Acoustech Elite Series User manual

SPECIFICATIONS
Acoustech
OWNER’S MANUAL
Model PL-300
12˝ Subwoofer
Designed for Home Theater & Music
www.bicamerica.com
• Choose your Bass Preference!
Set your PL-300 to “BASS BOOST” to enjoy
exciting room-shaking bass down to 15Hz
or set it to “MAX OUTPUT” to experience the
loudest audible levels of bass down to 20Hz!
• Design: Front-firing 12″ powered subwoofer
with Tri-Tuned flared front ports and port plug.
• Power: Built-in State-of-the-Art BASH
Amplifier, 1400 Watts Dynamic Peak Output,
350 Watts RMS Continuous
• AMPLIFIER FEATURES: “BASS BOOST”
Feature, “MAX OUTPUT” Feature, adjustable
crossover (by-passable when using a digital
receiver), volume control, phase switch, auto
On/Off with LED indicator, automatic signal
sensing, Dolby Pro Logic & Dolby Digital/DTS
LFE Sub Inputs and voltage switch.
• Frequency Response: 15Hz - 200Hz
(+/- 3db)
• Driver: Custom Designed Heavy Duty Long
Throw 12˝ poly-injected woofer with high
power magnet and high excursion surround.
• Cabinet: Internally braced vibration-free
MDF wood-grain cabinet with hand-rubbed
black lacquer top and bottom.
• Designed & Engineered in the U.S. for both
Home Theater & Music Applications
• Dimensions: 18˝H x 151/4˝W x 183/4˝D
• Shipping Weight: 48 lbs. (21.8 kg.)

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intend-
ed to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l’intérieur d’un triangle équilatéral
est utilisé pour alerter l’utilisateur de la presence à l’intérieur du coffret de “volt-
age dangereux” non isolé d’ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d’éléc-
trocution.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instruc-
tions in the literature accompanying the product.
Le point d’exclamation à l’intérieur d’un triangle équilatéral est employé pour
alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d’instructions importantes pour le
fonctionnement et l’entretien (service) dans le livret d’instruction
accompagnant l’appareil.
NO USER SERVICEABLE
PARTS ARE INSIDE.
1. Read Instructions – Read all the
safety and operation instructions before
operating the PL-300.
2. Retain Instructions – Keep the
safety and operating instructions for future
reference.
3. Heed Warnings – Follow all warnings
on the subwoofer and in these operating
instructions.
4. Follow Instructions – Follow all
operating and other instructions.
5. Water and Moisture – Do not use the
subwoofer near water – for example, near a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub,
in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.
6. Heat –Locate the subwoofer away
from heat sources such as radiators, or
other devices that produce heat.
7. Power Sources – Connect the unit
only to a power supply of the type described
in these operation instructions or as marked
on the subwoofer and amp.
8. Power Cord Protection – Route
power supply cords so that they are not
likely to be walked upon or pinched by
items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit the subwoofer.
.
9. Object and Liquid Entry –Do not
drop objects or spill liquids into the inside
of the subwoofer.
10. Damage Requiring Service –
Subwoofer should be serviced only by
qualified service personnel when:
A Sub’s amp power-supply cord or the
plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has
spilled into the subwoofer; or
C. Subwoofer has been exposed to rain; or
D. Subwoofer does not appear to operate
or exhibits a marked change in
performance; or
E. The subwoofer has been dropped, or
its chassis damaged.
11. Servicing – Do not attempt to
service the subwoofer beyond those means
described in this operating manual. For
information regarding other service,
please call B.I.C Service at 877-558-4242.
12. To prevent electric shock, do not
use the subwoofer’s polarized plug with
an extension cord, receptacle or other
outlet unless the blades can be fully
inserted to prevent blade exposure.
Pour préevenir les chocs électriques ne
pas utiliser cette fiche polariseé avec un
prolongateur, un prise de courant ou une
autre sortie de courant, sauf si les lames
peuvent être insérées à fond sans laisser
13. Grounding or Polarization – Do not
disable the grounding or polarization of the
subwoofer.
14. Internal/External Voltage
Selectors – Internal or external line voltage
selector switches, if any, should only be
reset and re-equipped with a proper plug
for alternate voltage by a qualified service
technician.
