Focal 100ICLCR5 2-Way Loudspeaker – Each User Manual

Focal 100ICLCR5 2-Way Loudspeaker – Each

Specifications

• TYPE: In-ceiling 2-way
• DRIVERS: 2 x 5″ (13cm) Polyglass woofers, 1″ (25mm) AI inverted dome tweeter, 8″ (21cm) Polyglass passive radiator
• SENSITIVITY (2.83V/1M): 92 dB
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE (+/-3DB): 65Hz – 23kHz
• LOW FREQUENCY POINT (-6DB): 55Hz
• NOMINAL IMPEDANCE: 8Ώ
• MINIMAL IMPEDANCE: 6Ώ
• RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER POWER: 25-120W
• EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS (Ø/DEPTH): 13-15/16″ x 13-15/16″ x 5-5/16″ (354 x 354 x 150mm)
• CUT-OUT DIAMETER: 12-15/16″ x 12-15/16″ (328 x 328mm)
• DEPTH FROM WALL: 6″ (152mm)
• NET WEIGHT (WITH FRONT GRILLE): 3kg
• PACKING DIMENSIONS (WXDXH): 161/16″x161/16″x71/2″ (408 x 408 x 190mm)
• TOTAL WEIGHT (WITH PACKAGING): 8 lbs (7.20kg)

Introduction

The acoustic qualities and compact design of the 100ICLCR5 in-ceiling loudspeakers deserve special mention. Here is the masterpiece for your home theatre system, which is mounted in the ceiling and supports in-wall or traditional Hi-Fi loudspeakers in designated rooms or living rooms. Additionally, it works well in really vast rooms without a surrounding rear wall. Front left, front center, front right, rear left, and rear right channels are the five possible applications. This in-ceiling speaker boasts a new, more compact, inverted-dome adjustable aluminum tweeter that improves sound dispersion. New Polyglass cones are also included in its two drive units (5 13 cm).

Thank you for choosing our 100 SERIES line of built-in loudspeakers and for sharing our philosophy “Listen Beyond”. To get the most out of your equipment, we recommend thoroughly reading all the instructions in this manual, and that you keep it somewhere safe for future reference.

In order to ensure your built-in loudspeakers work to their full potential, we recommend getting a specialized installer to install and wire your loudspeakers. Focal-JMlab will in no case be held responsible in case of failure to comply with installation instructions or in case of incorrect use.

Package contents

• 1 x 100 SERIES loudspeaker
• 1 x circular grille (100 ICW 5, 100 ICW 6, 100 IC 6ST, 100 ICW 8)
• 1 x square grille (100 ICW 5, 100 ICW 6, 100 IC 6ST, 100 ICW 8, 100 ICLCR 5)
• 1 x rectangular grille (100 IW 6, 100 IWLCR 5)
• 1 x detailed user manual
• 1 x cutout template

Key features

• Aluminum inverted dome Tweeter: the tweeter developed for the 100 SERIES range uses Focal exclusive inverted dome technology, for optimal energy transfer and limited directivity. The aluminum dome guarantees outstanding lightness and damping to provide a smooth and precise high end.
• Polyglass speaker driver cones: all the speaker driver cones of the 100 SERIES range are made using Polyglass cone technology. The glass micro-balls applied on the surface of the cone make the structure of the cone more rigid, providing a rich mid-range register and bass free of distortion.
• Magnetic protective grille: easy to assemble and improved integration.
• ODC (Optimum Directivity Crossover): optimizes the directionality for more homogeneous sound, particularly when listening to the loudspeakers off axis. It also avoids having a “bathroom” effect with in-ceiling loudspeakers.
• Suitable for humid environments: thanks to their resistant to humidity, the loudspeakers can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens… Ideal for installing in yachts.
• Optional mounting kit: for installing in walls which are under construction.
• Fire rated back box (optional): ensures that the products comply with fire alarm standards. Increases the performance of the product by providing a rear acoustic volume.

Choice of amplifier

It isn’t the power of the amplifier which can cause damage to the speaker driver. It’s rather the lack of power. In this case, if the volume is turned up too high, the amplifier saturates and generates parasite signals which may damage the speaker drivers. The dynamic capacity and the definition of the 100 SERIES line of loudspeakers are high enough to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of whatever amplifier is connected. Your retailer will be able to guide your choice to suit your tastes and budget.

Positioning the loudspeakers

The loudspeakers in the 100 SERIES range have been designed to deliver the most faithful reproduction of all kinds of music or Home Cinema programs. Nonetheless, some simple rules should be followed to optimize their performance and to guarantee good tonal balance and a realistic sound image.

Used for a public address system (ceiling)

For using the speaker drivers for a public address system (each loudspeaker works independently from the others), your loudspeakers can be installed depending on your needs and the architectural constraints of the environment. However, take care to not install the loudspeakers too close to a wall of a corner to avoid having excess bass.

