Introduction

The PowerBass Downfiring Bass Speaker PS-ADF110T is engineered to deliver deep, powerful bass in a compact design. With a 10-inch subwoofer and a robust built-in amplifier, it enhances any audio system with rich, resonant low frequencies. The down-firing configuration optimizes sound distribution, making it ideal for various room setups. This speaker is priced at $299, making it a solid investment for those seeking to elevate their home audio experience.

Specifications

10-inch Downfiring Woofer
Peak Power: 500 Watts
RMS Power: 250 Watts
Frequency Response: 25 Hz - 150 Hz
Sensitivity: 90 dB
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Dimensions: 13.5 x 13.5 x 14.5 inches
Weight: 25 lbs

POWERBASS AMPLIFIED BASS SYSTEM FEATURES

Built-in High Powered Amplifier: Contains a high power Class A/B monaural amplifier complete with chassis-mounted adjustable Gain, Low Pass Filter, and Bass Eq controls for sonic integration into most existing factory or aftermarket car stereo systems and engineered perfectly to power the subwoofer.
Heavy-duty Box Design: This enclosure is constructed from non-resonant 5/8” panels that have been glued, braced, and sealed. Each box is finished in a stylish two-tone RFG aviation-grade vinyl covering.
Remote Subwoofer Level Control: This wired remote functions as a Bass Level control and can provide output adjustments from the driver's seat. The remote will not increase the output beyond the GAIN setting on the amplifier. Supplied with 18ft of cable it can reach your dash even when the bass enclosure is mounted in the trunk.
Injection Molded Cone with Rubber Surround: A thermoplastic polymer cone was selected to help resist moisture and other elements while the rubber surround offers more excursion as well as protection against deterioration than other materials.
KSV High-Temperature Voice Coil: These specially designed resin-coated high-temperature Kapton voice coils measure a full 2 inches in diameter to ensure high power handling and precise linear excursion while maximizing thermal heat dissipation.
Additional Features: Vinyl enclosure, professional mounting hardware, and wiring harness add further value to your investment.
Custom Mounting Brackets: Two brackets each with one side marked Vehicle and the other Enclosure. Use two of the brackets on each enclosure to properly secure the cabinet.
Auto Remote Turn-On Circuit (High-Level Input Mode): In the ‘ON’ position, the Auto Turn-On circuit will sense an input signal and turn the internal amplifier on without using a remote turn-on lead.

DOWNFIRING SUBWOOFER SYSTEM

(Due to Constant Improvements, Specifications and Parameters are subject to change without notice.)

Model	Size	System Impedance	Frequency Response	Sensitivity 1W/1M	Magnet Size	Voice Coil Dia.	Power RMS/ Peak
PS-ADF110T	Single 10”	4-ohm	38Hz-280Hz	91dB	40 oz.	2.0”	175W/350W

UNPACKING THE ENCLOSURE AIR SUSPENSION

Every attempt has been made to transport your new PowerBass Downfiring Subwoofer system safely. Carefully unpack the enclosure and inspect it thoroughly for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. Notify your local PowerBass dealer immediately should you notice any damage prior to installing the unit. Be sure to keep the carton and packing material until your system is operational. The original boxes will do the best job of protecting your speaker system if they need to be transported.

Description

The PowerBass PS-ADF110T is built with a sturdy enclosure and features a high-quality 10-inch downfiring woofer. The downfiring design ensures that the bass is directed downwards, minimizing resonance and maximizing sound quality. The speaker is equipped with a built-in amplifier that delivers 250 watts of continuous power and up to 500 watts of peak power, making it capable of handling demanding audio applications.

The speaker's compact size and sleek design make it easy to place in any room without taking up too much space. It also includes adjustable crossover settings, allowing you to customize the sound to your preferences.

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE

Installation of PowerBass Autosound Speakers requires experience with a variety of mechanical and electrical procedures. This manual only provides general installation and operating instructions. If you have any reservations about your installation skills or lack the proper tools, please contact your local PowerBass Autosound dealer for assistance.

