Phase Technologies HV81 Troubleshooting guide

HV81 •HV101 •HV121
Thank you for choosing Phase Technology®speakers. We know
there are a wide variety of choices available today, and we sincerely
appreciate your purchase of our product. Phase Technology speakers
are built to exacting standards and will provide many years of listening
enjoyment.
Our speakers are the result of over ve decades of designing
and manufacturing. We hold many key patents in loudspeaker
technology including the soft-dome tweeter. Our mission, our
passion is to constantly advance the art and science of accurate
audio reproduction. Our dedication insures your new speakers will
accurately reproduce all the impact, detail and delicacy of today’s
digital technology.
Regardless of application, serious audiophile listening or home
theater, we recommend that you take the time to read this manual
thoroughly before connecting speakers to your amplier or receiver.
In the highly unlikely event that you should experience a problem with
set-up or operation, please contact one of our authorized dealers for
assistance, or contact us directly.
TE CH NO LO GY
R
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 2
GETTING STARTED AND PRECAUTIONARY NOTES 3
SUBWOOFER PLACEMENT 3
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS 4
SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIER PANEL 4
AMPLIFIER SETUP AND BASS MANAGEMENT 5
CARING FOR YOUR SPEAKERS 5
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE 5
TROUBLESHOOTING 5
WARRANTY 6
SPECIFICATIONS 6
OWNER’S MANUAL & INSTALL GUIDE
[FEATURES] • 100-WATT INTERNAL AMPLIFIER • SIGNAL SENSING AUTO TURN ON/OFF • GAIN CONTROL • PHASE SWITCH
• VARIABLE CROSSOVER • LINE/LEVEL INPUTS • LFE INPUT • OVERSIZED SURROUND FOR ULTRA LONG EXCURSION
• SERVO-CONTROL MONITORS AND ADJUSTS OUTPUL FOR DYNAMIC AND UNDISTORTED RESPONSE
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
MIN
PHASE
180˚ 0˚
MAX
CROSSOVER
FREQUENCY
TO SPEAKER FROM RECEIVER
LINE
INPUT
RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT
AUTO
OFF ON
CAUTION
AC110-120V~
AC230-240V~
T2AL 110-120V~60Hz
T1AL 230-240V~50Hz
Phase Technology®Corporation
8005 W. 110th St., Suite 208
Overland Park, KS 66210
855.663.5600 (Domestic)
+1.913.663.5600 (International)
Fax: [phone]
HV SUBWOOFER REARVIEW

2
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and other instructions
should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near
water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a
cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
PORTABLE CART WARNING
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted
to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its
location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa,
rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings;
or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet
[SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS] that may impede the ow of air through the ventilation openings.
9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.
10. Power Source - The appliance should be connected to
a power supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the appliance.
11. Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by
items placed up or against them, paying particular attention to
cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the appliance.
12. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
13. Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the appliance should
be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period
of time.
14. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that
neither objects fall nor liquids spill into the inside of the appliance.
15. Damage Requiring Service - The application should be
serviced by qualied service personnel when:
a. the power supply cord or the plug has been damaged,
b. objects have fallen onto or liquid has been spilled into the
appliance,
c. the appliance has been exposed to rain,
d. the appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a
marked change in performance, or
e. the appliance has been dropped or the cabinet damaged.
16. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the
appliance beyond those means described in the operating
instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualied
service personnel.
17. Grounding or Polarization - Precautions should be taken so
that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not
defeated.
Explanation of Graphical Symbols
The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert you to the presence
of un-insulated “dangerous voltage: within the product’s
enclosure that may be off sufcient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert you to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
APPLICABLE FOR USA, CANADA OR WHERE APPROVED FOR
USAGE
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE
PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, INSERT FULLY.