Used as a stereo system (ceiling or wall)

The loudspeakers should be positioned symmetrically, facing the listening area, ideally forming an equilateral triangle. The space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) for a listening area of between 10 to 20ft (3 to 6m) (fig. 1). However, it is possible to vary these distances to find the ideal compromise depending on the particular layout of the room. The loudspeakers should be positioned at the same height, in the same horizontal plane (fig. 2).

When used as in-ceiling loudspeakers, the left and right front loudspeakers should be placed in the same horizontal plane, 12 to 24 (30 to 60cm) away from the wall. The space between the left and right loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 3).

Used as a Home Cinema system (ceiling or wall).

• Front right, left and center loudspeakers.

Used as in-wall loudspeakers, the left and right front loudspeakers should be positioned symmetrically on either side of the screen and half-way up, facing the listening area, and forming an equilateral triangle. The space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) for a listening area of between 10 to 20ft (3 to 6m), approximately 20″ (50cm) away from the screen. However, it is possible to vary these distances to find the ideal compromise depending on the particular layout of the room.

The center loudspeaker should be as near to the screen as possible, either above or below the screen to ensure the realistic reproduction of dialogue (fig. 4).

If using a micro-perforated projector screen (acoustically transparent), the left and right front loudspeakers and the center loudspeaker should be placed half way up the screen, on the same horizontal plane behind the screen (fig. 5).

When used as in-ceiling loudspeakers, the left and right front loudspeakers and the center loudspeaker should be placed in the same horizontal plane, 12 to 24″ (30 to 60cm) away from the wall. The space between the left and right loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 6).

• Rear sound effects loudspeakers for 5.1 systems.

When used as in-wall loudspeakers, the rear sound effects loudspeakers should be installed in the side walls slightly behind the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 to 1.5m), and at the same height as the left and right front loudspeakers (fig. 7).

When used as in-ceiling loudspeakers, the rear sound effects loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal plane, slightly behind the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 to 1.5m), and the space between the left and right loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 8).

• Rear sound effects loudspeakers for 7.1 systems.

When used as in-wall loudspeakers, the left and right rear sound effects loudspeakers should be installed in the side walls on the same level as the listening position, and at the same height as the left and right front loudspeakers. The rear sound effects loudspeakers should be installed in the wall behind the listening position, and at the same height as the left and right front loudspeakers. The space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 9).

When used as in-ceiling loudspeakers, the left and right rear sound effects loudspeakers should be placed in the same horizontal plane at the same level as the listening position. The rear sound effects loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal plane, slightly behind the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 to 1.5m), and the space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 5 to 8ft (1.5 to 2.5m) (fig. 10).

• Atmos sound effects loudspeakers (ceiling)

For a 5.1.2 system, the rear Atmos sound effects loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal plane, slightly in front of the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 to 1.5m), and the space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 11).

For a 5.1.4 system, the front Atmos sound effects loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal plane, slightly in front of the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 – 1.5 m), and the space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m). The rear Atmos sound effects loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal plane, slightly behind the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 – 1.5 m),  and the space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 12).

Installation

Existing construction

• Before installing your loudspeakers, make sure that there is nothing obstructing the ceiling/wall, such as air vents, and make sure that no cables will interfere with the installation. Use the appropriate tools to help you determine the correct location.
• Make sure there is enough space to install your product in the ceiling/wall.
• Trace the outline of the speaker driver on the ceiling/wall using the cutout template supplied. Cut along the trace using an appropriate tool to make a hole in the ceiling/wall (fig. 13).
• You can only install your loudspeakers once you have wired them up. Make sure you leave enough cable to allow you to wire up your loudspeakers with ease (approximately 20″/50cm).

We recommend using a cable with a marker in order to ensure the polarities of the speaker drivers are respected (+/-). Choose good quality cables with a wire gauge appropriate to their length: your retailer will be able to advise you.

• The loudspeaker fixes to the wall thanks to the rotating mounting brackets. Insert the loudspeakers into the opening and secure the mounting brackets by rotating them clockwise using a Phillips screwdriver or a screw-gun. If you use a screw-gun, make sure the tightening torque is set to a low value to prevent damaging the mounting brackets (fig. 14). The loudspeaker will be securely fixed in place when you feel resistance once tightened.

New constructions

• Use the specific optional mounting kit.
• Prepare the cables and make sure you leave enough cable to allow you to wire up your loudspeakers with ease (approximately 20″/ 50cm). We recommend using a cable with a marker in order to ensure the polarities of the speaker drivers are respected (+/-). Choose good quality cables with a wire gauge appropriate to their length: your retailer will be able to advise you.
• The loudspeaker fixes to the wall thanks to the rotating mounting brackets. Insert the loudspeakers into the opening and secure the mounting brackets by rotating them clockwise using a Phillips screwdriver or a screw-gun. If you use a screw-gun, make sure the tightening torque is set to a low value to prevent damaging the mounting brackets (fig. 15). The loudspeaker will be securely fixed in place when you feel resistance once tightened.

