Proficient Audio Systems S88 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
S88
Compact Floor-Standing Subwoofer

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong is provided for
your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer
or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart /
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the appa-
ratus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. The appliance couple of the power supply cord is used as the ultimate disconnect
device from mains. Remain the appliance couple readily operable.
16. Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and objects filled with liquids
shall not be placed on the apparatus.
Proficient’s S88 Compact Floor Standing Subwoofer provides accurate bass to any audio system, and is designed to work in conjunction with your other audio
components. The S88 can be connected to any surround sound receiver that has a subwoofer output, any receiver that has a built-in preamplifier or any receiver
that has speaker level outputs.
INTRODUCTION
For optimal performance, the S88 should be placed in a corner along the same wall as the front speakers. The unit is not shielded, so do not place it too close
to video devices. When choosing a place for the S88, please keep the following in mind: Placing the S88 in a corner will increase the bass output, for details on
placement, consult your local Proficient dealer.
DO
• Place the S88 with its feet resting on a solid flat level surface.
• Place the 88 in a well-vented area to provide proper cooling. In areas that lack proper ventilation, such as tight cabinets or racks, it may be
necessary to install small fans to create air movement.
DON’T
• Obstruct the woofers of the S88 it will hinder performance.
• Place the S88 in any position other than horizontal with the feet down. Never place on its side or resting on the back where the terminals are located.
• Place the S88 near heat sources or in an area that it would be exposed to moisture.
PLACEMENT
2
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 PRISE ET
POUSSER JUSQU AU FOND.
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not remove cover (or back). No
user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing
to qualified service personnel.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
you 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.
The exclamation point within an equilateral tri-
angle is intended to alert you to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
• Explanation of Graphical Symbols
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT EXPOSE TO MOISTURE
• To reduce the risk of fire or electrical
shock, do not expose the apparatus to
rain or moisture.
• A warning that an apparatus with CLASS I
construction shall be connected to a MAINS
socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection.
PORTABLE CART
WARNING
CAUTION: Please read the following important instructions carefully to ensure a safe operation.

3
CAUTION: Only make connections when the S88 is turned off.
Connecting the Line Level Audio Inputs (See Figure 1)
If your surround sound receiver or amplifier has only one subwoofer output, simply plug it into the Left
Line Input. If your receiver or amplifier has a built-in preamplifier, the left and right pre-outputs can be
connected to the left and right line level inputs.
Connecting the Speaker Wires (See Figure 1)
If you choose to hookup speaker wire instead of RCA line level patch cords, follow these instructions
when using the Speaker Level Outputs of your receiver or amplifier to connect to the S88.
For best results, use speaker wire that is at least 16 gauge. For runs longer than 75 feet, 14 gauge wire
is recommended.
Wire larger than 14 gauge is not recommended because it may not fit into the connector. For best results,
strip all wire insulation no more than ⁄" from the end before inserting into the connector.
1. Strip the speaker wires’ insulation ⁄" from the end.
2. Connect the wires from the speakers to the appropriate location above “To Speakers”. Please observe
proper polarity of the connections (+ to + and – to –).
3. Connect the amplifier’s or receiver's speakar outputs to the appropriate location above “From
Receiver”. Please observe proper polarity of the connections (+ to + and – to –).
CAUTION: If the “To Speakers” and “From Receiver” connections are reversed, a short could result across
the amplifier or receiver output terminals, which may seriously damage your amplifier or receiver. Please
double-check all connections before turning on your amplifier or receiver.
INSTALLATION
The S88 Powered Subwoofer is designed to function trouble-free. Most problems occur due to operating errors. If you have a problem, please check
the troubleshooting list first. If the problem persists, contact your authorized Proficient dealer or Proficient Technical Support at 800.448.0976.
TROUBLESHOOTING
A hum or buzzing sound is heard. The sound may be caused by a ground loop in the system. Try to eliminate
this by reversing the AC plugs of other components in the system.
Try plugging the receiver into another outlet.
Other causes may include faulty cables.
The S88 will not turn on. The subwoofer must be plugged into a live AC outlet. The power switch on
the back panel must be on. A signal must be playing into the input jacks.
No sound is heard. Audio cable to the receiver is not connected properly or the cable is bad. Use
another cable that you know is good.
Check all wire connections and plugs.
Problem Possible Causes & Solutions
Figure 1:
Line Level Inputs
Speaker Level Inputs/Outputs
Once the S88 is connected, use the controls described below to make adjustments so that it will blend
seamlessly with the other speakers in your system.
Power Switch
This switch turns the S88 on or off. The Standby light will illuminate green when switched to the “On”
position; when “Off”, the Standby light will illuminate red.
Volume Knob (See Figure 2)
Use this control to match the output of the S88 to that of the main speakers in the system. We
recommend that you play a variety of material before selecting a setting. Start with the control in
the 12 o'clock position for the optimal setting and adjust to your system as necessary.
Crossover Knob (See Figure 2)
Use this control to adjust the upper frequency limit of the S88. The purpose is to control the overlap the
upper frequencies of the sub and the main speakers’ lower frequencies. Start in the 12 o’clock position for
the optimal setting.
Crossover Bypass Switch (See Figure 3)
Bypass the internal crossover on the S88. The default setting is “Off”.
Phase Switch (See Figure 3)
Allows you to toggle between 0° and 180° phase modes. Listen to the system and leave the switch in the
position that has more audible bass. The default setting is “0˚”.
OPERATION
Figure 2:
Volume / Crossover Knobs
Optimal Settings Indicated
Figure 3:
Crossover Bypass / Phase Switches
Default Settings Indicated

