AUDIOPHILE WOOFERS
RFA-408
RFA-410
RFA-412
RFA-808
RFA-810
RFA-812
O W N ER' S MAN U AL
TABL E O F C O N T E N T S
Punch Audiophile Woofer Contents .................................................. 1
Introduction ...................................................................................... 1
Design Features................................................................................. 1
Cone ........................................................................................... 1
Vented Pole Piece ....................................................................... 1
Suspension .................................................................................. 1
Voice Coil ................................................................................... 2
Powder Coated Basket................................................................. 2
Epoxy Filled Inverted Dust Caps .................................................. 2
Dual Input Terminals................................................................... 2
Low Frequency Speaker Systems ....................................................... 2
Using the Punch Audiophile Woofers ............................................... 3
Calculating Load Impedance ............................................................. 3
Calculating Volume .......................................................................... 4
Building An Enclosure ....................................................................... 4
Specifications .................................................................................... 6
Warranty Information ........................................................................ 7
PUNCH AUDIO PHILE WO O FER CO NTENTS
Punch Audiophile Woofer
Punch Audiophile Woofer manual
IN TRO D U CTIO N
This manual provides information on the construction, installation
and operation ofthe Punch Audiophile Woofers. We suggestyou save
this manual for future reference.
The Punch Audiophile woofers are a full line of low frequency drivers
in 8", 10", and 12" sizes; in 4 or 8 ohm impedance. They are designed
for use primarily in small, sealed enclosures. By utilizing the latest
materials and construction techniques, we are able to offer a speaker
with good, low frequency response while requiring a minimum of
operating space.
DESIG N FEATU RES
Cone – The cone material used is spruce pulp paper reinforced with
Kevlar® fiber (8" and 10" only). This provides the necessary combi-
nation ofweightand strength and allowshigh levelsofoutputwithout
cone break up. The cone is treated with a water resistant Polyvinyl
Acetate Emulsion (PVA) which increases the cone rigidity and lowers
distortion.
Vented Pole Piece – To allow operation at reasonably high power
levels, ventilation is needed. This is done through the use of a vented
pole piece. The venting allows fresh air to circulate and remove the
built up heat from the voice coil assembly.
Suspension – The suspension holds the cone to the basket and
supports the voice coil in the magnetic gap. The suspension should
allow the cone to move in and out freely but not allow side to side
motion. The Punch Audiophile woofers all use a Nitrile rubber
surround for the front and a flat spider design for the rear. This
combination takes full advantage of the Kevlar® cone's stiffness
allowing clean, uncolored reproduction.
Kevlar® is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc.
– 1 –
Voice Coil – The construction of the voice coil is designed to
maximize the speaker's power handling. The wire used is high
temperature copper, wound in multiple layers on a black, anodized
aluminum former. The wire will withstand high temperatures while
the former conducts heat away from the coil.
Powder Coated Basket – The stamped steel baskets of the Punch
Audiophile woofers are finished with a powder coat process. This
good looking finish damps the basket resonance, preventing basket
vibration from coloring the sound. Unrelated to the sonic perfor-
mance of the speakers, but equally important, the powder coating
used is environmentally friendly since no toxic chemicals are re-
leased into the atmosphere during the process.
Epoxy Filled Inverted Dust Caps – The inverted dust cap provides a
flatter power response and rigidity to the cone. Epoxy filling adds
mass, to ensure the high performance in small, sealed boxes.
Dual Input Terminals – To facilitate hook-up in multiple driver
configurations, each positive and negative terminal has two connect-
ing lugs. The positive terminal is identified by a dot which also
indicates the speaker's impedance. A red dot is used on an 8Ω
speaker, a violet dot on a 4Ω speaker.
LO W FREQ U EN C Y SP EAKER SYSTEM S
The Punch Audiophile woofers require an enclosure to achieve
optimum results. The enclosure allows the speaker to operate at lower
frequencies with improved power handling. The two most commonly
used types of low frequency speaker systems are acoustic suspension
and bass reflex. The acoustic suspension enclosure, commonly
referred to as a sealed box, relies upon the changing air pressure in a
tightly sealed chamber of its operation. The bass reflex, commonly
referred to as a ported enclosure, uses a vent inserted into the box
which takes over for the speaker at a desired frequency which is
determined by the internal volume of the enclosure and the size of the
vent used. The Punch Audiophile woofers will yield optimum perfor-
mance in a small, sealed enclosure.
– 2 –
USING THE PUNCH AUDIOPHILE WOOFERS
Speakers are built in different sizes to optimize their performance in
different frequency bands. Crossovers are used to route the different
frequency bands for each appropriate speaker. There are two opera-
tional types of crossovers, active and passive. An active crossover is
an electronic filter which is placed before the amplifier and separates
the signal fed to different amplifiers in the system. A passive crossover
is positioned after the amplifier and separates the signal fed to each
speaker in the system. Active crossovers offer the accuracy and
flexibility needed for a sophisticated system and are used in complex
multiple amp designs. Passive crossovers (capacitors and inductors)
allow the use of multiple speakers in a simple system which can easily
be expanded over time. We recommend using a 6dB per octave,
100Hz low pass crossover for the Punch Audiophile Woofers when
used with a passive system.
To customize the installation, try adjusting the crossover point one
octave up or down to optimize the system staging.