Wiring in parallel

The impedance of each product in the 100 SERIES range allows you to wire the loudspeakers in parallel to the same amplifier output (except for the 100 IWLCR 5 model) (fig. 16).

Adjusting the tweeter

The tweeter can be adjusted using the switch on the front of the loudspeaker as shown in the diagram (fig. 17).

Adjusting the midrange (100 IW 6, 100 IWLCR 5)

The midrange can be adjusted using the switch on the front of the loudspeaker as shown in the diagram (fig. 18).

Orienting the tweeter (100 ICW 6, 100 ICW 8, 100 IW 6, 100 IWLCR 5, 100 ICLCR 5)

For the models 100 ICW 6, 100 ICW 8, 100 IW 6, 100 IWLCR 5 and 100 ICLCR 5, you can direct the tweeter towards the listening area for improved precision of the treble and of the stereo image (fig. 19).

ICW 6, ICW 8: angle of inclination from 0 to 20°, and 360° rotation.

IW 6, IWLCR 5, ICLCR 5: angle of inclination from 0 to 15°, and rotation on every axis.

Adjustment of the speaker mode (100 ICLCR5)

Adjust the speaker to “L” when it’s used with the left speaker, “R” when it’s used with the right speaker and “C” when it’s used with the central speaker (fig. 20).

Special precautions

Painting

If you wish to do so, you can paint the grilles of your 100 SERIES products so that they blend in perfectly with your interior. We recommend first removing the grille from the product and then painting it using a paint spraying device. You can use the same type of paint as the wall paint.

Break-in period

The speaker drivers used in the Integration 100 SERIES loudspeakers are complex mechanical assemblies which need a break-in period to operate at their best and to become acclimatized to the temperature and humidity of your environment. This break-in period varies depending on the conditions in question, and may take several weeks. To reduce this break-in period, we recommend operating your loudspeaker for about twenty consecutive hours. Once the loudspeaker’s characteristics have totally stabilized, you will be able to enjoy the full potential of your Integration 100 SERIES loudspeakers.

Conditions of warranty

Please contact your Focal retailer if you encounter any problems.

The warranty in France for any Focal product is valid for 2 (two) years from the date of purchase, and rights are non-transferable in case of resale. In the case of defective equipment, the equipment must be shipped at your expense in its original packaging to the dealer who will test the equipment in order to determine the nature of the fault. If the product is still under warranty, the product will be returned to you or replaced, shipping pre-paid. If the product is no longer under warranty, you will be given a quote for the repairs. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from improper use or incorrect wiring (e.g. burnt out moving coils, for example).

Outside of France, Focal products are covered by a warranty whose conditions are determined locally by the official Focal dealer in each country, in compliance with the laws in force in the respective territory.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this suitable for a central channel?****

Yes, it is suitable for a central channel.

Do these have a round grill or just a square one?****

The square grill is part of the Focal 100ICLCR5.

Where is the best place to put speakers in a room?****

Remove your speakers from the closest wall by at least two to three feet. This will reduce sound reflections, which might impair the clarity of playback.

Do speakers sound better off the floor?****

DON’T forget that audio speakers work best when placed at ear level. The floor is not the best spot for them if you’re a stickler for sound. Consider mounting your speakers on a desk, shelf, or console if they are compact enough.

Do speakers become less loud over time?****

Not actually, but sort of. Many people, including speaker makers, think that speakers need to be “broken in” before they sound their best. The rationale behind this belief is that the cones and surrounds need to lose a lot of their initial stiffness.

Do speakers sound better with age?****

As speakers become classics or antiques, they get significantly better with time. Electrical energy is transformed into vibrations in speakers to produce sound, and these vibrations create stress on the speaker’s internal parts.

Do bigger speakers sound better at low volume?****

No. There is no relationship between a speaker’s performance at low volumes and size. Larger speakers feature more and bigger drivers, thus they will produce greater bass even at low volumes. They are also generally more efficient than smaller designs.

How do you layout ceiling speakers?****

For the best stereo separation effect, it is recommended to place the ceiling speakers along the length of the room, 2 meters or more apart from each other, and equally spaced from each wall.

Could speakers ever be too large for a space?****

Room size and speaker size are unrelated as long as you are able to sit far enough away from the speakers for the drivers to properly combine.

What height is ideal for speakers?****

For the finest sound quality, the center speaker must be placed at ear level for a seated audience, which is often between 30 and 50 inches off the ground. If your speaker can’t be placed this high due to space restrictions, try angling it up near ear level to improve the audio quality.

Does wattage correlate with speaker volume?****

Yes, it is true that speakers play louder and clearer at higher power levels (watts). However, slight variations in power don’t produce much of an audible difference.

What causes speakers to sound large?****

Speakers need to move more air in order to provide louder sounds. Speakers move back and forth to produce sound.

The lifespan of speakers is how long?****

High-quality speakers typically survive up to 40–50 years before displaying any indications of degradation, depending on the materials they are composed of and the climatic conditions where the equipment is utilized.

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