ENCLOSURE PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Your PowerBass Downfiring Subwoofer system accurately reproduces the lowest portion of the audible frequency range, which is generally considered to be non-directional. As such, the placement within the vehicle is not as critical to achieve good sound reproduction as with full range systems. Typical locations include behind or under the seat in a pick-up truck, crew cab, hatchback and trunks in cars or wherever space is limited.

Use the mounting brackets and hardware supplied to secure the enclosure to the vehicle.

WARNING: Permanent mounting is not only the safest installation, but usually produces the best sound quality. To avoid vehicle damage or personal injury please ensure that the enclosure is securely mounted to a surface with adequate strength and rigidity to support it.

The following placement recommendations and installation tips are the result of many hours of development and experimentation. These examples are provided to you as a guide line. Please feel free to experiment yourself as you may find that other placements can provide you with superior results.

Make sure all moving parts and factory electrical wires are out of your way and will not interfere after installation.
Should you choose to install the enclosure with the woofer facing down, make sure there is nothing between the cone and the floor of the vehicle.
Leave a little slack in the wire to prevent pulling or stretching, this is even more important if the wires will be run under or through the factory interior.
Use cable ties and wire clamps to prevent the wires from getting caught or shorted.
We do not recommend placing or installing loaded enclosures where they might be subjected to moisture.
RCA cables should be electrically and physically isolated from the vehicle and routed away from any fac-tory wiring that carries high currents or noise (ie, ABS brake systems and engine computer signals).
Use power wire large enough to carry the full power of your amplifier. 16-gauge or larger should be adequate. (Speaker wire not included)
Check before drilling any mounting holes
When all connections are made the final step should be to secure the enclosure using the mounting brackets provided so it remains securely in place.

Your PowerBass Downfiring Subwoofer system needs to be installed some place where it can operate efficiently and not endanger the occupants of the vehicle. The location and orientation of your enclosure will affect the quality and quantity of the bass. If the enclosure is to be mounted all the way in the back of the vehicle, it works best to point the woofer toward the front of the vehicle. Conversely, if the enclosure is going to be mount-ed closer to the back seat, pointing the woofer toward the rear of the vehicle will give you the best results.

WARNING: Make sure where ever you choose to place the enclosure it’s a dry location on a solid surface. Take care that none of the mounting screws will pierce any wiring harnesses, brake or fuel lines, the vehicles fuel tank, spare tire or any other parts of the vehicle. Some or all of these may be located behind or under the mounting surface.

enclosure_placement_recommendations_powerbass_downfiring_bass_speaker_ps-adf110t.png

ENCLOSURE DIMENSIONS AND MOUNTING EXAMPLES

Model	A	B	C
PS-ADF110T	12.4”/315mm	17.9”/455mm	5.6”/143mm

CARE AND CLEANING

The enclosure is constructed of the same non-resonant material used for premium quality home audio speakers, but covered in a combination of vinyl and carpet instead of veneer.

A damp cloth is best to wipe down any dirt on the vinyl surface.
Avoid using strong cleaners that may discolor the vinyl wrap.
Never apply water or cleaner to the woofer cones.

