Boston Acoustics Designer Series DX Pro User manual

DX Pro
Designer Series
In-Wall Diffuse-Field Surround Speaker

2
Specifications
Frequency Response (±3dB) 80–20,000Hz
Recommended Amplifier Power 10–150 watts
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Sensitivity [1 watt (2.83v) at 1m] 85dB
Bass Unit 51⁄4" (135mm) copolymer with butyl rubber surround
High-Frequency Driver (2) 21⁄2" (65mm) polymer-treated
Crossover Frequency 900Hz
Dimensions (HxW) 81⁄4x15
1⁄8" (210 x 384mm)
Mounting Hole Cutout (HxW) 71⁄2x14
1⁄8" (190 x 358mm)
Mounting Depth (from surface) 33⁄4" (95mm)
Description
The DX Pro is a high-performance, diffuse-field surround speaker with the frequency response and
power handling demanded by today’s finest home theater systems. Unlike conventional surround
speakers, however, the DX Pro mounts flush with the wall surface and virtually disappears in the
listening room.
The DX Pro duplicates the performance of the movie theater surround speaker array by aiming its
drivers away from the listening area. In contrast to direct radiating speakers, the DX Pro projects its
sound along the room’s walls, not at the listener. This creates a diffuse, lifelike ambient soundfield
for realistic surround effects.
Inside the DX Pro are two subenclosed 21⁄2-inch (65mm) high-frequency drivers. One fires forward,
the other rearward. Frequencies below 900Hz are handled by our 51⁄4-inch (135mm) driver with
butyl rubber surround. Gold-plated five-way binding posts allow quick connection to virtually any
speaker cable.
The front surface has a matte white finish, suitable for use in a variety of environments. For a
perfect custom finish, the speaker and grille may be painted using the supplied paint mask.

3
Installation Instructions
IMPORTANT: This manual assumes the installer possesses skill in the proper use of hand and
power tools, a knowledge of local building and fire codes, and a familiarity with the environment
behind the wall or ceiling in which the speakers will be installed.
Quantity Description
2 Designer Series Speakers
2 Mounting Bracket
2 Painting Mask
2 Metal Grille
1 Template
1 Owner’s Manual/Installation
Instructions
1 Hardware Package*
Examine the contents of the package and verify that it contains the following:
Hardware Package* Contents:
Quantity Description
16 8-32 x 2" Screw
* If the hardware package is missing any items, or is
not found, additional packages are available from
Boston Acoustics.
Loudspeaker
DX Pro
Side View Mounting Hole
Mounting Bracket
81⁄4"
(210mm)
151⁄8"
(384mm)
81⁄4"
(210mm)
151⁄8"
(384mm)
71⁄2"
(190mm)
141⁄8"
(358mm)
33⁄4"
(95mm)

4
Placement
Room placement is one of the most important factors contributing to the quality of home theater
sound. Take a few minutes to place your speakers correctly to ensure they will sound their best.
Place the DX Pro speakers on either side of
the listening area, above ear level. For best
performance, make sure they are at least
18 inches (45cm) from the rear wall.
If the viewing area is in a corner, the speak-
ers may be placed on adjacent walls.
IMPORTANT: Your speakers have been
packed as a LEFT and RIGHT matched set.
Make sure that each speaker is mounted
on the correct side of the room. The arrow
on the back of each speaker should point
toward the front of the room (toward the
television).

