Emphasys CL8.5 Assembly instructions

Installer's Guide
EMPHASYS
In-Ceiling LCR Speakers
from EMPHASYS have been created to
meet the needs of today’s discriminating
listener, offering a blend of clarity and
output that’s equal to the needs of a
high-performance home theater or
distributed audio system. In fact,
an EMPHASYS In-Ceiling LCR can
be just as appropriate as the center
channel speaker as it is in a left/right
pairing. The In-Ceiling LCR Series
really delivers, with superb components
and great sound in a range of sizes. This
manual is designed to facilitate easy
installation and adjustment of the
EMPHASYS In-Ceiling LCR Speakers.
To ensure the best performance, please
follow the instructions carefully.
Positioning the Speakers
EMPHASYS In-Ceiling LCR Speakers,
with their superior clarity and power
handling, provide exceptional versatility
for the home theater environment. A
single LCR speaker can be used for the
front center channel, or a pair can be
used for left and right in the front or
rear of the system.
CL8.5 CL6.5 CL6.0
The In-Ceiling LCR Speaker as a Center Channel
In-Ceiling LCR Speakers are designed to blend seamlessly with other EMPHASYS speak-
ers and accessories, and will satisfy almost any installation. However, if the LCR is to be
used as a center channel speaker, it should be placed directly above the TV. Additionally,
system performance can be enhanced if the center channel speaker is aligned as closely
as possible with the horizontal plane of the front left and right speakers.

2
Speaker Adjustments
Creating a Zone for Optimized Listening
The In-Ceiling LCR speakers should be placed so that they project,
as much as possible, toward the listening position. This will ensure
an accurate stereo image and help minimize the creation of
excessive sound reflections.
If the speakers are to be mounted in a very high ceiling, the
pivoting tweeters should be aimed directly toward the listening
position. (See Diagram 1)
In other cases it might be preferable to aim the tweeters slightly
outward, away from the listening position.
CAUTION: The tweeter dome, whether aluminum or silk, can be
damaged through direct contact with fingers or objects. Please be
careful when installing and adjusting the speaker.
Diagram 1:
Tweeter
Bass
Treble
0
+3
0
+3
Push Tweeter Here
3. Mark the hole. A template for setting the hole is provided in
the box. Position the template in the desired position and outline
it on the ceiling using a pencil.
4. Cut the hole. CAUTION: This is the most important part of the
installation. If you aren’t certain whether there are any obstruc-
tions in the desired mounting area, use a drywall saw to cut a
small hole at the center of the spot you’ve outlined. Cut at a 45°
angle toward the inside of the hole. (see Diagram 2)
You can use the cutout piece to fill the hole again if obstructions are
encountered. Once the mounting location is deemed to be free
of obstructions, cut the outline at a 90° angle relative to the sur-
face of the ceiling.
5. If the area in the ceiling isn’t already insulated, add insulation
material sufficient to fill the cavity. If the insulation material used is
faced with foil or paper, position the foil or paper away from the
speaker.
CAUTION: Speaker components can get hot while playing music at
moderate to high volume levels. There should be nothing at all touch-
ing the speaker. Material in proximity to the back of the speaker must
have at a minimum 1” or 26mm clearance for non-flammable materials
and more for flammable materials like plastic vapor barriers.
Preparing the Surface for Mounting
Precautions for Installation
Careful consideration should be given to the possible presence
of electrical conduits, piping, HVAC duct work and other ele-
ments in the ceiling before the In-Ceiling LCR speaker is installed.
If there is any doubt regarding the most acceptable locations for
the speakers, please consult EMPHASYS Technical Support or the
dealer.
New Construction: Unfinished Ceiling
A new construction bracket, available from your dealer, can be
installed prior to drywall application across joists (up to 24" on-
center) where a speaker will be located. After the hole is cut and
the drywall is installed, the speaker can be easily installed fol-
lowing the instructions for mounting in “Finished Ceiling” below.
Note: If the speaker is to be mounted more than 24" on-center, a
special “extra-long wing” is available from your dealer.
Finished Ceiling
Prior to the actual installation of the speakers, it will be necessary
to run speaker wire to the locations in which they’ll be mounted.
See your dealer for more information. Then, with the wire in
place, the speakers can be mounted. To ensure a professional-
looking result, follow the simple steps described below:
1. Choose the general location for the installation of each speak-
er, being certain that these areas present no obstructions such as
electrical conduit, HVAC duct work or water lines.
2. Find the joists nearest the desired location for the speaker.
EMPHASYS recommends the use of a good stud finder for this
procedure. If you are lining up the speakers to some other object
or molding in the room, be sure to allow for the size of the baffle,
which extends beyond the mounting hole on all four sides of the
In-Ceiling LCR Speaker.
Diagram 2:
Ceiling Cutout