PS-ADF AMPLIFER CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT

LOW INPUT (RCA) Jacks
These RCA style input jacks are for use with source units that have RCA line level inputs. A source unit with a minimum output of 100mV is required for proper operation. However, this input can accept levels up to 6Vrms.
HIGH INPUT
Use the High Input 4-pin Molex style jack when connecting to the speaker leads directly from a factory radio without the use of a low level convertor. Be sure to observe the correct speaker polarity. (Do not use if you are using the LOW INPUT from the RCA jacks).
REMOTE LEVEL (RJ45 Jack)
This is the connector port for the PS-ADF Remote Level control. Now the amplifiers secondary gain circuit can be adjusted from the driver’s seat.
AUTO TURN ON (HIGH LEVEL INPUT MODE ONLY)
In the 'ON' position, the Auto Turn-On circuit will sense an input signal and turn the internal amplifier on without using a remote turn on lead.
PHASE Switch
This switch will reverse the phase of the speaker output without having to touch any wiring. 0 is normal. 180 reverses the output. Select whichever setting provides the most bass.
LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control
This filter allows the low pass of frequency and has an adjustable crossover point from 50Hz to 200Hz. A setting of 50Hz will produce only the low frequencies (deep bass). A max setting of 200Hz will allow the amplifier to produce a more punchy (higher) bass response.
BASS EQ Control
This equalization circuit is used to enhance the low frequency response of the vehicles interior. With up to 12dB of boost centered at 45Hz the Bass EQ can be adjusted to meet your personal taste. Please note that by boosting the Bass EQ to its full +12dB you are asking the amplifier to work 10 times harder!
GAIN Control
This control is used to match the sensitivity of the amplifier to the particular source unit (radio) that you are using up to 6 volts in Low Input Mode and up to 10 volts in High Input Mode. Please note the GAIN control is not a volume control, it is a level match.
POWER Indicator
This RED L.E.D. lights up when the power is on and the system is wired correctly. The LED will shut off if the unit is either in protect mode or powered down.
FUSE
For convenience most PowerBass AutoSound amplifiers utilize common automotive ATC type fuses. For continued protection in the event that a fuse blows, replace the fuse only with the same value.
CAUTION: These power fuses on the amplifier chassis are for protecting the amp against over current situation. To protect the vehicles electrical system, an additional fuse should be used within 18-inches of the battery on the 12V+ cable.
BATT+ (12 Volt Positive)
This terminal is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. A minimum of 10ga cable is required.
REM (Remote)
The amplifier in your PS-ADF enclosure can be turned on by applying 12 volts to this terminal. This can be on the rear of the source unit (radio) in the form of an electric antenna output or remote output. If this is not available you can wire up to the ACC position on the ignition key switch. An 18ga wire is sufficient to run the remote. NOTE: If this unit is used in High Level Input Mode and the Auto Turn-On is switched on, there is no need to hook the remote wire up.
GND (Ground Input Connection)
A good quality ground is required for the amplifier to operate a peak performance. A short length of cable the same gauge as your power cable (8ga is recommended) should be used to attach the ground terminal directly to the chassis of the vehicle. Make sure that all of the paint is sanded or scraped away to ensure a good quality ground connection.

POWER WIRING AND SIGNAL CONNECTIONS

POWER CONNECTION

BATT+
The amplifier should be wired directly to the vehicle battery using a 8ga power cable. Start at the vehicle battery and run the power cable through the vehicle’s firewall using grommets to the amplifier’s BATT + screw terminal. If factory grommets are not available install grommets yourself to protect the cable from sharp metal edges.

Avoid running the power cable over the engine components and near heater cores. The use of an in-line fuse or circuit breaker is a must, this will prevent the risk of potential fire caused by a short in the power cable. Con-nect the fuse holder or circuit breaker as close to the battery positive (+) terminal as possible (no farther than 18-inches from the battery).

The fuse or breaker amperage should be no greater than the fuse rating found on the amplifier control panel lo-cated on the side of the PS-AWB enclosure. You can now connect the cable to the battery, but remember to leave the fuse out or the circuit breaker “off” until the other cable connections are made. It is highly recommended that the cable end connecting to the amplifier is terminated with a spade or ring terminal.

IMPORTANT—You MUST install a fuse holder with an appropriate fuse in line with the power cable no further than 18-inches from the battery.

REM
Run 18ga wire (not included) to the radio power antenna lead or remote output. This wire is responsible for turning the amplifier on and off. If the source unit (radio) is not equipped with a Remote lead you can connect this wire to an accessory or ignition point at the vehicle fuse block. In this type of installation, the amplifier will be on whenever the ignition is on.