This apparatus does not exceed the Class
A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for
radio noise emissions from digital apparatus
as set out in radio interference regulations of
the Canadian Department of Communications.
ATTENTION — Le présent appareil
numérique n’émet pas de bruits radio-
électriques dépassant las limites applicables
aux appareils numériques de class A/de class
B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le règlement
sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par
les ministere des communications du Canada.
WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire
or electric shock, do not expose this
component to rain or moisture.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
PL-300 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SPECIFICATIONS………….1, 9
UNPACKING…………………..3
PLACEMENT…………………....3
AMPLIFIER PANEL……..….4, 5
7.2 SYSTEM DIAGRAM….…...6
CONNECTION STEPS...….…..7
INITIAL LISTENING TEST....8
BASS BOOST SWITCH..........9
PORT PLUG..........................9
TROUBLESHOOTING….10, 11
REPAIR………………………..12
WARRANTY…………………..12
aucune pariie à découvert.
2

Congratulations on your purchase of a P -300 powered subwoofer. It will give your stereo system unparalleled low frequency output!
Bass frequencies are critical to realistic sound reproduction. After you’ve hooked up your P -300, you will discover just how much
punch and depth you’ve been missing. No matter what kind of music or videos you listen to… whether you listen to them loud or soft,
you will experience sound that is richer and fuller. Bass guitar and string bass will have more impact. You will be able to FEE as well
as hear percussion – just the way you would at a live performance. If you have an audio/video system, movies will come alive with
thunderous sound effects that were never possible without the P -300.
This manual will take you step-by-step through the setup and operating process of your P -300. Reading this manual carefully will
ensure you get maximum performance from your P -300.
UNPAC ING
Remove the P -300 carefully from its carton to prevent any scuffing or scratching. Take a moment to inspect for any shipping damage.
If you discover shipping damage, please contact your dealer and the shipping company immediately.
Please make sure to keep your sales receipt, it will establish the duration of your warranty.
PLACEMENT
Placement is extremely important because it dramatically affects the bass quality. An optimally placed subwoofer is much more pow-
erful and nice sounding than a poorly placed one. Three factors need to be considered:
1) Distance from your main speakers – The best placement for your subwoofer is on the same wall as the main speakers. How-
ever, if you are not able to place your subwoofer on the same wall as your main speakers, avoid placing the subwoofer halfway be-
tween the front and back walls. This is where you get a strong null from your room’s standing waves. No matter how powerful the
subwoofer is, there will not be as much bass around the center of the room.
2) Distance from a wall outlet – Since the subwoofer requires AC power, it must be placed within 10 feet of a wall outlet. We
don’t recommend extending that range with an extension cord.
3) Positioning and Proximity to walls and corners – Physical placement of the subwoofer will have a definite impact on the
frequency response and the perceived amount of subwoofer bass output. Because low frequencies have long wavelengths, they are
influenced by proximity to a boundary such as a wall or floor.
(See Drawing A below) When you place the subwoofer well away from a wall, it will produce bass at a certain level. Move the
subwoofer close to the wall, it will produce more output (about 3dB more). Putting the subwoofer in a corner will increase output
another 3dB (6dB more than when placed away from walls and corners). The main thing to remember is you can place your subwoofer
in many areas of your room dependent on how much bass you want. If you like a lot of heavy bass, put the subwoofer into a corner.
If you like smoother, less obvious bass, move the subwoofer out into the room.
Since low bass waves are very large (up to sixty feet or more across!), they tend to cancel and reinforce each other, causing places
in the room where there are lots of bass and other places where there isn’t very much bass at all. To locate the best place in your
room to put your subwoofer, you can use a technique called the “subwoofer crawl”. First place the subwoofer where you will be
sitting (ex. couch or chair) in your listening area. Turn on music with steady/constant bass and walk around the room at/near knee
level until you find the place where the bass sounds most accurate and balanced. This is where the subwoofer should be placed.
