MSE AUDIO CI150 In Wall Ceiling Speakers Owner’s Manual

: June 12, 2024
: MSE Audio

Table of Contents

MSE AUDIO CI150 In Wall Ceiling Speakers
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
OVERVIEW
GETTING STARTED
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
SPEAKER INSTALLATION
CARING FOR YOUR PHASE TECHNOLOGY SPEAKER\
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
WARRANTY
SPECIFICATIONS
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

MSE AUDIO CI150 In Wall Ceiling Speakers

Product Information

The CI IN-WALL speaker is a high-quality speaker designed for in-wall installation. Made in the USA, this speaker features a speaker/baffle assembly with an amiable tweeter for precise sound positioning. It also includes a flange assembly and eight baffle clamp screws for secure mounting. The speaker is equipped with a grille to protect the internal components.The CI IN-WALL speaker is built with a self-aligning clamping system, which simplifies installation and reduces wall vibrations for improved performance and definition. It also includes self-resetting solid-state PTC protection circuits that detect over-driven situations and automatically lower the speaker volume until the problem is resolved.

Product Usage Instructions

Before connecting the speakers to your amplifier or receiver, thoroughly read the user manual for proper setup and operation.
If you encounter any issues during setup or operation, contact one of our authorized dealers or reach out to us directly for assistance.
For safe usage, adhere to the provided safety instructions.
Ensure that the ventilation openings of the speaker are not obstructed.
To prevent electric shock, do not open the speaker cover or back as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Pay attention to the graphical symbols on the product, which indicate dangerous voltage and important operating instructions.
Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.
Adhere to all warnings and instructions provided in the user manual and on the appliance.
Avoid using the speaker near water or in wet environments.
Use only recommended carts or stands with the speaker.
Keep the speaker away from heat sources.
Connect the speaker to a power supply as described in the operating instructions.
Ensure that power cords are routed in a way that avoids walking on or pinching them.

OVERVIEW

MSE-AUDIO-CI150-In-Wall-Ceiling-Speakers-fig-1

GETTING STARTED

FOR EFFICIENT INSTALLATION, YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING TOOLS:

ELECTRIC SCREWDRIVER (DRILL) WITH PHILIPS BIT
TAPE MEASURE
STUD-FINDER
3/32” STANDARD SCREWDRIVER
DRYWALL SAW OR KNIFE
BUBBLE LEVEL
PENCIL

Thank you for purchasing the Phase Technology® CI150 high definition in-wall speaker system. Each pair of the CI150 makes an LCR configuration. There is no need for a separate center channel speaker. This is done by combining the output of each CI150’s center channel speaker. By running both lower speakers from the center channel output on your amplifier the content sounds like it is coming from the center of the TV screen. Because of this, special consideration must be taken to run two sets of speaker leads to each CI150. One will be connected to the left (or right) channel on your amplifier and the other will be used on each CI150 for the center channel. When you are ready to connect the speaker leads to your amplifier you will have a set of leads for the left and right channel and TWO sets of leads for the center channel. The CI160 is more of a traditional LCR speaker, unlike the CI150. Each CI160 speaker is used for a single Left, Right, or Center channel. The mounting frame on the CI150/160 is made of extruded aluminum and has a uniquely designed self-aligning clamping system to secure the flange assembly to the drywall. This patented design simplifies installation and reduces unwanted wall vibration resulting in improved performance and definition. All CI Series speakers include self-resetting solid-state PTC protection circuits. This unique system is able to detect when the speaker is being over-driven and lowers the speaker volume until the problem is corrected. The PTC device then resets itself for normal operation. Regardless of application, serious audiophile listening or home theater, we recommend that you take the time to read this manual thoroughly before connecting speakers to your amplifier or receiver. In the highly unlikely event that you should experience a problem with set-up or operation, please contact one of our authorized dealers for assistance, or contact us directly.