GND
A cable of the same size (gauge) as the power cable should be used to ground the amplifier. Connect the ground wire from the screw terminal marked GND on the amplifier control panel to the nearest bare-metal surface on the vehicle. Keep the length of the ground cable to an absolute minimum using a spade terminal at the amplifier end and ring terminal as shown in below at the chassis end (Fig 3).

power_connection_powerbass_downfiring_bass_speaker_ps-adf110t.png

PowerBass PS-ADF110T INPUT SIGNAL

(CHOOSING THE HIGH OR LOW INPUTS)
The PS-ADF amplifer control panel input signal connects to the head unit’s High Level (speaker wire) output OR Low Level (RCA) output—provided the radio is so equipped with Line Out. A dedicated subwoofer or low level signal will deliver the best performance. If unavailable use the high level inputs, as will be the case with most factory head units. (Note once you have chosen whether you will use the High Level or Low Level inputs follow the corresponding wiring diagrams on the following pages)

NOTE: Never use BOTH High and Low Level inputs at the same time. You must select one or the other!

High Level Input Connections (fig 4)
For radios with only speaker outputs (including most Factory source units). Using the 4-pin Molex style wiring harness provided, splice directly into the radio’s speaker outputs. Do not break the connection with the source (radio) and the speakers. Be sure to maintain proper speaker polarity.

high_level_input_connections_powerbass_downfiring_bass_speaker_ps-adf110t.png

Wire Color	Connect to
Red	Left +
Black	Left -
Red	Right +
Black	Right -

Another option is to tap off the existing front or rear full range speakers. Once again be sure to follow the correct polarity

Low Level Input and RCA Interconnect Wiring

(fig 5)
For radios that have RCA line outputs. You will need to connect the low-level RCA style inputs from the PS-ADF to the line-outputs from the radio (source) via an RCA interconnect commonly called a “stereo patch cord”. Choose the correct length and style of RCA interconnects for your needs. Always use high quality RCA audio cables (not supplied) for signal connections—those with multiple layers of shielding or a twisted pair variety for better noise rejection.

Be extra careful when routing your RCA audio interconnect cables. Car environments are notorious for poorly insulated wires. This means that hiss, engine noise and fan noise can be easily picked up through RCA cables if run incorrectly. Take care to make sure the power and audio signal are not on the same side of the vehicle and they do not cross each other.

SET UP ADJUSTMENTS

Your PS-ADF enclosure uses several controls to provide sonic integration with virtually any vehicles unique acoustic properties. Please read the following section carefully to familiarize yourself with the function of each control.
The following adjustment sequence is recommended to properly tune your PS-ADF enclosure. By first adjusting the GAIN, the LPF, then the PHASE switch, followed by the BASS EQ (in this order) will give you the best results.

Input GAIN Control

This control allows you to match the input level of the amplifier to the output level of your head unit (Fig 6). Matching the input can be accomplished in four simple steps:

set_up_adjustments_powerbass_downfiring_bass_speaker_ps-adf110t.png

Make sure the remote gain control is not plugged in until after the master gain control is set.
Set the GAIN control on the amplifier to MIN (completely counter clock wise).
Turn on the head unit and adjust the volume to 2/3 maximum, and set the BASS and TREBLE on the radio (source) to zero or flat.
Turn the GAIN control clockwise until the sound just begins to distort, then back off slightly to cut distortion and operate at optimum gain.

Remember, the GAIN control is not a volume control. Ignoring these four steps above may leave you with a damaged woofer and/or damaged amplifier.