Painting the Speakers
If you intend to paint the speakers, it’s best to
do so before installation.
1. Remove the speaker grille. Carefully pry at
each corner with an awl or a small screwdriver.
2. Use the form-fitting painting mask provided
to paint the housing. Cover the slots with
masking tape.
3. After painting, remove the mask by carefully
inserting a screwdriver into the slots. Do not
puncture the drivers behind the mask with the
screwdriver.
4. When painting the grilles, be certain that the
paint does not fill the perforated holes in the
metal. If using spray paint, use two thin coats.
If using house paint or other canned paint, thin
the paint to avoid filling the holes.
5
Boston
Use masking tape
to cover slots
Boston

6
Preparing for Installation
Map out the wiring paths from the speakers to the amplifier. We recommend 18-gauge wire for
runs up to 25 feet, and 16-gauge or thicker for longer runs. Be sure the speaker wire does not rest
or rub against any sharp or pointed objects.
The speakers should be mounted on a flat surface to form a good seal between the speaker flange
and the mounting surface.
Each speaker is 8 ohms nominal. When connecting more than two speakers per amplifier channel,
you should use series/parallel wiring or line transformers. In all cases, make certain that the total
impedance does not fall below the amplifier’s minimum rating. If you are not sure, contact your
Boston Acoustics dealer.
You Will Need
1. A utility knife, an electric jigsaw, or another means of cutting a hole in the mounting surface.
2. Phillips and flat-blade screwdrivers.
3. A wire cutter or stripper for preparing the speaker wires.
4. An awl or a small screwdriver to remove the speaker grille.
With the hardware supplied, the speaker can be installed in existing walls and ceilings from
1⁄2" (12mm) to 11⁄2" (38mm) thick. For thinner walls, you will need to use spacers (not provided) for
the mounting bracket. In walls greater than 11⁄2" (38mm) thick, you will need longer screws.
Installation
1. Make a cutout using the supplied template.
2. Run the wire from the amplifier to the cutout. Allow an extra foot of wire
at the cutout. Strip 1⁄2" (12mm) off the wire, and tightly twist the wire strands together.
71/2" (190mm)
DX Pro
MOUNTING HOLE TEMPLATE
Cut hole to exact size of template. For details, see Owner's Manual.
Use this template to score the proper size for the DX Pro speaker system.
Make sure the template is level before scoring the outline on the mounting surface.
BostonAcoustics
37-430-0
141/8" (358mm)

3. Remove speaker grille. Carefully pry each corner
with an awl or a small screwdriver.
4. Prepare the speaker/bracket assembly for instal-
lation as shown.
WARNING: To prevent electrical shock hazard,
always switch off the amplifier or receiver when
making connections to the speaker.
IMPORTANT: Typically, one side of the wire is
smooth. Connect this side to the –(black) speaker
terminal. The other side has a rib or stripe. Connect
this to the +(red) speaker terminal. Connect wire
at the amplifier in the same way. Failure to do so
will result in degraded sound.
5. Install speaker according to diagram below.
IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten screws. Doing so
will break the frame and/or make it impossible to
insert the grille.
7

Listening Levels and Power-Handling
The power recommendation for the speakers assumes that you will operate the amplifier in a way
that will not produce distortion. Even our rugged speakers can be damaged by an amplifier if it is
producing distortion.
If you hear a harsh, gritty noise, turn down the volume. Prolonged or repeated operation of your
speaker with a distorted signal from the amplifier can cause damage that is not covered by the
warranty.
Limited Warranty
For three years from the date of purchase, Boston Acoustics will repair for the original owner any
defect in materials or workmanship that occurs in normal use, without charge for parts and labor.
Your responsibilities are to use the system according to the instructions supplied, to provide safe
and secure transportation to an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative, and to present
proof of purchase in the form of your sales slip when requesting service.
Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, accidents, shipping, or repairs
or modifications by anyone other than an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative.
This warranty is void if the serial number has been removed or defaced.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
If Service Seems Necessary
First, contact the retailer from whom you purchased the speakers. If that is not possible, write to:
Boston Acoustics, Inc. 300 Jubilee Drive Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.
We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your speaker to the
factory, please ship it prepaid. After it has been repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in the
U.S. and Canada.
300 Jubilee Drive
Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.
978.538.5000
Boston and Boston Acoustics are registered
trademarks of Boston Acoustics, Inc.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
© 1998 Boston Acoustics, Inc.
42-726-0