Sonance 623R User manual

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Sonance Original Series Medium
Round speakers. When properly installed, these speakers will
give you many years of entertainment pleasure. To get the most
out of your new speakers, please read this manual thoroughly
before you begin installation.
Since all of the Original Series Medium speakers have exactly
the same footprint and have identical installation requirements,
the directions in this manual apply to each of the following
models: 625R, 624R, 623R, 622R, 621R, 623R TL, 622R TL,
and 621R TL.
To achieve the best performance, Sonance recommends that
these speakers be installed by a Sonance Authorized Dealer/
Installer.
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 ver y Sharp. uSe caution When
handling the Speaker.
See figure 4 for coMplete inforMation about the faStMount tabS.
Parts List
Your Original Series Medium Round speakers include the
following:
• (2) Original Series Medium Round Speakers
• (2) Paintable grilles
• (2) Plastic paint plugs to protect speakers during painting
• (1) Mounting cutout template (in packaging)
Speaker Placement
The locations of the speakers should be determined by
considering the primary listening location, the primary use for
the speakers (distributed audio, 2-channel, or home theater),
and aesthetic values. For optimum results, contact your
Authorized Sonance Dealer for advice.
Distributed Audio Placement
Sonance Original Series Medium Round speakers have very
smooth and predictable off-axis response, increasing placement
options while providing excellent coverage in distributed audio
systems from a wide variety of installation locations.
The following chart shows how far apart the speakers can be
placed at different ceiling heights while still providing good
coverage. The distances are based on ear heights of 62”
(1.5 m) for standing listeners and 40” (1 m) for seated listeners.
Home Theater Speaker Placement
Figure 1: 5.1-channel home theater placement
TV
6' – 10'
(2 - 3 m)
apart
2' – 6'
(.5 - 2 m)
2'– 3'
(60 - 90 cm)
1'– 2'
(30 - 60 cm)
Left & Right
Surround Speakers
Left, Center
& Right
Speakers
6' – 10'
(2 - 3 m)
apart
Left, Center & Right Channels
• Place the left, center and right speakers from 1-2 feet (30-
60 cm) in front of the video screen, anywhere from 6 feet
to 10 feet (2–3 m) apart, with the center channel speaker
as close to midway between the left and right speakers as
possible.
• Place the left & right speakers at least 2 to 3 feet (60–90 cm)
away from the side walls.
• The main listening position should be between 4 and 10 feet
(1.2–3 m) away from the speakers.
• If necessary, pivot the tweeter and the woofer of each speaker
towards the listening position to maximize the soundstage.
The pivoting feature is available only on the Original Series
Medium Round 625R, 624R, 623R, 622R, and 621R speakers.
The adjustable three-position tweeter switch is available on
the 625R, 624R, 623R, and 623R TL.
Use Figure 1 as a guide.
INSTALLATION MANUAL
SONANCE ORIGINAL SERIES
MEDIUM ROUND SPEAKERS
1

