HPS
High-Performance Subwoofer
Model HPS-250
Owner’s Manual
Part #333762-001
®
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Reference Standard (RS 4, RS 5) – Owner’s Manual
1
C A U T I O N
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD – DO NOT OPEN.
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE – NE PAS OUVRIR.
CUIDADO: PELIGRO DE CHOQUE ELÉCTRICO – NO ABRIR.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (0R BACK)
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
THIS INFINITY PRODUCT IS DESIGNED FOR 120-VOLT USE ONLY! FOR
DETAILED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, PLEASE SEE FOLLOWING PAGE IN THIS
’
OWNER S MANUAL FOR “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.”
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” with-
in 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 triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the product.
L’éclair avec le symbole de la flèche, placé dans les limites dun triangel équilatéral est
prévu pour avertir l’utilisateur de la présence de “tension dangereuse” non isolée dans
l’enceinte du produit qui pourrait être d’une importance suffisante pour présenter un
resque d’électrocution aux personnes.
Le point d’exclamation dans un triangel équilateral est prévu pour avertir l’utilisateur
de la présence d’instructions importantes pour les opérations et l’entretien (service)
dans les manuels fournis avec l’appareli.
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE
LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE
CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQUAU FOND.
Este destello luminoso con un símbolo de punta de flecha dentro de un triángulo equi-
látero tiene el objectivo de alertar al usuario sobre la presencia de “voltaje peligroso” no
aislado dentro de la caja del producto que puede ser de magnitud lo suficientemente
grande para constituir un riesgo de choque eléctrico para las personas.
Este punto de exclamación dentro de un triángulo equilátero tiene el objectivo de aler-
tar al usuario sobre la existencia de instrucciones operativas y de mantenimiento
(servicio) importantes en la literatura que acomaña el aparato.
CUIDADO: PARA REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE CHOQUE ELÉCTRICO, NO
RETIRE LA CUBIERTA (O RESPALDO). DENTRO NO HAY PIEZAS A LAS
QUE EL USUARIO PUEDA DAR SERVICIO. REMITA EL SERVICIO AL
PERSONAL DE SERVICIO CALIFICADO.
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HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read Instructions – All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is oper-
ated.
12) Grounding or Polarization –
Figure A.
This product may be equipped
with a polarized alternating-cur-
rent-line plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other). This
plug will fit into the power outlet
only one way. This is a safety fea-
ture. If you are unable to insert
the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing the plug. If the plug
should still fail to fit, contact your
ANTENNA
LEAD-IN
WIRE
2) Retain Instructions – The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
GROUND
CLAMP
3) Heed Warnings – All warnings on the product and
in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
4) Follow Instructions – All operating and use instruc-
tions should be followed.
5) Cleaning – Unplug this product from the wall out-
let before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
electrician to replace your obso-
lete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the polarized
plug.
GROUND CLAMPS
Exception: A product that is meant for uninterrupted
service and that for some specific reason, such as the
possibility of the loss of an authorization code for a
CATV Converter, is not intended to be unplugged by
the user for cleaning or any other purpose, may exclude
the reference to unplugging the product in the cleaning
description otherwise required in number 5.
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
13) Power-Cord Protection –
Power-supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely
to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the product.
20) Damage Requiring Service – Unplug this product
from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified ser-
vice personnel under the following conditions:
a) When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b) If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into
the product.
c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d) If the product does not operate normally by follow-
ing the operating instructions. Adjust only those con-
trols that are covered by the operating instructions as
an improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qual-
ified technician to restore the product to its normal
operation.
6) Attachments – Do not use attachments not recom-
mended by the product manufacturer as they may
cause hazards.
14) Outdoor Antenna Grounding – If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be
sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to
provide some protection against voltage surges and
built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information
with regard to proper grounding of the mast and sup-
porting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an
antenna discharge unit, size for grounding conductors,
location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode. See Figure A.
7) Water and Moisture – Do not use this product near
water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, or laundry tub; in
a
wet basement;
or near a swimming pool; and the like.
8) Accessories – Do not place this product on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table. The product may fall,
causing serious injury to a
child or adult, and serious
damage to the product. Use
only with a cart, stand, tri-
pod, bracket, or table recom-
mended by the manufacturer,
or sold with the product. Any
mounting of the product should
follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should use
a mounting accessory recommended by the manufac-
turer.
e) If the product has been dropped or damaged in any
way.
f) When the product exhibits a distinct change in per-
formance – this indicates a need for service.
15) Lightning – For added protection for this product
during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from
the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable sys-
tem. This will prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power-line surges.
