RBH Sound AO520 User manual

AO520
I n s t a l l a t i o n & O p e r a t i o n M a n u a l
OUTDOOR SPEAKERS

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of RBH Sound outdoor speakers! Your speakers are the
result of many years of research and development dedicated to producing high quality
products for home audio and audio/video systems.
This manual contains features, setup recommendations and specifications for the AO520
outdoor speaker. We recommend you thoroughly read through the material contained in this
manual before connecting your speakers. This will ensure you have a good understanding
of how to setup your speakers for optimum performance and allow for years of listening
enjoyment.
AO520 Parts Diagram
A. Enclosure
B. Mounting Bracket
C. Bracket Knob
D. Wire Hole
E. Nail Hole
F. Screw Hole
G. Binding Posts
Back View
Side View
AO520 Outdoor Speakers 1 Installation & Operation Manual
PartsGuide

Features
The cabinet of the AO520 is constructed of impact resistant fortified ABS which is sealed
to provide resistance from the natural elements of the weather. The rounded back is
designed for easy placement into a corner. All hardware parts are made from brass,
aluminum or stainless steel and the binding posts are plastic to avoid corrosion.
For high frequencies, a 1-inch mylar dome tweeter is used. This tweeter uses Ferro
Fluid™ liquid cooling to allow greater power handling. For midrange and bass
reproduction, a long throw 5¼ or 6½-inch poly graphite woofer with a butyl rubber
surround is used.
Steep acoustic slope crossovers are used to integrate drivers. The use of steep
crossover slopes allows high power handling, minimizes driver interaction anomalies,
and maximizes the clarity with which each driver is able to produce its respective
frequency band.
The bracket for the AO520 allows the speaker to be hung either horizontally or vertically,
and can be mounted several different ways and swivels for optimum placement.
AO520 Outdoor Speakers 2 Installation & Operation Manual
Plan on giving your speakers 10-15 hours of playing time to adequately “break in.” During
this time period the driver suspension will loosen. The result will be an increase in low
frequency response and improved definition.
NOTE: This is an important step that is most often disregarded. Allowing your speakers
the specified “break in” period can prolong the life of your speakers and enhance their
tonal qualities as mentioned above.
Break-inPeriod
Operation
We recommend an amplifier with an output power rating of 25-100 watts per channel.
This will help to protect the speaker from being under or over driven, which could cause
permanent damage.
When listening to the speakers outdoors, keep in mind that there are very few walls to
reinforce the sound. Therefore, be careful not to drive the speakers beyond what they
are capable when trying to obtain a desired volume level. You will be able to determine
audibly when the speaker is being over driven by the “break-up” or distortion that is
coming from the speaker.
SystemSetupandPlacement
In order to extract the best possible sound from your speaker system, it is important to
determine where the speakers will sound best in your listening area. Reflections from the
ground and walls influence the balance, imaging and overall sonic quality at the listening
position. We suggest you experiment with speaker placement to determine which location
offers the best overall sound and protection from direct weather elements.

AO520 Outdoor Speakers 3 Installation & Operation Manual
The distance from the listening position to each speaker should be close to the distance
that separates the two main speakers. Angling the speakers inward towards the listening
position may give a more spacious and realistic sound stage.
Placing the speakers in a corner or under an eave will provide reinforcement for the bass
frequencies, resulting in higher bass output. Placing the speakers away from any corners
or walls will provide the least amount of reinforcement, resulting in lower bass output.
SystemSetupandPlacement(continued)
Installation
As mentioned earlier in this manual, the bracket has the ability to be mounted a variety
of different ways. To elaborate on this, it may be mounted with either nails or screws,
horizontally or vertically. The hole in the center of the bracket allows speaker wire through
so it may be properly attached to the speaker.
It is best to consult your local RBH Sound dealer or installer with any further questions.

AO520 Outdoor Speakers 4 Installation & Operation Manual
MountingandConnections
A. The AO520 can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. Hold the bracket against
the mounting surface, so you can mark the locations of the mounting holes, and the
wire hole (see the Parts Guide).
B. Drill corresponding pilot holes for the included mounting screws or nails (not included),
and a hole large enough for speaker wire to pass through.
C. Pull speaker wire through the hole and through the bracket, aligning the bracket with
the holes.
D. Use hardware to attach the bracket to the mounting surface.
E. Use the bracket knobs to attach the speaker to the bracket, being careful to not tighten
the knobs; this will allow the speaker to be angled slightly so the rear binding posts
are accessible (see Parts Guide).
F. Connect one wire to the black terminal and one to the red terminal, paying close
attention to the markings on the wires for proper polarity. Each speaker must be
connected to the amplifier in the same way.
G. Adjust the speaker for desired position and tighten the bracket knobs.
Troubleshooting
Situation:
No sound from
speakers
No sound from
one speaker
Very little bass and/
or imaging
Probable Cause:
Speaker wire not connected
Speaker selector on amplifier
is not on
Balance control on receiver or
pre-amp is not centered
Speaker wire not securely
connected
Speakers are wired out of
phase
Solution:
Make sure wire is connected
at both the speaker and the
amplifier observing proper
polarity
Activate proper selector on
amplifier
Place balance control in the
center
Check all connections at
amplifier and speakers
Check entire system for proper
polarity and make adjustments
as necessary

Troubleshooting
Model
Frequency Response:
Sensitivity:
Power Handling:
Drive Units:
Impedance:
Finish:
Dimensions:
Weight with Bracket:
Available Colors:
AO520 AO620
70 Hz - ± 20kHz 3 dB 60 Hz - 20kHz ±3 dB
87 dB (2.83V @ 1 Meter) 88 dB (2.83V @ 1 Meter)
80 Watts 100 Watts
1” (25mm) Mylar Dome Tweeter 1” (25mm) Mylar Dome Tweeter
5¼” (132mm) Poly Graphite Woofer 6½” (164mm) Poly Graphite Woofer
8 Ohms 8 Ohms
Fortified ABSABS plastic
7.5” W x 9.75” H x 6.5” D 9.5” W x 11” H x 7.5” D
(190mm W x 247mm H x 165mm D) (241mm W x 279mm H x 190mm D)
5 lbs (2.26 kg) each 6 lbs (2.72 kg) each
White or Black White or Black
AO520 Outdoor Speakers 5 Installation & Operation Manual
Your RBH Sound Outdoor speakers are covered by a limited warranty against defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years, and subwoofer amplifiers 1 year from
the original date of purchase. This warranty is provided by the authorized RBH Sound
dealer where the speaker was purchased. Warranty repair will be performed only when
your purchase receipt is presented as proof of ownership and date of purchase. Defective
parts will be repaired or replaced without charge by your dealer’s store or by RBH Sound
authorized locations to service RBH Sound products. Charges for unauthorized service and
transportation cost are not reimbursable under this warranty. This warranty becomes void
if the product has been damaged by alteration, misuse or neglect. RBH Sound assumes no
liability for property damage or any other incidental or consequential damage whatsoever
which may result from the failure of this product. Any and all warranties of merchantability
and fitness implied by law are limited to the duration of this express warranty. Some states
do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations
may not apply to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Warranty

382 Marshall Way, Layton, Utah • USA • 84041
Toll Free: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
www.rbhsound.com
It is RBH Sound policy to continuously incorporate improvements into products; all specifications are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2013 RBH Sound. All Rights Reserved. 01242013
Redefining The Way You Experience Sound.TM