Parasound PAL-265 User manual

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O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
PAL-265 Precision Architectural Loudspeakers
www.parasound.com

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www.parasound.com
PAL-265
Precision Architectural Loudspeakers
Owner’s Manual

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PAL-265
Precision Architectural Loudspeakers
Owner’s Manual

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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of your PAL-265 Precision Architectural Loudspeaker
system and thank you for choosing Parasound. The PAL-265 Precision Architectural
Loudspeakers were developed using the finest loudspeaker and crossover components
available. Countless hours of computer modeling were spent to insure accurate audio
reproduction in a variety of installations where placement compromises must sometimes be
made. The PAL-265 Precision Architectural Loudspeakers mounted in your walls deliver
the high-fidelity audio reproduction you have come to expect from high-end loudspeakers
in a cabinet. Please take a few minutes to read these instructions thoroughly to make the
installation easier and insure the best performance of your new PAL-265 Precision
Architectural Loudspeakers.
Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully unpack your PAL-265 loudspeakers locate the enclosed accessories:
Item Qty Description
1 2 PAL-265 baffle and loudspeaker assembly
2 2 Metal grilles
3 2 Foam grille inserts
4 2 Paint Shields
Be sure to carefully inspect the speakers for any signs of shipping damage. If you believe
you notice any, contact your Parasound Dealer immediately.
Precautions
If you have any doubts about your ability to properly install in-wall loudspeakers, you should
consider the services of a custom installer. If you plan to install them yourself, always use
good quality tools to save time and make the installation go more smoothly.
The PAL-265 PrecisionArchitectural Loudspeakers mount into standard 4 inch (or greater)
stud depth walls. Determine the final location of both left and right speakers before cutting
anyholessincechangestoonespeakermayaffectthe othereither aestheticallyor acoustically.
Look for pipes, wiring or any other conflicting material that might be damaged before
beginning the installation.
Prewiring
Before you purchase loudspeaker wire, check local building codes to make sure that the
wire is rated to comply with applicable local safety codes such as UL or CL-2. Use only
stranded wire no thinner than AWG 16. For runs longer than 100 feet, we recommend
minimum of AWG 14. When pulling wire, take care not to pull the wire too fast to prevent
stretching the wire or scorching the insulation from friction. Leave 2 to 3 feet of excess
loudspeaker wire at both ends; it is easier to trim off excess wire than to splice additional
wire. When securing the wire inside the walls, be careful not to pierce the insulation with
nails or staples.

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For best performance and easier troubleshooting, always “home run” wiring when installing
multiple speakers rather than connecting from one speaker to the next. When connecting
multiple speakers, make sure that the power amplifier is capable of adequately driving the
combined impedance of the speakers. If not, you may need additional amplifiers or an
impedance protection device that are often built into loudspeaker selection boxes.
Installing the PAL-265 Precision Architectural Loudspeakers
1. Confirm that there is at least 1 1/2" of clearance between each edge of the planned
cutout and adjacent studs or joints.
2. Fasten the supplied cardboard template to the wall or ceiling with tape or thumbtacks.
Check again for equal distance of both speakers from the ceiling or floor.
3. Use a level or the included template’s self-leveling feature to insure the cutout will be
level.
4. Trace around the perimeter of the template.
5. Before making the final cutout, make a small 6-inch square “test cutout” in the center of
the penciled outline. Reach inside the test hole to verify that there are no obstructions in
the way of your planned cutout.
6. Before cutting the hole, first score the drywall with a razor knife and use a keyhole saw
to complete the cut. Remove debris from the edge of the hole.
7. Secure thespeaker wiretoa studnear thecutoutso itsweight will nottug onthe terminals
of the speaker after it is connected. This also keeps the wire from dropping behind the
wall before you can connect it.
8. Push downthe tabonthe speakerterminals andinsertthe speakerwire into theconnector.
9. Insert the PAL-265 into the cutout to make sure it fits easily without forcing.
10. Evenly tighten the mounting screws on the bezel. The mounting “swing-arms” (also
known as mounting “dogs”) will automatically swing out 90 degrees.After they swing
out, the arms then clamp against the drywall from behind the wall.Avoid using excessive
force to prevent deforming the drywall or cracking the speaker’s mounting frame.
11. We recommend that you add a “blanket” of sound absorbing material such as ceiling
insulation behind the woofer to reduce sound transmission into the adjoining room.
Additionally, any sound leakage from behind the molded frame can be blocked with
foam weather-stripping directly behind the plastic speaker bezel.
Pre-Drilled Hole for Infrared Receivers
The PAL-265 has a 1/2" hole in the bezel to accommodate an infrared receiver such as the
Xantech Video Link model 490. The hole can be easily accessed by removing the rubber
bushing from the rear of the bezel. If you plan to hide an infrared receiver behind the
loudspeaker grille, be sure to pre-wire a three conductor control wire along with the speaker
wire.

