Owners Manual - HKTS 20, HKTS 30 (English EU

HKTS 20/HKTS 30 

Home Theater Speaker System 

User Guide 

English 

Designed to Entertain.

Important Safety Instructions 

Please read the following precautions before use: 

1. Read these instructions. 

2. Keep these instructions. 

3. Heed all warnings. 

4. Follow all instructions. 

5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 

6. Clean only with a dry cloth. 

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s 

instructions. 

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other 

apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized 

plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades 

and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If 

the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the 

obsolete outlet. 

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, 

convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by 

the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use 

caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury 

from tip-over. 

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the 

apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, 

liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been 

exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 

15. Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled 

with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the apparatus. 

16. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC Mains, disconnect the power 

supply cord plug from the AC receptacle. 

17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable. 

18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. 

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, 

is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous 

voltage” within 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. 

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, 

do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. 

Pb 

Instructions for users on removal and disposal of used batteries. 

Specification of included battery types. 

These symbols shown on the product, the packaging or in the manual or separate information 

sheet mean that the product itself, as well as the batteries included or built into the 

product, should never be thrown away with general household waste. Take them to applicable 

collection points, where proper treatment, recycling and recovery takes place, in accordance 

with national or local legislation, or European Directives 2002/96/EC and 2006/66/EC. 

Correct handling of the product and batteries to be disposed helps save resources and prevents 

possible negative effects on the environment or human health. 

The batteries included with your equipment may be Alkaline, Carbon Zinc/Manganese or 

Lithium (button cells) type. All types should be disposed of according to the above instructions. 

To remove the batteries from your equipment or remote control, reverse the procedure 

described for inserting batteries in the Owners Manual. 

For products with a built-in battery that lasts for the lifetime of the product, removal may not 

be possible for the user. In this case, recycling or recovery centers handle the dismantling of 

the product and the removal of the battery. If, for any reason, it becomes necessary to replace 

such a battery, this procedure must be performed by authorized service centers. 

Declaration of Conformity 

We, Harman Consumer, Consumer Division 

8500 Balboa Blvd. 

Northridge, CA 91329 

USA 

As the manufacturer and through our representative 

within the EU 

Harman Consumer, Consumer Division 

2, route de Tours 

72500 Chateau du Loir 

France 

Do declare under our sole responsibility that the product listed 

below conforms to the requirements of the Directive(s) and 

Standards listed here in. 

Model(s): HKTS20 and HKTS30 

Directives to which Conformity is declared: 

2004/108/EC – EMC Directive, as amended. 

1999/5EC – R&TTE Directive, as amended. 

2006/95/EC – Low Voltage Directive, as amended 

2005/32/EC – Energy Using Products Directive, as amended 

Harmonized Standards Applied to show Conformity: 

EN 55013:2001+A1:2003+A2:2006 

EN 55020:2007 

EN 61000-3-2:2006 

EN 61000-3-3:1995+A1:2001+A2:2005 

EN 60065:2002+A11:2008 

EN 60825-1:2007 

ETSI EN 300 328 V1.7.1 (2006-10) 

ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1 (2008-04) 

Laurent Rault 

Harman Consumer Group, Inc. 

Château du Loir, France 10/09 

THE LIGHTNING 

FLASH AND 

ARROWHEAD WITHIN 

THE TRIANGLE IS 

A WARNING SIGN 

ALERTING YOU TO 

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE 

INSIDE THE PRODUCT. 

CAUTION 

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK 

DO NOT OPEN 

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF 

SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. 

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS 

INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO 

QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. 

SEE MARKING ON BACK OF PRODUCT. 

THE EXCLAMATION 

POINT WITHIN 

THE TRIANGLE IS 

A WARNING SIGN 

ALERTING YOU 

TO IMPORTANT 

INSTRUCTIONS 

ACCOMPANYING THE 

PRODUCT. 

ATTENTION! 

It is considered good practice to always connect the power 

supply to your Harman Kardon unit before plugging 

the device into the wall or AC power outlet. 

Important Note for All Electronic Products: 

Before inserting or unplugging audio cables from the source device’s 

headphones or line-level output jacks, it is good practice to turn off the device 

first. This will prolong the life of your unit, help protect your device from static 

electricity and prevent potential damage. 

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT 

TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 

WARNING: THE APPARATUS SHOULD NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND NO 

OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUID, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS. 

