KV2 Audio EX2.5 User manual

The future of sound.
Made perfectly clear.
At KV2 Audio our vision is to constantly develop
technologies that eliminate distortion and
loss of information providing a true dynamic
representation of the source.
Our aim is to create audio products that absorb
you, place you within the performance and deliver
a listening experience beyond expectation.
EX2.5
User Guide

EX2.5 USER GUIDE P. 2
CONTENTS
USER GUIDE 1
CONTENTS 2
INTRODUCTION 3
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL 3
Icons used include 3
Introducing the EX2.5 3
Electronics 3
Acoustic Components 4
Enclosure Design 4
APPLICATIONS 4
AC POWER REQUIREMENTS 4
AC POWER 4
Voltage Requirements 4
The Power Connector 5
Current Requirements 5
AC Cable Color Coding 5
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 6
SAFETY SUMMARY 6
EX1.8 CONTROL PANEL 7
REAR CONTROL PANEL 7
Audio Input and Output 7
Ampliers and Acoustic Filters 8
LED Status Lights 8
Power On / Thermal LED 8
Signal 8
Limiter 8
Phase Switch 8
Level Control 8
EX2.5 DRAWING 9
EX2.5 SPECIFICATIONS 10
EX2.5 ACCESSORIES 11
EX2.5 SUGGESTED SYSTEMS 11

Icons used include:
EX2.5 USER GUIDE P. 3
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
As you read this manual, you’ll nd gures and
diagrams to help you understand and visualize what
you’re reading. You’ll also nd numerous icons that
serve as cues to ag important information or warn
you against improper or potentially harmful activities.
The EX2.5 can be used in a variety of system applica-
tions. It can add high performance bass reproduction
to active speaker systems such as KV2 Audio’s EX12
loudspeaker, or it can be easily used with passive
speaker systems. The built in electronic high pass lter,
phase and independent output level controls provide
high precision, easy to use system integration circuitry.
Electronics
Amplier power, electronic crossovers, equalization,
phase alignment and speaker protection are integrated
into the EX2.5’s amplier module.
On-board electronics ensures fast, easy set up and
complete control making it easy to set up and provides
long-term reliability. An improved version of KV2
Audio’s switch mode, current enhancing low frequency
amplier increases overall system eciency to over
90% and delivers 1000 watts of continuous power.
KV2 Audio has developed an amplier topology that
possesses two unique characteristics that are critically
important for high performance, active subwoofer
systems. The EX2.5 amplier topology delivers very
high eciency and generates minimal thermal losses
allowing the amplier to deliver extremely high power
levels reliably whilst employing a simple cooling
system.
Secondly, in order to reproduce low frequency infor-
mation with high transient content and extend the
operational boundaries of the acoustic design, the
amplier needs to deliver an extraordinary amount of
current in order to keep the woofer’s high mass under
control. This is especially true under typical “phase
shift” conditions, in which the amount of the current
requirement is sometimes doubled. Through the
implementation of a proprietary, switch mode ampli-
er technology, the EX2.5 amplier provides extremely
high eciency with low losses and delivers the highest
woofer control by delivering higher current levels
under “phase shift” conditions.
The new conguration improves overall system
eciency and increases output allowing passive
radiation of heat to take place through a unique
“n-less” heat sink that can be placed in any position or
direction.
Additionally, the EX2.5 amplier unit contains an
internally located electric fan that is operated by a
temperature sensing circuit which will slowly bring the
fan online as required.
Introducing the EX2.5 MkII
The EX2.5 is a high output, double 15” active
subwoofer system. It is the ‘active’ brother of the ES2.6
passive subwoofer module.
Through the use of proprietary amplier technology,
a precision manufactured state of the art woofer
component and the innovative implementation of a
high eciency, twin chamber acoustic design, the
EX2.5 provides depth and power that belies in size.
This system falls directly out of KV2 Audio’s philoso-
phy to develop products with increased dynamic
range, very high output and a consistent sound
character no matter what the output level.
The product uses the same low frequency amplier
found inside the EPAK2500/R. Internal amplier
features Speaker Level Output on a EP4 connector to
drive one additional ES2.6 subwoofer. (Not to be used
with ES2.5(4Ω) ). EX2.5 also features a stereo crosso-
ver, High Pass Outputs and full overdrive protection.
“NOTE” identies an impor-
tant or useful piece of
information relating to the
topic under discussion.
“TIP” oers a helpful tip
relevant to the topic at
hand.
“CAUTION” gives notice
that an action can have
serious consequences and
could cause harm to
equipment or personnel,
delays, or other problems.
INTRODUCTION