21) Replacement Parts – When replacement parts are
required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or that
have the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric
shock, or other hazards.
16) Power Lines – An outside antenna system should
not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines
or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can
fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing
an outside antenna system, extreme care should be
taken to keep from touching such power lines or cir-
cuits as contact with them might be fatal.
9) A Product and Cart Combination Should Be
Moved With Care – Quick stop, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart com-
bination to overturn.
22) Safety Check – Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this product, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the product is
in proper operating condition.
10) Ventilation – Slots and openings in the cabinet are
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable opera-
tion of the product and to protect it from overheating,
and these openings must not be blocked or covered.
The openings should never be blocked by placing the
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
This product should not be placed in a built-in instal-
lation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventila-
tion is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have
been adhered to.
23) Wall or Ceiling Mounting – The product should
be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended
by the manufacturer.
17) Overloading – Do not overload wall outlets, exten-
sion cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this
can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
24) Heat – The product should be situated away from
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other products (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
18) Object and Liquid Entry – Never push objects of
any kind into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.
19) Servicing – Do not attempt to service this product
yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you
to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servic-
ing to qualified service personnel.
11) Power Sources – This product should be operated
only from the type of power source indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your home, consult your product dealer or
local power company. For products intended to operate
from battery power, or other sources, refer to the oper-
ating instructions.
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4
HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual
INTRODUCTION
Infinity’s HPS-250 subwoofer has been designed to enhance the bass frequencies of any audio
system. The subwoofer may be used with speakers of any size. Obviously, the greatest bass
enhancement will be achieved when the subwoofer is connected to speakers that do not have the
capability to create deep bass.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT...
UNPACKING THE SUBWOOFER
Check your subwoofer carefully. If it has been damaged in transit, report the damage immedi-
ately by calling your dealer and/or the trucking firm that delivered it.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS SUBWOOFER SYSTEM TO RAIN
OR EXCESSIVE MOISTURE. To avoid electric shock, DO NOT OPEN THE SUBWOOFER!
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Observe all warnings and cautions.
IMPORTANT!
VOLUME CONTROL...
IMPORTANT!
A FEW SUGGESTIONS
We recommend that you not operate your speakers or subwoofer with the bass, treble and loud-
ness controls set to full boost. This will place undue strain on your electronics and speakers and
could damage them.
The volume control setting on your preamplifier or stereo receiver is not a specific indication of
the overall loudness level of the speakers. The only important consideration is the loudness level
at which the system can be played regardless of where the volume control is set.
Always turn down the volume control setting on your preamplifier or stereo when changing a
cassette or CD, or switching inputs to AM or FM operation. Excessively loud transients (clicks or
popping sounds) can damage the satellite speakers and possibly the subwoofer.
Whenever changing cables, pulling plugs, etc., ALWAYS TURN OFF ALL EQUIPMENT, includ-
ing the subwoofer. This prevents transients from entering the speakers and prevents electrical
energy from reaching you. Keep all connections out of the reach of children.
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HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual
5
POSITIONING
Since the installation of a subwoofer is somewhat more complicated than installing full-range
speakers, it is essential you read this section very carefully prior to connecting the subwoofer to
your system. Should you have questions relating to your installation, it is advisable to call either
your dealer or Infinity’s Customer Service Department for advice.
POSITION WITHIN
A ROOM WILL
STRONGLY INFLUENCE
PERFORMANCE...
The performance of the subwoofer is directly related to its placement in the listening room and
how you align the subwoofer with its satellite speakers. Setting the volume of the subwoofer in
relationship to the left and right speakers is also of critical importance because it is essential that
the subwoofer integrates smoothly with the entire system. Setting the subwoofer’s volume level
too high will result in an overpowering, boomy bass. Setting the volume level too low will negate
the effect of the subwoofer.
We recommend placing the HPS-250 subwoofer at least 2 to 3 feet away from a television or a
computer’s disc-drive system to prevent smearing the colors of the TV picture or erasing of the
magnetic drive.
Here are several additional facts on installation that may prove useful. It is generally believed by
most audio authorities that low frequencies (below 125Hz) are nondirectional and, therefore,
placement of a subwoofer within any listening room is not critical. While in theory it is true that
the larger wavelengths of extremely low frequencies are basically non-directional, the fact is that
when installing a subwoofer within the limited confines of a room, reflections, standing waves
and absorptions generated within the room will strongly influence the performance of any sub-
woofer system. As a result, specific location of the subwoofer becomes important, and we strongly
recommend that you experiment with placement before choosing a final location.
