What is the best way for me to hook up my subwoofer?
The optimal connection is to use the RCA (Phono) "sub" or "woofer" line out found on home theater receivers and pre-amps. Some subwoofers offer High Level inputs (speaker wire connections), they are there for use with a receiver or pre-amp without a sub RCA connection. You don't need to use both and in most cases it's not recommended. 

Just as receivers and preamplifiers are different across brands, subwoofer brands may be different as well. Every room may be unique in the way it supports or cancels low frequency information. The quantity of bass desired may differ for each listener. Additionally, hookups to the same amps or receivers and the same subwoofers can produce different results if "bass management" settings (speaker size selectors, etc.) or subwoofer settings are different. The best thing to do is to experiment until it sounds just right for your listening style. 

In some rare cases, you may find an RCA connector marked LFE (Low Frequency Effects) on a receiver or pre-amp; hooking up the "LFE" jacks usually only sends bass special effects of a 5.1- encoded movie to the subwoofer. In that case, when music is played on a two-channel source (for example, a CD), the subwoofer may not receive any signal at all. That situation would call for a hookup of both the "LFE" jacks and the speaker terminal jacks to a subwoofer, in order for the sub to produce bass with all sources. You would need to set the main speakers to "large" in the receiver or pre-amp set-up menu. If you have both LFE and sub out connections on a receiver or preamp, your best choice would be to use the ‘sub out’ connector, because the LFE signal may still be mixed in with the sub channel. 

Be sure to check the owner’s manual that came with the subwoofer about connecting to both LFE in and speaker wire inputs. With some older subwoofers, this was listed as "optional" and it's fine to connect to both; however with most subs today, this is not recommended, as it may damage the sub electronics. So double-check the manual or contact our tech support department to clarify any questions regarding Klipsch subs. 

In the end, it comes down to what sounds best to you, given your equipment and your individual tastes. It takes some time and experimentation, but when you have listened to all your options, you’ll know which one is best for you. 

Where is the best place to put a subwoofer in my room?
It is generally believed that the bass you hear below approximately 80 Hz is non-directional. This means that you can point the loudspeaker in any direction and the sound will still reach the listener's ears. Since much of the bass that subwoofers produce is below that frequency, you can place the subwoofer almost anywhere in the room. This is the opposite of full-range speakers, which have just a few placement options in a room that allow them to sound good, since they must be positioned for the best combination of imaging and tonal balance. Putting a subwoofer in a corner of the room may cause the sub to sound louder. If your subwoofer is a ported design, keep it at least twice the diameter of the port exit (probably 6-12 inches) away from the nearest wall, so that air flowing out of the port is not obstructed. If the bass seems too boomy, you can fine-tune the sub by moving it farther from the wall until it sounds smooth to your ears. 

The best way to find the ideal place for your subwoofer is to hook it up and put it right where you will be sitting in the room. Set the subwoofer to level, low pass and phase. Play something with consistent, deep bass and move around the room on your knees; this way your head is about where it would be when you are seated. The spot where the bass sounds best is a spot where you might put your subwoofer. You may find more than one location.

Corner placement of the subwoofer typically yields the loudest output (highest efficiency). This does not mean that it will always sound best in this position; experimenting with placement is always suggested. It's also important to have the sound from the sub reach the listener in sync with the sound from the main speakers; otherwise the sound may not blend properly. You should not be able to hear your subwoofer as a separate entity—it should seem that your main speakers go deeper with greater impact and authority. 

Can I put more than one subwoofer in my room?
Sometimes, adding a second subwoofer can smooth bass response throughout the room. This is due to strong acoustic standing waves in the room which are dependent on the basic room dimensions (height, length, and width) and the placement of the sub and primary listening area. With a single sub, it is possible to obtain strong bass at one spot, with very weak bass elsewhere in the room. You can hear this by carefully listening to bass as you move a few feet in any direction. If you have strong bass/weak bass problems, using a second sub in a different location may reduce the severity of the problem. The important thing to remember is to find what sounds best to you! Each room is different; experiment until you find the placement that produces the most pleasing bass to your ears.

Some people feel they can never have enough bass. So long as they are placed properly, multiple subwoofers typically produce more bass. It is important to note that unless the second subwoofer goes deeper than the first one, adding additional subwoofers will only raise the bass volume—it will not produce deeper base. You’ll need to experiment with different positions (as previously described) to find the best places for two or more subwoofers. Some people use one subwoofer for a certain frequency range and the second for another (such as the LFE channel in 5.1 recordings). Other options are to connect one subwoofer to the front channels and one to the rear channels, or one to the center channel and the other to the remaining channels.