3
DRAWING A - Subwoofer placement

4
2) Volume
Control
5) Crossover
Frequency
Control
1) Sub Cable
Input
3) Phase
Switch
4) Bass Boost
Switch
6) Power
Indicator
LED Light
7) Power
Auto-On/Off
Switch
8) Crossover
fromDigital
Receiver
or Sub
Switch
11) Input
Voltage
Switch
10) Power Input 9) Removable Fuse Holder
120V (U.S.A.): Use a 5 Amp, 250-volt, 5 x 20mm slow-blow fuse.
240V: Use a 2.5 Amp, 250-volt, 5 x 20mm slow-blow fuse.
PL-300 AMPLIFIER PANEL
DRAWING B - Amp Rear Panel

5
PL-300 AMPLIFIER PANEL
1. SUB CABLE INPUT – This jack is used to connect your subwoofer to your audio receiver or controller with
a subwoofer cable.
2. VOLUME CONTROL – Rotating this knob clockwise increases the output level of the subwoofer. To start
out, make sure that the VO UME is turned all the way down (fully counterclockwise). Then, slowly adjust the
volume to blend with the other speakers in your system. Care should be taken not to overdrive the subwoofer
to the point of audible distortion.
3. PHASE SWITCH – This switch is used to set the subwoofer’s phase to either normal “0°” or reverse “180°”
(out of) phase. The physical location of your subwoofer and main speakers determines the phase setting that
will sound best at your main listening position. Once you determine the placement of the subwoofer, you will
need to try both positions of this switch to determine which setting sounds better in your room. If this requires
using the “180°” mode, don’t worry, there is nothing “abnormal” about it.
4. BASS BOOST SWITCH – In designing subwoofers engineers have a choice between 1. Maximizing Output
(i.e the loudest a subwoofer will play) or 2. Maximizing the lowest bass frequency a subwoofer can deliver.
The P -300 gives you, the listener, your choice with this Switch. In the BASS BOOST Mode the P -300 will
deliver all frequencies from 15 Hz to 200 Hz +/- 3dB at impressively loud levels. Frequencies below 20Hz are
felt not heard. In the MAX OUTPUT mode the P -300 will deliver even louder levels for all frequencies from
about 20Hz to 200 Hz, the lowest audible frequencies. Experiment to see which works best for you. For best
performance in the MAX OUTPUT mode, remove the PORT PLUG from the center port.
5. CROSSOVER FREQUENCY CONTROL – If you are connecting your subwoofer to a Dolby Digital type
receiver which has a low level SUBWOOFER or FE output that requires a subwoofer cable for connection,
you will adjust and set your subwoofer crossover through your receiver, not by using this control on the back
of the subwoofer. Please check your receiver owner’s manual for instructions on adjusting the crossover. Make
sure to go to the SPEAKER SET-UP or BASS MANAGEMENT menu and set the subwoofer to ON or YES to enable
the sub to play.
In the majority of all cases you will adjust and set the crossover from your audio receiver. However, if you are
using an older Dolby Prologic receiver or controller that has a “SUB OUT” but is not Digital, you will use this
control to set you crossover from the subwoofer. This crossover control determines what lower part of the
frequency spectrum will be reproduced by the subwoofer and what higher frequencies will be handled by your
main speakers. Rotating the knob sets the point where all lower frequencies will be handled by the subwoofer
and all higher frequencies will be routed to your main stereo speakers. In most cases, setting the crossover to
the 90 Hz setting on the control will yield the best results.
6. POWER INDICATOR LED – When the subwoofer is ON, this ED light will be green. When the subwoofer is in
the AUTO/STANDBY mode, this light will be green when playing and red when in STANDBY. When the subwoofer
is OFF, the light will be red.
7. POWER/AUTO ON/OFF SWITCH – This toggle switch turns the subwoofer on and off. When the switch is in
the OFF position, the subwoofer will not play. When the switch is in the ON position, the subwoofer will stay on at
all times. When the switch is in the AUTO position, the subwoofer will automatically come on when bass frequencies
are fed to it. Then after around 15-20 minutes after you stop playing music, the subwoofer will automatically
go into STANDBY mode until more bass frequencies are fed to it. STANDBY mode uses very little electricity.