Phase Technology® Corporation
8005 W. 110th St., Suite 208
Overland Park, KS 66210
855.663.5600 (Domestic)
+1.913.663.5600 (International)
913.663.3200 (Fax)

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

Explanation of Graphical Symbols

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert you to the presence of un-insulated “dangerous voltage: within the product’s enclosure that may be off sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow Instructions – All operating and other instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture – The appliance should not be used near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
Carts and Stands – The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
PORTABLE CART WARNING
Wall or Ceiling Mounting – The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Ventilation – The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
Heat – The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.
Power Source – The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
Power Cord Protection – Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed up or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
Cleaning – The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Nonuse Periods – The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken so that neither objects fall nor liquids spill into the inside of the appliance.
Damage Requiring Service – The application should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
- the power supply cord or the plug has been damaged,
- objects have fallen onto or liquid has been spilled into the appliance,
- the appliance has been exposed to rain,
- the appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance, or
- the appliance has been dropped or the cabinet damaged.
Servicing – The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond those means described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
Grounding or Polarization – Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
APPLICABLE FOR USA, CANADA OR WHERE APPROVED FOR USAGE

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, INSERT FULLY.
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRESE ET POUSSER JUSQU AU FOND.

INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

When selecting the speaker mounting location, it is prudent to take a few extra minutes to carefully inspect and measure the wall or ceiling area where you intend to mount the CI150/CI160. An inspection of the room or rooms that back-up to the wall you have selected for mounting the CI150/CI160, can often alert you to potential obstacles. For example, if the wall you want to mount into happens to be the common wall for a bathroom or kitchen, there is a good chance you will encounter water or sewer pipes in the wall that will not be detected by a stud-finder. An electronic stud-finder is a useful tool to assist you in selecting the speaker placement, however be cautious as they often give false readings. Drilling a .5” inspection hole will save you time and eliminate the need to elaborate drywall repair. If you are unable to see into the hole, use a stiff piece of wire or coat hanger with a right angle bend 5” – 6” from one end. Insert the wire into the inspection hole and spin in all directions. If you do not hit any obstructions, such as wood or pipes, it is usually safe to proceed. If any obstructions are detected, an alternate location should be selected. You will want to center the speaker equidistant between studs when possible – if your mounting position places the speaker flange close to a stud, you may remove the clamp assembly on that side and secure the flange directly to the stud using drywall or wood screws. Choose the appropriate mounting location for each speaker.

NOTE: When deciding upon a location, consider the following

Be certain your speaker wires can be run to or are accessible from these locations.
Make certain the wall or ceiling material is sturdy enough to support the weight and vibration of the speakers.
It is recommended that our pre-construction rough-in brackets (part number RB-19) be used whenever possible in new construction.
Be certain the area behind the speaker is free of obstacles such as wall studs, electrical wiring, pipes, etc.
Each speaker should be positioned properly, relative to the listening area for good coverage.
Audio performance and room-to-room isolation will be improved if there is some fiberglass insulation placed loosely behind the speaker.

SPEAKER INSTALLATION

STEP 1: Place the cutout template against the wall surface and align it using your bubble level. Hold, tape or staple the template in place and trace around the perimeter of the template with a pencil. Remove the template and begin cutting on the pencil line.
STEP 2: When the cutout is complete, carefully remove the drywall piece from the opening. You now have a large opening to facilitate pulling your speaker wire. We recommend 16 gauge or heavier wire be used with the CI150/CI160. Contact your Phase Technology® Dealer for a recommendation.
STEP 3: Remove the grill from the CI150/CI160 using the pull tabs and unscrew the eight screws that secure the speaker baffle to the aluminum frame assembly and set aside. Remove the flange assembly from the back box.
STEP 4: Next loosen the screws used to tighten the clamp assembly until they are fully extended. To place the flange assembly into the wall push the clamp assemblies toward the center of the flange opening; the holes in the flange will allow the mounting screws to tilt toward the center opening enough to insert the flange assembly into the wall. Insert the right side into the wall cutout and slide the complete assembly to the right. This will enable you to then fit the left side clamp assembly into the cutout. Center the entire assembly in the opening.
STEP 5: Pinch the self-aligning clamp assembly inside the wall until it contacts the backside of the drywall surface. This will force the four retaining screws to protrude from the front of the flange. Continue to hold the clamp with one hand and use the electric screwdriver to tighten the center screw of the flange. Once snug, repeat the procedure on the other clamp assembly. Using your level, verify the mounting frame is correctly aligned in the opening. Make any necessary adjustments then tighten the remaining screws until the frame is snug and securely clamping the wallboard. Avoid over-tightening the screws.
STEP 6: If you plan on painting the flange and grille, insert the grille into the flange now and paint the assembly. Wait for the paint to dry and remove the grille. Proceed to step 7.
STEP 7: Before installing the back box take your speaker wires and connect them to the terminals on the end of the box. There are two sets of terminals one is for the Front Channel and the other is for the Center Channel. Use care to properly connect the + & – leads correctly, then place the back box in the flange. Make sure the back box is in the correct orientation. There are two volumes in the back box. The smaller one is for the center channel and in most cases should be mounted closer to the floor.
STEP 8: You are now ready to mount the speaker baffle into the flange. Connect the wires in the box to the corresponding speaker baffle terminal. Make sure the speaker baffle is in the correct orientation. It will only fit one way.
STEP 9: Secure the baffle to the flange with the eight screws you removed in step 3. Hold the baffle in position until you have at least two screws properly secured.
STEP 9: Insert the grille assembly by applying light pressure at each corner of the grille, and along the sides until flush with the flange assembly.