EX2.5 USER GUIDE P. 4
Acoustic Components
The EX2.5’s woofers technology is based around two
15” high eciency, high power woofer designs. The
device features: high temperature polymide voice coil
assemblies that undergo multiple baking and curing
processes as well as advanced magnetic structures
with complex cooling systems. The woofer cones
have been specially developed to withstand the
demanding environment created by the high acous-
tic loading inside the EX2.5 chambers. The EX2.5 was
designed using new concepts in twin asymmetrical
acoustic chambers that deliver very high speaker
loading and output from a relatively small cabinet
footprint. It is ideal for use in live applications that
require reproduction of low frequencies with very
high transient content at high output levels.
Enclosure Design
There are six industrial grade, internal braces placed
at the corvers of the cabinet. Each brace is held in
place by four M8 bolt and feature two M10 hang
points providing a wide range of installation and
suspension exibility. There is also a M20 pole mount
“top hat” located on the top side of the cabinet.
APPLICATIONS
t-JWFBOE1MBZCBDL"QQMJDBUJPOT
t1PSUBCMF1"4ZTUFNT
t$PSQPSBUF&WFOUT
t'JYFE*OTUBMMBUJPOT
AC POWER
The EX2.5 is an advanced self-powered loudspeaker
system with on-board amplication and control
systems. Understanding power distribution, voltage
and current requirements, as well as electrical safety
issues, is critical to the safe operation of the EX 2.5.
5IF&9VTFTB1PXFS$POQPMF"$NBJOTZTUFN
with locking connectors to prevent accidental discon-
OFDUJPO5IFNBJO"$CMVFDPOOFDUPSTFSWFTBTUIF
QPXFSJOQVU"$HSFZDPOOFDUPSTFSWFTBTQPXFS
PVUQVUNBY"XIFOSVOOJOHPO7"XIFO
SVOOJOHPO7PS7
5IF&9PQFSBUFTJOFJUIFS77PS7
NPEFT"MUIPVHIQSFDPOGJHVSFEBUUIFGBDUPSZUIF
unit’s operating voltage mode can be changed in the
eld.
Voltage Requirements
The EX2.5 operates safely and without audio disconti-
OVJUZJGUIF"$WPMUBHFTUBZTXJUIJOUIFPQFSBUJOH
XJOEPXPG77JO7NPEF77JO
7NPEFBOE77XIFOXPSLJOHJO7
NPEFBUPS)[
If the voltage drops below the low boundary of its safe
operating range, the loudspeaker will shut down if the
voltage does not rise above the low boundary before
TUPSBHFDJSDVJUTBSFEFQMFUFE)PXMPOHUIFMPVE-
speaker will continue to function during brownout
depends on the amount of voltage drop and the audio
source level during the drop.
If the voltage increases above the upper boundary of
the range, the power supply can be damaged.
AC POWER REQUIREMENTS
CAUTION*GUIF0O-&%EPFTOPUJMMVNJOBUFPS
the system does not respond to audio input,
SFNPWF"$QPXFSJNNFEJBUFMZ7FSJGZUIBUUIF
voltage is within the proper range. If the
QSPCMFNQFSTJTUTQMFBTFDPOUBDU,7"VEJPPS
BOBVUIPSJ[FETFSWJDFDFOUFS
NOTE: It is recommended that the voltage
supply be within the rated voltage window.
5IJTFOTVSFTUIBU"$WPMUBHFWBSJBUJPOTGSPN
the service entry-or peak voltage drops due to
cable runs-do not cause the amplier to cycle
on and o or cause damage to the power
supply.
NOTE'PSCFTUQFSGPSNBODFUIF"$DBCMF
voltage drop should not exceed 10 volts, or 10
QFSDFOUBUWPMUTBOEQFSDFOUBUPS
250 volts.
EX2.5 Power connectors Rear panel
108&3*/165 108&3065165

