Phoenix Gold SnapSound SSC601 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Installation Guide For
SSC601 and SSC801
SnapSound Speakers
8100.0283A

Congratulations!
You have purchased Phoenix Gold’s all-new SnapSound audiophile-grade in-wall speakers.
These are the highest quality, best sounding, and easiest to install systems available today. The
SnapSound speaker family is designed with easy-to-mount snap-in cam locks to facilitate a fast
and simple install. The entire SnapSound family of in-ceiling and in-wall speakers is timbre-
matched to ensure that no matter what combination of speakers you choose, they will be voice-
matched and blend well with one another. These speakers are perfect for everything from a music
source in the kitchen, to a full surround theater system. As a result, it is important to us that the
speakers sound as good as they look. To ensure this, we use the latest computer assisted
engineering (CAE/FEA/CAD/CAM) to design them. We recommend that you read this manual
thoroughly to ensure proper installation, and also suggest you keep this manual, along with your
receipt, in a safe and secure location for future reference.
Unpacking
1. Remove all packaging and verify the condition of each speaker and grille. If there is
damage from transit, please contact the shipper immediately. Phoenix Gold is not
responsible for shipping damage. Any shipping damage should be noted on bill of lading
upon receipt.
2. Keep shipping cartons and packaging should the need arise to return the speakers for any
reason. This will ensure safe return shipment.
3. Verify that all components are present and ready to install.
Planning the Installation
When exploring possible locations for installation, keep the following points in mind:
1. Due to the speaker’s in-ceiling design, you will need to ensure that there is no stud or joist
behind your desired cutout location. Additionally, make sure there is no HVAC, plumbing,
or electrical pipes, conduit, etc that might obstruct your installation.
2. The maximum wall thickness for the cams to lock the speaker securely and properly in
place is 5/8” wallboard. If the thickness of your mounting surface exceeds 5/8 inch, call
Phoenix Gold Tech Support at 503.286.9300 for a solution.
3. For the best stereo imaging, place the speakers no more than 8-10 feet apart, and
approximately the same distance from each other as from the ideal listening position.
4. Ensure that your speaker wire can be run to the areas you have designated for your
speaker before cutting any holes.
5. Try to avoid placing speakers close to adjacent walls, i.e.-leave 2 to 3 feet of space
between the speaker’s location and the wall nearest to it.
6. All wall mounted speakers should have the tweeter at approximately ear level in height for
best results.
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Tools Needed
1. Drywall saw, jigsaw, or other wallboard cutting device.
2. Medium standard screwdriver (only needed to dismount)
3. 2 conductor stranded speaker wire in at least 16 gauge to 18 gauge for up to 30 feet,
and 12 gauge to 14 gauge for 30 feet or more.
4. A ‘fish tape’ or wire pulling device
Installing SnapSound Speakers
SnapSound speakers use a built-in locking cam system, which
automatically engages when the speaker is pushed into a prepared
location of proper depth and hole size. The speaker can be removed by
using a medium standard screwdriver to push and rotate the brass cam
screws on the front face of the speaker (behind the grille). Approximately
three turns are required to lock the cams in the open position to remove
the speaker from its mounting location. The beauty of the SnapSound
installation is that it literally takes longer to attach the wires than it does to
mount the SnapSound speaker, because it truly “snaps” into place in the
wall. It even dismounts in a fraction of the time it takes to install a
conventional in-wall speaker.
1. After choosing the installation site, use the enclosed template to mark the cutout on
the ceiling. Remember specs are subject to change, so measure twice cut once!
2. Mask and paint the speaker grilles and frame if desired, being very careful not to get
paint on the speakers themselves! This will negatively impact the sound quality of your
speakers. Always mask the front of the speakers completely to ensure proper
operation.
3. Remove the wallboard from inside the cutout area with the drywall saw, jigsaw, etc.
4. Run the wire to the desired location using the fish tape, or other such wire pulling
device to hide the wire inside the ceiling.
5. Fill the cutout cavity with poly fill (available at craft stores, fabric stores etc.) to improve
low-frequency response (Optional, but recommended).
6. Strip the wire ends approximately 3/8”-1/2” from the ends. Connect the speaker wires
to the correct terminals on the back of the speaker, being careful to observe correct
polarity.
7. Carefully push all excess wiring into the hole, and then gently align the speaker with
the cutout and push. The speaker will click into place when you have inserted it fully
into the ceiling.
Caution: If the speaker does not lock into place, your ceiling surface may be too
thick, or you may not have sufficient depth within the ceiling to install the
speaker. Make sure that the cams are not locked out of position preventing
them from engaging the ceiling surface.