8. CROSSOVER FROM DIGITAL RECEIVER OR SUB SWITCH – If you are using a Dolby Digital receiver
which has a low level SUBWOOFER or FE output that requires a subwoofer cable for connection, set this
switch to “FROM DIGITA RECEIVER” so you can adjust your subwoofer crossover through your receiver. If
your receiver is not DIGITA (example: older Dolby Pro ogic receiver), set this switch to “FROM SUB” so you
can adjust your crossover through your subwoofer.
9. REMOVABLE FUSE HOLDER – By pushing in and turning counter-clockwise, you can remove and replace
the fuse. Use only the correctly rated 5 x 20 mm, 2.5 amp 250-volt slow-blow replacement fuses.
10. POWER INPUT – This connector is the AC power “in” for the power cord which is supplied with your P -300.
If your country uses a different power cord, get one locally.
11. INPUT VOLTAGE SWITCH – This switch is used to set the input voltage to 120VAC or 240VAC. Customers
in the U.S.A. and Canada will set this switch to 120VAC. Customers in Europe and many other countries will set
this switch to 240VAC. Make sure to change the fuse to the correctly rated value when changing the voltage.

6

SUBWOOFER CONNECTION
Connecting to Receivers with a SUBWOOFER or LFE Output Jack
To connect your subwoofer to your audio receiver or controller you will need a mono interconnect cable with a male RCA jack on both
ends. This can be purchased at the majority of electronics and audio stores. Make sure the length of your cable is long enough to
reach from your receiver to your subwoofer location. The cable should lie flat with a little bit of slack to give some placement flexibility.
WIRELESS HOO UP –If you prefer a wireless connection rather than using a subwoofer cable, you can connect your P -300
wirelessly to your digital receiver with a wireless BIC WTR-SYS kit. You can also extend your bass and add more wireless P -300
or BIC subwoofers to your system with the purchase of wireless BIC W-Receivers. Set your additional W-Receiver(s) to the same
wireless WTR-SYS channel that your first P -300 subwoofer is set on. Enjoy 5.2 sound from a 5.1 receiver, 7.3 sound from a 7.1
receiver or 9.4 sound from a 9.1 receiver! Or, play what’s running in your living room, basement or great room in any other area
of your home. Please contact BIC sales at 877-558-4242, ext. #1 for more information.
HOO UP STEPS
Please Note: The P -300 is not compatible with audio
receivers that do not have a low level subwoofer or FE
output. If your receiver or controller does not have a
“SUB OUT”, please refer to BIC subwoofers that have
HIGH- EVE INPUTS.
1. IMPORTANT: Make sure that A stereo system
components including the subwoofer are turned OFF
before proceeding.
2. ocate the SUBWOOFER or FE output connector on
the rear of your receiver or controller and connect one
end of the RCA subwoofer cable to it.
3. Route the cable to the subwoofer location (trying to
minimize areas where it may be stepped on). Connect
the other end of the cable directly to the “SUB IN”
(#1).
4. Connect the included power cord to the POWER
INPUT (#6) on the back of your P -300. Then connect
its plug to an AC outlet ONLY. Since your P -300
draws a moderately high amount of current, we do not
recommend plugging it into a “convenience” outlet
(switched or unswitched) found on the back of re-
ceivers and other stereo components. If your country
uses a different power cord for 240VAC, get one locally.
If using 240VAC, you will also need to set the VOLT-
AGE SWITCH (#7) to 240VAC.
5. Set the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY SWITCH (#4)
to the “FROM DIGITA RECEIVER” position when using
Dolby Digital, DTS, THX and Bass Management equipped
receivers. This will enable you to set the crossover from
your receiver, not through the CROSSOVER FRE-
QUENCY CONTROL (#2) on the back of the sub-
woofer. Refer to your receiver’s owner manual for
instructions on how to set your crossover. Make sure the
“SUBWOOFER ON” setting is set in your receiver. Other-
wise, the receiver will not send signals to the subwoofer
resulting in no sound.
If your receiver is not DIGITA (Ex: older Dolby Pro ogic
receiver), set the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY SWITCH
(#4) to “FROM SUB” to adjust your crossover through
your sub. See Page 5, #5 for more instructions.
6. Set the PHASE SWITCH (#2) to 0°. You will later
need to follow instructions on Page 5, #3 for room settings.