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE
LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE
CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRESE ET POUSSER JUSQU AU FOND.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover
(or back). No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualied
service personnel.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

3
[GETTING STARTED AND PRECAUTIONARY NOTES]
For proper connection and therefore full enjoyment of your new Phase Technology speakers, we encourage you to read this owners’ manual
thoroughly, even if you are very familiar with installing speakers and home entertainment equipment.
Speaker placement is very subjective. Placement follows the guidelines for the developers of multi-channel home entertainment systems, yet
is also guided by personal preferences. The proper spacing, location and adjustment of front, rear and center-channel speakers as well as
subwoofers are critical for complete enjoyment of your new speakers. This manual covers these topics thoroughly.
Before connecting your new speakers or other system components, turn the system power off and unplug your amplier to avoid any
possibility of damage from power surges or unbalanced loads before the system is properly connected.
Observe speaker polarity carefully! Every cable, speaker terminal and amplier connection are clearly marked to show their positive (+) and
negative (-) polarities. For ideal system performance, always connect the positive side of the cable (marked with a stripe, color and /or other
indicator) to the positive terminals on your speakers and amplier and the negative side of the cable to the negative terminals.
Amplier selection is critical to your enjoyment of your new speakers. If you are considering upgrading your current component amplier or
multi-function receiver, we suggest purchasing as much power as your budget can afford. It will always be preferable to have an affordable
high-powered model with fewer “bells and whistles” than a lower-powered model straining to operate near its power limits.
High volume settings that produce audible distortion – indicating an under-powered amplier – could eventually damage your speakers and
your amplier.
Begin and end listening sessions at low volume levels so you will not power up your system the next time with possibly harmful high voltages.
A damaging surge also could result if you change the input source (from FM tuner to CD player, for example) at high volume levels.
If you suspect that one channel of your amplier has failed, have it repaired immediately by your dealer. Damage to your speakers could occur
if you switch between the good and defective channels.
[SUBWOOFER PLACEMENT]
Subwoofer placement is less critical, because the frequencies they reproduce are omni directional. This means the human ear doesn’t
perceive these low frequencies as coming from a specic direction, enabling placement of a subwoofer virtually anywhere in the listening
room.
It’s best, however, to keep a subwoofer within the sound eld of the other speakers. The closer the subwoofer is to a wall, the louder and more
intense its bass output will be: this effect is even stronger when the sub is placed in or near a room’s corner. If using two subwoofers, start

4
by placing them next to the front left and right speakers, in both front corners or one in the corner and one 1/3 of the way along the front wall
from the corner. Each room is different. Experiment with these options or try other locations until you get the best results. If you must choose a
less-than-ideal position, the output level of Phase Technology powered subwoofers is adjustable to compensate for your listening environment.
[SPEAKER CONNECTIONS]
The following instructions apply whether you are using a separate amplier or Home Theater receiver. For simplicity we will use the term
“amplier” throughout this manual to mean both.
Special note: Turn off and unplug your amplier before connecting speakers.
Special Note: Observe Speaker Polarity Carefully!
Every cable, speaker and amplifier is clearly marked to show their positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. Amps and speakers
may use some combination of these symbols and/or colors to indicate positive (usually red) and negative (usually black or
white) connections. One strand of your cable will also be ridged and/or marked with a colored line or other indicator on the
positive side. For proper polarity and, thus, ideal system performance, always connect the positive side of the cable to the
positive terminals on your speakers and amplifier and the negative side of the cable to the negative terminals.
1. Power ON/Auto/OFF: This switch, when left in the “Auto” position,
automatically activates the subwoofer when an audio signal is detected and
shuts the subwoofer off after approximately ten (10) minutes of silence.
2. Subwoofer Level Control: Adjusts the volume of bass energy allowing
you to customize overall tonal balance to your individual room acoustics and
personal taste.
3. Crossover Frequency Control: This adjustment varies the point at which
the subwoofer takes over the task of creating low bass frequencies from
the rest of the audio signal permitting additional ne tuning of the total
system. A little experimentation with this control will allow you to match
the performance of the subwoofer to the rest of your speakers resulting in
extraordinary, accurate, deep bass response. This control should be turned
to its highest setting when the sub is connected through the Subwoofer out
on your receiver.