EX2.5 USER GUIDE P. 5
Make sure that even with the AC voltage drop, the AC
voltage always stays within recommended operating
ranges. The minimum electrical service amperage
required by a EX2.5 speaker system is the sum of each
loudspeaker’s maximum continuous rms current. An
additional 50 percent above the minimum amperage
is recommended to prevent peak volt-age drops at
the service entry.
The Power Connector
The EX2.5 requires a grounded outlet. It is very
important that the loudspeaker AC supply be prop-
erly grounded in order to operate safely and
correctly. Use the PowerCon AC cable-wiring diagram
on page 5 to create international or special-purpose
power connectors:
Current Requirements
Each EX2.5 requires approximately 15 Amps max at
115V AC for proper operation. This allows one EX2.5
to be powered from one 15 A breaker at 115 V and up
to 2 EX2.5 subwoofers at 230 V or 250V.
The EX2.5 presents a dynamic load to the AC mains,
which causes the amount of current to uctuate
depending on quiet or loud operating levels. Since
dierent cables and circuit breakers heat up at
varying rates, it is essential to understand the types of
current ratings and how they correspond to circuit
breaker and cable specif cations.
The maximum long-term continuous current
consumption is the maximum rms current during a
period of at least ten seconds. It is used to calculate
the temperature rise in cables, in order to select a
cable size and gauge that conforms to electrical code
standards. It is also used to select the rating for slow-
reacting thermal breakers.
The burst current consumption is the maximum rms
current during a period of approximately one second,
used to select the rating of most magnetic breakers
and to calculate the peak voltage drop in long AC
cables according to the formula: V pk (drop)= I pk x R
(cable total).
The ultimate short-term peak current is used to select
the rating of fast reacting magnetic breakers. Use the
table below as a guide when selecting cable gauge
size and circuit breaker ratings for your operating
voltage.
AC Cable Color Coding
If the colors referred to in the diagram don’t corre-
spond to the terminals in your plug, use the following
guidelines:
Connect the blue wire to the terminal marked with a N or
colored black. Connect the brown wire to the terminal
marked with an L or colored red. Connect the green and
yellow wire to the terminal marked with an E or colored
green or green and yellow.
AC POWER REQUIREMENTS
CAUTION: The EX2.5 requires a ground
connection. Always use a grounded outlet
and plug.
Current Draw 115 V Mode 230 V, 250V
Max. Long Term Continuous 15 A rms 7.5 A rms
Burst Current 22 A rms 11 A rms
Short Term Peak 60 A peak 30 A peak
GREEN / YELLOW
Power connector assembly
Power cable color coding

EX2.5 USER GUIDE P. 6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSRUCTIONS
1. Read all product instructions.
2. Keep printed instructions, do not throw away.
3. Respect and review all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this loudspeaker near water, in unpro-
tected out door areas or in rain or wet conditions.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
8. Install in accordance with KV2 Audio recom-
mended installation instructions.
9. Do not install near any heat sources such as heat
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
that produce heat.
10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the ground-
ing type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades
and a third grounding connector. The third connector
is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does
not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience recep-
tacles, and the point where they exit from the loud-
speaker. The AC mains plug or appliance coupler
shall remain readily accessible for operation.
12. Only use accessories specif ed by KV2 Audio.
13. Install the product only with rigging specied by
KV2 Audio, or sold with the loudspeaker.
14. Unplug this loudspeaker during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.
15. Refer all servicing to qualifed service personnel.
Servicing is required when the loudspeaker has been
damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply
cord or plug has been damaged; liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the loudspeaker;
rain or moisture has entered the loudspeaker; the
loudspeaker has been dropped; or when for undeter-
mined reasons the loudspeaker does not operate
normally.
SAFETY SUMMARY
To reduce the risk of electric shock, disconnect the
loudspeaker from the AC mains before installing audio
cable. Reconnect the power cord only after making all
signal connections. Connect the loudspeaker to a
twopole, three-wire grounding mains receptacle. The
receptacle must be connected to a fuse or circuit
breaker. Connection to any other type of receptacle
poses a shock hazard and may violate local electrical
codes. Do not allow water or any foreign object to get
inside the loudspeaker. Do not put objects containing
liquid on or near the unit. To reduce the risk of over-
heating the loudspeaker, avoid exposing it to direct
sunlight. Do not install the unit near heat-emitting
appliances, such as a room heater or stove. This
loudspeaker contains potentially hazardous voltages.
Do not attempt to disassemble the unit. The unit
contains no user serviceable parts, repairs should be
performed only by factory trained service personnel.
CAUTION: Rigging should only be done by
experienced professionals.
AC POWER REQUIREMENTS

