Power bass Xtreme XL User guide

XL Marine Speakers
Application Guide

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Congratulations on your decision to purchase PowerBass Xtreme™marine speakers.
You now own a speaker of uncompromising design and engineering philosophy from a
factory that truly believes in the relentless pursuit of perfection. Incorporating the
highest quality materials and state-of-the-art machinery, these speakers display the
ultimate balance between high fidelity, extreme performance and long-lasting reliability.
At PowerBass USA, Inc. we are confident you will have many years of outstanding
enjoyment from this great speaker investment. For maximum performance, we
recommend that you have your new speakers installed by an Authorized PowerBass
Xtreme Dealer. Doing so will also automatically extend your warranty to the full
THREE Year Period.
To learn more about PowerBass Xtreme, please visit us on the World Wide Web
at www.PowerBassusa.com
∆Warning ∆
Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels in excess of 100 dB or more can cause permanent
hearing loss. PowerBass Xtreme Speakers are capable of producing sound pressure levels well
over 160 dB. Please observe all local sound ordinances while listening to your PowerBass Xtreme
system. PowerBass USA, Inc. accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury, or property damage
due to the result of use or misuse of this product.
Thank you and Congratulations

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XL MARINE CERTIFIED SPEAKER FEATURES
Flush Mount Integrated Design: The custom grill and basket assembly are mated
using stainless steel hardware. To further insure longevity, the frame was
constructed using high strength Polyamide plastic—a material chosen for its
exceptional hardness, high impact and abrasion resistance.
Ultra Violet Treatment: A UV stabilizer has been added to protect the white plastic
frame from harmful rays of the sun--even the magnet structure has been covered to
protect the motor assembly from the elements.
Polypropylene Injected Cone: Chosen for its strong yet lightweight body this
waterproof woofer cone has UV inhibitors to minimize cracking and fading.
TPO Thermoplastic Polyurethane Surround: A synthetic material known for its
toughness and flexibility, the black TPU surround rejects water, sun and salt spray
while at the same time offering superior cone-edge suspension.
MET (Marine Engineered Technology) Tweeter: Specially developed by our
engineers, this fluid cooled Semi-dome full 1-inch water resistant tweeter provides
crystal clear highs extending beyond 20Khz.
Crossover Network: The included crossover networks were designed specifically for
our speakers to recreate the frequencies within a precise range ensuring the tweeter does
not receive low bass notes and the mid bass driver does not receive high frequencies. A
Poly Switch current limiter has been added to the crossover circuit to protect the
tweeters against overload.
Tweeter Mounting Kit: Flush, surface and angle-mounting cups allows multiple
mounting options for custom tailored high frequency dispersion.
Voice Coil Protection: Red and black tinsel lead insulation not only easily
identifies positive and negative inputs, but also prevents against corrosion thus
increasing the life of the speaker.
Gold Plated Connections: The connection terminals on the speaker frame have
been gold plated for protection against corrosion. The speaker wire provided is
also terminated with gold plated connectors for improved connectivity. Clear
insulated sleeves have been added to provide further protection against the elements.
Additional Features: Moisture sealed basket ring gaskets for snug water tight fit,

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marine grade stainless steel hardware, and pre-terminated speaker wires add further
value to your investment.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR POWERBASS XTREME
XL MARINE SPEAKERS
(Due to Constant Improvements, Specifications and Parameters are subject to change without notice.)
Model No.
Size
Nominal
Impedance
Frequency
Response
Sensitivity
1M / 1M
Magnet
Weight (oz)
Power
RMS/Peak
XL-652M
6.5”
4 Ohms
67Hz – 20kHz
92 dB
15 oz
80W / 160W
XL 652M
Marine Speaker Dimensions
6.5”
In
mm
Frame Outer Diameter A
6.85
174
Bolt Hole Circle B
6.1
154.94
Motor Overmold Outer Diameter C
3.89
98.8
Front Grille Protrusion D
0.98
24.5
Mounting Hole Diameter E
5.62
142.75
Mounting Depth F
2.8
71.12
XL COMPONENT TWEETER SPECIFICATIONS
DOME
SIZE
MOUNTING
(DIAMETER)
NOMINAL
IMPEDANCE
FREQUENCY
RESPONE
SENSITIVITY
(1M / 1M)
MOUNTING
(DEPTH)
POWER
(RMS/PEAK)
3/4” SILK
1 7/8”
4Ω
3K-20Khz
91 dB
7/8”
45/90