4. Phase Control: This adjustment matches the phase - the in and out
movement of speaker cones - to that of your main speakers. Adjust this
control by listening to music with bass content. The setting is correct when
the bass sounds the fullest.
5. High Level Input and Output: Used for direct speaker connections from
the left and right front speaker outputs when a low-level subwoofer output
is not available.
6. Low Level Input: Used from pre-out or Subwoofer-out.
[SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIER PANEL]
[SUBWOOFER CONNECTIONS]
OPTION 1: LOW LEVEL SETUP This is the recommended method for those ampliers and receivers that are equipped with a “Subwoofer
Out” or “Pre-Amp Out” connection. Virtually all audio/video receivers have this connection clearly marked on the rear panel. Run a dedicated
interconnect cable with RCA connectors from the subwoofer output jack to the line input on the subwoofer. In this setup, you will be using
the internal crossover on your processor.
SUBWOOFER
LEVEL
MIN
PHASE
180˚ 0˚
MAX
CROSSOVER
FREQUENCY
TO SPEAKER FROM RECEIVER
LINE
INPUT
RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT
AUTO
OFF ON
CAUTION
AC110-120V~
AC230-240V~
T2AL 110-120V~60Hz
T1AL 230-240V~50Hz

5
[SUBWOOFER CONNECTIONS]
OPTION 2: HIGH LEVEL INPUT SETUP If your amplier or receiver does not have a dedicated subwoofer output, it will be necessary to
connect your new subwoofer directly to the speaker output terminals on the back of the unit. In this scenario, you will be running high quality
speaker wires from the left and right front outputs of your amplier to the high level inputs on the subwoofer. You will then need a second set
of wires to carry the signal from the subwoofer back to the main speakers.
[AMPLIFIER SETUP AND BASS MANAGEMENT]
Many home theater receivers/processors have a feature that controls how the bass is processed and delivered to the subwoofer. It also adjusts
the amount of bass that is sent to your satellite speakers. Look carefully in your amplier or receiver’s instruction manual for details on how
to adjust for the speaker size (sometimes called “Speaker Setup”) for your system.
[CARING FOR YOUR PHASE TECHNOLOGY SPEAKER]
All Phase Technology speakers are nished with a high degree of craftsmanship in either hand polished paint or vinyl laminates. We recommend
using a lint-free rag with a small amount of glass cleaner to maintain the long-lasting beauty of the nish. Avoid products containing silicones,
oils, oil derivatives, or solvents. Enclosures nished in vinyl laminates may be cleaned with a damp cloth as necessary.
[MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE]
Because of Phase Technology’s uncompromising quality control programs, it’s unlikely that your speakers will ever need service if connected
and used as outlined in this Owners’ Manual. In the unlikely event that a problem does occur, please contact your Phase Technology dealer.
Your dealer has the necessary factory-authorized parts and trained technicians to quickly restore your speaker to its original performance
specications.
[TROUBLESHOOTING]
NO SOUND
1. Verify that all components are plugged in and turned on.
2. Check all speaker wires and cables for loose connections.
3. Check to see if you have selected the proper source on your amplier.
VOICES DO NOT APPEAR TO COME FROM BETWEEN THE SPEAKERS / BASS RESPONSE IS WEAK
1. Verify that all speaker connections from the amplier to the speakers are running PLUS+ to PLUS+ and MINUS- to MINUS-.
2. Check to see if there are any furnishings or plants that may be blocking the output of a speaker.
SOUND, BUT NO BASS (MOST LIKELY IN SYSTEMS WITH A SUBWOOFER)
1. Verify that the subwoofer is plugged into an AC outlet and power is turned on.
2. Check that the speaker wire / cable going from the amplier/receiver to the subwoofer is securely fastened.

6
3. Check the volume control of the subwoofer.
4. Refer to your amplier/receiver manual to make sure you have adjusted its bass output properly.
MUDDY OR BOOMY BASS
1. Check the volume control for the subwoofer. Excess volume can cause speakers to sound distorted and unnatural.
2. Try adjusting the crossover control on the subwoofer or the subwoofer setup on your receiver to a slightly lower frequency (example:
reduce from 120 Hz to 80 or 60 Hz).