EX2.5 USER GUIDE P. 7
REAR CONTROL PANEL
The EX2.5 features an easy to use rear control panel
featuring audio input and output connections, level
control, LED status lights, phase reverse switch and
speaker level output.
Audio Input and Output
The EX2.5 uses balanced, female XLR connectors for
audio signal input, and a male XLR connector to
provide through output signal. The EX2.5 features
Left and Right stereo inputs and outputs allowing the
product to be integrated into stereo systems that
require one subwoofer.
The EX2.5 also features Left and Right High Pass
Outputs that can be used to provide audio signal to
full range speakers being used in conjunction with
the EX2.5. The high pass lter provides a crossover
point of 125Hz.
The through output connector, wired in parallel to the
audio input, will continue to provide the input signal if
the EX2.5 is turned o. The audio input circuit presents
a 20 kOhm balanced input impedance to a three-pin
XLR connector with the following wiring:
Pin 1 - Ground
Pin 2 - Signal (+)
Pin 3 - Signal (-)
Case - Earth (AC) ground and chassis
Audio signal can be daisy-chained using the through
output connector on the input panel. A single source
can drive multiple EX2.5 subwoofers with a paralleled
input loop. If you are driving multiple EX2.5’s in an
array, make certain that the source device can drive the
total load impedance presented by the paralleled input
circuit of the array.
Main Input
Signal applied to the left channel Main Input is
summed with any signal applied to the right channel
Main Input and then fed to the EX2.5 amplier. When
using the EX2.5 with a mono signal, then either Main
Input can be used.
Mid-Hi Output
Signal applied to either Main Input also passes through
a stereo crossover. This gives each respective channel a
Mid-Hi Output (crossover frequency 125Hz) that can be
used to feed other enclosures such a EX6, 26, 10 and
12.
EX2.5 CONTROL PANEL
NOTE: Most source equipment is safe for
driving loads no smaller than 10 times the
source’s output impedance. For example,
cascading an array of 10 units consisting of
EX2.5 subwoofers produces an input imped-
ance of 2000 ohms (20kOhms divided by 10).
The source equipment should have output
impedance of 200 ohms or less. This is also
true when connecting EX1.8’s in parallel (loop
out) with other KV2 Audio ampliers, active
speakers and subwoofers.
NOTE: Ensure that all cabling carrying signal to
multiple ampliers and active speaker systems
is wired correctly. Make sure that the polarity
has not been reversed. Reversed polarity can
cause severe degradation in frequency
response and can also impact the dispersion
characteristics of the speaker.
EX2.5 Rear panel
SIGNAL PRESENT
R
SIGNAL PRESENT L
LIMITER
POWER ON/ THERMAL
PHASE
MAIN INPUT
180
°
0
°
0
-6dB +6dB
LEVEL
THROUGH SIGNAL OUTPUT
MID - HI OUTPUT
MAIN INPUT
THROUGH SIGNAL OUTPUT
MID - HI OUTPUT
12
3
12
3
12
3
12
3
21 21
3
3

EX2.5 USER GUIDE P. 8
Power On / Thermal LED
This LED turns green when the speaker is turned ON.
The light will continue to be green during normal
operation of the speaker system. The LED will change
from green to yellow under a thermal condition
resulting from overheating of the amplier system.
Under this condition, the speaker system will shut
down. You can expect for the system to be down for
at least 2-3 minutes depending the ambient tempera-
ture and whether the system is being exposed to
direct sun light.
Signal present
There are individual LED’s for each the Left and Right
signal inputs. The LED turns green when there is
audio signal present in the EX2.5. This signal indicator
can be used to troubleshoot wiring problems.
Limiter LED
This LED turns yellow when the limiter is activated.
Limiter
The EX2.5 employs a protection system based on rms
limiting of the ampliers. This type of protection
strategy allows the speaker to operate safely under
overload conditions. When the rms “limiter” engages,
the output level of the amplier is reduced to a safe
operating level.
This type of protection allows the frequency response
of the system to remain unchanged. The control
objective is to regulate the operating temperature of
the transducers magnetics circuits long term. This
ensures no impact on performance due to power
compression and allows the components to retain
their ability to reproduce high dynamics. When
overdriven the rms limiter will disengage only if the
input level is turned down.
Phase Switch
The EX2.5 features a phase switch that changes the
phase of the high pass audio output signal. Changing
the phase of the output signal serves as a tool for
integrating the full range cabinet and the subwoofer
into challenging audio environments. We recommend
using a suitable measuring device for performing
relevant measurements and determining whether the
phase should be reversed.
Level Control
The EX2.5 features a rotary control knob providing
adjustment of the audio level. The operational range of
the control is –6dB to +6dB.
Transporatation
To keep your EX2.5 speakers in optimum condition we
recommend transportation in an optional KV2 Audio
EX2.5 MkII padded cover. There is also a CART-0009
wheelboard for EX2.5. Contact your KV2 Audio dealer
for further details.
Ampliers and Acoustic Filters
A power amplier specically designed and optimized
for the low frequency woofer powers the EX2.5 . The
control system in the EX2.5 processes the audio signal
through a series of electronic lters and circuits
providing equalization, crossover lters, thermal and
overdrive protection.
Output ES2.6
This EP4 connector output allows you to connect the
EX2.5 to one KV2 Audio ES2.6 enclosure thus expand-
ing the capability of the EX2.5. No other cabinet can be
connected to this output and no responsibility will be
taken for any misuse of this facility.
ES2.6 Output connector wiring:
Pin 1 - Power Output (-)
Pin 2 - Power Output (-)
Pin 3 - Power Output (+)
Pin 4 - Power Output (+)
EX2.5 CONTROL PANEL
TIP: If the loudspeaker produces noises such
as hiss and popping, disconnect the audio
cable from the loudspeaker, if the noise stops,
then most likely the problem is not with the
loudspeaker. Check the audio cable, source,
and AC power for the source of the problem.
OUTPUT
ES 2.6
min. imp. 8
ES2.6 EP4 - Output connector
41
32

