Sonance Select THX User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
S ONANCE C INEMA S ELECT
®
H OME T HEATER S PEAKERS

2
SONANCE CINEMA®SELECT
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing Sonance Cinema®Select THX®in-wall speakers. When properly installed,
these THX-certified speakers will bring-out the best in all your entertainment, delivering film
soundtracks as their creators intended them to sound and reproducing music with outstanding
clarity and realism. This manual will teach you all about your new speakers’ many innovative
features and will show you how to get the very best performance from them. Please read it thor-
oughly. This manual covers both the Sonance Cinema Select LCR and Cinema Select SUR models.
DESIGN AND FEATURES
• Ideal for use in home theater systems and multi-channel music systems.
•THX® Select certification guarantees cinema-quality performance in rooms up to 2,000 ft3.
• Carbon fiber woofer cone creates robust, low-distortion bass.
• Neodymium woofer magnet increases output and power handling.
• A unique tweeter acoustic back chamber widens and smooths high-frequency performance for crystal-clear, natural sound.
• ¾”-Thick MDF baffle reduces resonances, improving clarity and detail.
• The RotoLock®mounting system makes installation quick and easy.
BOX CONTENTS
Your Sonance Cinema Select speaker box should contain the following items:
Cinema Select LCR: Cinema Select SUR:
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Symphony FlexBracket (part # 92336): Plastic template to reserve a mounting hole for Cinema Select speakers in new construction. Designed to be
used with the RotoLock®mounting system.
SymphonyT Coverplate (part # 92334): Reusable cover protects the hole made by the FlexBracket during construction until the speaker is installed.
Figure 1:
Sonance Cinema
®
Select LCR (left):
Sonance Cinema
®
Select SUR (right)
SAFETY WARNING:
These speakers have FastMount®tabs that prevent the speaker from falling out of the
mounting hole during the installation process.
The edges of the FastMount tabs are very sharp.
Use caution when handling the speaker.
See Installation (page 6) for complete information about the FastMount tabs.
(1) Cinema Select LCR speaker
(1) Paintable grille
(1) Plastic paint plug (installed on fronts of speakers)
(1) Mounting cutout template (in packaging)
(2) Cinema Select SUR speakers
(2) Paintable grilles
(2) Plastic paint plugs (installed on fronts of speakers)
(1) Mounting cutout template (in packaging)

3
SONANCE CINEMA®SELECT
SPEAKER PLACEMENT
Your local authorized Sonance dealer is an expert in audio/video system planning and installation. We strongly recommend that you work with your dealer
to ensure that your system is properly planned, assembled and installed.
Left, Center & Right Speakers
N OTE :C INEMA S ELECT LCR SPEAKERS MUST BE ORIENTED
VERTICALLY
.
• Place the left & right speakers on either side of the video
screen, anywhere from 6 feet to 10 feet apart and 38 – 42
inches from the floor (which corresponds to the height of your
ears when you’re seated on a couch or chair).
• If possible, locate the left and right speakers at least 18 inch-
es away from the side walls.
• If possible, locate the center speaker at the same height as the
left & right channel speakers (38 – 42 inches from the floor).
• If you must place the center speaker above or below a video
screen, we recommend placing it no more than 2 feet above or
below the center of the left and right speakers. This will help
maintain consistent tonality between all 3 front channel speakers.
• The main listening position should be between 8 and 12 feet away from the speakers.
Use Figure 2 as a guide.
Left & Right Surround Speakers
Place the left & right surround speakers directly to the sides of the listening position, between
5 and 7 feet off the floor. Use Figure 3 as a guide.
If placing the left and right surround speakers on the walls directly to the sides of the listen-
ing position isn’t possible, you can mount them on the ceiling. Locate the surround speakers
directly to the left and right sides of the listening position, between 6 and 10 feet apart. Mount
the speakers so the tweeters face the video screen and rear wall, with the woofers towards each
other. Use Figure 4 as a guide.