Harman Kardon® HKTS 20 / HKTS 30 

Typographical Conventions 

We have employed certain conventions to help you use this manual: 

– (number in a circle) – Indicates a rear-panel control or connection on the illustration of the HKTS200SUB subwoofer 

Example (bold type) – Indicates the name of a specific control or rear-panel connection on the HKTS200SUB subwoofer 

EXAMPLE (OCR type) – Indicates a control or switch setting on the HKTS200SUB subwoofer 

2

Harman Kardon® 

HKTS 20 / HKTS 30 

Introduction 

Thank you for purchasing the Harman Kardon ® HKTS20/HKTS30 speaker system, with 

which you’re about to begin many years of listening enjoyment. The HKTS20/HKTS30 has 

been custom designed to provide all the excitement and power of the cinema experience 

in your own living room. 

While sophisticated electronics and state-of-the-art speaker components are hard at work 

within the HKTS20 and HKTS30, hookup and operation are simple. Color-keyed cables and 

connections, and simple controls make the HKTS20/HKTS30 easy to use. 

To obtain maximum enjoyment from your new home theater speaker system, we urge 

you to take a few minutes to read through this manual. This will help ensure that the 

connections you make to your receiver (or preamp/processor), amplifier and other devices 

are correct. In addition, a few minutes spent learning the functions of the various controls 

will enable you to take advantage of all the power and refinement the HKTS20/HKTS30 is 

able to deliver. 

If you have any questions about this product, its installation or its operation, please 

contact your dealer, the best local source of information. 

Description and Features 

The HKTS20/HKTS30 is a complete six-piece home theater speaker system that includes: 

•• An 8-inch, 200-watt powered subwoofer 

•• Four identical two-way video-shielded satellite speakers (the HKTS30 satellite 

speakers feature dual drivers) for the left and right front, and left and right rear 

(surround) speaker positions 

•• A dedicated, voice-matched, video-shielded, dual-driver center speaker 

•• Removable bases and wall-mount brackets for the satellite speakers and a wallmount 

bracket for the center speaker 

•• All of the cables you need to connect all of the speakers to your receiver or preamp/ 

processor and amplifier. 

The speaker cables all use a color-coding system to conform to the Consumer Electronics 

Association (CEA) standard. This color-coding system minimizes confusion when 

connecting the speakers, especially when you are connecting them to a Harman Kardon 

receiver. 

The HKTS200SUB subwoofer is equipped with a special LFE input that simplifies 

connection to receivers and preamp/processors with dedicated subwoofer outputs that 

carry low-frequency signals. Other conveniences include a level control, a phase switch for 

fine-tuning bass response to suit your listening environment and taste, and an efficient 

switching system that senses the presence of an audio signal and automatically switches 

the subwoofer from standby mode to on. 

Wall-mount brackets are included for the satellite and center speakers, and shelf stands 

are included for the satellite speakers. Optional HKFS3 floorstands are available separately 

from your Harman Kardon dealer. Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelity receiver fifty 

years ago. With state-of-the-art features and time-honored circuit designs, the HKTS20/ 

HKTS30 is a perfect complement to a Harman Kardon receiver, or any home theater 

system. 

Included 

Four satellite speakers for front left/right and surround left/right 

(HKTS30 satellites shown) 

One powered subwoofer 

One wall-mount bracket for 

center speaker 

Four wall-mount brackets for satellite 

speakers 

Four metal stop plates and screws 

(for satellite speaker wall-mount brackets) 

One combination LFE and trigger cable for 

connection to the subwoofer 

(LFE cable has purple connectors) 

One 4-meter (13.1-foot) speaker cable for 

center speaker (green color bands) 

Two 5-meter (16.4-foot) speaker cables for 

front satellites (red and white color bands) 

ENGLISH 

Two 10-meter (32.8-foot) speaker cables for 

rear satellites 

(gray and blue color bands) 

3

PL0004-01001 

HKTS200SUB Rear-Panel Connections 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

0. Subwoofer Level Control: Use this control to adjust the HKTS200SUB’s volume. Turn 

clockwise to increase the volume; turn counterclockwise to decrease the volume. 

1. Bass Boost Switch: Set this switch to ON to enhance the HKTS200SUB’s low-frequency 

performance. Set this switch to OFF for normal low-frequency performance. 

2. Phase Switch: The Phase Switch 2 determines whether the HKTS200SUB’s piston-like 

action moves in and out in phase with the satellite speakers. If the subwoofer were 

to play out of phase with the satellite speakers, the sound waves produced by the 

subwoofer could be canceled out, reducing bass performance and sonic impact. This 

phenomenon depends in part on the relative placement of all the speakers in the 

room. In most cases the Phase Switch 2 should be left in the NORMAL position. 

