Thiel PCS User manual

O
“I give a standing ovation to Jim Thiel
and the gang at THIEL Audio for not
only conceiving of the SmartSub and its
ancillaries, but making them a reality.
THIEL has taken a well-known product
[category], addressed its deficiencies,
improved its performance and made it
more intuitive to use. Voilà—they‘ve re-
engineered the status quo.”
—Marc Mickelson,
SoundStage
ur goal in developing a subwoofer system
was to produce a product that achieves a very high
sonic quality but does not exhibit the sonic
problems typical of subwoofers. In particular,
conventional subwoofer systems usually do not
integrate well sonically with other speakers in the
system and our SmartSub products were originally
inspired by the now patented idea of an electronic
means of generating subwoofer crossover
characteristics that could be made to perfectly
match any main speaker. In addition, unbalanced
response caused by placement near walls has also
been solved in our SmartSub designs. We believe
that the major problems of subwoofers have been
effectively eliminated in our THIEL SmartSub
subwoofer products.
Jim Thiel

Awards and Honors
5
4
21
6
Audio/Video International
Grand Prix
“Product of the
Year” Awards
CES Innovations Design
& Engineering Awards
The Absolute Sound or
Perfect Vision “Editors’
Choice” Awards
Stereophile “Speaker
of the Year” &
“Runner-up“ Awards
SoundStage “Reviewers’
Choice” Awards
StereoSound COTY-
“Components of the
Year” Awards
COMPONENTS OF
THE YEAR
4
2000
image hifi
IMAGE Hi-Fi “Speaker of
the Millennium“ Award
3
Electronic House
“Product of the Year”
Awards
2
THIEL

THIEL SmartSub®
Subwoofer Systems
— John Potis
6Moons.com, November 2004
“…the SmartSub doesn’t merely add bass, but effectively
upgrades the performance of the entire system
…an excellent investment. ”
Your one-step solution to better sound
ADDING A THIEL SMARTSUB SUBWOOFER
to your current music or home theater system is the
one-step solution to experiencing
the ultimate in high-performance sound. THIEL’s patented SmartSub Technology
delivers awe-inspiring bass to bring you all of the emotional impact and extreme
realism that comes with full and complete sonic reproduction. Reach your system’s
true potential with THIEL’s SmartSub bass components, regardless of your current
brand of main speakers.

SmartSub®
Subwoofers
THIEL subwoofers extend the boundaries of performance. The full, rich and complete
enjoyment of your favorite music or movies can easily be realized with the addition of one
of the four powerful THIEL SmartSub subwoofers. Use as either a powered, stand alone
system for reproducing the “point one” channel in a home theater system, or combined
with either the companion SmartSub Integrator or the THIEL PX02 or PX05 Passive
Subwoofer Crossovers for full system bass reproduction. The SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4 all
share several innovative design features that provide exceptionally deep, uniform, dynamic
and low distortion bass down to 10 Hz for incredible sonic realism.
— Marc Mickelson
SoundStage, November 2004
“The SS2 equaled
the best subs I’ve
tried in my system
in almost every
way…it’s one hell
of a sub.”
• Soundstage’s “Innovation in Design” Award for 2004
• Electronic House 2004 “Product of the Year” with THIEL PCS
• Soundstage’s “Reviewers’ Choice”Award with THIEL system
• Innovations Design & Engineering Award for 2001
“I know of no
better way to add
great low bass
than THIEL’s
SmartSub
lineup…”
THIEL’s Award-winning sound
—Daniel Kumin
Sound and Vision, September 2004
• Each of the four subwoofers can be easily adjusted to accurately
eliminate room interaction problems for any placement.
• Unique electronic circuitry in the SS2, SS3, and SS4 corrects for
compression distortion due to heating of the drivers' voice coils for more
dynamic and effortless reproduction.
• Very high power amplification
• Short-coil, long gap, copper-stabilized driver motor systems for ultra-
low distortion
• Beautiful cabinetry is available in a variety of real wood finishes
• Provides great realism for both music and movies