What is the basic setup for the Quintet™ III and optional SUB 10 or 12 subwoofer?
For most home theater systems, you’ll use a standard RCA connector hookup. This is a shielded wire that is similar in construction to the wires leading from a DVD player to a receiver. It will connect to the single SUB or LFE jack on the back of your receiver and to either of the two inputs on the back of the sub. If you wish, you may obtain a ‘Y’ connector to hook up to both of the sub inputs; this will result in a slight increase in volume.

Cables specifically designed for subwoofer use typically are better shielded than standard ‘patch cables’ and may offer possible noise reduction or cancellation from electrical devices the cable may come in contact with. Some subwoofer cables are directional, (one end always hooks up to receiver, the other to the sub), so always read any instructions that come with your specialty cabling.

Settings in the receiver’s menu system are detailed in the owner’s manual. Here are some suggestions for getting the best possible sound and reliability from your Quintet III with subwoofer system:

• Set all speakers to SMALL setting within the speaker setup controls,
• Adjust the crossover (or Low Pass filter) to 110 or 120 Hz.
• Set the LFE out to SUB ONLY (options might include mains or sub + mains)

Settings on the SUB rear panel are as follows:

• Set the gain/volume to 8 to begin with; you’ll fine tune the balance with receiver remote control.
• Set the low pass/crossover dial fully clockwise to 120. This eliminates the sub’s filter system.
• Set the phase switch to ‘0’; you won’t be using this with the Quintet system.
• Set the ON/OFF switch near the power cable to ON. This is the master power switch.
• Set the auto/ON switch to AUTO. The sub will sense when music or a soundtrack is present and
automatically turn the power on. It will wait a few minutes after the end of the movie to shut off.

If your receiver came with an ‘optimizer’ microphone and setup system, make sure to check the receiver’s settings after running the auto-setup. It is important that your speakers remain set to the SMALL setting. Quintet III satellite speakers cannot reproduce bass tones; allowing the receiver to send bass to them at movie levels might damage them.

The back of the subwoofer is warm. Is this normal?
A subwoofer will run warm when in use, by design. However, it should not be uncomfortable to leave your hand on the back panel for 5 seconds.

I'm not getting any sound out of the subwoofer. What should I check?
Unplug the system to allow the subwoofer to “reset.” Also, test the speaker using another device. You can plug one end of an audio cable (you may need a RCA female to Mini-plug male adaptor) into the headphone output jack of devices such as a portable CD player or MP3 player; plug the other into either ‘line in’ RCA jacks on the sub to determine if the problem is with the subwoofer or the soundcard drivers. If problems persist, please email technical support at technicalsupport@klipsch.com.

Subwoofer Direct CD Test:
If you get little or no sound from your subwoofer, perform a "direct in" test to determine if the problem is more than a simple cable or level-setting issue. Start by using a different set of RCA connector cables, then connect the analog audio out from a CD player or DVD player directly into the subwoofer's LINE IN connections. Then, turn the volume level on the subwoofer all the way down. While playing a CD, raise the volume level on the subwoofer; you should hear the bass portion from the source material. If the subwoofer still duplicates the problem, then the issue may be a blown woofer or involve the sub amplifier. However, if the subwoofer functions correctly, then the issue may be with a cable, the receiver and/or a level setting.

How should I set my home theater receiver for a particular speaker size?
The "bass management" option on today's home theater receivers is designed to route mid- or low-bass or both frequencies to a subwoofer in the system. What setting you should select is based on the bass capabilities of the speakers in question.

In general, "satellite" and bookshelf speakers should be set to "small." Floor-standing speakers should be set to "medium" or "large" depending on their ability to accurately reproduce deeper bass. At the same time this option is set, the frequency of the subwoofer's bass reproduction should also be set. If, for example, you have small bookshelf speakers you have set to "small", you should set your subwoofer to 100-120 Hz. If you have big speakers set to the "large" setting, you should set the subwoofer lower (i.e. 50-80 Hz).

The correct settings on both the receiver and subwoofer will allow the subwoofer to pick up the bass where the speaker leaves off; creating a smooth transition that reduces boominess at frequencies both the subwoofer and the speaker are delivering. The correct settings are best obtained after experimentation yields the best sound to your ears.