However, it does no harm to experiment, and you can leave the Phase Switch 2 in 

the position that maximizes bass response and impact. 

3. Power On Mode Switch: When set in the AUTO position and when the Power Switch 

7 is set to ON, the HKTS200SUB will automatically turn itself on when it receives an 

audio signal, and will enter the standby mode once no audio signal has been received 

for about 15 minutes. When this switch is set in the ON position, the HKTS200SUB 

will remain on whether or not it is receiving an audio signal. 

An LED on the HKTS200SUB’s top panel indicates whether the subwoofer is in the on 

or standby state: 

• When the LED is illuminated white, the HKTS200SUB is turned on. 

• When the LED is not illuminated, the HKTS200SUB is in standby mode. 

When the Master Power Switch 7 is set to OFF, the LED will not be 

illuminated, no matter what setting the Power On Mode Switch 3 is in. 

4. External Trigger Input: Use the mini-plug of the supplied combination LFE and trigger 

cable to connect the External Trigger Input to the trigger output of another 

compatible component. Whenever a trigger signal between 3 and 30V (AC or DC) is 

detected, the HKTS200SUB’s amplifier will turn on. The HKTS200SUB’s amplifier will 

turn off after the trigger signal ceases. (This will occur even when the Power On 

Mode Switch 3 is in the AUTO position.) 

5. Line-Level LFE In Connector: Use the LFE (purple) connector of the supplied combination 

LFE and trigger cable to connect the Line-Level LFE In to the dedicated subwoofer 

output of a receiver or preamp/processor. This input bypasses the HKTS200SUB’s 

internal crossover circuitry, so it should only be used with a subwoofer output that has 

been low-pass filtered. If your receiver or preamp/processor does not have a dedicated 

subwoofer output that is low-pass filtered you should use the HKTS200SUB’s Line- 

Level L/R In Connectors 6 instead. 

6. Line-Level L/R In Connectors: Use these connectors if your receiver or preamp/processor 

does not have digital surround sound decoding or a subwoofer output that is low-pass 

filtered. 

• If your receiver or preamp/processor has a separate subwoofer output, use the LFE 

(purple) connector of the supplied combination LFE and trigger cable to connect it to 

either one of the HKTS200SUB’s Line-Level L/R In Connectors. 

• If your receiver or preamp/processor does not have a separate subwoofer output, 

use two Y-adapters (not supplied). Connect an adapter’s single end to the unit’s 

preamp output for that channel. Connect one of the adapter’s dual ends to the main 

amp input for that channel, and connect the adapter’s other dual end to one of the 

HKTS200SUB’s Line-Level L/R In Connectors. Repeat with the other Y-adapter, 

preamp channel, main amp input and HKTS200SUB Line-Level L/R In Connector. 

7. Power Switch: Set this switch in the ON position to turn the HKTS200SUB on. The 

subwoofer will then either be on or in standby mode, depending on the setting of the 

Power On Mode Switch 3. 

8. Power Cord (Non-Detachable): After you have made and verified all subwoofer 

and speaker connections described in this manual, plug this cord into an active, 

unswitched electrical outlet for proper operation of the HKTS200SUB. DO NOT plug this 

cord into the accessory outlets found in some audio components. 

4

Speaker Placement 

NOTE: The following speaker placement, mounting and connection instructions are 

identical for the HKTS20 and HKTS30 systems. 

Color-Coding System 

The HKTS20 and HKTS30 use the channel color-coding system established by the CEA 

to make setting up your home theater speaker system as easy as possible. The HKTS20/ 

HKTS30 systems include speaker wires with color bands on each end. 

Speaker Position Wire Color Band 

Front Left 

White 

Front Right 

Red 

Center 

Green 

Surround Left 

Blue 

Surround Right Gray 

Subwoofer 

Purple 

0 – 2ft 

Placing the Front Speakers 

Left Front 

Speaker 

Right Front 

Speaker 

Placing the Center Speaker 

Left Front 

Speaker 

Center 

Speaker 

0 - 2 ft 

(0 - 61cm) 

Right Front 

Speaker 

Placing the Subwoofer 

Left Front 

Speaker 

Right Front 

Speaker 

Subwoofer 

The front speakers should be placed the same 

distance from each other as they are from the 

listening position. They should be placed at about 

the same height from the floor as the listener’s 

ears will be. They also can be angled toward the 

listener. 