LFE Input response: 16 Hz-300 Hz, ±3dB
Normal input response: 10 Hz-300 Hz, ±3dB
Acoustic Output: up to 113dB @ 20Hz, 120dB @ 30Hz
Sensitivity: 1 volt for 120 dB@1m
Amplifier: Switching, Class D
Amplifier Power: 1000 watts, RMS
SS3
The model SS1 utilizes one
long throw 10" woofer in a
compact 20" H x 11" W x
15.5" D, 55 pound cabinet
with up to 99dB of output at
20 Hz and up to 106 dB at 30
Hz, an exceptional amount of
output for a subwoofer its size.
The model SS4 employs two
long-throw 15" woofers in a
51" H x 19" W x 26.5" D,
290 pound cabinet with up
to 113 dB of output at 20 Hz
and up to 120 dB at 30 Hz
to meet the needs of
consumers who desire
extraordinary amounts of
bass output for their home
theater or music systems.
The model SS3 employs
two long-throw 12"
woofers in a 34" H x 16"
W x 20.75" D, 167 pound
cabinet with up to 109 dB
of output at 20 Hz and up
to 116 dB at 30 Hz.
SS4
The model SS2 employs
two long-throw 10"
woofers in a 23.5" H x 11"
W x 20" D, 108 pound
cabinet with up to 105dB
of output at 20 Hz and up
to 112dB at 30 Hz.
SS2
SS1
LFE Input response: 16 Hz-300 Hz, ±3dB
Normal input response: 10 Hz-300 Hz, ±3dB
Acoustic Output: up to 109dB @ 20Hz, 116dB @ 30 Hz
Sensitivity: 1 volt for 120 dB@1m
Amplifier: Switching, Class D
Amplifier Power: 1000 watts, RMS
LFE Input response: 16 Hz-300 Hz, ±3dB
Normal input response: 10 Hz-300 Hz, ±3dB
Acoustic Output: up to 105dB @ 20Hz, 112dB @ 30 Hz
Sensitivity: 1 volt for 120 dB@1m
Amplifier: Switching, Class D
Amplifier Power: 1000 watts, RMS
LFE Input response: 16 Hz-300 Hz, ±3dB
Normal input response: 10 Hz-300 Hz, ±3dB
Acoustic Output: up to 99dB @ 20Hz, 106dB @ 30 Hz
Sensitivity: 1 volt for 120 dB@1m
Amplifier: Tracking Power, Class A-B
Amplifier Power: 500 watts, RMS

SmartSub®Integrator
— Marc Mickelson
SoundStage, November 2004
“Configuring a subwoofer optimally has always been a
challenge…[the THIEL] subwoofer and integrator/crossover are
easy and nearly foolproof to use and the results are deep,
powerful, non-directional bass that gives the aural illusion that
your speakers have sprouted a new woofer or three.”
Sensitivity
Low Frequency Limit
ReflexSealedCrossoverAugment
MAIN SPEAKERS
Crossover Frequency
LFE Level
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Low Frequency Extension
Number of Subwoofers
Low Frequency Level
Type
Mode
StereoMono
Channels
Damping
Decrease
Increase
Store Preset
Recall Preset
Select Next
Select Prev
Main Amplifier Gain
THIEL SmartSub Integrator
Unbal InputRight Bal InputLeft Bal InputLFE Input Right Bal OutputLeft Bal Output
Speaker level Inputs Power
L
R
Unbal Output
L
R
+
LR
–
INPUTS OUTPUTS
Right Sub Output RemoteLeft Sub Output Right Bridge InLeft Bridge In S/N Model
SI 1
THIEL Audio
Lexington, Kentucky USA
www.thielaudio.com
U.S. Patent No. 6,687,379
other patents pending
using THIEL’s patented SmartSub Technology
The SmartSub SI 1 Integrator is designed to provide the unprecedented ability to perfectly match THIEL subwoofers to
any speaker, regardless of brand or type, for seamless, coherent sound. The Integrator takes the guesswork out of
subwoofer crossover adjustments. Other subwoofers require that you endlessly experiment with settings for crossover
frequency, level, and phase with no intelligible way of determining optimal settings and often concluding in unsatisfac-
tory results. The Integrator’s SmartSub circuitry automatically calculates the ideal settings once you enter information
about your main speakers. The result is perfectly balanced sonic performance equivalent to a full-range speaker with
extremely high output capability and very deep bass.
The Integrator can be used in augment mode to extend the bass range of the system’s main speakers or in crossover
mode to transfer the bass energy from the main speakers into the subwoofer, allowing the system to play at higher output
levels. The Integrator utilizes two-channel circuitry so that stereo bass can be preserved when multiple subwoofers are
employed and can be used with up to 16 subwoofers in very large systems.
SmartSub Integrator: Perfectly match a THIEL subwoofer to ANY main speaker
SI 1 Integrator
SmartSub Technology
eliminates the major
problems and limitations
that conventional
subwoofers have in
matching the system’s main
speakers and the room.