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Installing SnapSound Speakers (continued)
8. Pivot tweeter to aim at your desired listening location.
9. Place the grille into the frame of the speaker carefully, using your
hands to gently push the grill metal into the outer edge of the
speaker frame.
10. Wasn’t that a “Snap”?
11. The SSC601 and SSC801 may be mounted in-ceiling or in-wall at
the user’s discretion.
Removing SnapSound Speakers
1. Locate the brass screws in holes on the front face of the
speaker frame.
2. Push each brass screw firmly in, and rotate clockwise one
at a time to lock each support cam in the open position.
3. When all brass screws are turned, and cams are locked
open, pull gently until the speaker is released. If the
speaker does not release, check to make sure all cams are
locked open.
4. Disconnect the wires, being careful not to let them touch
each other or any bare metal.
5. You will need to rotate the brass cam lock screws counter-
clockwise to release the cams before re-mounting the
speaker.
What Amplifier Should I Use?
The SnapSound speakers are designed for use with a high-powered home amplifier. Check the
specifications page at the end of this paragraph to ensure your amplifier is within the specified
range. Always make all connections with power off to eliminate damage from surges and risk of
harm. Do not operate your amplifier with tone controls maximized, as the excessive boost of
certain frequencies can damage your speakers.
SSC601
Power Handling: 200 watts RMS, 300 peak
Frequency Response: 50-20kHz
Woofer: 6.5 Inch Polypropylene
Tweeter: 1 Inch Aluminum Dome
Impedance: 8 ohm Nominal
Sensitivity: 90dB 1 Watt/1M
Outer Dimensions: 8.13” W x 10.38” H
Cut-Out Dimensions: 7.13” W x 9.38” H
Mounting Depth: 3.38”
SSC801
Power Handling: 200 Watts RMS, 300 peak
Frequency Response: 50-20kHz
Woofer: 8.0 Inch Polypropylene
Tweeter: 1 Inch Aluminum Dome
Impedance: 8 ohm Nominal
Sensitivity: 90dB 1 Watt/1M
Outer Dimension: 10.5” Diameter
Cut-Out Dimensions: 9.5” Diameter
Mounting Depth: 3.38”
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Controls
Each of the SnapSound speakers has a switch on the front labeled “+3, 0, -3”. This adjusts the
tweeter volume relative to the midrange volume. If the installation is such that the tweeter is quite
loud or ‘bright’, you may reduce the tweeter output by switching this selector to “-3”. If the tweeter
is not bright enough, or lacks definition, you may turn it up to +3. Any adjustments beyond this will
be made at the amplifier. Please note that the speakers are shipped with the tweeter level control
in the “0” position. Do not operate your amplifier with tone controls maximized, as the excessive
boost of certain frequencies can damage your speakers.
In Case of Problems
Contact your Phoenix Gold dealer for proper handling of any warranty claims, additional
troubleshooting or suggestions. If there is no authorized dealer close to you, please contact
Phoenix Gold Tech Support at 503.286.9300, or write to:
Phoenix Gold International, Inc.
9300 North Decatur
Portland, OR 97203
USA
NOTE: Do not ship your speakers to the factory without obtaining a Return Authorization
Number. Make sure you also enclose a copy of your original, dated sales receipt.
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Warranty Information
LIMITED WARRANTY
Phoenix Gold International, Inc. (or "Phoenix Gold") warrants its products against defects in
materials and workmanship for a limited period of time. For a period of one year from date of
original purchase, we will repair or replace the product, at our option, without charge for parts and
labor. Customer must pay all parts and labor charges after the limited warranty period expires. The
limited warranty period for factory refurbished products expires after ninety (90) days from date of
original purchase. This limited warranty applies only to purchases from authorized Phoenix Gold
Electronics/Speaker retailers. This limited warranty is extended only to the original purchaser and
is valid only to consumers in the United States.
Consumers are required to provide a copy of the original sales invoice from an authorized Phoenix
Gold dealer when making a claim against this limited warranty. This limited warranty only covers
failures due to defects in materials or workmanship that occur during normal use. It does not cover
failures resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, mishandling, misapplication, alteration,
faulty installation, modification, service by anyone other than Phoenix Gold, or damage that is
attributable to Acts of God. It does not cover costs of transportation to Phoenix Gold or damage in
transit.
This warranty will become void if the serial number identification has been wholly or partially
removed, altered or erased. Repair or replacement under the terms of this warranty does not
extend the terms of this warranty. Should a product prove to be defective in workmanship or
material, the consumer's sole remedies will be repair or replacement as provided under the terms
of this warranty. Under no circumstances shall Phoenix Gold be liable for loss or damage, direct,
consequential or incidental, arising out of the use of or inability to use the product. There are no
express warranties other than described above.
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