ATON Storm A83C User manual

Storm Series
LCR Theater Speakers
A83C/A53W
www.atonhome.com

© 2007 • All rights reserved. 1
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing ATON Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers. Available in ceiling-mount
and in-wall configurations, each model was voiced in our sound labs by musicians with years of
critical listening experience and crafted for your listening enjoyment. To see the complete line of
ATON products, visit us online at www.atonhome.com.
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers are timbre-matched and designed to work together in any
combination of left, right, center or rear surround in order to create the perfect home theater
environment regardless of a room’s size or shape.
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers also make excellent whole-house audio solutions that are
ideal for areas with defined listening areas. Designed to blend with any home environment, both
models feature flat, unobtrusive profiles, paintable mesh grilles and sleek perimeter trims.
All Storm Series speakers are designed for indoor and outdoor use and carry a limited lifetime
warranty. Pre-construction brackets are available for easy, reliable installation.
Figure 1.1: A83C & A53W Front View
+
-
Figure 1.2: Speaker Terminals

2 ©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
2. System Design/Applications
ATON LCR Theater Speakers are designed primarily to be installed in drywall ceilings and/or
walls, but it is possible to install them in other materials. Prior to installation, it is essential to
determine the type of application, and, therefore, the placement of the speakers. There are
two typical applications that ATON LCR Theater Speakers will be used for: Home Theater and
Stereo/ Critical Listening.
Home Theater
ATON LCR Theater Speakers provide unobtrusive, high-quality home theater sound when
installed in the correct locations. It is critical to identify the primary listening position before
installation! See Figure 2.1 for a system design utilizing all A83C ceiling speakers, Figure 2.2
for a system design using all A53W in-wall speakers and Figure 2.3 for a system design utilizing
ceiling and in-wall speakers.
Note: Digital Surround Sound (5.1, 6.1, DTS, etc.) requires the use of a subwoofer for
Low-Frequency Effects (LFE). ATON Recommends the use of the A82SW Passive In-Wall
Subwoofer (requires separate amplification) for any home theater application utilizing
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers.
TV
X
O
V
E
R
X
O
V
E
R
80
80
120
120
180
180
A82SW
In-Wall
Subwoofer
A83C A83C A83C
A83C
A83C
Figure 2.1: Home Theater - All Ceiling Application

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Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
TV
X
O
V
E
R
X
O
V
E
R
80
80
120
120
180
180
A82SW
In-Wall
Subwoofer
A53W
A53W
A53W
A53W
A53W
Figure 2.2: Home Theater - All In-Wall Application
TV
X
O
V
E
R
X
O
V
E
R
80
80
120
120
180
180
A82SW
In-Wall
Subwoofer
A53W
A53W
A53W
A83C
A83C
Figure 2.3: Home Theater - Ceiling/In-Wall Application

4 ©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
Stereo/Critical Listening
In areas that have a defined listening area where two speakers will be mounted more or less
equidistant from each other, use a stereo setup with left and right speakers each connected
to their own channel of a stereo receiver or amplifier. This application provides the best sound
quality, staging, and depth possible in areas with a defined listening position. Figure 2.4 shows
an example of a stereo listening area utilizing A83C Ceiling Speakers.
X
A83C
A83C
Figure 2.4: Stereo Application - A83C Ceiling Speakers
Figure 2.5 shows A53W In-Wall Speakers in a critical listening application.
X
A53W A53W
Figure 2.5: Stereo Application - In-Wall Speakers

© 2007 • All rights reserved. 5
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
3. Installation
The Installation process is divided into three distinct processes: Wiring,Mounting and Set-
ting Switches.After carefully considering the intended application (Defining a Listening Area,
Stereo/Critcal Listening, Home Theater, etc.), specific mounting locations can be decided upon.
Once the specific locations are determined, installation can commence.
Wiring
Before actually running any wire or cable, take the time to look around each room or area of the
house and plan your wire paths for maximum efficiency. Look for routes through uncluttered
parts of the stud wall or ceiling that allow you to group all low-voltage (video, speaker wires, Cat-
5, telephone, etc.) wires wherever possible. It is a good practice to label both ends of all cables
and to protect wires by tying a plastic bag over the ends.
LEFT
SPK
Plastic BagLabel
Figure 3.1: Wiring Label & Plastic Bag
Wiring Methodology
There are three common scenarios for connecting speaker to an audio system. Figure 3.2
shows a home theater wiring scheme while Figures 3.3 to 3.5 show stereo pairs.
• Five 2 conductor speaker wires run from the A/V Receiver
to each speaker.
A/V Receiver/Amplifier
Figure 3.2: Wiring: Amplifier to Speakers - Home Theater