How do I set subwoofer phase?
Depending on the absolute phase of your main speakers and amplifier and the distances of the subwoofer and the main speakers from the listening position, the bass in the crossover region may be smoother if you reverse the subwoofer’s phase. Typically, though, phase is left at 0° for most applications.

While seated in your listening sweet spot, play music with bass content that is familiar to you and then have someone switch the 0/180 phase switch on the sub to 180-degrees. This will let you determine if the bass sounds louder in your seating position. The more bass-heavy setting is where the output of the subwoofer and the main speakers are most in phase. Use whatever position (0/180) is louder at your seating location. (Note: some subwoofers may contain a “variable” phase control, which provides variable control between 0 and 180 for even more precise phase control of your subwoofer.) However, if you do not notice any difference when changing the 0-180 setting, it only means there are no issues in your room and all is fine.

I’m experiencing a humming or buzzing noise. What should I check?
This could be a ground loop hum/buzz or possibly a transformer hum through the speakers. In fact, large subwoofer transformers are more susceptible to a slight hum noise.

A speaker hum at your listening location is never normal. To determine if the sub amp is functioning correctly, the best thing to do is disconnect all of the connection inputs going into the subwoofer. Keeping the subwoofer plugged into the AC outlet, turn it on; if the hum still exists, there may be a ground loop issue or a problem in the sub amplifier. In that case, the amp should be serviced or replaced. If there is no hum at that point, the issue might involve the preamp or another ‘upstream’ source component. Some common causes of a ground loop hum are cable TV connections, digital recorders or satellite dish receivers. 

If the hum issue is found to be with a cable TV coax wire, then a device called a MAGIC box possibly may help eliminate the ground loop from cable TV, or an OTA antenna. Some, if not all surge protectors have a cable or satellite in and out cable connection; try that as well.

Can I program a “learning” remote to operate my subwoofer?
Although Klipsch has provided download files for remote control operation, we do not officially support any remote control issues. Our tech support group has not programmed any learning remotes to function with the RT series; they do, however, provide the IR codes. Any issues that might arise concerning the programming of remotes would be technical support issues for the individual remote control manufacturers.

Codes for the Phillips Pronto, RTI, and Universal Remote controls are not “read text” files. Unless your remote is programmable via PC, it’s unlikely these will be of any use. If your remote is not one of these brands, you should still be able to obtain files to program them. (See below) To use our codes, unzip them to your hard drive and connect the remote via cable to your computer; the codes are downloaded directly into the remote.

For example, to program UEI manufactured remotes, go to http://www.uei.com. Under products, you should see One-For-All, Kameleon and Nevo. The code should work, once you use a standard number code (1991) to program. In theory, after you have a working remote, a learning remote should be able to "learn" the codes from the programmed unit, just as it would for any other remote.

Logitech has the codes for all Harmony remotes for the Klipsch model subs noted below. All Harmony remotes should accept the same programming. Add the device from the Harmony software in the following manner. http://www.logitech.com

Add “Device”, choose “Amplifier”, choose “Amplifier” the second time, choose “Klipsch” from the manufacturers’ listing and type in the model precisely as they are below for the model you own:

• RW-10d
• RW-12d
• RSW-10d
• RT-10d
• RT-12d

INDIANAPOLIS (May 29, 2008) — To the eye, the new Icon W speakers from Klipsch reflect a more classic approach, featuring furniture-grade wood veneer cabinets available in espresso and cabernet finishes. But to the ear, there is nothing traditional about them. Advancing the company’s proven horn-loaded technology to new levels of sophistication, this home theater series delivers full-bodied sound performances from slimmer enclosures.

There are five models in the Icon W Series: the WF-35 and WF-34 floorstanding speakers, the WB-14 bookshelf speaker, the WC-24 center channel and the WS-24 surround speaker.

All of these speakers feature exclusive Klipsch® XT Tractrix® Horn-loaded technology—the same that’s used in the more contemporary-looking Klipsch Icon X Series. For over 60 years, horns have been the driving force behind the company’s signature high-output, low-distortion sound. XT—or X-Tractrix—engineering takes this time-proven philosophy to new levels by altering the surface geometry, which equalizes the speed of sound waves from the horn and smoothes the dispersion pattern.

Noted Tony Ostrom, Klipsch director of product marketing: “When this project began, our goal was simple: to create a new family of products that will bring the Klipsch mantra—power, detail and emotion—to a new generation of audio enthusiasts who demand aesthetically pleasing products that still deliver outstanding sonic performance.”

