The PQS-302
Omnidirectional Loudspeaker
Reference Series
Award Winning Loudspeaker
The PQS-302 is designed for use in medium to large size rooms. It is based on our PQS-402 model and uses the same twin DDD driver arrangement. These are paired with two independent bass cabinets, each fitted with an 8-inch, long throw woofer. The PQS-302 produces realistic and detailed immersive stereo images, excellent dynamics and of course our trademark fast, deep and well-controlled bass. Naturally it also offers the finesse and transparency that all German Physiks loudspeakers are famous for. These attributes are combined with the ability to produce sound levels up to 112dB, for a more realistic recreation of live-music like dynamics.
This is why the leading German high-end audio magazine Stereoplay has been using the PQS-302 as its reference loudspeakers since 2010.
Exceptional dynamics and imaging
The two DDD drivers provide a very wide dynamic range, enhancing the sense of listening to a real performance, whilst at the same time delivering excellent transparency and resolution. On the PQS-302, the DDD drivers cover the frequency range from 170Hz to 24kHz. As with all German Physiks loudspeakers, the very wide frequency range of the DDD driver allows for the elimination of the mid-band crossover point found in conventional designs. Our hearing is most sensitive in the mid-band, so keeping this region pristine makes it easier to hear the nuances in the musical performance. The compact size of the DDD driver pair, together with their extremely wide frequency range provides a very high level of coherence. This is essential in order to create an accurate, well-focussed stereo image.
Fast and well extended bass
PQS-302’s bass system uses two independent bass reflex cabinets. Each is fitted with an 8-inch long-throw woofer. This produces bass with the high speed necessary to match the DDD driver, whilst also offering a well-controlled and balanced response down to 26Hz.
Modular bass system
The two bass cabinets are mounted one on top of the other and stand between a top and a bottom plate. None of these components is attached to the other using screws, or any form of hard connection. Instead, they are held together by a system of interlocking collars. This combined with the fact that the two cabinets have different weights, as do the top and bottom plates, helps to reduce resonances, compared to a solid structure.
As the PQS-302 weighs 115kg (253lbs), the modular construction makes it much easier to set up than would be the case if it were a one-piece design.
The revolutionary DDD driver
The heart of all German Physiks loudspeakers is our revolutionary DDD driver. This is an omnidirectional driver with an exceptionally wide frequency range. Despite its simple appearance, it is in reality an extremely sophisticated design.
It provides 8 important advantages to all German Physiks loudspeakers and this combination is what sets them apart from other loudspeakers.
A realistic stereo image more like you experience in the concert hall.
A stereo image that is enjoyable in almost all positions in your room.
An exceptionally coherent sound.
Accurate portrayal of musical instruments’ tonal characteristics.
An exceptional transient response.
Being omnidirectional they are comparatively quick and easy to set up.
The DDD driver’s low moving mass reduces cabinet resonances.
The carbon fibre DDD driver is physically extremely rugged.
Low resonance cabinet design enhances transparency
The high sound level capability of the PQS-302 meant that extra care had to be taken with the cabinet design to minimise resonances. This is because the resulting colouration would otherwise degrade the loudspeaker’s ability to resolve the fine detail that is essential in order to produce a sense of realism and hence convey the emotion that is the essence of a musical performance.
The PQS-302’s DDD drivers use very small enclosures, minimizing the area of any potential vibrating surface. Being cylindrical, they eliminate the resonances that can arise with a conventional rectangular or square section cabinet. Because they are made from aluminium, a comparatively soft metal, residual vibration of the enclosure is minimized. The DDD driver enclosure end-caps are made from non-resonant MDF and the enclosure is packed with damping material to dissipate any standing waves. The result is that the PQS-302 has the clarity that we normally associate with electrostatic loudspeakers and for the same reason: the DDD drivers essentially have no enclosure to colour the sound.
The bass system is divided into two independent cabinets, so the panels are smaller and therefore stiffer and more vibration-resistant than if a single large enclosure were to be used. All the cabinet vertical surfaces are non-parallel to prevent the formation of standing waves between them. Internal bracing increases rigidity to suppress resonances. Residual vibration is minimized by applying a special damping material called Hawaphon®, to the inside surface of each panel.
Hawaphon® consists of a polymer sheet containing a matrix of small cells filled with fine steel shot. It adds mass to the panels to reduce the resonant frequency and the ability of the balls in each cell to move against each other provides a very effective way of converting vibration energy into heat. Originally developed as an anti-surveillance measure for use in military and government buildings, Hawaphon® achieves broadband attenuation of structure-borne sound of more than 50dB, which is an exceptionally high figure.