7. You are now ready to turn your POWER SWITCH(#5) on and enjoy the deep bass you have been waiting for. You can learn
more about the “AUTO” feature on this switch on Page 5, #7.
8. See Page 8 for “Initial istening Test”.
FRONT
SPEAKERS
RIGHT LEFT
REAR
SPEAKERS
RIGHT LEFT
CENTER
SPEAKERS
RIGHT LEFT
SUBWOOFER
OR LFE
OUT
6) Power
Input
Back of Audio Receiver
3) Crossover
Frequency
Control
2) Phase
Switch
5) Power
Switch
4) Crossover
Frequency
Switch
7) Voltage
Switch
1) SUB IN
PL-300 Connection with a Sub or LFE Output Jack
7

8
INITIAL LISTENING TEST
It’s now time to test the P -300 subwoofer in your listening environment.
1. Before turning your stereo system and subwoofer on, double-check all connections.
2. Turn the volume controls on both the subwoofer and your audio receiver all the way down (fully counterclockwise)
and check that the PHASE SWITCH is set to 0° and CROSSOVER FROM DIGITAL RECEIVER OR SUB SWITCH
is set to the proper setting (see Page 5, #8 and 8b below).
3. Turn your stereo system and then subwoofer to the ON position by using the POWER AUTO-ON/OFF SWITCH.
(See details on Page 5, #7 regarding AUTO position after performing the “Initial istening Test”).
4. Confirm that the subwoofer’s green POWER INDICATOR LED is glowing. If it isn’t, check the power connections
between the subwoofer and the wall outlet.
5. Play a musical selection that you are familiar with. Pick a song that has regular low bass beats. Advance the audio
receiver’s volume control up to a normal listening level. If you don’t hear sound through your main speakers, turn off
the system and check connections. Also consult the Troubleshooting Guide on pages 10 and 11.
6. If sound is coming out of your main speakers, slowly turn the sub amp’s VOLUME CONTROL clockwise until you
hear noticeable additional bass. If you don’t hear bass by the time you have advanced the subwoofer’s VOLUME CON-
TROL halfway, turn off the system and check connections. Also consult the Troubleshooting Guide on pages 10 and 11.
7. Adjust the sub amp’s VOLUME CONTROL until you are satisfied with the amount of bass (care should be taken not
to overdrive the subwoofer to the point of audible distortion). You may want to try several different movies, compact
discs or DVDs while determining how high to adjust the volume. The amount of bass will vary from disc to disc and be-
tween different types of music.
8. Now that you have adjusted the output level of bass through the volume, it’s time to work on the quality of the bass
by experimenting with subwoofer placement in your room and adjusting the CROSSOVER and PHASE SWITCHES.
a. Subwoofer Placement (Also See Page 3 “Placement”) – Subwoofer placement is extremely important because
it dramatically affects the bass quality. An optimally placed subwoofer is much more powerful and nice sounding than
a poorly placed one. While playing music, move the subwoofer around, in and out of corners, closer and farther from
the wall, etc. – as much as the power cord or other connections will allow to determine the best placement. You may
also want to try the “subwoofer crawl” technique found in the last paragraph of “Placement”, Page 3.
b. Crossover – If you are connecting your subwoofer to a Dolby Digital type receiver which has a low level SUBWOOFER
or FE output that requires a subwoofer cable for connection, you will adjust and set your subwoofer crossover through
your receiver, not by using the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY CONTROL on the back of the subwoofer. Set the
CROSSOVER SWITCH to “FROM DIGITAL RECEIVER” and check your receiver owner’s manual for instructions
on adjusting the crossover. Make sure to go to the “SPEA ER SET-UP” or “BASS MANAGEMENT” menu and set
the subwoofer to “ON” or “YES” to enable the sub to play.
If your receiver is not digital (EX: older Dolby Pro ogic receiver), you will use the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY CON-
TROL on the back of your subwoofer to set your crossover from your subwoofer by setting the CROSSOVER SWITCH
to “FROM SUB”. Change the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY CONTROL to higher and lower settings. If the crossover
frequency is set too high, you’ll start to hear low midrange (voices and instruments) through it. This will negatively
affect the stereo imaging of your main speakers. If this occurs, lower the crossover frequency setting until you hear
only bass from the subwoofer. If the crossover frequency is set too low, you simply won’t get much output from the
subwoofer. In most cases, setting the crossover to the 90Hz setting on the control yields the best results.
c. PHASE SWITCH – Have someone change the PHASE SWITCH back and forth from 0º to 180º while you sit in
the main listening position. eave the switch in the position where bass sounds most accurate and balanced.
