Boston Acoustics VRS Pro User manual

VRS Pro
Home Theater
Surround Speaker

2
Specifications
Frequency Response (±3dB) 80–20,000Hz
Recommended Amplifier Power 15–150 watts
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Sensitivity [1 watt (2.83v) at 1m] 86dB
Bass Unit 51⁄4" (135mm) copolymer
High-Frequency Driver Dual 21⁄2" (65mm) polymer-treated paper
Crossover Frequency 350Hz
Dimensions (HxWxD) 141⁄4x 45⁄8x 61⁄2" (360 x 116 x 165mm)
Weight/each 7 lbs (3kg)
Finish Black or white
Description
The VRS Pro is a THX®-certified, high-output, diffuse-field
surround speaker. It provides the rear channel surround
sound effects with AC-3®
, THX and ProLogic®decoding
electronics. Its low- and high-frequency response charac-
teristics comply with the requirements for AC-3 and THX
systems.
The VRS Pro cabinet is sculptured to aim sound along the
walls, rather than directly at the listener, and to blend with the
room’s decor. Frequencies from 80 to 350Hz are handled
by a 51⁄4" (135mm) bass unit. Frequencies above 350Hz
are handled by a pair of 21⁄2" (65mm) high-frequency dri-
vers, one firing forward and the other backward. Gold-plated five-way binding posts allow the con-
nection of virtually any speaker cable. Straightforward mounting of the speaker on any wall or ceil-
ing can be easily accomplished with the enclosed brackets.
A diffuse-field surround sound speaker is the best for reproducing the enveloping surround sound
experienced in a movie theater. The theater employs an array of surround loudspeakers (often our
Boston A70T theater speakers) distributed around the sides and rear of the theater. Typically, the
array is split into two halves, left and right. The listener hears sound from many speakers, which pro-
duces a three-dimensional sensation for the surround sound. A diffuse-field speaker achieves the
same effect by directing the sound initially away from the listener and permitting it to be reflected
from the walls and ceiling. The sound then arrives at the listener from a multitude of directions and
simulates the loudspeaker array in a movie theater.

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Diffuse Sound
In a movie theater, a diffuse surround sound
field is created by using an array of surround
speakers around the sides and rear of the
theater. Since this is not practical in the home,
a diffuse-field speaker achieves the same effect
with a single pair of speakers.
When a conventional direct-radiating speaker
is used for surround, sound is aimed directly at
the listener. Because the listener can localize
the sound, the surround effect is spoiled (above
right).
The VRS Pro contains a pair of high-frequency
drivers, operating with opposite polarities—
one speaker pushes out and the other pulls in.
This directs most of the sound sideways (right).
The VRS Pro generates a “figure 8” pattern
above 350Hz, along the walls of the room. The
sound is then reflected from the end walls, ceil-
ing and floor before returning to the listener as
diffuse sound, which comes from all around the
listener.

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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 speakers correctly to ensure they will
sound their best.
Place the VRS Pro speakers on either side of
the listening area.
One or both of the VRS Pro speakers may be
hung from the ceiling. Make sure the arrow on
the rear label points to the front of the room.
IMPORTANT: Your speakers have been packed
as a LEFT and RIGHT matched set. Make sure
that each speaker is mounted on the correct side,
with the bass unit pointing to the front of the
theater area. The arrow on the back of each speak-
er should point toward the front of the room.
If the listening position is against the wall,
place the speakers to either side, no less than
20" (50cm) from the rear wall.

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If the viewing area is in a corner, the speakers
may be placed to either side on adjacent walls.
Connecting Your VRS Pro Speakers
Connect the speaker’s terminals to those on the amplifier or receiver designated for “surround” or
“rear channel effects.” Maintain consistency of the +(red) and –(black) connections by using the
markings on the wire.
We recommend 18-gauge (or heavier) speaker wire for runs up to 25' (8m), and thicker 16-gauge
speaker wire for longer runs. Strip 1⁄2" (12mm) of insulation from the ends of each wire to expose
the conductors. Tightly twist the wire strands together. Maintain the consistency of the +(red) and
– (black) connections.
IMPORTANT: Typically, one side of the hook-up wire is ribbed and the
other is smooth. 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 con-
nection to banana plugs, pins, spade lugs and bare wire. The metal sur-
faces are plated with 24K gold to resist corrosion.

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Wall or Ceiling Mounting Your VRS Pro Speakers
The VRS Pro is designed to be mounted directly onto a wall or ceiling. Attach the supplied bracket
to the wall or ceiling and clip the speaker to the bracket.
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 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 sur-
faces: Consult a knowledgeable installer about
proper hardware. You will obtain best results with
#6 or #8 wood screws.
IMPORTANT: Your speakers have been packed
as a LEFT and RIGHT matched set. Make sure
that each speaker is mounted on the correct
side, with the bass unit pointing toward the
front of the theater area. The arrow on the back
of each speaker should point toward the front.
MOUNTING
1. Make two holes using the bracket as a tem-
plate. If running wires behind the wall, make a
hole for them 1" (25mm) below the bracket (top
right).
2. Insert the machine screws through the brack-
et and thread onto the toggle wings before
penetrating the wall (center right).
3. Level the bracket and tighten the screws.
Connect the wires and hang the speaker on the
brackets, so the arrow on the label points to
the front of the home theater area (right).
29⁄32"
(23mm)
Drill 1⁄2" (12mm) holes
toggle wings
Level bracket
before hanging
speaker
6-32 x 2"
machine screws
1"
(25mm)

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Painting Your VRS Pro Speakers
You may paint the surface and grilles of your VRS Pro speakers. You will need:
• A small screwdriver or knife to remove the grilles from the cabinet
• A fast-drying primer, such as Krylon®Sandable Spray Primer #1318
• Masking tape and scrap paper, and a clean dry cloth.
To paint the cabinet:
IMPORTANT: Do not paint the red and black
electrical terminals or the black area behind the
grilles.
1. Remove the grilles: Use a small screwdriver
or knife to snap open the back edge of each
grille near the terminals.
2. Mask off the baffles with masking tape and
scrap paper, and wipe any dust from the
cabinet.
3. Apply two thin coats of primer and let dry
thoroughly.
4. Apply finishing paint and let dry.
5. Remove masking tape and paper.
To paint the grilles:
IMPORTANT: Avoid painting the grilles in a
way that causes the holes to be filled.
1. Remove the grilles: Use a small screwdriver
or knife to snap open the back edge of each
grille near the terminals.
2. Paint the grilles: Primer is not required. If
using a spray paint, use two thin coats. If using
a house paint, thin the paint to avoid filling the
perforation holes in the grille. Let the paint dry
completely.
3. Reinsert the grilles: Insert the front edge in
the groove near the logo and then snap the
rear of the grille into place on the cabinet.
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 proce-
dure. 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.

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
508-538-5000
© Copyright 1996 Boston Acoustics, Inc. All rights reserved.
Boston and Boston Acoustics are registered trademarks
of Boston Acoustics, Inc. Dolby, ProLogic and AC-3 are
registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation. THX is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd.
Specifications subject to change without notice. 42-603-0