SmartSub®Integrator
— Marc Mickelson
SoundStage, November 2004
“Configuring a subwoofer optimally has always been a
challenge…[the THIEL] subwoofer and integrator/crossover are
easy and nearly foolproof to use and the results are deep,
powerful, non-directional bass that gives the aural illusion that
your speakers have sprouted a new woofer or three.”
Sensitivity
Low Frequency Limit
ReflexSealedCrossoverAugment
MAIN SPEAKERS
Crossover Frequency
LFE Level
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Low Frequency Extension
Number of Subwoofers
Low Frequency Level
Type
Mode
StereoMono
Channels
Damping
Decrease
Increase
Store Preset
Recall Preset
Select Next
Select Prev
Main Amplifier Gain
THIEL SmartSub Integrator
Unbal InputRight Bal InputLeft Bal InputLFE Input Right Bal OutputLeft Bal Output
Speaker level Inputs Power
L
R
Unbal Output
L
R
+
LR
–
INPUTS OUTPUTS
Right Sub Output RemoteLeft Sub Output Right Bridge InLeft Bridge In S/N Model
SI 1
THIEL Audio
Lexington, Kentucky USA
www.thielaudio.com
U.S. Patent No. 6,687,379
other patents pending
using THIEL’s patented SmartSub Technology
The SmartSub SI 1 Integrator is designed to provide the unprecedented ability to perfectly match THIEL subwoofers to
any speaker, regardless of brand or type, for seamless, coherent sound. The Integrator takes the guesswork out of
subwoofer crossover adjustments. Other subwoofers require that you endlessly experiment with settings for crossover
frequency, level, and phase with no intelligible way of determining optimal settings and often concluding in unsatisfac-
tory results. The Integrator’s SmartSub circuitry automatically calculates the ideal settings once you enter information
about your main speakers. The result is perfectly balanced sonic performance equivalent to a full-range speaker with
extremely high output capability and very deep bass.
The Integrator can be used in augment mode to extend the bass range of the system’s main speakers or in crossover
mode to transfer the bass energy from the main speakers into the subwoofer, allowing the system to play at higher output
levels. The Integrator utilizes two-channel circuitry so that stereo bass can be preserved when multiple subwoofers are
employed and can be used with up to 16 subwoofers in very large systems.
SmartSub Integrator: Perfectly match a THIEL subwoofer to ANY main speaker
SI 1 Integrator
SmartSub Technology
eliminates the major
problems and limitations
that conventional
subwoofers have in
matching the system’s main
speakers and the room.

