce bass from the rear 

effect channels, then the sub should be located near 

the rear speakers.built into a

Because Lava Subwoofers are ported from the front, 

they can be built into a wall, into cabinetry etc. 

NOTE:

 

Even though they are ported from the front, the amp 

panel is still located on the back of the subwoofer 

cabinet. Proper ventilation is needed for the amp to 

"breathe". If the subwoofer will be “built-in”, make sure 

there is enough space in the area behind it for proper 

air flow. Otherwise, you could overheat and damage 

the sub amplifier.

One more NOTE:

 Because of the acoustics of the 

sub installed into an enclosed area, we also suggest 

using some kind of sound dampening material in the 

space. This will prevent a hollow “boomy” sound 

coming from the area behind the subwoofer.

Summary of Contents for LPS08

Page 1: ...rn off the power of your receiver preamp and the powered subwoofer When turning your amplifier receiver back on make sure your volume is turned all the way down Never expose this subwoofer to excessive cold heat humidity or direct sunlight This device should never be used in on or near water due to risk of fatal shock DO NOT attempt to open or dismantle this subwoofer These models should always ha...

Page 2: ... of the preamp or receiver The frequency knob on the back of this subwoofer is disabled under this setup Both low level and LFE input connections should be made using a good quality RCA subwoofer cable Try to keep this cable as short as possible and also try to avoid running it close to other electrical equipment that could cause unwanted noise or hum If the cable is being installed inside the wal...

Page 3: ...eceiver preamp To override this feature set the switch to OFF and the subwoofer will turn on and off manually with the power switch Power Indicator Light When the Auto Power On Off switch is turned to ON the power indicator light will always be red or green Red standby mode Green active and receiving audio signal Power Switch This turns the AC power to the subwoofer either on or off Cleaning the S...

Page 4: ...tinuously variable low pass 40 200 Hz continuously variable low pass Inputs Line level RCA speaker level Line level RCA speaker level Line level RCA speaker level Cabinet Dimensions 15 379 mm H including feet 11 1 2 290 mm W 13 330 mm D including grill and amp 16 7 8 429 mm H including feet 12 1 4 312 mm W 14 7 8 376 mm D including grill and amp 18 7 8 479 mm H including feet 13 3 4 350 mm W 16 3 ...

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