The center speaker should be placed slightly 

behind (farther away from the listener) the front 

left and right speakers. Its center should be no 

more than 2 feet (61cm) above or below the 

tweeters of the front left and right speakers. If you 

have a CRT television, it may be convenient to set 

the center speaker on top of the television set. 

Since our ears do not hear directional sound 

at the low frequencies where the subwoofer 

operates, it will have good performance from 

just about any location in your room. However, 

the best bass reproduction is likely to be heard 

when the subwoofer is placed in a corner along 

the same wall as the front left and right speakers. 

You can experiment with subwoofer placment 

by temporarily placing it in the listening position 

and playing music with strong bass content. Move 

around to various locations in the room while 

the system is playing and listen until you find the 

location where the bass performance is best. Place 

the subwoofer in that location. 

The two surround speakers should be placed slightly behind the listening position, facing 

each other and, ideally, should be 5–6 feet (1.5m–1.8m) from the floor. An alternate 

location would be on a wall behind the listening position, facing forward. The surround 

speakers should not call attention to themselves while they’re playing. 

Experiment with their placement until you hear a diffuse, ambient sound accompanying 

the program material heard from the front left and right and center speakers. 

Mounting Options for Satellite and Center 

Speakers 

Shelf Placement 

You can place the satellite and center speakers 

on shelves. The satellite speakers have built-in 

bases for shelf placement. You can also remove 

the bases if desired. 

To remove a satellite speaker’s base, pull 

it straight off the speaker, as shown in the 

illustration. Applying even pressure to both sides 

of the base will allow it to slide off smoothly. 

Wall-Mounting: Satellite Speakers 

IMPORTANT: Read the Speaker Connections 

section, on page 7, before wall-mounting the 

satellite speakers. You will need to insert the 

speaker wires through the wall mounts and 

connect the wires to the speakers during the 

process of installing the wall-mounts. 

NOTE: If you are using your own speaker wire, it must 

be no thicker than the wire supplied with the speakers. Thicker 

wire will prevent the wall-mount bracket from sliding onto the 

speaker. 

1. Decide on the location for the speaker 

(see Speaker Placement, opposite). 

2. Remove the speaker’s base as explained in Shelf Placement, above. 

3. Disassemble the wall-mount bracket by sliding the two sections apart, as shown in the 

illustration. 

4. Attach the wall portion of the wall-mount onto the wall using hardware that is 

appropriate for the wall’s construction and materials. We recommend first anchoring 

the mount using its keyhole, then attaching it with another anchor through its top 

opening, as shown in the illustration. Note that the satellite speakers weigh 3.3 lb 

(1.5kg). Be sure to use hardware that can support this weight. 

Top Opening 

Keyhole Opening 

Bottom Opening 

Apply Pressure Evenly 

to Both Sides of Base 

Lift Base Straight 

off Speaker 

Pull Sections 

Apart 

ENGLISH 

Placing the Surround Speakers 

Left Surround 

Sound 

Right Surround 

Sound 

Left Front 

Speaker 

Center 

Speaker 

Right Front 

Speaker 

Subwoofer 

5 - 6 ft 

(1.5m - 1.8m) 

Left Surround 

Sound 

Right Surround 

Sound 

5

NOTE: If you’re running the speaker wire through the wall you can bring it out directly 

behind the bracket location and insert it through the bottom opening in the wall portion 

of the wall-mount, as shown in the illustration. This will keep the wire completely hidden 

from view once the installation is complete. 

8. Connect the speaker wire to the speaker terminals as shown in the illustration: 

a) Press down on the top of the terminal to open the connection hole. 

b) Insert the wire’s bare end all the way into the hole. 

c) Release the terminal to secure the wire. 

Insert the conductor with the colored band into the speaker’s red ( + ) terminal, and 

insert the other conductor into the speaker’s black ( – ) terminal. 

Insert Wire into 

Bottom Opening 

Bring Wire Out 

through Here 

+ – 

5. 

If you’re not running the speaker wire through the wall, insert it through the wall portion 

of the wall-mount bracket as shown in the illustration. 

A. Push Down on Cap to 

Open Hole 

B. Insert Bare Wire into 

Open Hole 

C. Release Cap to Secure Wire 

9. 

IMPORTANT: Make sure the ( + ) and ( – ) bare wires do not touch each other or the 

other terminal. Touching wires can cause a short circuit that can damage your receiver 

or amplifier. 