S
System Configuration: Sealed Powered Subwoofer
Woofer: Dual 8" Long Excursion Treated Paper
Cone Woofers with Butyl Surround
Frequency Response: 30Hz - 180Hz
Power Handling: 250 Watts
Additional Features: Auto Power On/Off
Anti-Clipping Circuitry
User Accessible Fuse
Cabinet: Black Vinyl with Black
Double-Knit Grille
Dimensions: H 11⁄" x W 12½" x D 12½" w/heat sink
(Please allow 4" for terminal connections)
(Please add ½" for feet)
Dimensions w/o Grille H 11⁄" x W 11⁄" x D 11⁄" w/heat sink
Weight 30 lbs
Warranty: Limited 2-Year
SUBWOOFER SPECIFICATIONS
940 Columbia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507
800.448.0976 • Fax [phone] • proficientaudio.com
For technical inquiries please call 800.448.0976 or email us at [e-mail]. We are available to assist you
every weekday, except holidays, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PST.
Proficient Audio Systems warrants to the original retail purchaser
only that this product will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of two years, provided the speaker was
purchased from a Proficient Audio Systems Authorized Dealer.
Defective products must be shipped, prepaid and insured, together
with proof of purchase, to the Proficient Audio Systems Authorized
Dealer from whom they were purchased, or to Proficient Audio
Systems at the address listed on this installation instruction manual.
Freight collect shipments will be refused. It is preferable to ship this
product in the original shipping container to lessen the chance of
transit damage. In any case, the risk of loss or damage in transit is to
be borne by the purchaser.
If, upon examination at the Factory or Proficient Audio Systems
Authorized Dealer, it is determined that the unit was defective in
materials or workmanship at any time during this warranty period,
Proficient Audio Systems or the Proficient Audio Systems Authorized
Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this product at no additional
charge, except as set forth below. If this model is no longer available
and can not be repaired effectively, Proficient Audio Systems, at its
sole option, may replace the unit with a current model of equal or
greater value. In some cases where a new model is substituted, a
modification to the mounting surface may be required. If mounting
surface modification is required, Proficient Audio Systems assumes no
responsibility or liability for such modification. All replaced parts and
product become the property of Proficient Audio Systems. Products
replaced or repaired under this Warranty will be returned to the origi-
nal retail purchaser, within a reasonable time, freight prepaid.
This Warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage
caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate
packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in
excess of the rated maximum of the unit, or service, repair or modi-
fication of the product which has not been authorized or approved
by Proficient Audio Systems. This Warranty also excludes normal
cosmetic deterioration caused by environmental conditions. This
warranty will be void if the Serial Number on the product has been
removed, tampered with or defaced.
This Warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. If the prod-
uct is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, the
purchaser’s sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided
above. In no event will Proficient Audio Systems be liable for any inci-
dental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability
to use the product, even if Proficient Audio Systems, or a Proficient
Audio Systems Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility
of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states do
not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so
the above limitation and exclusion may not apply.
All implied warranties on the product are limited to the duration of
this expressed Warranty. Some states do not allow limitation on the
length of an implied warranty. If the original retail purchaser resides in
such a state, this limitation does not apply.
LIMITED TWO-YEAR WARRANTY
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1301-60880 (rev1)