As the flagship models in the Icon W series, the WF-35 and WF-34 floorstanders each employ three high-output fiberglass cone woofers—5.25 inches and 4.5 inches respectively—with powerful ceramic motor structures to unleash the kind of bass you both hear and feel. A premium 1-inch titanium tweeter mated to an 80-degree by 80-degree round Tractrix® Horn with XT technology delivers the speakers’ precise high frequencies. Single-piece magnetic grilles allow you to expose the drivers for a more powerful stance, or cover them up to have the Icon W speakers fit more elegantly into the room. 

The WB-14 bookshelf uses one 4.5-inch fiberglass cone woofer, while the WC-24 center channel and WS-24 surround have two. All of these models utilize 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression drivers. A threaded insert on the WB-14 and dual key hole brackets on the WS-24 allow for wall mount applications.

To achieve the ultimate Icon W home theater experience, Klipsch recommends the following setup: a pair of WF-35 or WF-34 floorstanders to serve as main channels, a WC-24 center channel and a pair of WS-24 surrounds. For a more compact system, the WB-14s can be used in place of the floorstanding models. However, because all of the speakers within the Icon W line are cosmetically and sonically matched, any combination will yield high-performance results. For added bass punch, either the Klipsch XW-500d or XW-300d subwoofer could be added to the system.

Available in June at Magnolia Home Theater and specialty audio outlets, Icon W will be sold at the following U.S. MSRP pricing: $1,499 for a pair of WF-35 floorstanders, $1,199 for a pair of WF-34 floorstanders, $599 for a pair of WB-14 bookshelf models, $499 for each WC-24 center channel and $749 for a pair of WS-24 surrounds.

INDIANAPOLIS (December 19, 2007) — As part of the International CES Best of Innovations Design and Engineering Awards program, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the Industrial Designers of America (IDSA) have recognized Klipsch’s Image headphones and XF-48 floorstanding speaker as being among the best designed and engineered products for 2008. 

Since 1989, the Innovations program has provided a showcase for the industry’s top creative products. This year a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the trade press honored exceptional consumer electronics products in 32 categories. Image and the XF-48 were selected as honorees in the headphone and home theater divisions respectively.

About Image Headphones 

Image is the world’s smallest, lightest full-range in-ear headphone design.

It utilizes patent-pending Contour Ear Gels that are anatomically designed to accurately fit inside the human ear canal. These soft, oval silicon tips reduce ear fatigue as well as provide an amazing seal for excellent noise isolation and increased bass response.

In order to continue Klipsch’s 60-plus years of delivering stunningly precise audio, Image employs extended-frequency exclusive KG926 balanced micro-armatures.

Image headphones features aluminum bodies finished in anodized copper and sleek, aerodynamic-shaped black “tails.” These flexible “tails” reduce cable stress and serve as an acoustic dampener to minimize cable noise.

Priced at $349, Image works with the iPhone™ and virtually any device that has a standard headphone jack. These headphones also come with a carrying case and pouch, a ¼-inch adaptor, an airline adaptor, five sets of different-sized ear gels, and an ear gel cleaning tool.

About the ICON Series XF-48 

A perfect complement to flat-panel displays, the fully active XF-48 floorstander—the flagship model in Klipsch’s ICON Series—employs dual high-output fiberglass cone woofers with powerful neodymium motor structures and two passive radiators to unleash the kind of bass you hear and feel.

But what makes this speaker remarkably superior is an all-new, patent-pending Tractrix® Horn-loaded tweeter with XT™ technology. For over 60 years, horns have been the driving force behind Klipsch’s stunningly precise sound, and this latest design moves the company farther ahead by allowing the slender XF-48 to deliver an extremely smooth response with constant directivity.

The XF-48 has a beautifully crafted aluminum extruded enclosure that features an anodized black-grain finish and high-gloss black accents. It is shipping now and can be purchased through the specialty retail market for $2,498 a pair.

Image and the XF-48, along with all of this year’s Innovations winners, will be on display in the Innovations Showcase at the Sands Expo and Convention Center/The Venetian at the 2008 International CES.

INDIANAPOLIS (April 30, 2008) — Klipsch focused on performance, quality and beauty when designing its new Icon X speaker series for flat-panel displays. These elegant speakers with delicately curved forms and slender proportions utilize an all-new patent-pending horn design that is unlike anything else on the market. 

There are six models within the Icon X Series: the award-winning XF-48 floorstander, XL-23 and XL-12 LCR speakers, XB-10 bookshelf speaker as well as the XW-500d and XW-300d subwoofers.