C A L C U L AT I N G LO A D I M P E D A N C E
The Punch Audiophile Woofers are used for the sub-bass region,
those frequencies below 100Hz. This is the foundation for the music
and the frequency range you feel. Before selecting the passive
crossover it is necessary to calculate the load impedance of the
speaker system. In a series circuit the impedance is determined by
the formula:
RT = R1 + R2 + R3 + etc.
In a parallel circuit the impedance is determined by the formula:
1
1
1
1
1
=
+
+
+
+ etc.
RT
R1
R2
R3
R4
Where RT is the total speaker load and R1, R2, etc. represent each
speaker in the system.
The crossover is connected in line to the positive terminal of the
speaker system. Crossovers are available from Authorized Rockford
Fosgate Dealers.
– 3 –
C ALC U LAT I N G VO LU M E
Calculating volume is merely a matter of measuring the dimensions
in inches and using the formula: Volume = Height x Width x Depth.
The result is in cubic inches. Convert this to cubic feet by dividing
by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot). If two facing
sides are of uneven length, add them together and divide by two to
take the average. Usingthisnumberwillgive you the volume without
the necessity of calculating the box in sections and adding the
sections together. The thickness of the baffle material reduces the
internal volume so this must be subtracted from the outside dimen-
sions to determine the internal volume. The speaker itself also
reduces the internal volume. The amount of air displaced by each
model is listed on the specification sheet and should also be
subtracted from the gross volume calculation.
BU I L D I N G AN EN C L O SU R E
To work properly, the walls of the enclosure must be rigid and not
flex when subjected to the high pressures generated by the speaker's
operation. We recommend using 3/4" thick high density particle
board or medium density fiberboard (MDF), which are available at
most building supply stores. For a large box, internal bracing is
needed for reinforcement. The joints should be glued and secured
with either nails or screws; internally the joints should be sealed with
silicon to prevent air leaking. Wood glue works best. Because the
high density particle board and MDF are porous materials, it is
suggested to seal the outside enclosure walls with polyurethane.
A
C
– 4 –
Cut out two pieces of each panel using 3/4" MDF.
Model #
Panel “A”
Panel “B”
Panel “C”
4.75" x 9"
Volume
RFA-408/808
RFA-410/810
RFA-412/812
10.5" x 16.5"
12.75" x 19.75"
13.5" x 20.5"
4.75" x 16.5"
.33 cu. ft.
6.25" x 19.75" 6.25" x 11.25" .66 cu. ft.
7.75 x 20.5" 7.75" x 12" .88 cu. ft.
In Conclusion
Special care has been taken to ensure your satisfaction with the
Punch Audiophile Woofers. The materials and workmanship have
been carefully selected to guarantee performance equal to the needs
of the most demanding conditions. If you have any further questions
oradvanced system needs, yourAuthorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer
will be happy to assist you.
– 5 –
– 6 –
W ARRAN T Y IN FO RM AT I O N
Rockford Fosgate warrants all loudspeakers to the original purchaser for a period
of two (2) years parts and labor, providing the product was purchased from an
Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer. Speakers found to be defective during the
warranty period will be repaired or replaced (with a product deemed to be
equivalent) at Rockford Fosgate’s discretion. Repaired or replaced speakers will
cover the balance of the original warranty period only. Warranty applies only to
original purchaser and is non-transferable. Warranty does not cover abuse or
installation error. If a determination is made that the product has been abused or
is out of the warranty period, it will be repaired, exchanged, and billed. Parts not
covered underwarrantywillbe repaired orreplaced and billed. Forspeakerboxes,
please return the speaker only. Serial number must be intact to obtain warranty.
Speakers must be returned prepaid to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
GENERAL
Electronics and speaker warranties do not cover any appearance item, any cost or
expense related to the removal or reinstallation of the product, any accessory used
in conjunction with the product, damage to the product resulting from alteration,
accident, misuse or abuse, or improper installation. This warranty does not apply
if the parts or labor, which would otherwise be provided without charge under this
warranty, are obtained from any source other than Rockford Fosgate or an
Authorized Rockford Fosgate Service Center.
The warranty is the only express warranty and does not create any implied
warranties. Rockford Fosgate limits its obligations under any implied warranties
under state laws to a period not to exceed the written warranty period. Some states
do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitation may not apply. This warranty applies only to products sold in the United
States of America or its possessions. For warranty outside the U.S.A., please
contact the nearest Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer. This warranty gives the
consumerspecific legalrights, and the consumermayhave otherrightswhich vary
from state to state.
A defective product must be shipped prepaid to the Authorized Rockford Fosgate
Dealer from which the consumer purchased the product or to the address below,
in the original factory carton or equivalent. Any shipping loss or damage will be
borne by the consumer or the consumer’s shipper. A consumer returning a
product to the factory must call (800) 669-9899 for a Return Authorization
Number. All shipments shall be clearly marked with the Return Authorization
Number on the outside of the shipping carton.
Rockford Corporation
609 Myrtle N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (Receiving-speakers)
N O T E S
Rockford Fosgate
Rockford Corporation
546 South Rockford Drive
Tempe, Arizona 85281 U.S.A.
In U.S.A., (602) 967-3565
In Canada, call Korbon (905) 567-1920
In Europe, Fax (49) 4207-801250
In Japan, Fax (81) 559-79-1265
CP-9050
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