EX2.5 USER GUIDE P. 9
EX2.5 DRAWING

EX2.5 USER GUIDE P. 10
EX2.5 SPECIFICATIONS
Product Number
KVV 987 180 -EX2.5 MkII 250V
KVV 987 179 -EX2.5 MkII 230V
KVV 987 178 -EX2.5 MkII 115V
System Acoustic Perfomance
Max SPL Lon
g
-term 131dB
Max SPL Peak 134dB
-3dB Response 38Hz ÷ 125Hz
-10dB Response 34Hz ÷ 125Hz
Im
p
edance 8Ω
Crossover Point 125Hz
Output Channels
Number of Channels 1
Minimum load impedance per channel 8Ω
Low Frequency Section
Acoustic Desi
g
nTwin As
y
mmetrical loadin
g
Woofer Size / Voice Coil Diameter / Desi
g
n2x 15” / 4” / Inside outside
Ma
g
net T
yp
eNeod
y
mium
Diaphragm Material Epoxy Reinforced Cellulose
Low Frequency Amplier Specication
T
y
pe Hi
g
h ecienc
y
, Low fre
q
uenc
y
, Current-enhancin
g
switch mode
Rated Continuous Power 1600W
Distortion <0.05%
Operatin
g
Bandwidth 34Hz ÷ 125Hz
Speaker Input
Speaker Input - / EP4
Signal Input
Input Channels 2
Input Sensitivity 1.0V RMS
In
p
ut Im
p
edance 20kΩ (balanced)
Signal Output
Output channels Mid/High, Through
Features
Level Control -6 ÷ +6dB
Phase 0° / 180°
RMS Limiter YES
Indicators Power ON/Thermal, Limiter
Power
Power Connector Neutrik PowerCon®
Out
p
ut Power Connector Neutrik PowerCon®
Operatin
g
Volta
g
e115V / 230V / 250V
O
p
eratin
g
Volta
g
e Ran
g
e100÷120V@60Hz
|
205÷240V@50Hz
|
225÷260V@50Hz
Recommended Ampera
g
e16A 115V
|
8A 230V
|
8A 250V
Cabinet
Cabinet Material Baltic birch
Handles 4
Pole Mount M20
Color "Oran
g
e
p
eeled" Matt Black or an
y
RAL

Heavy duty cover for EX2.5 used
with cart CRT - 009
part name: COVER EX2.5 WITH CART
part number: KVV 987 162
Heavy duty telescopic speaker
pole for ES/EX series
part name: KV2-H
part number: KVV 987 130
Heavy duty cover for EX2.5 used
without cart
part name: COVER EX2.5 MkII
part number: KVV 987 163
EX2.5 USER GUIDE P. 11
EX2.5 ACCESSORIES
SYSTEM 1
One EX12 with a single EX2.5 MkII
SYSTEM 2
One EX12 with a single EX2.5 MkII driving a single
passive ES2.6 subwoofer
SYSTEM 3
Two EX12’s with a single EX2.5 MkII
SYSTEM 4
Eight EX6’s with a single EX2.5 MkII
SUGGESTED SYSTEMS
Front mount magnetic cart for
ES1.8, ES2.5, ES2.6, EX2.5 MkII
part name: CRT - 0009
part number: KVV 987 114
- wheels not included
Cart Wheels with bolts nuts kit
part name: CRT 0009 - WHL KIT
part number: WHL - KVV 987 128
- 4 pcs in pack (rotating), (blue)

The future of sound.
Made perfectly clear.
KV2 Audio, Nádražní 936, 399 01 Milevsko, Czech Republic
T [phone] F [phone]
www.kv2audio.com
KVV120007-00-03-0
At KV2 Audio our vision is to constantly develop
technologies that eliminate distortion and
loss of information providing a true dynamic
representation of the source.
Our aim is to create audio products that absorb
you, place you within the performance and deliver
a listening experience beyond expectation.