Placement will depend upon your room and the amount and quality of bass required (for exam-
ple, whether or not your room permits placement of the subwoofer near either satellite). The
HPS-250 utilizes a downfiring woofer with a hyperflared port at the rear of the enclosure. Be sure
to leave a minimum of six inches between the wall and the port.
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6
HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual
POSITIONING (Continued)
HPS SUB
RIGHT-
CHANNEL
SPEAKER
Figure 1. This view shows the
subwoofer positioned behind the
right-channel satellite speaker to
re-create the actual location of
bass instruments in an orchestra
and/or add impact to movie sound tracks.
PRIMARY
LISTENING
AREA
Here are some useful hints:
1. Experimentation with the position of your subwoofer may be useful.
2. If bass response seems inadequate, move it closer to a wall or corner.
It will take time and patience to find the most pleasing acoustic location for your subwoofer.
Testing for sonic balance and blending should always be made for your normal listening position,
using a wide range of source material. As a starting point, initially place the subwoofer behind
your right-channel satellite speaker, six inches from the wall. We suggest trying this location first
because, in an orchestra, the bass instruments are usually located in the back and to the right
(see Figure 1). This position will also will also allow for emphatic, deep bass while playing
movies.
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HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual
7
IDENTIFICATION OF FRONT PANEL CONTROL
(Refer to Figure 2.)
CONTROLS...
1. Crossover: Controls the upper roll-off point.
2. Phase: Reverse/normal switch changes audio-signal polarity.
3. Gain: Controls subwoofer volume level.
Figure 2.
150
50
10
0
0
•
CROSSOVER
GAIN
PHASE
❶
❸
❷
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8
HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual
CONNECTING YOUR SUBWOOFER
If your receiver/processor does not have subwoofer outputs for the left and right channels:
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HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual
9
CONNECTING YOUR SUBWOOFER (Continued)
If your receiver/processor has subwoofer outputs for the left and right channels:
NOTE: Some receivers have a single
(mono) subwoofer output. In that case, it is
recommended that you use a “Y” connector
(not included) to maximize performance.
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10 HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual
OPERATION
SET CONTROLS...
1. Initially set the HPS’s Gain control to the “O” position.
2. Initially set the HPS’s Crossover control to the 100Hz position.
POWER
ON…
3. Plug your HPS’s AC cord into a wall outlet. Do not use the outlets on the back of the
receiver.
4. Turn on your HPS sub by pressing the power button on the center of the front panel.
5. Turn on your entire audio system and start a CD or movie sound track at a moderate level.
6. Turn your HPS’s Gain control
❸ (Figure 2) up to the “5” position (half way). If no sound
ADJUST GAIN…
emanates from the subwoofer, check the AC-line cord and input cables. Are the connectors
on the cables making proper contact? Is the AC plug connected to a “live” receptacle? Has the
power button been pressed to the “on” position? (Note: A green indicator on the front panel
will light when the power is on.) Once you have confirmed that the subwoofer is active, pro-
ceed by playing a CD, record or cassette. Use a selection that has ample bass information.
7. Set the overall volume control of the preamplifier or stereo to a comfortable level. Adjust the
subwoofer’s Gain control
❸(Figure 2) until you obtain a pleasing blend of bass. Bass response
should not overpower the room but rather be adjusted so there is a harmonious blend across
the entire musical range. Many users have a tendency to set the subwoofer volume too loud,
adhering to the belief that a subwoofer is there to produce lots of bass. This is not entirely true.
A subwoofer is there to enhance bass, extending the response of the entire system so the bass
can be felt as well as heard. However, overall balance must be maintained or the music will not
sound natural. An experienced listener will set the volume of the subwoofer so its impact on
bass response is always there but never obtrusive.
CROSSOVER ADJUSTMENTS…
PHASE CONTROL...
8. Crossover Control
❶ (Figure 2) – The Low-Pass control determines the highest frequency at
which the subwoofer reproduces sounds. If your main speakers can comfortably reproduce
some low-frequency sounds, set this control to a lower frequency setting, between 50Hz –
100Hz. This will concentrate the subwoofer’s efforts on the ultradeep bass sounds required
by today’s films and music. If you are using smaller bookshelf speakers that do not extend to
the lower bass frequencies, set the low-pass crossover control to a higher setting, between
120Hz – 150Hz.
9. The Phase Control
❷
(Figure 2) determines whether the subwoofer speaker’s piston-like
action moves in and out with the main speakers, 0˚, or opposite the main speakers, 180˚.