Slide the speaker portion of wall-mount onto the speaker as shown in the illustration. Fit 

the grooves on the mount onto the rails in the speaker, and apply even pressure on 

both sides of the mount so it slides straight onto the speaker. 

• Push the mount all the way onto the speaker until it snaps into place. 

• Pull any slack speaker wire back through the mount as you slide the mount onto the 

speaker. 

Push Down Evenly on Both Sides of Bracket 

6. 

Pass the speaker wire through the speaker portion of the wall-mount as shown in the 

illustration. 

Fit Bracket Grooves 

onto Speaker Rails 

Bring Wire In 

through Here 

Bring Wire Out 

through Here 

10. Slide the speaker onto the mount’s wall section as shown in the illustration. Pull any slack 

speaker wire back through the mount’s wall section. 

7. If you have not already removed the speaker’s base, do so by pulling it straight off the 

speaker, as shown in the illustration. Applying even pressure to both sides of the base 

will allow it to slide off smoothly. 

Slide Speaker 

onto Wall-Mount 

Apply Pressure Evenly 

to Both Sides of Base 

Lift Base Straight 

off Speaker 

11. Fit the metal stop plate into the recess on the bottom of the mount with the pad facing 

the mount, and fasten it to the mount using two of the supplied screws. This will 

prevent The speaker from detaching from the bracket and will hold the speaker’s 

position as you rotate it on the mount. 

CAUTION: Before making speaker connections, be sure that your receiver or amplifier 

is turned OFF and preferably, its AC cord is unplugged from the AC outlet. 

Stop Plate 

Supplied Screws 

6

Wall-Mounting: Center Speaker 

1. Decide on the location for the speaker (see Speaker Placement, on page 5). 

2. Attach the center speaker wall-mount bracket to the wall using hardware that is 

appropriate for the wall’s construction and materials. Attach the anchors through the 

holes shown in the illustration. 

Use These Holes 

to Attach Bracket 

to Wall 

NOTE: The center speaker weighs 3.2 lb (1.45kg). Be sure to use hardware that can 

support this weight. 

CAUTION: Before making speaker connections, be sure that your receiver or amplifier is 

turned OFF and preferably, its AC cord is unplugged from the AC power source. 

3. Connect the speaker wire to the speaker terminals. Press down on the top of the terminal 

to open the connection hole, insert the wire’s bare end all the way into the hole and 

release the terminal to secure the wire. Insert the conductor with the colored band 

into the speaker’s red ( + ) terminal, and insert the other conductor into the speaker’s 

black ( – ) terminal, as shown in the illustration. 


Open Hole 


Open Hole 


Speakers and receivers/amplifiers have corresponding ( + ) and ( – ) connection 

terminals. Most electronics manufacturers, including Harman Kardon, use red to denote 

the ( + ) terminal and black for the ( – ) terminal. Newer Harman Kardon receivers 

conform to the CEA standard and therefore use a color other than red to denote the ( + ) 

terminal for some speaker positions. See the table in Color-Coding System, on page 5. 

Each speaker wire included with your system has colored bands at both ends of the ( + ) 

conductor, and the subwoofer cable has purple connectors that correspond to the color of 

the HKTS200SUB’s LFE jack. This system helps ensure that the speaker in each location is 

connected to the correct receiver or amplifier terminals. In addition to the colored bands 

at each end, each speaker wire’s ( + ) terminal has ribs molded into its insulation to help 

identify it. 

It is very important to connect each speaker identically: ( + ) on the speaker to ( + ) on 

the receiver or amplifier, and ( – ) on the speaker to ( – ) on the receiver or amplifier. 

Miswiring one or more speakers results in thin sound, weak bass and a poor stereo 

image. With the advent of multichannel surround-sound systems, connecting all of the 

speakers in your system correctly is very important to achieving the proper ambience and 

directionality of the program material. 

To connect the speaker wire to the terminals on the satellite and center speakers, press 

down on the top of the terminal to open the connection hole, insert the wire’s bare end 

all the way into the hole and release the terminal to secure the wire. Insert the conductor 

with the colored band into the speaker’s red ( + ) terminal, and insert the other conductor 

into the speaker’s black ( – ) terminal, as shown in the illustration. 

ENGLISH 

+ – 

+ – 

4. 

Important: Make sure the ( + ) and ( – ) bare wires do not touch each other or the 

other terminal. Touching wires can cause a short circuit that can damage your receiv 

er or amplifier. 

Using two of the supplied screws, attach the center speaker to the wall-mount 

bracket, as shown in the illustration. 