Left & Right Surround Speakers (5.1-Channel System)
Locate the left and right surround speakers on the ceiling
between 2 and 6 feet (.6 - 2 m) behind the listening position.
The speakers should be between 6 and 10 feet (2 - 3 m) apart.
Since the surround speakers are usually called-upon to create
diffuse effects like the sound of wind or rain, they can be located
close to walls without adversely affecting sound quality.
• You can create a more diffuse, spacious surround effect
by pivoting the tweeter and the woofer towards a wall or
window, away from the listeners. This feature is available
only on the 625R, 624R, 623R, 622R, and the 621R speakers.
Use Figure 1 as a guide.
Left & Right Surround and Surround Back Speakers
(7.1-Channel System)
• Left & Right Surround Speakers: Place the left and right
surround speakers directly to the sides of the listening
position, between 6 feet and 10 feet (2 - 3 m) apart. The
speakers can be placed close to the side walls.
• Surround Back Speakers: Place the surround back speakers
between 2 and 6 feet (.6 - 2 m) behind the listening position.
The surround back speakers should be closer together than
the left and right surround speakers -- between 3 and 6 feet
(1 - 2 m) apart. Like the left and right surround speakers, the
surround back speakers can be located close to walls without
adversely affecting sound quality.
• You can create a more diffuse, spacious surround effect by
pivoting the tweeter and the woofer towards a wall or window,
away from the listeners. This feature is available only on the
Original Series Medium Round 625R, 624R, 623R, 622R, and
621R speakers. The adjustable three-position tweeter switch
is available on the 625R, 624R, 623R, and 623R TL.
Use Figure 2 as a guide.
Figure 2: Left, Center, & Right Home Theater Speaker Placement
TV
6'– 10'
(2 - 3 m)
apart
3' – 6'
(1 - 2 m)
apart
2' – 6'
(.6 - 2 m)
2'– 3'
(60 - 90 cm)
1'– 2'
(30 - 60 cm)
Surround
Back
Speakers
Left & Right
Surround Speakers
Left, Center
& Right
Speakers
Wire Gauge
Extra resistance in the speaker wire can make speakers 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 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 the table below to select the proper wire gauge for your
system.
Preparing the Installation Location
All Sonance speakers are designed to be relatively insensitive
to variations in enclosure volume. To achieve the ultimate
performance from your speakers, a section of the ceiling
bay can be partitioned to form a back box. Building such an
enclosure will create a dramatic improvement in your speakers’
bass performance and power handling.
Ideal internal back box volume requirements:
0.62 ft³ (.0175 m³) overall size
Insulating the Ceiling Cavity
You can reduce sound transmission to adjacent rooms and
further improve speaker performance by inserting a sheet of
unfaced fiberglass insulation over the back of the speaker.
To reduce noise produced by unsupported drywall, install
fiberglass insulation in the ceiling bays adjacent to the speaker
location.
ORIGINAL SERIES MEDIUM ROUND SPEAKERS
2

Optional Retrofit Enclosures
For installations where it isn’t possible to partition the ceiling
bay to form a back box (such as when you’re retrofitting
the speakers into an existing ceiling), you can effectively
reduce sound transmission into adjacent rooms by fitting the
speakers with the optional Medium Round Retrofit Enclosure
(part# 92343) or the Medium Round 6½” Wooden Enclosure
(part# 91688). These enclosures are designed specifically to
be used with these speakers, and will noticeably reduce sound
“spillover” from the rears of the speakers into adjacent rooms
and spaces.
Installing the Speakers
Before Installation: New Construction
For installations in new construction, Sonance recommends
using a Flex Bracket (part# 92337) to reserve a location for
the speaker. The Flex Bracket has perforated wings that can be
positioned at any angle 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 1).
2. Perform an obstruction survey to be certain that there are no
studs, conduit, pipes, heating ducts or air returns that will
interfere with the speaker.
3. Mounting space requirements:
• Medium Round speakers: 8¼” (210mm) diameter cut-out;
4¾” (121mm) depth within the mounting cavity.
• Medium Round ThinLine
®
speakers: 8¼” (210mm) diameter
cut-out; 31/32” (77mm) depth within the mounting cavity.
4. Position the included cutout template where the speaker is to
be located and pencil an outline on the ceiling.
• 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.
Note: Consult loCal building Codes before running speaker
wires through Ceilings.
Installation
Sonance Original Series Medium Round speakers feature
exclusive FastMount tabs and an integral Roto-Lock® mounting
system for quick mounting directly into existing ceilings and
walls.
WarNiNg: the edges of the 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” (6mm - 12mm) 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
the amplifier.)
4. The speaker’s connector posts are spring-loaded. Push the
top of each 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. Connect the
speaker wire to the terminals on the speaker. Double-
check that you connected amplifier “+” to speaker “+” and
amplifier “–“ to speaker “–“.
5. Make sure all the Roto-Lock 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 ceiling. The
Roto-Lock system can accommodate a maximum ceiling
material thickness of 1¼” (32mm).
• 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 (see Figure 4).
Note: the fastMount tabs are designed for one-tiMe use
only. if the speaker is reMoved froM the Mounting hole, the
fastMount tabs will disConneCt and reMain inside the walls.
6. Tighten the four screws on the front of the speaker baffle. The
Roto-Lock clamps will automatically rotate into position and
begin clamping the speaker (see Figure 4).
• When you notice resistance on the screws the speaker has
been clamped successfully.
Figure 4: Original Series Medium Round Speaker Installation
importaNt: always use low-torque settings. never over-
tighten.
Note: adjusting the tension of the roto-loCk ClaMps so
that the speaker fraMe is flat will help ensure that the grille
ContaCts the Ceiling all the way around the speaker for a
proper fit.
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 speaker, fitting the grille into the groove as you
go.
• You can adjust the torque to the Roto-Lock screws to
achieve a proper grille fit.
ORIGINAL SERIES MEDIUM ROUND SPEAKERS
3