Painting the Grille
We recommend painting your grille prior to installation. If you
decide to paint it in the future, it is best to remove the grille by
simply detaching it from the speaker. Do not paint the grille while
it's installed on the speaker.
Before painting, be sure to remove the cloth material from
beneath the grille. Once painted, place the cloth back to its
position beneath the grille.
When painting, be careful not to clog the holes of the grille. The
sound of the speaker will be dramatically reduced if the perfora-
tions in the grille are covered in paint.
EMPHASYS recommends only light spray painting using five parts
thinning agent to one part paint.
CAUTION: Excessive tightening may torque the baffle, crack the
ceiling or cause difficulty in aligning the grille.
4. Reattach the grille onto the speaker baffle.
Installing the Speakers
The In-Ceiling LCR Speakers feature a mounting system with four
swiveling feet for quick, secure installation. Use the following
steps:
1. Remove the grille from the speaker baffle.
2. Attach the speaker wire (observing the proper polarity with
your amplifier, matching positive (red) to positive and negative
(black) to negative). Be certain the left channel of the amplifier
is connected to the left speaker, and that the right channel is
connected to the right speaker.
3. Be sure the mounting feet are turned inward to clear the
opening, and then insert the speaker into the ceiling. Position the
speaker into the hole. Note: The speaker is designed to conform to
minor imperfections in the ceiling’s surface. Tighten the four screws
on the front of the baffle only so much that the speaker becomes
snug against the ceiling. As you tighten the screws, the feet will
flip into an outward position (see Diagram 3),clamping the drywall
between the feet and the speaker.
Treble Adjustment
The Treble switch allows +3dB of adjustment from the “0” position,
where the most linear frequency response is maintained. If more
treble is desired, simply move the switch to the “+3” position. To
return to the neutral setting, move the switch back to the “0”
position. The Treble switch can be adjusted whenever desired.
(See Diagram 4)
Bass Adjustment
The Bass switch provides +3dB of bass adjustment from the “0”
position, where the flattest bass frequency response is maintained.
For extra bass, move the switch to the “+3” position. To return to
the neutral setting, move the switch back to the “0” position. As
with treble adjustment, the Bass switch can be moved whenever
desired. (See Diagram 4)
Adjusting the Frequency Response for CL8.5
Diagram 4:
Adjustment Switches
3
Bass
Treble
0
+3
0
+3
Bass Adjustment Switch
Treble Adjustment Switch
Diagram 3:
Mounting Feet
Speaker

EMPHASYS warrants to the original retail purchaser only (“you”) that this product
will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ten years (the
“Warranty Period”), subject to the limitations and exclusions set out in this Limited
Warranty. This warranty is not transferable to subsequent owners of the product. If
you discover a defect in material or workmanship within the Warranty Period, you
can obtain warranty service by contacting Emphasys during the Warranty Period
at 800.472.5555 or by sending the product to Core Brands at 12471 E. Riverside
Drive, Eastvale, CA 91752 or to the dealer from whom you purchased the product.
Defective products must be shipped, prepaid and insured, together with proof of
purchase. Warranty service requests made without proof of date of purchase will be
denied. Freight collect shipments will be refused. It is preferable to ship this product
in the original shipping container to lessen the chance of transit damage. In any
case, the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by the purchaser.
If, upon examination by Emphasys it is determined that the unit is in fact defective,
Emphasys will, at its option:
• Repair or replace the product at no additional charge; or
• If the model is no longer available and cannot be repaired effectively, replace the
unit with a current model of equal or greater value. In some cases where a new
model is substituted, a modification to the mounting surface may be required. If
mounting surface modification is required, Emphasys assumes no responsibility or
liability for such modification.
Emphasys will bear the cost of returning the repaired or replaced product to you,
freight prepaid. All replaced parts and product become the property of Emphasys.
The foregoing is your sole and exclusive remedy for breach of warranty. If the prod-
uct is not found to be defective, Emphasys will contact you to arrange for return of
the product to you, at your expense.
EXCLUSIONS:
• This Warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by
accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping pro-
cedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the
unit, or service, repair or modification of the product by unauthorized dealers. This
Warranty also excludes normal cosmetic deterioration caused by environmental
conditions.
• This Warranty will be void if:
• The Serial Number on the product has been removed, tampered with or
defaced.
• The product was not purchased from an authorized dealer.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES. EMPHASYS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS
ALL SUCH OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. In no event will Emphasys be liable for any incidental
or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the product, even
if Emphasys has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by
any other party. Notwithstanding the above, if you qualify as a “consumer” under the
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, then you may be entitled to any implied warranties
allowed by law for the Warranty Period. Further, some states do not allow limitations
on how long an implied Limited Warranty lasts or allow the exclusion or limitation of
consequential damages, so such limitations may not apply to you.
ATTENTION TO OUR VALUED CONSUMERS:
To insure that consumers obtain quality pre-sale and after-sale support and service,
Emphasys products are sold exclusively through authorized dealers. Emphasys
products are not sold online by Emphasys or its authorized dealers, and this
warranty is VOID if the products have been purchased from any internet reseller. If
you have any questions about your reseller, please call Emphasys at 800.472.5555.
Technical Support
The Technical Support hotline is ready with answers to questions regarding this
and other products from EMPHASYS. Simply call 800.472.5555. We are available
to assist you every weekday, except holidays, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m. PST.
Features & Specs
CL8.5
8" Aluminum Cone
1" Pivoting Aluminum Dome
+3dB Bass & Treble
175 Watts
32Hz - 20kHz
8Ω
92dB 1W/1m
Thin-Bezel held by Neo Magnets
Dia 111⁄8" x Depth 57⁄8"
Dia 93⁄4"
CL6.5
61⁄2" Aluminum Cone
1" Pivoting Aluminum Dome
N/A
125 Watts
36Hz - 20kHz
8Ω
92dB 1W/1m
Thin-Bezel held by Neo Magnets
Dia 91⁄4" x Depth 49⁄16"
Dia 81⁄4"
CL6.0
61⁄2" Polypropylene Cone
1" Pivoting Silk Dome
N/A
100 Watts
40Hz - 20kHz
8Ω
91dB
Thin-Bezel held by Neo Magnets
Dia 91⁄4" x Depth 49⁄16"
Dia 81⁄4"
Woofer:
Tweeter:
Switches:
Power Handling:
Frequency Response:
Impedance:
Sensitivity:
Grille:
Dimensions:
Cut Out Dimensions:
Limited Ten-Year Warranty
1800 South McDowell Blvd • Petaluma, CA 94954
800.472.5555 • Fax [phone] • emphasysav.com
©2013 Core Brands, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Emphasys®is a registered trademark of Core Brands, LLC, a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc.
EMPHASYS
9901327 (Rev A)