Open Hole 


Open Hole 


IMPORTANT: Make sure the ( + ) and ( – ) bare wires do not touch each other or the 

other terminal. Touching wires can cause a short circuit that can damage your receiver or 

amplifier. 

Wall-Mount 

Bracket 

Supplied Screws 

Connecting Satellite Speakers With Supplied 

Wall-Mount Brackets 

Follow the instructions in Wall-Mounting: Satellite Speakers, on page 5, and 

Wall-Mounting: Center Speaker, opposite. 

Connecting Satellite Speakers with Supplied Bases 

1. Remove the speaker’s base (see Shelf Placement, on page 5). 

2. Pass the speaker wire through the opening in the speaker base. 

3. Connect the speaker wire as described above. 

4. Reattach the speaker’s base as shown in the illustration. 

Speaker Connections 

CAUTION: Before making speaker connections, be sure that your receiver or amplifier is 

turned OFF and preferably, its AC cord is unplugged from the AC power outlet. 

7

PL0004-01001 

Left Front 

Center 

Right Front 

Front Left 

Speaker Cable 

(White Bands) 

Center 

Speaker Cable 

(Green Bands) 

Front Right 

Speaker Cable 

(Red Bands) 

– 

+ 

– 

+ 

– 

+ 

FRONT 

+ – + – 

RIGHT 

SURROUND 

+ – 

CENTER 

+ – 

LEFT 

+ – 

SUB 

LFE OUT 

Receiver 

Subwoofer 

Surround Left 

Speaker Cable 

(Blue Bands) 

LFE/Trigger Cable 

(Purple Ends) 

PL0004-01001 

Surround Right 

– + 

– + 

Speaker Cable 

(Gray Bands) 

Left 

Surround 

Right 

Surround 

Connecting the Subwoofer to a Receiver or Preamp/Processor With a Dedicated Subwoofer Output 

Use this installation method for receivers and preamp/processors that have a dedicated 

subwoofer output with low-pass filtering (also called bass management). If the dedicated 

subwoofer output does not have low-pass filtering, follow the instructions in Connecting 

the Subwoofer to a Receiver or Preamp/Processor With Line Outputs, on page 9. 

Use the LFE (purple) connector of the supplied combination LFE and trigger cable to 

connect the HKTS200SUB’s Line-Level LFE In Jack 5 to the dedicated subwoofer output 

(or LFE output) of your receiver or preamp/processor. 

Connect each satellite speaker and the center speaker to the corresponding speaker 

terminals on your receiver or amplifier. 

In your receiver or preamp/processor’s setup menu, configure it for Subwoofer ON, and 

set the front left, front right, center, and surround speakers to Small. After you have made 

and verified all connections, plug the HKTS200SUB’s AC Power Cord 8 into an active AC 

outlet. 

8

PL0004-01001 

Left Front 

Center 

Right Front 

ENGLISH 

Front Left 

Speaker Cable 

(White Bands) 

Center 

Speaker Cable 

(Green Bands) 

Front Right 

Speaker Cable 

(Red Bands) 

– 

+ 

– 

+ 

– 

+ 

FRONT 

+ – + – 

RIGHT 

SURROUND 

+ – 

CENTER 

+ – 

LEFT 

+ – 

LINE-LEVEL 

OUTPUTS 

L R 

Receiver 

Subwoofer 

Surround Left 

Speaker Cable 

(Blue Bands) 

RCA Cable 

(Not Supplied) 

(Red and White Ends) 

PL0004-01001 

Surround 

– + 

Speaker Cable 

Right 

– + 

(Gray Bands) 

Left 

Surround 

Right 

Surround 

Connecting the Subwoofer to a Receiver or Preamp/Processor With Line Outputs 

Use this installation method for receivers and preamp/processors that do not have a 

dedicated subwoofer output, but do have preamp-level (volume-controlled) line outputs. 

If the receiver or preamp/processor has a dedicated subwoofer output with low-pass 

filtering, see Connecting the Subwoofer to a Receiver or Preamp/Processor With a Dedicated 

Subwoofer Output, on page 8. 

If you’re connecting to a receiver with left and right line outputs that are not connected to 

amplifier inputs, connect the LFE (purple) connector of the supplied combination LFE and 

trigger cable to one of those outputs and to either of the HKTS200SUB’s Line-Level L/R 

In Connectors 6. Use a second RCA cable (not supplied) to connect the other receiver or 

preamp line output to the other of the HKTS200SUB’s Line-Level L/R In Connectors 6. 