Painting the Speakers and Grilles
All Sonance Original Series Medium speakers come from the
factory fitted with a plastic “paint plug.” Use the paint plug to
protect the speaker drivers while the flange is being painted
along with the wall. You can paint the speakers and grilles
before installing them, which will eliminate the “paint scar” if
the speaker ever needs to be removed for service. You can also
paint the speakers after installation, but before the grilles are
attached.
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 grilles 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 grilles and flange are painted and dry, replace the
under-grille cloth, remove the paint plug from the speaker
flange and install the grille.
Speaker Adjustments
Pivoting Woofer and Tweeter
All Original Series Medium Round speakers have a pivoting
woofer assembly. The pivoting woofer-tweeter assembly is
available on Original Series Medium Round 625R, 624R, 623R,
622R and 621R speakers. The 3-position tweeter adjustment
switch is available on the 625R, 624R, 623R, and 623R TL
speaker and lets you balance the speaker’s high-frequency
energy better to compliment the room’s setup and acoustics.
These pivoting drivers allow you to direct sound toward or away
from the listening area.
If you’re using the speakers in stereo or as the front L/C/R
speakers in a home theater, pivot the woofer and/or tweeter
directly towards the listening area. This can be especially helpful
if the speakers are widely-separated and the music fails to blend
into a central sonic image.
If you’re using the speakers as surround channel speakers in a
home theater, you can create a more diffuse, spacious surround
effect by aiming the woofers and/or tweeter towards a wall or
window, away from the listeners.
To pivot the woofer:
1. Apply pressure on the outer edge of the tweeter support
bracket, as shown below in Figure 5. Do not touch or apply
pressure to the woofer cone.
Figure 5: Pivoting the woofer and tweeter
Tweeter Level Control
The Original Series 625R, 624R, 623R, and 623R TL speakers
feature a tweeter level control switch (see Figure 6) that lets you
boost or cut the tweeter’s level by 3dB. This allows you to adjust
the speaker’s brightness to better match your listening room or
personal taste.
Once you have installed the speakers, listen to a variety of
music that you are familiar with. If the music all tends to sound
too bright or dull, use the Tweeter Level Control to compensate.
If some recordings sound dull and some sound bright the
speaker is accurately reproducing differences in the recordings,
and you should leave the control in the middle (0dB) position.
Figure 6: Tweeter level control
Tweeter
Control
ORIGINAL SERIES MEDIUM ROUND SPEAKERS
4