9. After you are satisfied with the output of your subwoofer, you can make all your volume settings through your
receiver’s volume control. The only time you might want to re-adjust the subwoofer amp’s VOLUME CONTROL
is when you encounter a musical selection that has abnormally low – or high – bass.

9
BASS BOOST SWITCH, TRI-TUNED PORTS AND PORT PLUG
Enjoy Room-Shaking Bass the way YOU want it!
In designing subwoofers, engineers must choose between the tradeoff of 1. Maximizing Output (i.e., the loudest
a subwoofer will play) or 2. Maximizing the lowest bass frequency a subwoofer can deliver. Traditionally, the sub-
woofer engineer decides which tradeoff he or she thinks is best for the consumer. But the top-of-the-line Elite
Series Acoustech P -300 subwoofer includes a “BASS BOOST” switch, “MAX OUTPUT” switch, Tri-Tuned triple ports
and a port plug to allow you, the listener, to choose your bass preference. Enjoy exciting room-shaking bass below
20Hz (lowest audible threshold) you can only feel or set your P -300 to “MAX OUTPUT” for the loudest levels of
bass! The P -300 provides full range balanced tight bass as well as excellent transient response providing clear,
precise detail to perfectly match up with your other speakers which handle the midrange and treble. Until now,
this state-of-the-art level of performance was limited only to far more expensive subwoofers!
In the “BASS BOOST” mode with the center plug inserted, the P -300 will deliver all frequencies from 15Hz to
200Hz (+/- 3dB) at impressively loud levels including frequencies below 20Hz which are felt, not heard. In the
“MAX OUTPUT” mode, the P -300 will deliver even louder levels of bass for all audible frequencies from about
20Hz to 200Hz. Experiment to see which works best for you. For best performance in the “MAX OUTPUT” mode,
remove the PORT P UG from the center port.
Frequency Response with plug in center port and BASS BOOST: 15Hz – 200Hz (+/- 3db)
Frequency Response with plug in center port at MAX OUTPUT: 20Hz – 200Hz (+/- 3db)
Frequency Response with unsealed ports and BASS BOOST: 17Hz – 200Hz (+/- 3db)
Frequency Response with unsealed ports at MAX OUTPUT: 24Hz – 200Hz (+/- 3db)
WHY TWO SUBWOOFERS ARE BETTER THAN ONE SUBWOOFER
Two or more subwoofers will naturally outperform a single subwoofer. The advantages of 2 or more subwoofers are:
• The ability to play louder with a greater dynamic range.
• More consistent bass throughout the room due to bass coming from more than one location.
• Even with careful placement, a single subwoofer will not have an optimal frequency response at all listening
positions in the room. Adding more subwoofers will result in a smoother frequency response at more listening
positions in the room, with less potential for peaks and nulls in the frequency response.
• Multiple subwoofers also help in reducing low-frequency distortion and offer improved dynamics over a single
subwoofer. This is a simple function of having more radiating area, plus more power on tap. Each subwoofer
works less hard for a given output level, staying comfortably in its linear operating range.
• ess work for each subwoofer resulting in a longer lifespan.
Two subs are better than one. You will also realize noticeable, audible improvements as you add a third or fourth
subwoofer, with diminishing returns after four have been well-placed and calibrated in the room. But, the step
of upgrading from one to two subwoofers will deliver the most significant performance increase. Once you have
experienced the benefits of multiple subwoofers, you will never want to go back!

10
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
If you are having a problem with your subwoofer, please read through this “Trouble Shooting Guide”. Many times problems
are actually caused by other items in the system or the subwoofer’s interaction with those items. These problems can easily
be resolved with this guide.
Problem Cause Solution
You have a Ground oop or prob-
lem with other equipment. This
causes the vast majority of hum
related complaints. The electrical
grounds of the components in
your system are not at the same
electrical potential.