To damp resonances of the air within the cabinet, the whole of the interior is lined with a 1cm thick layer of high-density felt. This is achieved by fitting pieces of felt that are precisely cut to fit each panel, rather than just inserting a roll of felt into the cabinet. This is a time-consuming process, but we believe produces a superior result and is typical of the attention to detail that we lavish on all of our products.
Easy to set-up and use
The DDD driver’s omnidirectional radiation pattern and wide frequency range make the PQS-302 less critical of its position in the room than conventional loudspeakers, so they are comparatively quick and easy to set up. Another advantage of being omnidirectional is that no toe-in adjustment is required, which further simplifies the set-up procedure.
The angled front faces of the bass cabinets allow the PQS-302 to be set relatively close to the rear wall.
Separate inputs are provided for the woofer and DDD driver crossover inputs, allowing single or bi-wire connection.
Jumpers on the loudspeaker’s rear panel allow the high frequency output level to be adjusted in 4 steps: -2dB, flat, +2dB and +4dB, enabling the user to easily compensate for the variations in the absorption of high frequencies that can occur due to different types of furnishings and room construction.
A second set of jumpers allow the low frequency to be adjusted in 3 steps: +10dB, +5db and flat centred at 58Hz
Designed for a lifetime of listening pleasure
As you would expect from a German product, the quality of construction and reliability are first class. We use the same quality of parts in the this speaker as in our reference products, where we design for a minimum life expectancy of 25 years.
Meticulous care and attention are paid during manufacture. Prior to assembly all components and materials are subject to a rigorous inspection. We also carry out detailed inspections at each stage of the manufacturing process. We can afford to do this as we build our products by hand in small batches. After assembly, the performance of each loudspeaker is measured. It is then burnt-in for at least 12 hours and then measured again. Once the burn-in process is complete, each loudspeaker is given a final detailed physical inspection before being packed.
Finish Options
To achieve a luxurious look that matches their outstanding sound quality, all our loudspeaker cabinets are hand-built and finished in Germany by skilled cabinet makers.
The standard finishes are high-polish polyester in black or white, carbon fibre and macassar, walnut cluster and pappel cluster high-polish veneers.
Other high-polish veneers and high polish polyester in custom colours are available to special order. Please consult your dealer for details.
Impedance – 4 ohms
Frequency response – 26 – 24,000Hz
Power handling – Nominal 400W / Short term 700W
Amplification required
Passive operation – Minimum 150W/4 ohms
With active crossover – 2 power amplifiers per channel
DDD section – minimum power 140W/4ohms
Woofer section – minimum power 140W/4 ohms
Crossover frequency – 170Hz
Crossover slope (Passive version)
DDD section – 12dB/octave electronic & 21dB/octave acoustic
Woofer section – 18dB/octave electronic & 24dB/octave acoustic
Passive crossover adjustment – -2dB, flat, +2dB and +4dB centred at 8,000Hz / +10dB, +5db and flat centred at 58Hz
Sensitivity – 87.7 dB for 1W at 1m
Maximum output level – 112dB
Operating principle – 2-way loudspeaker with 360° surround radiation
using the German Physiks DDD driver
Input connector – 2 sets of WBT nextgen™ binding posts
Drivers – 2 x carbon fibre DDD drivers / 2 x 8-inch woofers
Recommended room size – 25 - 100 square metres / 264 – 1,267 square feet
Finish options – View
Dimensions – 530mm W x 1,400mm H x 730mm D (20.9" W x 55.1" H x 28.7" D)
Weight – 115kg / 253lbs
Warranty – 5 years
As part of our process of continually improving our products, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice
The Emperor Extreme Crossover active option provides a significant performance upgrade
Active option
The PQS-302 may be ordered in an active version, where the internal passive crossover is omitted and the woofer and DDD driver sections of the loudspeaker are driven directly by two separate power amplifiers. This allows much better damping and control of the drivers and provides a noticeable improvement in transparency.
The active version of the PQS-302 is supplied with our Emperor Extreme DSP based digital crossover. This is a high-quality unit constructed using premium components and is housed in a heavy steel and aluminium chassis.
This is pre-configured at the factory, so all the customer has to do is connect it into the system and switch it on. The output levels of the crossover’s two sections can be adjusted via a front panel control. This allows a degree of compensation for room response errors.
The table below shows the recommended amplifier rating for each section of the loudspeaker:
| Section | Minimum Power |
|---|---|
| DDD drivers | 140W/4 ohms |
| Woofers | 140W/4 ohms |
DDD Loudspeakers Models
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The HRS-130
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The Borderland MK IV
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The Carbon MK IV
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The PQS-302
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The PQS-402
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The Loreley MK III
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The Emperor MK II
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The Gaudi Mk III
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