Specifications
625R
Tweeter: 1” (25mm) Beryllium dome, Ferrofluid-cooled,
pivoting
Woofer: 6½” (165mm) Beryllium cone, rubber surround,
pivoting
Frequency Response: 40Hz – 20kHz ±3dB
Impedance: 6 Ohms nominal; 4 Ohms minimum
Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 150 Watts maximum
Sensitivity: 90dB SPL (2.83V 1 meter)
Grill Material: Perforated aluminum
Adjustments: ±3dB Tweeter level
Dimensions (Dia. x Depth): 9¾” (248mm) x 4¾” (121mm)
Cutout Diameter: 81/4” (210mm)
Shipping Weight: 12 lbs. (5.45kg) Pair
624R
Tweeter: 1” (25mm) Aluminum dome, Ferrofluid-cooled,
pivoting
Woofer: 6½” (165mm) Coated carbon fiber cone, rubber
surround, pivoting
Frequency Response: 43Hz – 20kHz ± 3dB
Impedance: 6 Ohms nominal; 4 Ohms minimum
Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 140 Watts maximum
Sensitivity: 90dB SPL (2.83V 1 meter)
Grill Material: Perforated aluminum
Adjustments: ±3dB Tweeter level
Dimensions (Dia. x Depth): 9¾” (248mm) x 4¾” (121mm)
Cutout Diameter: 81/4” (210mm)
Shipping Weight: 11 lbs. (5.0kg) Pair
623R
Tweeter: 1” (25mm) Silk dome, Ferrofluid-cooled, pivoting
Woofer: 6½” (165mm) Carbon fiber cone, rubber
surround, pivoting
Frequency Response: 43Hz – 20kHz ±3dB
Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal; 6 Ohms minimum
Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 135 Watts maximum
Sensitivity: 90dB SPL (2.83V 1 meter)
Grill Material: Perforated aluminum
Adjustments: ±3dB Tweeter level
Dimensions (Dia. x Depth): 9¾” x 4¾” (248mm x 121mm)
Cutout Diameter: 81/4” (210mm)
Shipping Weight: 10 lbs. (4.5kg) Pair
622R
Tweeter: 1” (25mm) Silk dome, Ferrofluid-cooled, pivoting
Woofer: 6½” (165mm) Polypropylene cone, rubber
surround, pivoting
Frequency Response: 45Hz – 20kHz ±3dB
Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal; 6 Ohms minimum
Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 125 Watts maximum
Sensitivity: 89dB SPL (2.83V 1 meter)
Grill Material: Perforated aluminum
Adjustments: None
Dimensions (Dia. x Depth): 9¾” (248mm) x 4¾” (121mm)
Cutout Diameter: 81/4” (210mm)
Shipping Weight: 10 lbs. (4.5kg) Pair
621R
Tweeter: ¾” (19mm) Silk dome, Ferrofluid-cooled
Woofer: 6½” (165mm) Polypropylene cone, rubber
surround, pivoting
Frequency Response: 50Hz – 20kHz ±3dB
Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal; 6 Ohms minimum
Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 100 Watts maximum
Sensitivity: 88dB SPL (2.83V 1 meter)
Grill Material: Perforated aluminum
Adjustments: None
Dimensions (Dia. x Depth): 9¾” (248mm) x 4¾” (121mm)
Cutout Diameter: 81/4” (210mm)
Shipping Weight: 9 lbs. (4.1kg) Pair
623R TL
Tweeter: 1” (25mm) silk dome, ferrofluid cooled, pivoting
Woofer: 6½” (165mm) carbon fiber cone, rubber
surround, pivoting
Frequency Response: 43Hz-20kHz ±3dB
Impedance: 8 ohms nominal; 6 ohms minimum
Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 135 watts maximum
Sensitivity: 90dB (2.83V/1 meter)
Grille: Perforated aluminum
Adjustments: ±3dB Tweeter level
Dimensions (Dia. x Depth): 9¾” x 3” (248mm x 76mm)
Cutout Diameter: 81/4” (210mm)
Shipping Weight: 10 lbs (4.5kg) pair
622R TL
Tweeter: 1” (25mm) silk dome, ferrofluid cooled, pivoting
Woofer: 6½” (165mm) polypropylene cone, rubber
surround, pivoting
Frequency Response: 45Hz-20kHz ± 3dB
Impedance: 8 ohms nominal; 6 ohms minimum
Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 125 watts maximum
Sensitivity: 89dB (2.83V/1 meter)
Grille Material: Perforated aluminum
Adjustments: None
Dimensions (Dia. x Depth): 9¾” x 3” (248mm x 76mm)
Cutout Diameter: 81/4” (210mm)
Shipping Weight: 10 lbs (4.5kg) pair
621R TL
Tweeter: ¾” (19mm) silk dome, ferrofluid cooled
Woofer: 6½” (165mm) polypropylene cone, rubber
surround
Frequency Response: 50Hz-20kHz ±3dB
Impedance: 8 ohms nominal; 6 ohms minimum
Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 100 watts maximum
Sensitivity: 88dB (2.83V/1 meter)
Grille Material: Perforated aluminum
Adjustments: None
Dimensions (Dia. x Depth): 9¾” x 3” (248mm x 76mm)
Cutout Diameter: 81/4” (210mm)
Shipping Weight: 9 lbs (4.1kg) pair
ORIGINAL SERIES MEDIUM ROUND SPEAKERS
5