If you’re connecting to a receiver or preamp/processor with left and right line outputs 

that are connected to amplifier front left and right inputs, connect the single ends of 

Y-adapters (not supplied) to the receiver’s or processor’s left and right line outputs. 

Connect one of the Y-adapter’s double ends to the HKTS200SUB’s Line-Level L/R In 

Connectors 6, and connect the other double end to your amplifier’s front left and right 

inputs. 

Connect each satellite speaker and the center speaker to the corresponding speaker 

terminals on your receiver or amplifier. 

In your receiver or preamp/processor’s setup menu, configure it for Subwoofer ON, and set 

the front left, front right, center, and surround speakers to Small. 

After you have made and verified all connections, plug the HKTS200SUB’s AC Power Cord 

8 into an active AC outlet. 

9

FRONT 

+ – + – 

RIGHT 

SURROUND 

+ – 

Receiver 

CENTER 

+ – 

LEFT 

+ – 

LFE SUB 

OUTPUT 

12V 

TRIGGER 

OUTPUT 

Subwoofer 

Trigger Cable 

(Black Ends) 

PL0004-01001 

Connecting to a Trigger Voltage Source 

If your preamp/processor or another audio/video component has a trigger voltage 

connection that supplies between 3 and 30V (AC or DC), connect it to the HKTS200SUB’s 

External Trigger Input Connector 4. If the component’s trigger voltage connection has 

a 3.5mm mini jack you can use the supplied combination LFE/trigger cable to make the 

connection. 

10

Operation 

Turning the Subwoofer On and Off 

Set the HKTS200SUB’s Power Switch 7 to the ON position. 

•• 

If the Power On Mode Switch 3 is set to AUTO, the HKTS200SUB will 

automatically turn itself on when it receives an audio signal, and it will go into 

standby mode when it has received no audio signal for 15 minutes. The HKTS200 

SUB’s LED will illuminate white when the subwoofer is on, and will not be illuminated 

when the subwoofer is in standby. 

•• 

If the Power On Mode Switch 3 is set to ON, the HKTS200SUB will remain on at all 

times. The HKTS200 SUB’s LED will illuminate white. 

•• 

If the External Trigger Input Connector 4 is connected to a trigger voltage source, 

the HKTS200SUB will turn on whenever a trigger voltage is present, and will turn off 

after the trigger voltage ceases, regardless of the position of the Power On Mode 

Switch 3. 

If you will be away from home for an extended period of time, or if you will not be 

using the subwoofer for an extended period, switch the Power Switch 7 to the OFF 

Position. 

Subwoofer Adjustments: Volume 

Use the Subwoofer Level Control 0 to set the HKTS200SUB’s volume. Turn the knob 

clockwise to increase the subwoofer’s volume; turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease 

the subwoofer’s volume. 

Subwoofer Adjustments: Phase 

The Phase Switch 2 determines whether the HKTS200SUB’s piston-like action moves 

in and out in phase with the satellite speakers. If the subwoofer were to play out of 

phase with the satellite speakers, the sound waves produced by the subwoofer could be 

canceled out, reducing bass performance and sonic impact. This phenomenon depends in 

part on the relative placement of all the speakers in the room. 

Although in most cases the Phase Switch 2 should be left in the NORMAL position, 

there is no absolute correct setting for the Phase Switch 2. When the HKTS200SUB 

is properly in phase with the satellite speakers, the sound will be clearer and have 

maximum impact. This will make percussive sounds like drums, piano and plucked strings 

sound more lifelike. The best way to set the Phase Switch 2 is to listen to music that you 

are familiar with and set the switch in the position that gives drums and other percussive 

sounds maximum impact. 

Subwoofer Adjustments: Bass Boost 

When set to the ON position, the Bass Boost Switch 1 enhances low-frequency 

performance, resulting in bass with more impact, which you may prefer while watching 

movies or listening to music. There is no harm in experimenting with this control – 

setting the switch to the OFF position will return normal low-frequency performance. 

Troubleshooting 

If there is no sound from any of the speakers: 

•• 

Check that the receiver/amplifier is on and a source is playing. 

•• Make sure that all wires and connections between the receiver/amplifier and the 

speakers are connected properly. 

•• Make sure none of the speaker wires is frayed, cut or punctured. 

•• Review the proper operation of your receiver/amplifier. 

If there is no sound coming from one speaker: 

•• Check that the balance control on your receiver/amplifier is not set all the way to 

one channel. 