Surround Back Channel Speakers
The surround back speakers in a 6.1- or 7.1-channel system should be placed in the rear wall
between 4 feet and 8 feet apart, at least 5 feet from the floor. Use Figure 5 as a guide.
2'
(max.)
18" (min.)
From Side
Wall
6' – 10'
Apart 18" (min.)
From Side
Wall
Figure 2 Left, Center & Right Speaker Placement
5' – 7'
Figure 3: Surround Speaker Placement
on Side Walls
Figure 4:
Surround Speaker Placement on Ceiling
6' – 10'
apart
Figure 5:
Surround Back Speaker Placement
5' – 7'4' – 8'

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SONANCE CINEMA®SELECT
SELECTING THE PROPER SPEAKER WIRE
For the best sound we recommend that you use premium Sonance MediaLinQ®speaker cable, which also complies with UL fire rating codes. You may also
experiment with audiophile brands of speaker cable and interconnects, but be sure
to check local codes governing wire that may be installed within walls or ceilings.
Different brands of wire can have different sonic characteristics, and some may be
more compatible with the sonic “signature” of your various audio system
components.
For the best sound you should never use thin-gauge speaker wire – it will constrict
the sound and diminish bass response. Extra resistance in the speaker wire can make
a speaker sound less dynamic and reduce definition of the bass frequencies. In
extreme cases, it can even attenuate high frequencies. Also, amplifier power is
wasted in thin wire with extra resistance, reducing your system’s maximum output
level. To prevent degrading sound quality, the total wire resistance should be less
than 10% of the speaker’s impedance. This means that for an 8-ohm speaker, the
total resistance of the wire should be less than 0.8 ohms. Refer to Figure 6 when
selecting the proper wire gauge for your system.
PREPARING THE INSTALLATION LOCATION
Building a Backbox into the Wall Stud Bay
Sonance Cinema Select speakers are designed to provide exceptional performance in a wide variety of enclosure volumes. You can get the very best
performance from your speakers by partitioning a section of the stud bay to form a sealed backbox with a specific internal volume. Building such an enclo-
sure will create a dramatic improvement in your speakers’ bass performance and power handling.
Ideal back box volume requirement for Cinema Select LCR and SUR speakers is 1.5 ft3.
Optional Speaker Enclosures
For installations where it isn’t possible to partition the stud bay into a back box, installing optional SymphonyT Acoustic Enclosures (part #91687) will
noticeably improve your speakers’ bass performance and power handling and will significantly reduce sound transmission into adjacent rooms and spaces.
These enclosures are made from ½”-thick MDF and are designed to be installed in new construction only.
To reduce sound transmission into adjacent rooms in installations where it isn’t possible to install a SymphonyT Acoustic Enclosure (such as when you’re
retrofitting the speakers into an existing wall), you can fit the speakers with optional SymphonyT Retrofit Enclosures (part #92342). This enclosure will
noticeably reduce sound “spillover” from the rears of the speakers into adjacent rooms and spaces.
Insulating the Wall Cavity
You can also reduce sound transmission to adjacent rooms and improve speaker performance by inserting a sheet of unfaced fiberglass insulation over the back
of the speaker. To reduce mechanical noise produced by unsupported drywall, install fiberglass insulation in the stud bays adjacent to the speaker location.
Sonafill®
Sonafill (part #91698) is a retrofittable acoustical treatment system consisting of two pillows and four tiles that virtually eliminates noises produced by resonat-
ing drywall. The tiles have pressure-sensitive adhesive and are installed on the back of the drywall on either side of the speaker between the wall studs; the
pillows are then stuffed in place behind the tiles. The system dramatically improves midbass sound quality and reduces sound transmission into adjacent rooms.
INSTALLING THE SPEAKERS
Before Installation: New Construction
For installations in new construction, Sonance recommends using a SymphonyT FlexBracket (part #92336) to reserve a location for Cinema Select speakers.
