MB Quart Discus DSH213 5.25-inch 2-Way Composite Speaker System Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The MB Quart Discus DSH213 is a 5.25-inch (13 cm) 2-way composite speaker system designed for car audio applications. This system features a 30mm WideSphere titanium dome tweeter for clear high frequencies and a glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene cone woofer for balanced mid-bass. The components are carefully matched to deliver accurate sound reproduction. This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your DSH213 speaker system.

2. Safety Information

Please read all instructions carefully before installing and operating your MB Quart DSH213 speaker system. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in personal injury or damage to the product or vehicle.

• Professional Installation Recommended: Car audio installation can be complex. If you are unsure about any step, seek assistance from a qualified professional.
• Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before beginning any electrical work to prevent short circuits and electrical hazards.
• Wiring: Ensure all wiring is correctly routed and secured to prevent pinching, chafing, or interference with vehicle controls. Use appropriate gauge wire for power and speaker connections.
• Mounting: Securely mount all components to prevent them from becoming loose during vehicle operation, which could cause injury or damage.
• Volume Levels: Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause hearing damage. Operate your audio system at moderate levels.
• Heat Dissipation: Ensure adequate ventilation around amplifiers and crossovers to prevent overheating.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present and undamaged upon opening the package. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your dealer immediately.

An image showing the complete MB Quart Discus DSH213 composite speaker system, including two 5.25-inch woofers, two tweeters, and two passive crossovers. The woofers feature a gray grille and a dark cone. The tweeters are compact and black. The crossovers are clear plastic enclosures revealing internal components like coils and capacitors, with screw terminals for wiring connections.

• Two (2) 5.25-inch (13 cm) Woofers with Grilles
• Two (2) 30mm Tweeters
• Two (2) Passive Crossover Networks
• Mounting Hardware (screws, clips, etc.)
• Instruction Manual (this document)

4. Installation

Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance and longevity of your speaker system. Follow these steps carefully.

4.1 General Guidelines

• Plan your installation: Determine mounting locations for woofers, tweeters, and crossovers.
• Ensure adequate clearance: Check for obstructions behind mounting surfaces.
• Use proper tools: Have all necessary tools ready, including drills, wire strippers, screwdrivers, and safety equipment.
• Test connections: Before reassembling vehicle panels, test all speaker connections and system functionality.

4.2 Woofer Installation

1. Identify suitable mounting locations, typically factory speaker openings in doors or kick panels. The mounting cutout diameter is 116 mm (4.57 inches) and mounting depth is 63 mm (2.48 inches).
2. If creating new openings, carefully mark and cut the holes, ensuring no damage to vehicle wiring or structure.
3. Connect the woofer wires from the passive crossover network to the woofer terminals. Observe correct polarity (positive to positive, negative to negative).
4. Secure the woofer into the mounting location using the provided screws. Do not overtighten.
5. Attach the speaker grille if desired.

4.3 Tweeter Installation

The DSH213 tweeters can be flush-mounted or surface-mounted depending on your vehicle and preference.

1. Flush Mounting: Cut a circular hole of the appropriate size (refer to mounting template if provided, or measure the tweeter housing) in the desired location. Insert the tweeter and secure it with the provided hardware.
2. Surface Mounting: Use the surface-mount cups (if included) to position the tweeters on a flat surface. Secure the cups with screws and then snap the tweeters into place.
3. Connect the tweeter wires from the passive crossover network to the tweeter terminals. Observe correct polarity.

4.4 Crossover Network Wiring

The passive crossover network separates the audio signal into appropriate frequency ranges for the woofer and tweeter. Mount the crossovers in a dry, secure location, away from excessive heat or moisture.

1. Input Connection: Connect the speaker output wires from your amplifier or head unit to the 'INPUT' terminals on the crossover. Ensure correct polarity.
2. Woofer Connection: Connect the wires from the 'WOOFER' or 'MID' terminals on the crossover to your woofer.
3. Tweeter Connection: Connect the wires from the 'TWEETER' or 'HIGH' terminals on the crossover to your tweeter.
4. Double-check all connections for correct polarity and secure fastening. Incorrect wiring can lead to poor sound quality or damage to components.

5. Operating Instructions

Once installed, your MB Quart DSH213 speaker system is ready for use. Follow these general guidelines for optimal performance:

• Initial Playback: Begin with the volume at a low level and gradually increase it.
• Break-in Period: Allow a break-in period of approximately 10-20 hours of normal listening to allow the speaker components to loosen and perform optimally.
• Audio Settings: Adjust your head unit's or amplifier's equalizer and tone controls to achieve your preferred sound. Avoid excessive bass or treble boost, which can distort the sound and potentially damage the speakers.
• Crossover Settings: If your amplifier has adjustable crossover settings, ensure they are set appropriately to complement the passive crossovers and prevent sending full-range signals to the tweeters.

6. Maintenance

Your MB Quart DSH213 speakers require minimal maintenance to ensure long-lasting performance.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down speaker grilles and surrounds. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Inspection: Periodically check speaker mounts and wiring connections to ensure they remain secure.
• Environmental Factors: Protect speakers from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and excessive moisture.

7. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your speaker system, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• No Sound:
  • Check all wiring connections for proper seating and polarity.
  • Verify that the amplifier or head unit is powered on and functioning correctly.
  • Check vehicle fuses.
• Distorted Sound:
  • Reduce volume level.
  • Check for incorrect wiring or short circuits.
  • Ensure amplifier gain settings are not too high.
  • Adjust equalizer settings to remove excessive bass or treble boost.
• Weak or Uneven Sound:
  • Check speaker balance and fader settings on your head unit.
  • Verify correct polarity for all speakers. Incorrect polarity can cause phase cancellation.

If problems persist after troubleshooting, consult a qualified car audio technician.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

MB Quart products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official MB Quart website. For technical support or service inquiries, please contact your authorized MB Quart dealer or customer service representative.