•• Check your receiver/amplifier’s speaker setup procedure to make sure that he 

speaker in question has been enabled and its volume level has not been turned all 

the way down. 


speaker are connected properly. 

•• Make sure the speaker wires are not frayed, cut or punctured. 

If there is no sound coming from the center speaker: 

•• Check your receiver/amplifier’s speaker setup procedure to make sure that the 

center speaker has been enabled and its volume level has not been turned all the 

way down. 


center speaker are connected properly. 


•• If your receiver is operating in Dolby® Pro Logic® mode, make sure that the center 

speaker is not set to Phantom. 

If there is no sound coming from the surround speakers: 


surround speakers have been enabled and their volume levels have not been 

turned all the way down. 


surround speakers are connected properly. 


•• Review proper operation of your receiver/processor and its surroundsound features. 

•• Make sure the movie or TV show you’re watching has been recorded in a surroundsound 

mode. If it is not, check to see if your receiver/amplifier has a different 

surround-sound mode that you can use. 

•• Review the operation of your DVD player and the DVD jacket to make sure the DVD 

features the desired Dolby Digital or DTS® surround-sound mode, and that you 

have properly selected that mode using both the DVD player’s menu and the disc’s 

menu. 

If there is no sound coming from the subwoofer: 

•• 

Check that the subwoofer’s Power Cord 8 is plugged into a working AC outlet. 

•• 

Check that the subwoofer’s Power Switch 7 is in the ON position. 

•• 

Check that the Subwoofer Level Control 0 is not turned all the way down (fully 

counterclockwise). 

•• Check the audio connection between your receiver/processor and the subwoofer. 


subwoofer has been enabled and its volume level has not been turned all the way 

down. 

If the system plays at low volumes but shuts off as volume is increased: 


speakers are connected properly. 

•• Make sure none of the speaker wires is frayed, cut or punctured. 

•• If you’re using more than one pair of main speakers, check to be sure that you’re 

not operating the system below the receiver/amplifier’s minimum impedance 

requirements. 

ENGLISH 

11

Specifications 

HKTS20 System 

Frequency Response 

45Hz – 20kHz (-6dB) 

HKTS30 System 

Frequency Response 

45Hz – 20kHz (-6dB) 

SAT-TS20 Satellites SAT-TS30 Satellites Cen-TS20/30 HKTS200SUB Subwoofer 

Recommended Power 

10 ~ 80 watts 

Impedance 

8 ohms nominal 

Sensitivity 

83dB @ 2.83V/1 meter 

Tweeter 

One 3/4" (19mm) dome, video-shielded 

Midrange 

One 3" (75mm) driver, video-shielded 

Dimensions – including stands (H x W x D) 

8-1/2" x 4-11/32"x 3-15/32" 

(216mm x 110mm x 88mm) 

Weight 

2.1 lb (0.95kg) 


10 ~ 120 watts 

Impedance 


Sensitivity 

86dB @ 2.83V/1 meter 

Tweeter 


Midrange 

Dual 3" (75mm) drivers, video-shielded 

Dimensions – including stands (H x W x D) 

11-25/32" x 4-11/32" x 3-15/32" 

(299mm x 110mm x 88mm) 

Weight 

3.3 lb (1.5kg) 


10 ~ 120 watts 

Impedance 


Sensitivity 

86dB @ 2.83V/1 meter 

Tweeter 


Midrange 

Dual 3" (75mm) drivers, video-shielded 

Dimensions (H x W x D) 

4-11/32" x 10-11/32" x 3-15/32" 

(110mm x 272mm x 88mm) 

Weight 

3.2 lb (1.45kg) 

Input rating: 

AC 100–120V, 50/60 Hz, 200W or 

AC 220–240V, 50/60 Hz, 200W 

Amplifier Power 

200 watts RMS 

Bass 

8" woofer, sealed enclosure 

External Trigger Input Voltage 

3 ~ 30 volts AC/DC 

Dimensions (H x W x D) 

13-29/32" x 10-1/2" x 10-1/2" 

(353mm x 267mm x 267mm) 

Gross Weight 

19.8 lb (9kg) 

© 2009 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. 

Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice. 

Harman Kardon is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States 

and/or other countries. Designed to Entertain is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. 

Dolby and Pro Logic are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. 

DTS is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. 

Harman Consumer Group, Inc. 

8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329 USA 

516.255.4545 (USA only) 

www.harmankardon.com 

Made in China 

Part No. 444020-001, 444021-001

Owners Manual - HKTS 20, HKTS 30 (English EU

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