The FlexBracket has perforated wings that can be positioned at anywhere around the bracket, and is nailed or screwed to the studs. This serves as a guide
for the drywaller so that the speaker hole will be in the desired location once the drywall is installed.
Before Installation: Retrofit
1. Determine the location for the speaker (see Speaker Placement on page 3).
2. Perform an obstruction survey to be certain that there are no studs, conduit, pipes, heating ducts, pocket doors or air returns in the wall cavity that
will interfere with the speaker.
Wire resistance in Ohms vs. length of cable run
Distance in Feet 50' 100' 150' 200' 250' 300'
1.04
.65
.41
.26
.16
.10
18 gauge
16 gauge
14 gauge
12 gauge
10 gauge
20 gauge 2.07
1.30
.82
.52
.32
.20
3.11
1.96
1.22
.77
.49
.31
4.14
2.61
1.63
1.03
.65
.41
5.18
3.26
2.04
1.29
.81
.51
6.22
3.91
2.45
1.55
.97
.61
Figure 6: Speaker Wire Resistance Table

5
SONANCE CINEMA®SELECT
3. The cutout for all Cinema Select speakers is 1011/16” (270mm) x 613/16” (172mm). There also must be at least 37/8” (98mm) depth within the wall
cavity for the speaker.
4. Position the included cutout template where the speaker is to be located and pencil an outline on the wall.
• If you are unsure about obstructions, drill a small hole in the center of the outline and insert a coat hanger wire into the hole to feel-around for
possible obstructions.
5. Cut the mounting hole using a keyhole or drywall saw, and run the speaker wires from the mounting hole to the amplifier location.
IMPORTANT: Consult local building codes before running speaker wires through walls.
Before Installation: IR Plug
Sonance Cinema Select speakers have a plug for installing an IR receiver into
the speaker’s front baffle (See Figure 7 ). In systems where the electronics
may be placed in an inconvenient location this allows remote controls to be
aimed at the front of the room instead of at the electronics.
The knockout is in the form of a bolt and retaining nut. To remove the knock-
out, unscrew the nut (located behind the baffle, see Figure 8 ) and remove the
bolt. The hole is designed to receive a Sonance SMR1 or SMR1P Surface-Mount
IR receiver. Insert the IR receiver through the front of the speaker baffle and
use the nut included with the receiver to secure it to the baffle.
N
OTE :T
HE SPEAKER
’ S GRILLE MAY REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF
THE
IR RECEIVER .I F THIS OCCURS , SLIGHTLY ENLARGE THE HOLES IN
THE GRILLE THAT ARE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE
IR RECEIVER .
Installation
Sonance Cinema Select speakers feature exclusive FastMount®tabs and an integral RotoLock®mounting system for quick mounting directly into existing walls.
WARNING: THE EDGES OF FASTMOUNT TABS ARE VERY SHARP. USE CAUTION WHEN HANDLING THE SPEAKER.
1. Remove the paint plug from the speaker.
2. Run speaker wire from each speaker to the amplifier location.
3. Strip ¼” – ½” of insulation from each speaker lead. Twist the strands or tin the exposed wire with solder to ensure that there are no stray strands.
(Stray strands that touch each other can cause a short-circuit that can damage your amplifier.)
4. Push the top of each spring-loaded connector post down to open the connector and insert the exposed wires into the holes in the posts.
• The speaker’s positive post is labeled with a red dot; the negative post is labeled with a black dot. Double-check that you connected amplifier “+” to
speaker “+” and amplifier “–” to speaker “–”.
5. Make sure all the RotoLock clamps are in the full
clockwise position so that they are tucked within the
mounting hole’s border. Insert the speaker into the
hole in the wall ( Figure 9 ). The RotoLock system can
accommodate a maximum wall material thickness of
1¼”.
• The FastMount tabs will prevent the speaker from
falling out of the mounting hole, allowing the
installer to let go of the speaker to pick-up tools
or other items ( Figure 10 ).