A very common ground loop source is cable TV or satel-
lite cabling. Very few installers take the time to ground
the cable to the house ground, causing a 60 Hz hum that
the subwoofer reproduces. Disconnect the coaxial cable
from your TV or cable box. If the hum goes away, the
cable is the cause. In that case contact your cable com-
pany or get an inexpensive 75 ohm ground loop isolator
on line or at a local electronics store. Ground loops can
also come from faulty electrical wiring in your home.
Consult a licensed electrician to evaluate and possibly re-
pair the AC wiring in your home.
• It is possible that some cables have a poor or broken
ground due to poor construction, oxidation, or damage.
Also, poorly shielded cables can potentially pick up noise.
Try another cable or speaker wire. Also, move the signal
cable away from AC cables, power transformers, or other
EMI sources.
You have an amplifier problem. • Disconnect all interconnects from the amplifier. If still
hums, call or email technical support.
A light dimmer or other triac
based (SRC) device is on the
same AC circuit.
Your speaker wires or intercon-
nects are the cause.
• Use an AC line filter or plug the unit into a different cir-
cuit.
• The unit is going into STANDBY mode during the quiet
passages. Try turning the source signal up. On a Dolby
Digital receiver, turn the SUBWOOFER level up in the
SPEAKER SET-UP menu. After you turn the signal up, turn
down the volume knob on the subwoofer to compensate.
• An alternative is to turn the subwoofer ON/AUTO/OFF
switch to the ON position. When playing, it does not use
any more power and does not affect reliability.
• Check to see if the crossover through the receiver is set
too low, or if setting crossover from the sub, check to see
if the crossover set through the sub is set too low. This
will greatly reduce the signal going to the sub and hence
make it go into STAND BY MODE.
The source is not providing
enough signal.
Noise is being generated by
upstream equipment.
• When you shut down your equipment, turn off the sub-
woofer first. When powering up, turn on the subwoofer
last.
1) HUMMING
OR BUZZING
NOISE
3) Subwoofer
goes into
STANDBY
MODE while
material is
playing.
2) Subwoofer
thumps when
the system is
being turned
on and off.

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Problem Cause Solution
AC power is not getting to the am-
plifier.
• Unplug your subwoofer. Unscrew the outer screws on the back
of the sub amp. Wiggle the amp out and make sure both (+)
and (-) leads from the amp are securely connected to the (+)
and (-) leads on the woofer. If not, this will solve the problem.
5) NO OUTPUT
FROM SUB
LED LIGHTS
UP GREEN with
Power Switch
set to AUTO
4) NO OUTPUT
FROM SUB
LED DOES NOT
LIGHT UP
6) NO OUTPUT
FROM SUB
LED LIGHTS
UP RED with
Power Switch
set to AUTO
7) LOW BASS
OUTPUT from
SUB
Fuse is blown or subwoofer
amplifier is not working.
Connection between 12” woofer
and sub amplifier is loose or not
connected.
12” woofer or sub amplifier is
faulty.
The subwoofer is not receiving a
signal.
Subwoofer amplifier may not
be not working. See solution to
troubleshoot.
Volume level on subwoofer or
receiver’s subwoofer output is too
low.
Subwoofer is not placed correctly.
• Determine whether the woofer or amplifier is
defective.
Unplug your subwoofer. Unscrew the outer screws around
the woofer. Take the 12˝ woofer out of the cabinet and perform
one of the testing steps below:
1) Touch the woofer’s (+) and (-) terminals to the (+) and (-)
terminals on a 9-volt battery. If you hear a popping noise, the
woofer is good and the amp needs repair. If you do not hear a
popping noise, the woofer is bad.
2) Touch the woofer’s (+) and (-) terminals to the (+) and
(-) leads of a speaker wire connected to a main channel of your
receiver. If the woofer plays fine, then the amp needs repair. If
it does not play, then the woofer is bad.
• Make sure the switch on the back of the sub is in the “ON”
position.
• Check that you are using the correct power cord and that it is
plugged in securely at both ends. Make sure that the AC outlet
the subwoofer is plugged into is working. Try another power cord.