3. If the subwoofer or full size speaker is close to a corner, side or back wall, try moving it away from the wall. This may reduce the
“boomy” bass considerably.
4. Bookshelf speakers placed in a semi-enclosed space or cabinet can articially emphasize bass output. Reduce the bass control on
your amplier or move the speakers to the front of the cabinet. Alternatively, reposition the speakers to a more open location.
DISTORTED SOUND FROM THE SPEAKERS
1. This problem is usually caused by setting the volume control too high. Reduce the amplier/receiver volume to a lower level.
2. If noise and distortion are audible at higher volume levels, your amplier may not be powerful enough. Consider upgrading to a unit
with higher power.
NOTE: Remember, even though your Phase Technology speakers can handle considerable power levels, ANY speaker if used improperly can
be damaged. Consult your Phase Technology dealer for assistance in choosing a new amplier or receiver.
[WARRANTY]
LIMITED WARRANTY: Phase Technology warrants its loudspeakers to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period
of ten (10) years for speaker product, limited lifetime for CI speakers, and three (3) years for the electronic components to the original
purchaser. Purchase must be made from an authorized Phase Technology dealer.
This warranty does not cover service or parts to repair damage caused by misuse, abuse, damage while in transit, alterations,
unauthorized repairs, failure to follow instructions, re, ood or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of Phase Technology.
Defects in speaker cabinets or grilles must be brought to the attention of your dealer immediately after purchase. This warranty will be
void if the products’ serial number has been altered or removed.
Should your Phase Technology product require service, please call the MSE Audio customer service department for a return authorization.
All merchandise returned to Phase Technology without prior authorization will be refused. For your return authorization number, please
call 855.663.5600 or email [e-mail].
Copyright © 2014 MS Electronics, LLC. All rights reserved. MSE Audio, Phase Technology and PhaseTech are registered trademarks and
“Speakers for your Life” is a trademark of MSE Audio, Overland Park, Kansas USA. Phase Technology is part of MSE Audio®. www.phasetech.com.
8” Mineral-lled Poly Cone w/ NBR Surround
100 W Continuous, 200 W Peak
36 Hz - 200 Hz
50 Hz - 200 Hz Variable
YES
2x Push-Terminals Pairs
2x Push-Terminals Pairs
.25” Jack
Bass-Relfex
10.75” H x 14” W x 16” D
25.78 lbs.
Black Ash
10” Mineral-lled Poly Cone w/ NBR Surround
100 W Continuous, 200 W Peak
29 Hz - 200 Hz
50 Hz - 200 Hz Variable
YES
2x Push-Terminals Pairs
2x Push-Terminals Pairs
.25” Jack
Bass-Relfex
16.125” H x 13.75” W x 16.75” D
36.16 lbs.
Black Ash
12” Mineral-lled Poly Cone w/ NBR Surround
100 W Continuous, 200 W Peak
25 Hz - 200 Hz
50 Hz - 200 Hz Variable
YES
2x Push-Terminals Pairs
2x Push-Terminals Pairs
.25” Jack
Bass-Relfex
17.25” H x 15.75” W x 18.25” D
40.22 lbs.
Black Ash
[SPECIFICATIONS]
WOOFER
AMP POWER
FREQ RESPONSE
LOW PASS CROSSOVER
AUTO ON/OFF
SPEAKER LEVEL INPUTS
SPEAKER LEVEL OUTPUTS
LINE LEVEL INPUTS
ENCLOSURE TYPE
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
FINISH OPTIONS
HV81 HV101 HV121