6 ©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
A/V Receiver/Amplifier
• Two separate 2 conductor speaker wires run from the A/V Receiver
or amplifier to each stereo speaker.
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
Figure 3.3: Wiring: Amplifier to Speakers - 2 Conductor Direct
• One 4-conductor speaker wire runs from the amplifier to a splice near
one speaker. A 2-conductor wire runs from the splice to each speaker.
A/V Receiver/Amplifier
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
Splice
4
Conductor
Wire
2
Conductor
Wire
Figure 3.4: Wiring: Amplifier to Speakers - 4 Conductor to 2 Conductor
Volume
Control
• One 4 conductor speaker wire runs from the amplifier to a stereo
volume control, then one 2 conductor speaker wire runs to each
stereo speaker.
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
A/V Receiver/Amplifier
4
Conductor
Wire
2
Conductor
Wire
Figure 3.5: Wiring: Amplifier to Speakers w/ Volume Control
Note 1: Low voltage wiring must be run in accordance with the National Electrical Code as well as any other applicable provi-
sions of the local building codes in your area. In some cases (such as commercial installations), running the wire in conduit
may be required. If you have any questions concerning the wiring of speakers in your home, contact your local building and
inspection department.
Note 2: It is recommended that you use quality CL-2 or CL-3 rated stranded speaker wire when installing ATON speakers.
Solid-core “Romex” type wire is not acceptable! Use at least 16AWG speaker wire for runs up to 100 feet, and at least 14 AWG
speaker wire for runs up to 200 feet. If you must cross high-voltage lines, always do so at a 90 degree angle to avoid audible
hum through the speakers!.
Note 3: When pre-wiring for ceiling speakers, it is essential to make direct wire runs from the head-end to each speaker. Do not
run speaker wires in series or parallel, and do not “daisy-chain” speakers to common wiring.

© 2007 • All rights reserved. 7
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
Pre-Wiring
The audio/speaker cable runs should be routed from the head-end location to the speaker
rough-in brackets (if used). At the speaker locations, securely fasten the speaker wire to the
speaker rough-in bracket. If not using speaker rough-in brackets, staple speaker wire runs in a
loose zigzag between the studs where the speaker is to be mounted to make it easier to find the
cable after the drywall is installed. Zig-zagging the cable also allows flexibility in the placement
of the speaker. Note: Do not run speaker wires closer than 12" from high voltage wires.
Speaker
Wire
Min
12”
High
Voltage
Wiring
Figure 3.6: Pre-Wiring In-Wall
Ceiling
Speaker
Wire
Speaker
Cutout
Figure 3.7: Pre-Wiring Ceiling

8 ©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
Mounting
Two situations that can exist when mounting ceiling and in-wall speakers:
• Pre-Construction - Installations that occur in new homes being built and in remodel
situations where walls and/or ceilings will be exposed.
• Retro-Fit - Installation that involve existing homes with walls and ceilings finished.
While the end result of either type of installation is similar, the process is quite different.
Pre-Construction
In a pre-construction installation, walls and ceilings are open with no drywall installed. This
is desirable and allows the installer greater access than in retro-fit applications. ATON model
BK82C Rough-In Brackets are specifically designed to work with A83C speakers while model
BK52W Rough-In Brackets are designed to work with A53W speakers. Rough-in Brackets should
be used whenever possible to reserve a neat hole in the drywall, ensuring proper speaker place-
ment and making trim-out and final installation neat and organized.
Figure 3.8: BK82C Rough-In Bracket
Figure 3.9: BK52W Rough-In Bracket