“…with no work on my part whatsoever, the PX02 integrated the
SS2 with the PCS monitors so seamlessly that I defy anybody to
detect a subwoofers presence blindfolded.”
—John Potis
6Moons.com, October 2004
SI 1 Integrator
THIEL Passive Subwoofer Crossovers allow a THIEL subwoofer to perfectly blend its output to augment the output of your
main THIEL speakers. Individual THIEL model versions of the two-channel PX02 and the five-channel PX05 are each
designed to create a seamless match with its main THIEL speaker models’ normal bass roll-off, extending the entire
system’s low frequency response to below 20 Hz. With the Passive Subwwoofer Crossovers, THIEL speaker owners can
enjoy the very realistic and dynamic bass of THIEL subwoofers and two of their patented SmartSub features —the
SmartRoom filter for eliminating room boundary problems and the SmartPower Design to correct voice coil compression
distortion. The PX05 is custom made to match different models for front, rear and center channel speakers.
Size: 2" H, 17" W and 9" D
Inputs: Speaker level, Line level balanced and
unbalanced, LFE unbalanced, bridging sub
Main Speaker Outputs: Balanced and unbalanced
Subwoofer Output: Balanced
Line voltage: 90-130 or 180--260
PX02 & PX05 Passive Crossovers
Size: 2" H, 7" W, 6.5" D
Inputs: Speaker level
Subwoofer Output: Balanced
Passive Subwoofer Crossovers: Perfectly match a THIEL subwoofer
to your main THIEL speakers
Do I need an Integrator, PX02, or PX05?
PX02 Passive Subwoofer Crossover PX05 Passive Subwoofer Crossover
PX02/PX05 Passive Crossovers
Specifications
The PX02 and PX05 passive crossovers match THIEL subwoofers
to current main THIEL speaker models and achieve very good
integration and balance between the subwoofer and your THIEL
speakers. Being passive, they are of quite reasonable cost. A
limitation is that these crossovers do not redirect bass energy
away from the main speakers and so the main speakers will not
play any louder than normal. Another limitation is that the bass
extension and level of the subwoofer are not adjustable. This is
often a good approach for music and video systems when the
main speakers play sufficiently loud but do not have extended,
deep bass response.
If you own THIEL main speakers and would like greater
overall output, adjustable levels and bass extension, and choice
of crossover or augment mode, then choose the Integrator. If you
own a non-THIEL or older THIEL speaker model, you will need to
use an Integrator.

Driver Motor Systems
Designing a better subwoofer
THIEL’s excellence in loudspeaker engineering and design is what separates
us from other companies. Our in-house designed drivers represent state-of-
the-art technology and performance that greatly contribute to the exceptional
sound reproduction provided by our entire line of award-winning speakers.
• Unique short coil/long gap motor systems dramatically
reduce distortion for very clear and open reproduction.
• Very rigid aluminum diaphragms eliminate resonance
coloration for exceptionally uniform frequency response.
• Long excursion, long gap motor structures provide
greater output capability for realistically high sound
listening levels.
• Copper is used for magnetic field stability and reduced
voice coil inductance to greatly reduce distortion from
secondary effects.
• Heavy cast chassis, very large magnet assemblies, and
very high quality parts throughout contribute to high
performance.
SS2 woofer
2-1/2" diameter
voice coil
for high power
handling
Very large,
double-stacked
magnets for
good control
Copper ring to stabilize
magnetic field for lower
distortion and more tonal
reproduction
Copper pole sleeve for
lower distortion
Very long, 1-1/2" gap length
for very high output
with low distortion
Heavy cast aluminum
chassis for rigidity
and clarity
Short 6 layer
voice coil that never
leaves long gap
for low distortion
Very high excursion
suspension
Thick aluminum diaphragm
to maintain clarity under
high demands
SmartSub short coil/long gap woofer
To greatly reduce driver
distortion, THIEL uses an
unusual short coil/long gap
motor design which causes the
intensity of the magnetic field
acting on the coil to be constant
during movement.
Conventional long coil/short gap woofer
The difference is our engineering
Design & Engineering
Model SS2
0
5
10
15
20
0246810121416
Xmax = 15 mm in both cases
Long coil / short gap
Short coil / long gap
Peak excursion — ±mm
THD — %
Distortion of THIEL short coil/long gap woofer vs.
conventional long coil/short gap woofer

