
Step 1: Decide where you
want to place your speakers
The speakers should be separated
approximately 6 to 10 feet apart. If possible, the left and right
speakers should be located the same distance from the listening
position.
Step 2: Make sure the
place you choose for your in-ceiling speakers is between the ceiling
joists (preferably centered). Tap the ceiling for a hollow sound or use
a stud finder to locate the studs.
Step 3:
Trace around the cardboard template with a pencil for your speaker
placement. Make sure the speakers are even and level.
Step 4: Drill a small
hole in the center outline you just traced.
   
Step 5:
Bend a piece of coat hanger wire. Insert the wire into the hole, then
slowly rotate to check for any obstructions. If there are any
obstructions, patch the hole and relocate the speaker.
Step 6:
Carefully cut away the outline you traced using a keyhole or drywall
saw. Then remove the cutout.
Step 7: Run
the cable from the speaker outputs of your receiver or amplifier to your
speakers. Use high quality cable at least 16 gauge speaker cable. Allow
a few extra feet of cable. You may also splice together lengths of cable
if you have a long distance to cover. Leave enough cable slack to strip
the conductors and work on the connections.
Note: If
cable is to be run through walls or ceilings, the cable must be UL and
CL rated for your safety and building code compliance.

 
Step 8:
(Optional): Speaker performance can be enhanced by insulating the cavity
with fiberglass insulation. When installing speakers in a ceiling, it is
best to install a sheet of unfaced fiberglass insulation behind and
around the back of the speaker.
Step 9:
Pull the cable slack through the hole in the ceiling and strip off the
outer jacket. Strip about ˝" of insulation off the ends of the wires.
Connect the positive wire from the amplifier to the red terminal on the
speaker. Connect the negative wire to the black terminal on the speaker.
Note: Make
sure the power is turned off on your amplifier or receiver before
connecting the speakers.
Step 10: Remove the
speaker grille by pushing one of the lock screws towards the front of
the speaker. Place the speaker into the cutout in the ceiling.
Step 11:
Tighten the screws evenly until the speaker is flat against the ceiling.
Note: If
you are using a drill to tighten the screws, be sure to set the drill to
its lowest torque setting.
Step 12:
Reinsert the grille into the speaker baffle.
Installation
Tip #1: Use a drywall saw to cut the hole. A utility knife will make
the cleanest cuts in drywall, but a utility knife can be difficult to
control by a non-expert. Electric rotary saws make cutting drywall
physically easy, but they too can be difficult to control. A simple,
inexpensive (about $10 at your local hardware store) drywall saw is the
best bet for beginners. The speaker's frame will cover up any rough
edges.
Installation Tip #2: Check for obstructions before you cut the
hole. Drill a small hole in the center of the area you plan to mount the
speaker. Cut a piece of coathanger wire and bend it with a 90 degree
angle. Insert the wire into the small hole and fish around to make sure
that no pipes, studs, or other objects will get in the way. If you do
find something, you can easily patch the small hole you drilled.
Otherwise, cut the big hole with confidence!
Installation Tip #3: If you will be painting the frame and
grille, the best results are achieved by spraying on the paint. Rolling
or brushing paint onto the grille often fills in the holes negatively
impacting performance. A neat little spray gun can be purchased at your
local paint store for around $5. Guidelines for thinning the paint are
included with the spray gun.
Installation Tip #4: Concerned about installing your own
speakers? Practice with your first speaker using a thick piece of
cardboard to simulate the wall or ceiling. Clear installation
instructions, along with cardboard templates, are provided with all of
our in ceiling and in wall speakers. You can also view or print the
owner's manual for each model directly from our site. Links are provided
on each model's details page.
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