There is no correct or incorrect setting. Proper phase adjustment depends on several variables
such as room size, subwoofer placement and listener position. Adjust the phase switch to
maximize bass output at the listening position. Remember, every system, room and listener
is different. There are no right or wrong settings; any setting you choose will result in excel-
lent performance. Should you decide to fine-tune your system for optimum performance, be
patient and trust your ears. It will be worth the effort involved to fully “tweak” your system.
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HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual 11
A WORD OF ADVICE
The low-frequency Rolloff and Volume controls may be set anywhere within their rotation.
However, it will be a most unusual circumstance if you have to set the Volume control completely
clockwise. This may indicate an unbalanced condition in your system (too much bass), that the
system is in an especially large room, or that speaker placement may be incorrect. Try several
other locations before concluding that the Volume control must be set at maximum.
OVERDRIVE PROTECTION
Automatic limiting circuitry helps prevent overdriving a connected subwoofer by softly clipping
the input signal if it exceeds a predetermined threshold. Depending on the level, you may or
may not hear slight distortion on musical peaks. This protection is completely automatic, with
no user adjustments. However, if you do hear distortion continuously while playing music,
the input signal level (feeding the HPS) may be too high and should be lowered. If this doesn’t
solve the problem, check the connections and that the other components in the audio chain are
operating properly.
A WORD ABOUT TONE CONTROLS
The tone controls on your electronic components (preamplifier, receiver, etc.) should be used
with the utmost discretion. Excessive boost can create severe power demands on your power
amplifier. Maximum bass boost can create a demand for literally hundreds of watts in the bass
region, whereas in the “flat” position, or with the tone controls switched out of the system, your
average listening level may be impressively and realistically loud at fewer than 10 watts. The
remaining power capacity required is on reserve for power peaks on sharp transients and
powerful crescendos.
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12 HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual
CARE OF YOUR SUBWOOFER
Your Infinity subwoofer cabinet is finished with a heavy-duty, high-quality vinyl that requires
very little maintenance. Keep the cabinet clean by dusting it occasionally with a damp cloth.
FEEDBACK
If the bass seems boomy, or you notice a rumbling sound when listening to record albums, the
cause may be acoustic feedback. This means that low-frequency vibrations from your speakers
are reaching the turntable. To help isolate the turntable from these vibrations, place the turntable
on a heavy, solid support, as far away as possible from the subwoofer. If you continue to experi-
ence difficulties after experimenting with placement, consult your Infinity dealer.
IMPORTANT!
CD players are also susceptible to vibrations and should be placed on solid supports to isolate
them acoustically. Another way to isolate the CD player is to place it on four isolation feet
available at your local dealer.
IN CASE OF TROUBLE WITH
YOUR SUBWOOFER
If the subwoofer sound is distorted, stops playing or otherwise seems to be malfunctioning, first
determine if the problem is in the subwoofer or the wiring and/or other audio components. If
the problem also affects the satellite speakers, the cause is most likely in your electronics. If it is
only noticed in the subwoofer, make sure that all connecting cables are correct and in proper
working condition. Make sure the subwoofer is plugged in and turned on.
IMPORTANT!
IMPORTANT!
If everything seems to be in good working order and the subwoofer still malfunctions,
DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY REPAIRS! Contact your Infinity dealer and get the name of the
authorized Infinity service center near you. If there is no facility near you, contact Infinity’s
Customer Service Department at (800) 553-3332, or write:
Infinity Systems, Inc. – CUSTOMER SERVICE
250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 USA
Do not ship your subwoofer for service without prior approval (RETURN AUTHORIZATION),
and do not ship without enclosing a copy of your original bill of sale.
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HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual 13
HPS-250
SPECIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE DATA
Frequency Response:
Amplifier Power:
28 ~ 120Hz
250W
DRIVE UNIT
FINISH
12" Downfiring woofer
Dark-bronze laminate
Height, Width, Depth:
DIMENSIONS
16 x 15 x 18" (406 x 381 x 457mm)
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14 HPS-250 – Owner’s Manual
Notes
◆
High-Performance Subwoofer (HPS) – Owner’s Manual 15
Infinity constantly strives to update and improve existing products, as well as create new ones.
Therefore, the specifications and construction details in this and related Infinity publications are
subject to change without notice.
© 1998 Infinity Systems, Inc., 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 USA
(516) 496-3400 • FAX (516) 682-3523
Infinity is a registered trademark of Infinity Systems, Inc.
Part No. 333762-001
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16 Reference Standard (RS-8) – Owner’s Manual
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