Presence A-650 2-Way in-Wall Speakers Installation Manual
- June 13, 2024
- Presence
Table of Contents
Presence A-650 2-Way in-Wall Speakers
Congratulations! You have purchased a high-quality stereo loudspeaker. When
matched to comparable electronic equipment, expect years of quality high
fidelity sound. Our belief is that music matters and we are focused on
delivering superlative music reproduction everywhere in your home.
The following manual is designed to give you, the installer or owner, basic
information as to the speaker’s installation and operation. It is beyond the
scope of this manual to go into all the details that must be taken into
consideration in a sophisticated high fidelity system. When installing the
wiring and speakers it is important to adhere to all local codes and
regulations. Consulting a professional will help to maximize your system’s
performance.
If you have any questions that are not answered by this manual, contact your local dealer for assistance. For the most current information please visit: www.oemsystems.com.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
These speakers have specially designed woofers with linear long throw butyl rubber surrounds for long life and superior damping. Pivoting Dome Tweeters are utilized for excellent high frequency dispersion throughout your entire listening environment.
SHIPPING DAMAGE
Each speaker is thoroughly tested before it leaves the factory. However, in shipment, accidents may occur. Please inspect your speakers carefully when you receive them to make sure there is no damage. If there is, please notify your dealer, or supplier immediately for assistance. If you received your speakers by public transportation, report the damage at once to the shipping company.
AMPLIFIER OPERATION
These speakers will perform well with amplifiers from 5 to 125 Watts RMS. However, damage to the speakers can be done by amplifiers of nearly any power rating if the amplifier is overdriven into clipping. “Amplifier clipping” is a phrase used to describe a condition when, because of the volume demand, an amplifier is being asked for more power than it can give. Clipping causes distortion of the audio signal. If you should hear an unusual amount of distortion at high listening levels then consider reducing the volume. DAMAGE DONE TO A SPEAKER BY CLIPPING IS NOT
COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY.
SPEAKER PLACEMENT
Placement of In-wall Speakers should be carefully considered. Please contact a professional for assistance if you are uncomfortable with the planning or installation process. Ideally, the speakers should be located where they will provide the best possible sound and ease of installation. It is beyond the scope of this publication to discuss all of the various aspects of speaker placement but here are some helpful suggestions.
For more bass, place the speakers between 18 and 36 inches from an adjacent wall as measured to the center of the speaker. Avoid placing the speakers less then 18 inches from an adjacent wall. When placing speakers near a corner, avoid locating them an equal distance from the two adjacent surfaces.
When used in a home theater the front left and right speakers should be separated from each other a distance of 0.8 to 1.2 times the seating distance (assuming they are on the same plane as the center speaker). For example, if the seating position is 10 feet from the viewing screen and/or center speaker then ideally the distance between the left and right speakers should be somewhere between 8 and 12 feet, (10 x 1.2ft = 12ft). Tweeters may be aimed toward the listening area by pressing the lens area along side the tweeter dome.
WIRING
- To achieve maximum performance we recommend that the speaker cable be at least 16 gauge or larger for runs over 50 feet (15m) and that the cable be double insulated. A CL-2 or CL-3 rated cable may be required. Check local codes. “Zip cord,” which is single insulated and is often made with clear insulation, should be avoided as it is not as durable. Allow about 2½ feet (0.8m) of free cable at the speaker cut-out and sufficient length at the other end to reach the electronics. Having to add extra cable later can be tedious and time consuming.
- Avoid bundling speaker cables parallel to electrical cables for extended lengths. Though the impedance is low and the likelihood of interference low, this may help reduce hum and RF interference. When securing the cable, use care not to staple or nail through the electrical conductors. Doing so could result in a short that might damage the electronics.
- When connecting your speakers, make sure proper polarity (phasing) is maintained. Simply put, this means ensuring the same wire which is connected to the positive terminal of the amplifier has its other end connected to the positive terminal of the speaker. It is important to check this on all speakers. If the connections on one of the speakers are reversed, (out of phase) the sound quality will be impaired.
SPECIFICATIONS
A-650
- Overall Dimensions (Width x Height): 9-1/16″ x 12-3/4″
- Cut-Out Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 8″ x 11-3/4″ x 3-1/4″
A-820
- Overall Dimensions (Width x Height): 10-5/8″ x 14-5/8″
- Cut-Out Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 9″ x 13″ x 3-1/4″
A-830
- Overall Dimensions (Width x Height): 10-5/8″ x 14-5/8″
- Cut-Out Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 9″ x 13″ x 3-1/4″
These measurements provide information about the size and cut-out requirements for each of these products.
INSTALLATION
If the drywall has not yet been installed a Rough-in-Bracket (RI-6914 for A-525, RIB-62 for A-650, & RIB-82 for A-820 / A-830) may be used to reserve the speaker location on the wall. The Rough-in-Brackets are available from the distributor or dealer where the speakers were purchased. When these brackets are used the holes are cut when the drywall is installed. The cable can be tied off on the bracket after securing the cable to a nearby joist.
If the drywall is installed and the speaker locations have not yet been established, then do so now. Assess the wall for possible concealed obstructions such as wiring, plumbing, etc. Inspect the backside of the wall, the attic, and/or the crawl space if available for clues to possible obstructions. Use inspection holes with inspection tools (camera, mirror, flashlight, etc.) if absolutely necessary. Use a “stud finder” to locate the positions of the studs.
