Parasound PAL-280 User manual

1
O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
PAL-280Precision Architectural Loudspeakers
www.parasound.com

2
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of your PAL-280 Precision Architectural Loudspeaker
system and thank you for choosing Parasound. The PAL-280s were developed using the
finestloudspeakerandcrossovercomponentsavailable.Countlesshoursofcomputermodeling
werespent to insureaccurate audio reproductionin a varietyof installations whereplacement
compromises must sometimes be made. The PAL-280 PrecisionArchitectural Loudspeakers
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 optimum performance.
Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully unpack your PAL-280 loudspeakers locate the enclosed accessories:
Qty Description
2 PAL-280 baffle and loudspeaker assembly
2 Removable bezels with mounting dogs
2 Metalgrilles
6 #8 x ∫” screws
6 Rubber shoulder washers
2 Foamgrille inserts
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
considerthe services of acustominstaller.Ifyouplan to install themyourself,always use high
quality tools to save time and make the installation go more smoothly.
The PAL-280 PrecisionArchitectural Loudspeakers mount into standard 4 inch (or greater)
stud depth walls. Determine the final location of both left and right speakers before cutting
anyholessince changes to onespeakermayaffecttheothereither aesthetically or 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.

3
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.
Mirror Image TweeterAssembly
The PAL-280 tweeter assembly is mirror imaged so you can position them for best sonic
imaging. Ideally, the listening position should be at one point of an equilateral triangle with
theleftand right speakers positionedattheother two points. Ifyouneedto mount the speakers
outsidethis idealized equilateral triangle,position the tweeters towardthemiddle. If youneed
to mount the speakers inside this idealized equilateral triangle, position the tweeters toward
themiddle.
Installing the PAL-280 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 so 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 the speakerwire to a studnear the cutoutso its weightwill not tug 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. Terminate the speaker wire with 1/4" spade lugs or banana plugs. You can also insert
bare wire up to AWG 12 into the holes on the sides of the binding posts.
9. Carefully separate the removable bezel from the baffle and loudspeaker assembly. The
bezel can be mounted in the wall and painted if desired while the main part of the
loudspeaker is stored away safely until you are ready to mount it. Note: The grilles
should be painted separately rather than while mounted in the separate bezel.
10. Insert the PAL-280 bezel into the cutout to make sure it fits easily without forcing.
11. Evenlytightenthemountingscrewsonthebezel.Themounting“swing-arms”(alsoknown
as mounting “dogs”) will automatically swing out 90 degrees.After they swing out, the
armsthen clamp againstthe drywall frombehind the wall.Avoidusingexcessive force to
prevent deforming the drywall or cracking the speaker’s mounting frame.
12. 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.
13. Install the main loudspeaker assembly into the bezel.
14. Install the six rubber shoulder washers into the holes in the bezel
15. Use the six supplied #8 x ∫” screws to fasten the loudspeaker assembly into the bezel.

4
Pre-Drilled Hole for Infrared Receivers
The PAL-280 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 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.
Removing the Loudspeaker Assembly from the Bezel
Gently push the lower portion of the pivoting midrange and tweeter assembly until it is at
its full 15-degree downward position. This allows access for your fingers to reach inside
the baffle and loudspeaker assembly and pull it away from the bezel.
Adjusting the Pivoting Midrange and Tweeter Assembly
ThePAL-280employsapivotingmidrangeandtweeterassembly.You can adjust this assembly
so the midrange and tweeter are pointing toward the listening position regardless of how the
PAL is mounted in the wall. Gently push upper or lower portion of the pivoting midrange and
tweeter assembly to aim it at the desired position.
Fine Tuning the Frequency Response of Your Loudspeakers
Three Position Treble Adjustment
The PAL-280 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,youmaywanttoattenuate the treble response and tame sibilance. Ifyouaremounting
thespeakerinaroomwithmanyabsorptivesurfaces,youmaywantto boost the treble response.
Two Position Mid-Bass Contour Adjustment
The PAL-280 mid-bass adjustment switch allows you to attenuate the mid-bass response
from0 dB (flat)to -3 dB.If you mountedthe PAL-280 near acorner of awall, you maynotice
additionalboominess of the bassresponse.Youcanattenuate the mid-bassresponseby setting
the Mid Bass switch to the -3 dB position.
Mid
Bass
High

5
Swing arms in
retracted position
Swing arms in locked
and mounted position
PAL-280 Removable Bezel
High
Mid
Bass
PAL-280 Precision Architectural Loudspeaker
PAL-280 Baffle and Driver Assembly
Kevlar Woofer
with Phase Plug
Aluminum
Tweeter
Tone Adjustment Switches
Pivoting Tweeter Assembly
IR Receiver Access Hole

6
PAL-280 Precision Architectural Loudspeaker Specifications
Frequency Response 40 Hz-22 kHz +/- 2 dB
Nominal Impedance 6 Ohms
Minimum Impedance 4 Ohms
Sensitivity 1 Watt/1Meter 89 dB
RMS Power Range 10-100Watts
Woofer Size 8"
Cone Material Kevlar
Surround Material Polyurethane
Tweeter Size 1 "Aluminum Dome
Tweeter Assembly Pivoting Chamber for Lower Crossover Point
Crossover Frequency 2.4 kHz
Crossover Slope 12 dB per octave
Dimensions
Hole Cut-Out 8 5/8" x 12 3/4"
Outer Edge of Frame 10" x 14"
Optional Accessories
Rough-In Kit NC/K-8M
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