All of these speakers, except for the subwoofers, feature an exclusive 80-degree by 80-degree round Tractrix® Horn with XT technology. For over 60 years, horns have been the driving force behind Klipsch’s signature high-output, low-distortion sound. This latest XT version builds upon the company’s tried-and-true engineering philosophies by allowing the extremely thin Icon speakers to deliver an extremely smooth response with constant directivity. 

According to Jim Garrett, Klipsch director of product planning, the entire Icon Series is performance art at its best, capturing the spirit of the company’s past and pushing it into the future. “It is a brilliant representation of how our products have evolved and remained desirable over time,” he said. “After just one listen, the Icon X sound will be imprinted in your consciousness forever.”

As the flagship model in the series, the fully active (built-in amplification) XF-48 floorstander intelligently employs two high-output 5.25-inch black fiberglass cone woofers with powerful neodymium motor structures and two passive radiators to unleash the kind of bass you hear and feel. A premium 0.75-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver delivers the speaker’s precise high frequencies.

While the XL-23 LCR features dual high-output 4-inch black fiberglass cone woofers, the XB-10 bookshelf and XL-12 LCR use one. All of these models utilize single 0.75-inch titanium diaphragm compression drivers. For increased placement flexibility, these models can be paired with the company’s optional XFS floor stands.

The sealed XW-500d subwoofer achieves its hard-hitting intensity and clean output via a 10-inch driver and a 500-watt Bash® amplifier. For the quick and easy adjustment of all functions, the subwoofer features Klipsch’s unique Digitally Controlled Subwoofer (DCS™) technology that includes three equalization modes (flat, depth, and punch) and three user-adjustable presets (music, movie, and night) to create specific listening preferences. The XW-300d subwoofer offers the same features as the XW-500d, but employs an 8-inch driver and a 300-watt Bash amplifier.

The Icon X Series performance has but one rival: style. All of the speakers, except the subwoofers, are crafted of extruded aluminum and feature an anodized black-grain finish with high-gloss black accents. The subwoofers feature a black aluminum-look finish with high-gloss black accents.

To achieve the ultimate Icon X home theater experience, Klipsch recommends the following setup: a pair of XL-48 floorstanders to serve as main channels, an XL-23 LCR for a center channel, a pair of XB-10 bookshelves for surrounds and an XW-500d subwoofer. However, because all of the speakers within the Icon X line are cosmetically and sonically matched, any combination will yield high-performance results.

The XF-48, XL-23, XL-12, XB-10, XW-500d and XFS are shipping now, while the XW-300d will become available in July. They are sold at the following U.S. MSRP pricing: $2,498 for a pair of XF-48s, $499 for each XL-23, $499 for a pair of XB-10s, $299 for each XL-12, $999 for each XW-500d, and $699 for each XW-300d. The optional XFS stands are $299 per pair.

INDIANAPOLIS (September 11, 2007) — When it came to selecting products that, in the past year, have garnered the most excitement in the consumer electronics industry, the editorial staff at CustomRetailer magazine chose the Klipsch XF-48 floorstanding loudspeaker for a 2007 Excite Award.

As the flagship speaker in the company’s new Icon Series, a six-model lineup designed to bring stunning audio to today’s stunning flat-panel displays, the fully-active XF-48 floorstander utilizes an all-new wide dispersion Tractrix® Horn-loaded tweeter with XT™ technology.

This proprietary design allows the XF-48 to diffuse a smooth, enveloping 80-degree by 80-degree sound pattern from its extremely thin aluminum extrusion enclosure. As with all Klipsch horn-loaded technology, this version also produces more output using less energy, meaning you don’t need a lot of amplifier power to drive the speaker.

Furthermore, the XF-48 achieves full-range, deep bass response by employing dual high-output 5.25-inch black fiberglass cone woofers that utilize powerful neodymium motor structures as well as two passive radiators that are 8.5-inches high by 5.25-inches wide.

Featuring a sleek, black grain anodized finish with black gloss accents; the XF-48 proves that you don’t have to sacrifice great sound for great style. The XF-48 will begin shipping to the specialty retail and contracting markets next month and carry a U.S. MSRP of $2,498 a pair.

All of the 2007 Excite winners were recognized at a special awards party that took place in Denver, Colo. during the CEDIA trade show. Each nominated product was required to be available and shipping between January 1, 2007 and October 15, 2007. Judging was based on product photos, product descriptions as well as a 50-words or less answer to “What makes this product exciting?”