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INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE
Installation of marine audio speakers can require extensive experience with a variety of
mechanical and electrical procedures. Although this application guide explains how to
install PowerBass Xtreme marine speakers in a general sense, it may not show the exact
installation method for your particular situation. If you feel unsure about personally
installing the speaker system, don’t attempt the installation yourself. Ask your
Authorized PowerBass audio or marine dealer about professional installation options.
GENERAL INSTALLATION TIPS
Your PowerBass XL marine coaxials were specially designed for providing high-fidelity
sound out in the harsh marine environment. Despite their rugged construction, it is
possible to damage your speaker if they are improperly used. Overdriving the system
and causing the sound to distort will cause permanent damage to the speaker. Playing
loud music in a marine environment can permanently damage your hearing, as well as
limit your ability to hear other marine traffic.
1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting to install
this product.
2. Turn off the audio system. For safety, disconnect the negative lead from the battery
prior to beginning installation.
3. For easier installation, we recommend that if additional wiring is required, you run
all wires prior to mounting your speaker in place.
4. The marine environment can quickly accelerate corrosion so always use the highest
quality connectors for a reliable installation and minimal signal or power loss.
5. Always use caution before you drill or cut! Be careful not to puncture gas tanks,
fuel lines, hydraulic lines or electrical wiring when working on any vessel.
6. Never run speaker wires underneath the vessel or exposed on the deck, keeping the
wiring behind cover provides the best protection from environmental elements.
7. Avoid running any speaker wire or signal cables near the vessel’s electrical system
to prevent noise from “bleeding” into the audio system.
8. Correct speaker polarity must be observed. Speakers wired out of phase will have
little bass output. Follow the wiring directions carefully observing the color coded
speaker wire.
9. Leave a little slack in the speaker wire for easier installation, this will prevent
pulling or stretching the wire and possibly causing a connection to come loose.
10. Always protect your speakers during installation; it is a good idea to keep the
speakers in their original package until they are ready to be mounted.

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PREPARING for INSTALLATION
NOTE: The tools listed below may be required for proper installation.
•An electric drill with drill bits
•Phillips-head and standard screwdrivers
•Wire strippers
•Crimping tool and needle-nose pliers
•Silicone sealant or closed cell weather-stripping
•Metal file
•Dust mask (when cutting into fiberglass)
•Hole saw or jig saw
•Punch or countersink tool
NOTE: The stainless steel hardware supplied with your PowerBass Xtreme marine
speakers has been chosen to resist rust and corrosion. If the particular hardware
supplied will not work for your installation purposes, please be sure to use only
appropriate marine grade (stainless steel) mounting hardware.
INSTALLATION APPLICATION
Your PowerBass XL marine coaxial speakers are specifically designed for boating and
water sport applications. Although the speakers do not require a sealed enclosure, air
space behind the speaker from 0.2 – 0.5 cu feet (6 – 15 liters) is recommended for best
sound reproduction. To prevent the sound coming off the front of the speaker from
radiating back to sound from the rear of the speaker it is recommended to use a factory
location or find a spot with a semi-isolated rear chamber (see Fig 1). PowerBass offers
several sizes in it’s XL marine series designed to make fitting your vessel easier.
CAUTION: These speakers are designed to be water and spray resistant, they are not
designed to be submerged or withstand high pressure water spray. Care must be
exercised when washing your boat to avoid damaging your speakers.
Fig. 1

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SPEAKER LOCATION
The sound produced by your PowerBass XL coaxial speakers is directional. Find the
best location for stereophonic sound. Adding more PowerBass Xtreme speakers to the
system will not only help to balance the sound, but it will increase the power handling of
the system enabling it to play louder.
Experiment with the tweeter positioned in several locations to determine the best
imaging result before cutting out any panel. Typically tweeters should be mounted
on axis and as close to ear level as possible.
After determining the best mounting locations, carefully check the areas where the
mounting hardware will be placed (see Fig 2). The installation surface must be level and
the installation must be “watertight”. No moisture or dampness should be allowed to
get behind the speaker. Use caution to make sure there are no objects behind the
installation surface that may become damaged during drilling.
WARNING: These speakers must be installed at least 3 feet (1-meter) away from any
electromagnetic nautical equipment (ie., compass, sonar, etc).

