Boston Acoustics VR-M/EX User manual

VR-M/EX
Wide Dispersion
Home Theater
Back Surround Speaker

Specifications
Frequency Response (±3dB) 110–20,000Hz
Recommended Amplifier Power 15–200 watts
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Sensitivity [1 watt (2.83v) at 1m] 90dB
Bass Unit Dual 51⁄4" (135mm) copolymer
High-Frequency Driver Dual 1" (25mm) VR aluminum dome with AMD
Crossover Frequency 2500Hz
Dimensions (HxWxD) 11 x 115⁄16 x 515⁄16" (279 x 286 x 151mm)
Weight/each 14 lbs (6.35kg)
Finish Cherry wood veneer with gray grille cloth
or black ash wood veneer with black grille cloth
or white vinyl with white grille cloth
Description
The VR-M/EX surround speaker is intended to be used as the back speaker in a surround system
with surround back playback capability. A single VR-M/EX can be used with a pair of VR-MX
surround speakers to provide a theater-like experience for all surround sound formats. Its
hemispherical radiation pattern, wide frequency response, and high power handling make it an
ideal choice for a single, center of wall surround back speaker. Its unique driver complement
creates an enveloping sense of surround sound, simulating the multiple surround speakers found
in a quality movie theater.
The VR-M/EX is a high output, wide dispersion surround speaker. It provides the rear channel
surround sound effects with THX®Surround EX and DTS®ES decoding electronics. Satisfactory
results may be obtained using the VR-M/EX on standard Dolby Digital®or DTS®software,
depending on the amount of stereo separation contained in the surround channels of the sound-
track. In this application, the less stereo separation there is between the left and right surround
channels, the more the surround tracks will be directed exclusively to the VR-M/EX. Consult your
electronics owners manual for additional information on this topic.
The VR-M/EX may be placed on a shelf or mounted on a wall or ceiling using the supplied
template, mounting hardware and bracket. Gold-plated five-way binding posts allow the
connection of virtually any speaker cable. The VR-M/EX can be placed at the center of the back
wall, as well as hung from the ceiling. Recommended placement is above ear level on the back
walls directly behind the primary listening position. Ideally, the VR-M/EX should be at the same
height as the left and right surround speakers.
2

3
Room 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 speaker correctly to ensure it will sound
their best.
Place one or more VR-M/EX speakers on the
back wall of the listening area.
One or more VR-M/EX speakers may be hung
from the ceiling.
Connecting Your VR-M/EX Speakers
Connect the speaker’s terminals to those on the amplifier or receiver designated for “surround
back”. Maintain consistency of the +(red) and –(black) connections by using the markings on the
wire. Connect the ribbed side to the +(red) terminals and the smooth side to the –(black)
terminals.
WARNING: To prevent electrical shock, always switch off the amplifier or
receiver when making connections to the speaker.
Using the five-way binding posts: The binding posts permit easy
connection to pins, spade lugs, bare wire and cable banana plugs.
The metal surfaces are plated with 24K gold to resist corrosion.
NOTE: Most dual banana plugs will not fit behind a flush wall mount
installation, however single wire banana plugs should fit.

Wall or Ceiling Mounting Your VR-M/EX Speaker
The VR-M/EX is designed to be mounted directly onto a wall or ceiling. First attach the four
supplied self-adhesive felt pads, one on the back of each corner of the speaker. Then attach the
bracket to the wall or ceiling and slide the speaker on to the bracket as shown below and on the
two next pages.
You may run wires to the speakers on the wall surface or behind the wall. Use the recessed area on
the back of the speaker to accommodate the wire slack.
MOUNTING TIPS: Use the supplied template to aid in positioning the mounting bracket. At
least 4 inches of clearance is required between the top of the template and the ceiling. Please
take care that the mounting brackets are attached securely to the chosen surface. Toggle bolts are
supplied for use on drywall or hollow plaster walls. Alternatively, you may wish to obtain wood
screws for wood or wall studs, molly bolts or screw anchors for drywall or plaster walls, or masonry
anchors for masonry walls. You can also just place the speakers to sit upright on a shelf or other flat
surface. In this case, be sure to use the supplied self-adhesive rubber feet to prevent any possible
slippage.
Mounting on drywall, paneling or other hollow surfaces: Use the 6-32 x 2" machine screws and
toggle wings provided. The toggle wings require a 1⁄2" (12mm) hole.
Mounting on wood and other solid surfaces:
Use a #6 or #8 wood screw.
Mounting on masonry, adobe and similar surfaces: Consult a knowledgeable installer about
proper hardware. You will obtain best results with #6 or #8 wood screws.
4
INCLUDED HARWARE
(1) mounting
bracket
(2) toggle wing screws
(4) rear felt pads
for wall mounting
(4) rubber feet for
shelf mounting

5
2"
(51mm)
21⁄2"
(63mm)
MOUNTING
1. Mark off the two bracket mounting
holes using the VR-M/EX Mounting
Template provided. If running wires
behind the wall, then also mark off a 1⁄2"
(12mm) hole located at 21⁄2" (63mm)
below the lower bracket hole. This hole
is also positioned on the template.
Drill 1⁄2" (12mm) holes
toggle wings
6-32 x 2"
machine screws
2. Drill all holes as indicated. Insert the
machine screws through the bracket and
thread them onto the toggle wings before
penetrating the wall. Push the toggle
wings through the holes in the wall.

6
Listening Levels and Power Handling
IMPORTANT: Adjusting Listening Volume. To obtain the best home theater effect, balance the
sound level of each speaker. Home theater systems contain a test signal that simplifies this
procedure. Refer to the instructions provided with your surround sound electronics.
The power recommendation for the speaker assumes the amplifier is not overdriven, which, over a
long period, can damage even our rugged speakers. If you hear a harsh, gritty noise on peak levels,
turn down the volume control. Prolonged or repeated operation with a distorted signal from the
amplifier can cause damage to the speakers, which is not covered by the warranty.
Level bracket
before hanging
speaker
3. Level the bracket and tighten the screws.
Connect the wires to the terminals and hang
the speaker on the brackets.
MOUNTING (continued)

7
Limited Warranty
For five 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 of the speaker system, 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 speaker. If that is not possible, write to:
Boston Acoustics, Inc., 300 Jubilee Drive, Peabody, MA 01960.
Send us:
1. Your name, address and daytime telephone number.
2. When and where you purchased the speaker system and a copy of your sales slip.
3. Makes/models of your signal sources and amplifier.
4. Description of the problem.
5. Whether you have the original carton and fillers or need new ones.
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
978-538-5000
Boston and Boston Acoustics are registered trademarks of Boston
Acoustics, Inc.
Dolby and Dolby Pro Logic are registered trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
© 2000 Boston Acoustics, Inc.
042-001332-0