© 2007 • All rights reserved. 9
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
Mounting Rough-In Brackets
Once the mounting locations are decided upon, assemble the brackets and secure them to the
ceiling joists or wall studs using flat-head screws or heavy-duty staples (see the ATON Ceiling/In-
Wall Rough-In Brackets Manual for detailed steps).
Retro-Fit
Retro-fit installations are more difficult to complete than pre-construction because walls and
ceilings are intact. Typically wires must be fished into position through walls, floors and ceil-
ings. Holes must be cut and speakers mounted directly in the ceiling or walls with no rough-in
brackets.
Note: Before cutting holes in any existing wall or ceiling surface, probe the cavity behind
each speaker’s installation location for obstructions!
Cutting Speaker Openings in Ceiling or Wall - No Rough-in Brackets
1. Use a stud finder to locate the studs around the intended speaker location.
Note: A stud-finding device may not detect pipes, wiring, or other obstructions
located behind the drywall.
2. Use the inside portion of the speaker cutout template to confirm speaker placement.
3. Remove templates and drill or carefully punch a pilot hole in the ceiling or wall. A bent piece
of wire or a coat hanger may be used to probe the stud bay for obstructions. If you experi
ence resistance of any kind–STOP! If any obstructions are detected, patch the pilot hole and
try again in another location.
Ceiling/Wall
Pilot Hole
Wire or
Coat Hanger
Figure 3.10: Probe Stud Bay Before Cutting!
4. Once it has been determined that the cavity is free from obstructions, position the cutout
template and use a pencil to lightly trace the perimeter of the template.
5. Cut the opening using a keyhole saw, drywall router, or razor knife.

10 ©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
Mounting Speakers in Ceiling (Pre-Construction or Retro-Fit)
1. Remove speaker grille and place speaker face down.
2. Locate the speaker wire and pull through the ceiling opening.
3. Connect the speaker wire. BE SURE TO OBSERVE CORRECT POLARITY!
4. Insert the speaker into the opening in the ceiling (or Rough-in Bracket opening) and care-
fully tighten each of the four clamping screws, alternating diagonally between each screw
position to ensure proper fit.
5. Once the speaker is mounted in the ceiling, twist the baffle to aim the mid-range driver at
the listening area. See Pointing the Mid-Range for details.
6. Aim the pivoting tweeter at the listening area.
7. Set the Treble and Bass switches. See Setting Switches for details.
8. Replace the speaker grille.
Figure 3.11: Mounting Speaker In Ceiling

© 2007 • All rights reserved. 11
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
Pointing the Mid-Range
Once the audio system is connected and the speakers have been completely installed (with the
grilles off), it is time to point the mid-range driver at the listening area.
1. Ensure that the LOCK screw located on the speaker baffle is loosened by turning it
counter-clockwise. See Figure 3.12.
LOCK
Screw
Figure 3.12: LOCK Screw
2. Twist the speaker baffle so that the angled mid-range driver is pointing in the desired
direction. It may be easiest to utilize the bridge on which the mid-range and tweeter are
mounted to physically turn the speaker.
3. Turn the LOCK screw clockwise to tighten the speaker baffle and lock it in place.

12 ©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
Mounting Speakers in Wall (Pre-Construction or Retro-Fit)
1. Remove speaker grille and place speaker face down.
2. Locate the speaker wire and pull through the wall opening.
3. Connect the speaker wire. BE SURE TO OBSERVE CORRECT POLARITY!
4. Insert the speaker into the opening in the wall (or Rough-in Bracket opening) and care-
fully tighten each of the six clamping screws, alternating diagonally between each screw
position to ensure proper fit.
5. Aim the pivoting tweeter at the listening area.
7. Set the Treble and Bass switches. See Setting Switches for details.
8. Replace the speaker grille.
Figure 3.13: Mounting Speaker In Wall
Setting Switches
Once the speakers are wired, mounted, and positioned correctly, use the Bass and Treble
switches to fine-tune the speakers based on local environmental variables such as hardwood
floors, thick draperies, etc. Select the “+” position to increase Bass/Treble response or select
the “-” position if no increase or decrease is desired.
BASS
BASS
TREBLE
TREBLE
Figure 3.14: Bass & Treble Switches