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Fig. 2
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
The following drawing shows the typical flush mount installation into a fiberglass panel
using the supplied hardware.

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#8 SCREW: PILOT HOLE CHART
Fiberglass Thickness
Recommended Pilot Hole Drill Size
0.125 in. (3.18 mm) or less
7/64 in. (2.78 mm) pilot hole
Foam core / fiberglass sandwich 7/64 in. (2.78 mm) pilot hole
Larger than 0.125 in. (3.18mm)
1/8 in. (3.18 mm) pilot hole
Always follow proper safety procedures. Use eye-protection at all times and a dust
mask and gloves when cutting. Check both sides of the vessel before cutting any holes.
•Choose a flat mounting surface that has sufficient depth and air space behind it to
accept the speaker.
•Make sure the stainless steel mounting screws will not puncture the fuel tank,
wiring or interfere with any moving parts underneath the mounting surface.
•Use the supplied mounting template to mark the hole (see Fig 3)
•Cut the appropriate diameter hole using a hole saw or jigsaw (see Fig 4)
•Place the speaker in the hole (or use the mounting template) and mark the screw
hole locations using a sharp pointed tool.
•Remove the speaker and drill a pilot hole (see Pilot Hole Chart Recommendations
above) in each of the screw locations. It is advisable to use a hand driven
countersink tool on each hole to further inhibit gel-coat cracking of the fiberglass
panels (see Fig 5)
•Connect the speaker wire supplied as shown (Fig 6). Read the Wiring Procedures
section on Page 9 for further wiring instructions before performing final
installation of the speakers.
•Place the speaker into the opening
•While holding the speaker firmly in place, screw in the #8 x 1-3/8-inch (35mm)
mounting screws by hand carefully and evenly. Do not over tighten as you fasten
the speaker to the boat.

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WARNING: Do not attempt to remove the tweeter from the grill or the grill from the
speaker! The tweeter is permanently fixed to the grill and its wiring is permanently
attached to the speaker frame. Attempting to remove the grill or the tweeter will
damage the speaker and void the warranty.
Fig. 3Use template sheet inside carton Fig. 4Cut hole Fig. 5Drill pilot
to trace onto mounting location hole hole (see chart)
Fig. 6 Push onto correct size speaker terminal
Flush Mounting (Type A)
The best location for the tweeter is usually high up on the door and as far forward as
possible without interference from the dashboard. If the desired location is flat and space
behind the door panel allows the use of the flush mount housing, follow the drawing as

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shown below:
After checking for clearance, cut the mounting hole in the door panel (see Tweeter
Specifications for hole size). Mount the Flat Base from the outside with the mounting
clip on the inside of the door panel. Secure the mounting clip to the Flat Base with the
long silver screw provided.
Surface/Angle Mounting (Type B and C)
If mounting the tweeter on the surface works out best, refer to the following drawing to
see how to best mount the tweeter. Black sheet metal screws have been provided to
attach the surface base to the door panel.
AUTOSOUND COMPONENT TWEETERS
These high quality tweeters come complete with several mounting housings
for installation versatility. Typically tweeters should be mounted on axis
and as close to ear level as possible. After you have chosen the housing to
be used, gently press the tweeter in the proper mounting base. Once the
tweeter base is mounted, push and “twist” the housing until it locks to the
base. Below are exploded views showing the possible types of tweeter
mounting.