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Fine Tuning the Frequency Response of Your Loudspeakers
Three Position Treble Adjustment
The PAL-265 treble adjustment switch allows you to adjust the tweeter level from 0 dB
(flat) to -3 dB or + 3 dB. If you are mounting the speaker in a “live” room with many
reflective surfaces, you may want to attenuate the treble response and tame sibilance. If you
are mounting the speaker in a room with many absorptive surfaces, you may want to boost
the treble response.
Two Position Mid-Bass Contour Adjustment
The PAL-265 mid adjustment switch allows you to attenuate the mid response from 0 dB
(flat)to-3 dB.Ifyou mountedthe PAL-265 neara cornerofa wall,you may noticeadditional
boominess of the bass response.You can attenuate the mid-bass response by setting the mid
switch to the -3 dB position.
Installation Instructions for NC/K-M Rough-In Kits
Follow these instructions if you will cut the final hole for the speaker with a pin router.
1. Determine the final cutout location of the Custom Series loudspeaker.
2. Install one of the 25" mounting bars horizontally between two studs with the slot facing
up and toward you.
3. Use a level or carpenter’s square before nailing or screwing the bar into the studs.
4. Slide the cutout frame into the desired location with the 3/8" tabs facing toward you.
5. Place the other 25" horizontal bar onto the top of the cutout frame and nail or screw it
into the studs.
6. Flatten the outer edge of the slot of the mounting bars against the studs with a hammer
to keep the frame from sliding.
7. Once the drywall has been hung, use a pin router to cut out the hole against the outer
edge of the cutout frame.
8. Install the Custom Series loudspeaker as shown above in Installing in Existing Walls
and Ceilings.
Note: If you will cut the final hole for the speaker with keyhole saw, replace steps 7 and 8
with these:
7. Once the drywall has been hung, use a keyhole or similar saw to cut the hole to the
inside edge of the frame.
8. Install the Custom Series loudspeaker as shown above in Installing in Existing Walls
and Ceilings. Make sure the Custom Series mounting bracket is installed on the speaker
with the slotted side facing toward you and the flat side facing away from you. This
allows the upper and lower sections of the mounting bracket to fit into the upper and
lower tabs of the cutout frame.
High
Mid

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High
Mid
Kevlar Woofer
with Phase Plug
Dome
Tweeter
Parasound PAL-265 Baffle and Bezel
Tone Adjustment
Switches
Anti-diffraction Ring
IR Receiver
Access Hole
Swing arms in
retracted position
Swing arms
in locked
and mounted
position

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PAL-265 Precision Architectural Loudspeaker Specifications
Frequency Response 42 Hz-22 kHz +/- 2 dB
Nominal Impedance 8 Ohms
Minimum Impedance 6 Ohms
Sensitivity 1 Watt/1Meter 88 dB
RMS Power Range 10-80 Watts
Woofer Size 6"
Cone Material Kevlar
Surround Material Polyurethane
Tweeter Size 1 " Dome
Tweeter Diaphragm Material Aluminum
Crossover Frequency 2.4 kHz
Crossover Slope 12 dB per octave
Dimensions
Hole Cut-Out 7 3/8" x 10 3/4"
Outer Edge of Frame 8 5/8" x 12"
Optional Accessories
Rough-In Kit NC/K-6M
Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
415-397-7100 / FAX [phone] www.parasound.com
© 2000 Parasound Products, Inc. Rev 0.9Features and specifications subject to change without notice