© 2007 • All rights reserved. 13
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
4. Specifications
A83C
System Type...........................................................................................................................................................3-Way Ceiling
Woofer.................................................................................................................................................................8" Woven Kevlar
Midrange.........................................................................................................................................................2.5" Woven Kevlar
Tweeter ....................................................................................................................................................3/4" Pivoting Titanium
Crossover .....................................................................................................................2nd Order Custom Q @ 250Hz & 3kHz
Switches.....................................................................................................................................................................Treble/Bass
Impedance ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Ohms
Sensitivity ........................................................................................................................................................................... 92dB
Frequency Response........................................................................................................................................28Hz to 22kHz
Power Handling ........................................................................................................................................................ 175 Watts
Cutout Dimensions ................................................................................................................................... 11 1/4" (286mm)
Outer Frame Dimensions ....................................................................................................................... 12 1/8" (308mm)
Mounting Depth ........................................................................................................................................6 1/16” (178mm)*
Pre-Construction Bracket ..........................................................................................................................................BK82C
* A83C requires a minimum ceiling joist height of 6 inches.
A53W
System Type................................................................................................................................... 2-Way MTM Design In-Wall
Woofer..................................................................................................................................................Dual 5 1/4" Woven Kevlar
Tweeter ........................................................................................................................................................1" Pivoting Titanium
Crossover ....................................................................................................................... 2nd Order Custom Q & Slope 2.4kHz
Switches.....................................................................................................................................................................Treble/Bass
Impedance ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Ohms
Sensitivity ........................................................................................................................................................................... 88dB
Frequency Response........................................................................................................................................40Hz to 20kHz
Power Handling ....................................................................................................................................................... 150 Watts
Cutout Dimensions ................................................................................................ 7 1/4" x 14 3/8" (184mm x 365mm)
Outer Frame Dimensions ..................................................................................... 8 3/8" 15 7/16" (213mm x 392mm)
Mounting Depth ..................................................................................................................................................4" (102mm)*
Pre-Construction Bracket............................................................................................................................................BK52W
* A53W’s depth is compatible with standard 2x4 walls.

14 ©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
Notes:

© 2007 • All rights reserved. 15
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
Notes:

16 ©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series LCR Theater Speakers
Notes:

Limited Lifetime Warranty
ATON warrants to the purchaser/end user (“you”) that all Storm Series Speakers are to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is transferable to subsequent owners
of the product as long as the original proof of purchase is retained. If you discover a defect in
material or workmanship, you can obtain warranty service by contacting ATON at (859)-422-
7137 or ser[email protected]. If ATON determines that the product is in fact defective, ATON
shall, at its option, repair or replace the product free of charge to you. This warranty shall not
apply (a) to equipment not manufactured by ATON, (b) to equipment which was improperly in-
stalled, (c) which was repaired or altered by others than ATON, or its authorized representatives
or subject to unauthorized tampering, alteration, or modification, (d) damaged due to misuse,
negligence, accident, acts of God (including, but not limited to, excess moisture, insects, light-
ning, flood, electrical surge, tornado, earthquake, or other catastrophic events beyond ATON’s
control), or (e) subject to improper operation, maintenance or storage, or unreasonable use. The
foregoing warranties do not cover reimbursement for labor, transportation, removal, installation
or other expenses which may be incurred in connection with repair or replacement. The forego-
ing remedies shall be your exclusive remedies for any breach of warranty. Further, the forego-
ing warranty does not extend to equipment sold, but not manufactured by, ATON (“Third Party
Products”). With respect to any Third Party Products, the warranty for such product shall be as
provided by the manufacturer of such product, who will also be responsible for warranty service,
and ATON will pass through to you any transferable warranty actually extended to ATON by the
manufacturer.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESSED AND IM-
PLIED WARRANTIES. ATON EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL SUCH OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. Notwithstanding the above, where applicable, if you qualify
as a “consumer” under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, then you may be entitled to any im-
plied warranties allowed by law for the Warranty Period. Some states do not allow limitations on
how long an implied Limited Warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
ATTENTION: TO OUR VALUED CONSUMERS
Valid proof of purchase is required for all warranty services. Warranty service requests made
without proof of date of purchase will be denied. Please keep the original sales receipt for your
records and send a copy to request warranty service. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights which vary state to state.
*ATON is a division of ELAN Home Systems, LLC.
www.atonhome.com
or
[email protected]
P/N 9900933 REV: A