• If you have determined you are using the correct power cord,
it is plugged in securely at both ends, and your AC outlet has
power but the ED is still not lighting up, check your fuse (see
#9, Page 5). If this does not correct the problem, your amplifier
needs service. Please contact BIC Tech Support.
• Set the subwoofer level to a minimum. Use a different RCA
cable to hook the sub to a DVD players analog output or to an
MP3 player. Play some music and slowly turn the volume up on
the sub. If the sub plays, then the sub is fine and the problem
lies either in the subwoofer cable, the setting on the receiver,
or you have connected to the wrong jack on the receiver. If still
no sound, contact BIC Tech Support.
Increase the volume control located on the back of the sub-
woofer and the subwoofer level or FE level on the receiver or
other source. It is best to set the level of the subwoofer relative
to the other speakers.
For BIC tech support, please call 877-558-4242, ext. #2 or email [e-mail].
See “Placement” Page 3 of this manual.
• Make sure your digital receiver is set to “SUB ON”. Go to the
SPEAKER SET-UP or BASS MANAGEMENT menu and set the sub-
woofer to ON or YES to enable the sub to play.
• Recheck the connections between the receiver and the sub-
woofer.

CARING FOR YOUR PL-300
The P -300 enclosure is finished in a very high quality
polymer laminate and hand-rubbed lacquer covering
that is both attractive and excellent protection for the
wood cabinet. To remove dirt or fingerprints use a damp,
soft cloth. You may also use high-quality furniture polish
on the wood laminate to maintain the original luster.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
We suggest that you read the IMITED WARRANTY
completely to fully understand your warranty/service
coverage. Be sure to save the sales receipt in a
safe place. It will be necessary for warranty
service.
If you believe your P -300 requires service, please first
check the “Troubleshooting Guide” on page 10 and 11
of this manual. Many times problems are actually caused
by other items in the system or the subwoofers interac-
tion with those items. If you require service, please con-
tact us at 877-558-4242, ext. 2. Our techs will then
assist in determining what part requires service and we
will, at our option, repair or replace the defective part.
PL-300 Powered Subwoofer
Limited Warranty
If the P -300 proves to be defective in materials or
workmanship within eight years (five years amplifier)
from the date of the original customer’s purchase, we
will, at our option, repair or replace the defective part.
*DISCLAIMER THE WARRANTY STATED HERE-IN IS
IN IEU OF A OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IM-
P IED, INC UDING MERCHANTABI ITY AND FITNESS
FOR PARTICU AR PURPOSE AND A OTHER IABI I-
TIES AND OB IGATIONS OF B.I.C AMERICA, A OF
WHICH ARE EXPRESS Y DISC AIMED. B.I.C AMERICA
HAS NOT MADE AND DOES NOT HEREBY MAKE ANY
OTHER REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY OR COVENANT
WITH RESPECT TO THE CONDITION, QUA ITY, DURA-
BI ITY, DESIGN, OPERATION, CAPACITY, FITNESS
FOR USE OR SUITABI ITY OF THE B.I.C E ECTRONIC
PRODUCT.
© 2020 B.I.C America
B.I.C America
15335 Don Julian Road
City of Industry, CA 91745
1-877-558-4242 (4BIC)
www.bicamerica.com
Exclusion of Certain Damages
B.I.C America’s liability for any defective product is
limited to repair or replacement of the product at our
option. B.I.C America shall not be liable for incidental
or consequential damages of any kind or character be-
cause of product defects. Some states do not allow lim-
itations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitations and
exclusions may not apply.
This Warranty Does Not Cover:
• Damage caused by abuse, accident, misuse,
negligence, or improper operation.
• Products that have been altered or modified.
• Any product whose serial number has been altered,
defaced, or removed.
• Normal wear and maintenance.
• Damages caused by shipping. (All claims for shipping
damage must be made with the carrier.)
• Sustained cosmetic damages.
Warranty Service
Warranty service must be performed by a B.I.C author-
ized service center. All warranty repairs must be
accompanied by the original bill of sale and a
B.I.C warranty claim form. No other documents are
acceptable or required. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
Due to our continual efforts to improve product quality as new
technology and techniques become available, B.I.C America re-
serves the right to revise its Speaker Systems specifications
without notice.
12