KA-1000-THX AMPLIFIER
CONNECTION AND A D J U S T M E N T
The KA-1000-THX is a high-performance, THX Ultra2-certified Class D digital power ampli-
fier with a built-in subwoofer crossover. It is designed specifically to drive one or two KW-
120-THX subwoofers to maximum output without audible distortion or risk of damage.
Although the amplifier’s connections and controls are simple, their use varies somewhat
according to the subwoofer system’s application. Typical setup procedures are described in
the following sections – one for digital systems and one for analog systems.
THX / Digital Surround Receiver or Processor Connection — Today’s Dolby Digital® and
DTS® digital surround receivers and processors, as well as all THX-certified models, have
line-level subwoofer outputs and built-in subwoofer crossovers. If your system is built
around one of these, it will almost always be best to use the KA-1000-THX with the THX
switch in the “On” position. This will bypass the crossover and level controls. Connect the
subwoofer output on the receiver or processor to one or both of the KA-1000-THX’s two
input jacks (Figure 2). Use a shielded, high quality subwoofer interconnect cable of appro-
priate length with RCA plugs on each end. Your dealer can help you select a suitable cable.
Be sure to go into your receiver or processor’s speaker setup menu and set Subwoofer to
“On” or “Yes”, or if it is a THX Ultra2 certified model, select “Ultra2” in the subwoofer menu.
Your receiver or processor may have additional bass management abilities beyond simply
activating the subwoofer output. Consult your receiver or processor’s owner’s manual or
your dealer for more information on the proper bass management settings for your system.
Crossover Adjustment – With the THX switch in the “On” position as suggested for this type
of setup, the crossover control will not function. Its status LED will be red signifying that this
control is bypassed. Your receiver or processor will perform the crossover functions for the
subwoofer in this situation. When using either the KL-650-THX or KL-525-THX as your front
speakers, select the 80Hz (THX) crossover frequency.
Level Control – With the THX switch in the “On” position as suggested for this type of setup,
the level control will not function. Its status LED will be red signifying that this control is
bypassed. Your receiver or processor will perform the volume level functions for the sub-
woofer in this situation.
Phase Control – In some installations the setting of the Phase control may not make much
difference, whereas in others it may be necessary to go back and forth between the Phase
and Level controls for a while in order to get the very best blend with the main speakers.
Since each control setting (including the one for crossover frequency in the receiver or
processor) affects the optimum settings for the others, it often takes a while to get every-
thing dialed in just right. Start with the Phase control at 0° and play a recording with a
prominent, repeating bass line in your listening position. Repeat this process with the
control in the 90° and 180° positions. Use the setting that yields the greatest bass output.
REAR PANEL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS / CONNECTIONS AND SETUP
Make all connections with the power turned “OFF” on both the subwoofer amplifier and your
receiver or preamplifier!
1. Line Level Input
The Line Level input consists of a pair of gold-plated RCA phono jacks. Either one or both
may be used. (Use a shielded, high quality subwoofer interconnect cable of appropriate length
with RCA plugs on each end. Your dealer can help you select a suitable cable.) This input can
function as either a Line Level input or an LFE Input, depending on the position of the THX
On/Off switch. When THX is On, the Lowpass Crossover is bypassed and the Line Level input
effectively functions as an unfiltered LFE input.
2. Line Level Output
The Line Level output consists of a pair of gold-plated RCA phono jacks. Either one or both
may be used. This output is an unfiltered passthru of the Line Level input signal. It can be
used to connect to a second KA-1000-THX amplifier or to connect back to your electronics if
needed.
3. Speaker Level Outputs
The Speaker Level outputs are two professional style Speakon
®
NL2 connections. This is a
simple connection that is easy to use, secure and foolproof. You simply align the tab on the
connector with the slot on the output jack, fully insert the connector, turn it clockwise and the
collar locks into place. (Figure 1) To remove it, pull back on the collar and while holding it
back, turn it counter clockwise and pull it out. This connection is repeated on the back of the
subwoofer enclosure. If you are using two KW-120-THX subwoofers, connect the second one
in the same fashion to the KA-1000-THX’s second output jack. (A single, 20-foot length,
Monster Cable THX Ultra certified subwoofer speaker cable is provided with each KW-120-
THX subwoofer enclosure. Contact your dealer if you need a longer cable.)
4. AC Line Cord
The AC Line connection uses a detachable three-prong power cord. Insert the line cord into
this jack, set the Master Power switch to “Off”, then insert the power cord into an appropriate
AC receptacle. Leave the Master Power switch off until all connections are completed. (We
recommend leaving the Master Power and Auto Power switches in the “On” position for nor-
mal operation in most systems.)
Figure 1
Figure 2