Once the speaker locations are established use the cardboard template (the outside of the inner cardboard rectangle) to mark the speaker cut-out. The dimensions for the cut-out are listed in the chart on the previous page. Using the proper tool, cut the appropriate sized hole in the wall. On drywall, clean cuts can be made with a drywall saw.
- If the cable has not yet been run, do so now that you have access to the wall’s interior.
- To aid in speaker performance, a fibrous material, such as fiberglass, may be placed behind the speaker. This may also help to reduce unwanted sound from being transmitted into adjoining rooms. If the wall space has blown or loose insulation, care must be taken to prevent the loose insulation from entering the back of the speaker. This can be accomplished by placing a batt of fiberglass insulation over the back of the speaker.
- As the diagrams show, the speakers utilize a metal Retro Ring which, after tightening with the 4 screws provided, acts as a clamp to hold the frame in place. Note: Use only the 4 outer holes for mounting the frame.
- Install the frame and retro ring assembly by passing the metal retro ring through the cut-out as illustrated in figures 1 & 2. For the 8″ speakers, observe that there is a top and bottom to the frame. The top and bottom are identifiable by the spacing between the six vacant screw holes in the black retro ring.
- The more closely spaced holes are toward the top. The frame should fit cleanly, without interference, in the cut-out hole. If the hole is a little small then trim the hole as needed. Lightly tighten the screws to secure the retro ring against the back of the wall (see fig. 3). Use care not to over-tighten the screws or the frame may become distorted.
- Pull the end of the cable out of the wall, strip back a section of the jacket as needed, and then expose ½” (13mm) of each conductor. Connect the wire to the terminals on the back of the speaker assembly, observing polarity (+ & -).
- Insert the speaker into the frame and install the six screws (see Fig. 4).
- The frames and grilles can be painted using multiple light coats of spray paint. Custom color spray paints are available from specialty companies. Contact your dealer for more information. The grilles should be removed from the speaker and painted in a clean environment to prevent contamination. It is best to go around the grilles and apply the paint from multiple angles. DO NOT remove the scrim cloth from the backside of the grille. It is not replaceable.
- Install the grilles after testing the operation of the speakers. The grilles are installed by gently working the edge of the grille into the frame of the speaker, beginning at one corner and working one or both directions around to an adjacent or opposite corner.
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Phone: 775-355-0405
- Toll-Free: 800-291-0561
- Fax: You can send faxes to the provided phone numbers.
- Website: www.oemsystems.com
- Email: info@oemsystems.com
FAQs
What is the recommended amplifier power for these speakers?
These speakers perform well with amplifiers ranging from 5 to 125 Watts RMS. However, it's important to avoid overdriving the speakers into clipping, which can cause damage. Clipping is when an amplifier is asked for more power than it can provide.
Are these speakers suitable for home theater setups?
Yes, these speakers can be used in a home theater setup. For optimal placement in a home theater, it's suggested that the front left and right speakers should be separated by a distance of 0.8 to 1.2 times the seating distance from the screen or center speaker.
What type of speaker cable is recommended for these speakers?
How should I check and maintain proper polarity when connecting the speakers?
Ensure that the same wire connected to the positive terminal of the amplifier is also connected to the positive terminal of the speaker. Proper polarity (phasing) should be maintained for all speakers in your setup to ensure good sound quality.
Can I paint the speaker frames and grilles?
Yes, the frames and grilles can be painted. It's recommended to use multiple light coats of spray paint. Custom color spray paints are available from specialty companies. Ensure you don't remove the scrim cloth from the backside of the grille, as it's not replaceable.
How do I install the speakers in the wall?
You can use a Rough-in-Bracket for pre-drywall installation, and for post- drywall installation, you should establish speaker locations, mark the cut-out dimensions using the provided template, cut the hole in the wall, and connect the speakers following the instructions
What should I do if I suspect shipping damage?
Thoroughly inspect your speakers for damage upon receipt. If you notice any damage, contact your dealer or supplier immediately for assistance. If the speakers were shipped via public transportation, report the damage to the shipping company as well.
How do I aim the tweeters for better sound dispersion?
The tweeters on these speakers are pivoting dome tweeters, which means you can adjust their direction. You can aim the tweeters toward your listening area by gently pressing the lens area alongside the tweeter dome.
Can I place these speakers near walls or in corners?
Yes, you can place the speakers near walls, but it's recommended to keep them between 18 and 36 inches from an adjacent wall as measured to the center of the speaker for better bass response. When placing them near a corner, try to avoid locating them equidistant from the two adjacent surfaces.
What should I do if I encounter concealed obstructions in the wall during installation?
If you discover concealed obstructions like wiring or plumbing while installing the speakers, it's important to assess the situation carefully. You may need to use inspection tools like a camera, mirror, flashlight, or even create inspection holes if necessary. Take precautions to avoid damaging existing infrastructure.
How do I secure the speaker cable without causing damage during installation?
When securing the speaker cable, be careful not to staple or nail through the electrical conductors, as this could result in a short circuit that might damage the electronics. Avoid bundling speaker cables parallel to electrical cables for extended lengths to reduce the chance of interference.
Can I use fiberglass material behind the speakers?
To aid in speaker performance and reduce unwanted sound transmission, you can place a fibrous material such as fiberglass behind the speaker. Ensure that loose insulation doesn't enter the back of the speaker, especially if there's blown or loose insulation in the wall space.
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