LPF (Low Pass Filter) Crossover Adjustment

Since musical tastes vary, adjust the crossover by ear while listening to the music of your choice. Turn the crossover LPF adjustment all the way down to 50Hz. Then slowly turn the knob up until desired sound is achieved. Normal listening level should be right around 100Hz to 150Hz. Use common sense when adjusting the crossover. When properly adjusted, the bass from the PS-ADF enclosure should blend in with the rest of your speakers and not overpower the music. Be sure to set the tone controls of your radio (source unit) to flat while dialing in the crossover. (Fig 7)

input_gain_control_powerbass_downfiring_bass_speaker_ps-adf110t.png

Setting the PHASE switch

Start with the PHASE switch set at 0˚ and play a favorite music track that contains some solid bass (make sure the BASS EQ control is set at the 12 o’clock position). Then flip the switch to 180˚ and listen to the same musical track again. Choose the setting that provides the best bass response according to your taste.

BASS EQ Adjustment

setting_the_phase_switch_powerbass_downfiring_bass_speaker_ps-adf110t.png

This special feature is designed to provide you with more powerful sound quality and it allows you to increase the Bass up to +12dB. Keep in mind that more is not always better. Adjusting the control to the MAX (12dB) position will stress the amplifier and the woofer which could result in damage. (Fig 9)

lpf_(low_pass_filter)_crossover_adjustment_powerbass_downfiring_bass_speaker_ps-adf110t.png

NOTE: Although this adjustment sequence will in most cases provide the best tuning results, the actual process may include several readjustments of each of the controls since their settings interact with each other. If necessary, consult your Authorized PowerBass dealer for help tuning your system.

Remote Level Controller

Your PowerBass PS-ADF enclosure includes a wired Remote Level Subwoofer control module. It uses standard telephone wire and telephone RJ45 connectors. To connect the Remote Subwoofer Gain control to the amplified enclosure, simply insert one end of the telephone plug into the REMOTE gain port. Plug the other end into the back of the remote module. Mount the module within easy reach or under your dash. (Fig 10)

bass_eq_adjustment_powerbass_downfiring_bass_speaker_ps-adf110t.png

NOTE: DO NOT plug in or disconnect the remote bass level controller when the amplifier is on!

Break In Period
To get the most from your woofer we recommend a "break-in" period of at least 40 hours (typically 2 weeks) at no more than 1/3 of maximum volume. During this time the cone and spider assembly will gradually break in resulting in greater performance and more listening enjoyment.

Troubleshooting

Problem

Solution

Power LED not ON

With a Volt OHM Meter (VOM) check:

• +12 Volt power terminal (should read +12 to +16VDC

Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12 to +16VDC)
Ground Terminal

Power LED lights RED, no output

Check RCA connections
Test speaker outputs with known good speaker
Substitute known good Source Unit
Check for signal on the RCA cable with VOM in AC position

The RED LED is ON, no output and

Amp is VERY HOT

Amp shuts down ONLY when the vehicle is running

Thermal protection is engaged. Check for proper im- pedance at speaker terminals. Also check for adequate air flow around the amplifier.
Voltage protection engaged. Voltage to the amp is not within the 10-16 VDC operating range. Have the bat- tery/charging system inspected.

Alternator noise (varies with RPM)

Check for damaged RCA cable.
Check routing of RCA cable
Check Source Unit for good ground
Check amp gain setting, turn down if set too high

PowerBass PS-ADF110T Pros & Cons

Pros

High-quality downfiring woofer for enhanced bass performance
Compact and sleek design for easy placement
Adjustable crossover settings for customized sound
Robust built-in amplifier with high power output
Excellent value for its price

Cons

Limited frequency response range compared to some other models
No wireless connectivity options available
Slightly heavy and may require additional support

Customer Reviews

The PowerBass PS-ADF110T has received rave reviews from satisfied customers for its robust and detailed bass. A lot of people who have reviewed it have said that it makes their home theater experience much better. Having said that, a few reviewers have noted that the speaker is hefty, so you might need something to steady it.
One potential downside, according to several users, is the absence of wireless connectivity possibilities. Notwithstanding this, most people think the speaker is a good buy considering its price and specs.

Warranty

PowerBass Autosound Speakers are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year.

Search Manuals in: downfiring

Read More