N
OTE :T HE F AST M OUNT TABS ARE DESIGNED
FOR ONE
- TIME USE ONLY .I F THE SPEAKER IS
REMOVED FROM THE MOUNTING HOLE THE
F
AST M OUNT TABS WILL DISCONNECT AND
REMAIN INSIDE THE WALL
.
continued on page 6
IR Plug
Figure 7:
IR Plug
Retaining Nut
Figure 8:
IR Plug Retaining Nut
FastMount
®
Tabs
Figure 9: Inserting the Speaker
Into the Mounting Hole
FastMount
®
Tabs
Figure 10:
FastMount Tabs

6
SONANCE CINEMA®SELECT
6. Tighten the four screws on the front of the speaker baffle. The RotoLock clamps will automatically
rotate into position and begin clamping the speaker (Figure 11).
• When you notice resistance on the screws the speaker has been clamped successfully.
IMPORTANT: Always use low-torque settings; NEVER over-tighten.
N OTE :T HE SPEAKER FLANGE IS DESIGNED TO FLEX AND CONFORM TO ANY SMALL IMPERFEC -
TIONS IN THE WALL SURFACE .D O NOT TIGHTEN THE SCREWS SO MUCH SO THAT THE FLANGE
BOWS
- OUT .
7. Attach the grille after the speaker has been installed. Insert about half of the grille into the groove
at the edge of the speaker. Gently fit the remaining half of the grille by working around the speak-
er, fitting the grille into the groove as you go.
N OTE
:Y OU CAN ADJUST THE TORQUE APPLIED TO THE
R OTO L OCK SCREWS TO ACHIEVE A PROP -
ER GRILLE FIT
.
PAINTING THE SPEAKERS AND GRILLES
You can paint the speakers and grilles before installing them, which will eliminate the “paint scar” that
can be left on the wall if the speaker ever needs to be removed for service. You can also paint the
speakers after installation, but before the grilles are attached. All Sonance Symphony speakers come from
the factory fitted with a plastic ‘paint plug’ that protects the speaker drivers while the mounting flange
is being painted.
Sonance always suggests painting the grille separately from the speaker. Before painting, carefully remove the under-grille cloth. It is held in place with a
light tacking glue that makes it easy to remove.
Spray the grille with thinned paint (5 parts thinner to 1 part paint), being careful not to plug the holes. Too heavy a coat of paint on the grille will
adversely affect the sound of the speaker.
Once the grille and flange are painted and dry, replace the under-grille cloth, remove the paint plug from the mounting flange and install the grille.
SPECIFICATIONS
RotoLock
®
Clamps
Figure 11:
Tightening the RotoLock Clamps
Cinema Select LCR
Tweeter: 1" (25mm) Silk dome, Ferrofluid-cooled,
shielded magnet
Woofer: 6½" (165mm) Carbon fiber cone, rubber
surround, shielded magnet
Frequency Response: 80Hz – 20kHz ±3dB
Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal; 5 Ohms minimum
Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 135 Watts maximum
Sensitivity: 90dB SPL (2.83V 1 meter)
Grille Material: Perforated aluminum
Adjustments: None
Dimensions (W x H x D): 8¼” x 123/16" x 37/8"
(210mm x 310mm x 98mm)
Cutout Dim. (W x H): 613/16" x 1011/16" (172mm x 270mm)
Shipping Weight: 5 lbs. (2.3kg) Each
Cinema Select SUR
Tweeter: Two 1" (25mm) silk domes, Ferrofluid-cooled
Woofer: 6½" (165mm) Carbon fiber cone, rubber
surround
Frequency Response: 55Hz – 20kHz ± 3dB
Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal; 5 Ohms minimum
Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 135 Watts maximum
Sensitivity: 90dB SPL (2.83V 1 meter)
Grille Material: Perforated aluminum
Adjustments: None
Dimensions (W x H x D): 8¼” x 123/16" x 37/8"
(210mm x 310mm x 98mm)
Cutout Dim. (W x H): 613/16" x 1011/16" (172mm x 270mm)
Shipping Weight: 10 lbs. (4.5kg) Pair