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CROSSOVER NETWORK INSTALLATION AND WIRING
Your PowerBass Autosound Component system contains two separate 2-way
crossover networks. When choosing a location to mount the crossovers, keep in
mind they contain electronic parts which can be damaged by moisture and dirt.
Correct wiring of the crossover is critical to avoid damage to the speakers and
ensure true high fidelity sound. Pay close attention to the markings on the

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crossover to be certain the correct speakers are in the correct outlets as follows:
1) Connect the amplifier or head unit output to the crossover’s input (IN)
terminals.
2) Connect the terminals labeled woofer (W) to the component midrange speaker.
3) Connect the terminals labeled tweeter (T) to the component tweeter set.
NOTE: BE SURE TO OBSERVE PROPER POLARITY WHEN CONNECTING SPEAKER WIRES
TO THE CROSSOVER NETWORK TERMINALS.
WIRING PROCEDURES
Once the mounting holes have been cut, run the speaker wire from the speaker mounting
locations back to the radio. If you are running wires through bulkheads, drill holes for
the cable and use a marine grade grommet to properly insulate any rough edges from the
wire insulation. Make sure the wires will clear any mechanical devices in the boat and
secure them with wire ties.
Carefully place the supplied speaker wire in a location that is free of standing water and
moving components. For reference the Red wire is Positive and the Black wire is
Negative. Connect the gold plated female quick disconnect on the end of the supplied
15 feet (4.5m) of wire to the same color of wire on the gold plated male connector
attached to the speaker frame (see Fig 6) Connect the other end of the speaker wire to
the radio in accordance with its owner’s manual.
After connecting your new PowerBass XL marine speakers to the sound system you are
ready to carry out a listening test. Please listen the first time at a low volume setting and
check to make sure everything is operating properly.

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GENERAL CARE
The grills may be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not use any cleaners or solvents on
the grills or speaker cones, otherwise the UV inhibitors maybe affected and/or the
plastics may discolor.
Warranty is void if the product’s serial number has been
removed or defaced.
This manual is the exclusive property of PowerBass USA, Inc. Any reproduction of this manual, or use other than its
intentions is strictly prohibited without the express consent of PowerBass USA, Inc. Copyright 2007 PowerBass USA, Inc.
POWERBASS XTREME LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY
PowerBass USA, Inc. offers limited warranty on PowerBass products under normal use on the
following terms:
PowerBass Xtreme Speakers are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year. The warranty is extended to three (3) years for parts and labor, if an
Authorized PowerBass Xtreme Dealer completes the installation.
This warranty applies only to PowerBass products sold to consumers by Authorized PowerBass
Dealers in the United States of America. Products purchased by consumers from a PowerBass
dealer in another country are covered only by that country’s Distributor and not by PowerBass
USA.
This warranty covers only the original purchaser of PowerBass product. In order to receive
service, the purchaser must provide PowerBass with the receipt stating the consumer name, dealer,
product and date of purchase.
Products found to be defective during the warranty period will be repaired or replaced (with a
product deemed to be equivalent) at PowerBass’s discretion and will not be liable for incidental or
consequential damages. PowerBass will not warranty this product under the following situations:
Product Disposal – Certain international, national and/or local
laws and/or regulations may apply regarding the disposal of this
product. For further detailed information, please contact the
retailer where you purchased this product or the PowerBass
Importer/Distributor in your country.

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•Speakers received with bent/cracked frames or significant water damage
•Abuse such as holes in the cone, surroundor ripped spider
•Voice coil damage due to amplifier clipping or distortion
•Productthat has not been installed according to this owners manual
Any implied warranties including warranties of fitness for use and merchantability are limited in
duration to the period of the express warranty set forth above. Some states do not allow
limitations on the length of an implied warranty, so this limitation may not apply. No person is
authorized to assume for PowerBass any other liability in connection with the sale of this product.
Please call [phone] for PowerBass Customer Service. You must obtain an RA#
(Return Authorization Number) to return any product to PowerBass. The RA number must be
prominently marked on the outside of the shipping carton or the delivery will be refused.
Please pack your return carefully; we are not responsible for items damaged in shipping. Return
the defective product along with a copy of the original dated retail sales receipt, plus $9.00 for
handling and diagnostic evaluation to:
PowerBass USA, Inc., Attn: Returns (RA#__________)
2133 S Green Privado, Ontario, California 91761
Residents of HI, AK and US territories will be charged for return shipping. All inquires
regarding service and warranty should be sent to the above address.

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PowerBass Xtreme (PBX) – A division of PowerBass USA, Inc.
2133 S. Green Privado – Ontario, CA 91761
Tel. [phone] – Fax [phone]
www.powerbassusa.com