THIEL’s Award-winning sound
“The SS2 can be
accurately calibrated to
virtually any placement
…Its plug and play
simplicity takes 98% of
the mystery out of
subwoofer use.”
Solution for Wall and Corner Placement Problems
The large amount of power
used in small, high output
subwoofers can produce
substantial heating of the
drivers’ voice coils which, if
uncorrected, lowers output
and alters tonal balance.
The SW1 amplifier’s unique
electronic circuitry corrects
for compression distortion
by measuring voice coil
temperature, then
automatically compensates
for reduced sensitivity and
response changes, resulting
in more dynamic and tonal
low frequency
reproduction.
Like any speaker, a subwoofer placed
near room walls or in a corner will
produce uneven response, with
some frequencies being
overemphasized and others
reduced. Through special
patented circuitry in its
amplifier, THIEL SmartSubs
can be easily adjusted to
completely and accurately
eliminate wall interaction
problems for any placement—without
microphones, equalizers, or complicated
measurements. The result is the elimination of room boundary
problems for outstandingly balanced and smooth bass reproduction.
Solution for Thermal Compression Distortion
THIEL’s SmartSub subwoofers can be easily adjusted to accurately eliminate room interaction
problems for any placement.
—John Potis
6moons
SmartSub Amplifier
SmartSub Control Panel
Unique electronic circuitry in the
SS2, SS3, and SS4 corrects for
compression distortion due to
heating of the drivers' voice coils
for more dynamic and effortless
reproduction.
SmartSub driver voice coil heat sensor
“Tremendous low-frequency
power and extension, but
also…exacting finesse and
bloom.”
—Marc Mickelson
SoundStage

Building a better loudspeaker
THIEL’s Award-winning sound
Manufacturing
• Hardwood veneers are chosen from woods specially reserved for us by the
producers. Craftsmen then match the veneer for the most attractive fit.
• High-precision, custom-programmed CNC machining centers achieve
cabinet cut tolerances of two-tenths of one millimeter.
• THIEL’s skilled cabinet makers assemble the precision cut parts so joints are
tight and veneer grain patterns flow seemlessly in matched pairs.
• From the intricate workings of the innovative motor systems and diaphragm
assemblies to the massive magnets and rigid aluminum baskets, THIEL’s state-
of-art drivers are assembled for exceptional performance.
• Each THIEL speaker is meticulously hand assembled, then tested and
measured under anechoic-like conditions to ensure that it matches the design
prototype. No speaker leaves the factory until it is worthy of the THIEL logo.
—Ugo Stella,
Suono
“At THIEL, quality is nothing
extraneous, rare, or
exceptional, but something that
becomes something you live
with every day…It’s not only a
matter of machines, but of
men, passion, and the
individual employee.”
THIEL speakers are ruggedly constructed with great attention to detail. We strike a fine balance between hand
craftsmanship and the use of high-precision machines to meet the THIEL standard.

An exceptional look for your home
THIEL’s Award-winning sound
Cabinets
“Thiel finishes their speakers like a master
furniture maker…gorgeous veneer work…”
—Brent Butterworth,
Home Theater , August 2000
THIEL is concerned about the impact of
manufacturing on the environment. We purchase
veneer only from responsible foresters, and
contribute to sustainable forest management by
funding the planting of 10 trees for each that we
use. We avoid the use of high- formaldehyde wood
products and glues, and our finishing products
exceed stringent EPA guidelines.
CONTRIBUTOR
HARDWOOD
FORESTRY FUND
Let us
customize a
cabinet
especially for
you. We can
paint, stain,
and even
match a
cabinet to
your furniture.
Custom painted metallic
silver CS1.6s
Real wood varies considerably in color and grain pattern from speaker to speaker,
so your THIEL finish may differ from the samples shown.
To complement a variety of decorating tastes, we offer a number of subwoofer cabinet finishes. Finishes other than
Walnut, Maple, Natural Cherry, Black Ash, and Satin Black are offered for an additional charge. All of our veneers are
hand selected to obtain the most beautiful characteristics of the wood. The veneer for each pair is mirror matched by
hand, creating visual balance and harmony between the two speakers for an elegant effect.
Morado
Dark Cherry Black Ash Satin Black
Walnut
Amberwood
Natural Cherry
Maple
Birds-eye Maple