CARING FOR YOUR PHASE TECHNOLOGY SPEAKER\

All Phase Technology® speakers are finished with a high degree of craftsmanship in either hand polished paint or vinyl laminates. We recommend using a lint-free rag with a small amount of glass cleaner to maintain the long-lasting beauty of the finish. Avoid products containing silicones, oils, oil derivatives, or solvents. Use a damp cloth on enclosures finished in vinyl laminates.

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

Because of Phase Technology’s uncompromising quality control programs, it’s unlikely that your speakers will ever need service if connected and used as outlined in this Owners’ Manual. In the unlikely event that a problem does occur, please contact your Phase Technology dealer. Your dealer has the necessary factory-authorized parts and trained technicians to quickly restore your speaker to its original performance specifications.

WARRANTY

LIMITED WARRANTY: Phase Technology® warrants its loudspeakers to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ten (10) years for speaker product, limited lifetime for CI speakers, and three (3) years for the electronic components to the original purchaser. Purchase must be made from an authorized Phase Technology dealer. This warranty does not cover service or parts to repair damage caused by misuse, abuse, damage while in transit, alterations, unauthorized repairs, failure to follow instructions, fire, flood or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of Phase Technology®. Defects in speaker cabinets or grilles must be brought to the attention of your dealer immediately after purchase. This warranty will be void if the products’ serial number has been altered or removed. Should your Phase Technology® product require service, please call the MSE Audio® customer service department for a return authorization. All merchandise returned to Phase Technology® without prior authorization will be refused. For your return authorization number, please call 855.663.5600 or email sales@mseaudio.com.

SPECIFICATIONS

| CI150| CI160|
---|---|---|---
Description:| Dual 5.25” 2.5-Way In-Wall w/ Extruded Aluminum Patented Clamping System| Dual 5.25” 2.5-Way In-Wall w/ Extruded Aluminum Patented Clamping System
Nominal Impedance:| 4Ω| 4Ω
Sensitivity:| 90 dB| 88 dB
Frequency Response:| 55 Hz – 22 kHz| 60 Hz – 23 kHz
Recommended Power:| 15 – 150 Watts| 20 – 200 Watts
Tweeter(s):| (2) 1” Variable Axis Soft Dome

w/ Unicell Acoustic Treatment

| 1.125” Soft Dome w/Unicell Acoustic Treatment
Midrange:| N/A| N/A
Woofer(s):| (3) 5.25” RPF Flat-Piston Fiberglass & Kevlar

Composite Cone w/ NBR Surround

Copyright © 2023 MS Electronics, LLC. All rights reserved. MSE Audio, Phase Technology and PhaseTech are registered trademarks and “Speakers for your Life” is a trademark of MSE Audio, Overland Park, Kansas USA. Phase Technology is part of MSE Audio®. www.phasetech.com.