Technical Assistance and Service
If you any have questions about the operation or installation of
this product, please call our technical assistance department on
any business day at [phone] or [phone]; from
7 a.m. to 5 p.m., PST.
If your speakers should need repair or service, contact your
Sonance Authorized Dealer for help, or use the following
procedure:
1. Prior to calling, note the product’s model number, serial
number, purchase date, and the name and address of the
dealer where you purchased the product.
2. Contact our Technical Assistance Department at the above
number(s) and describe the problem the unit is experiencing.
If applicable, they will issue a Return Authorization Number.
importaNt: you Must have prior authorization to return your
speaker to sonanCe!
3. If you’re directed to return the unit to Sonance for repair,
pack the unit in its original shipping carton. If needed,
you can obtain replacement packaging from us for a small
charge. Note: it is best if you place the box into an additional
outer “overcarton” before shipment to minimize a chance of
theft in shipment. Please include a copy of the original bill of
sale inside the package.
4. Contact a package delivery company such as United Parcel
Service or Federal Express to arrange prepaid (not collect)
shipping. Do not use the U.S. Postal Service.
importaNt: freight ColleCt shipMents will be refused.
5. Write the Return Authorization Number on the outside of the
shipping carton.
6. Ship the packaged unit to:
Quality Assurance Department
Sonance
212 Avenida Fabricante
San Clemente, CA 92672-7531
ORIGINAL SERIES MEDIUM ROUND SPEAKERS
6


Sonance warrants to the first end-user purchaser that this Sonance-brand product (“Product”), when purchased from an authorized
Sonance Dealer/Distributor, will be free from defective workmanship and materials for the life of the Product. Sonance will at its
option and expense either repair the defect or replace the Product with a new or remanufactured Product or a reasonable equivalent.

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS IN LIEU OF, AND EXCLUSIVE OF, ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY PROVIDED BY SONANCE. ALL OTHER EXPRESS
AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR
USE, AND IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED. No one is authorized to
make or modify any warranties on behalf of Sonance.
The warranty stated above is the sole and exclusive remedy and Sonance’s performance shall constitute full and final satisfaction
of all obligations, liabilities and claims with respect to the Product. IN ANY EVENT, SONANCE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, ECONOMIC, PROPERTY, BODILY INJURY, OR PERSONAL INJURY DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE
PRODUCT, ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE.
This warranty statement gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Some states do
not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitations of remedies, so the above exclusions and limitations may not apply. If
your state does not allow disclaimer of implied warranties, the duration of such implied warranties is limited to period of Sonance’s
express warranty.

Additional Limitations and Exclusions from Warranty Coverage: The warranty described above is non-transferable, applies only to
the initial installation of the Product, does not include installation of any repaired or replaced Product, does not include damage
to allied or associated equipment which may result for any reason from use with this Product, and does not include labor or parts
caused by accident, disaster, negligence, improper installation, misuse (e.g. overdriving the amplifier or speaker, excessive heat or
cold or humidity, outdoor installation), or from service or repair which has not been authorized by Sonance.
Obtaining Authorized Service: To qualify for the warranty, you must (1) contact your authorized Sonance Dealer/Installer or call Sonance
Customer Service at [phone] within the warranty period, (2) obtain a return merchandise number (RMA), and (3) deliver the Product to
Sonance shipping prepaid during the warranty period, together with the original sales receipt, invoice or other satisfactory proof of purchase.
©2010 Sonance. All rights reserved.
Sonance, FastMount, and Roto-Lock are registered trademarks of Dana Innovations.
Due to continuous product improvement, all features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
For the latest Sonance product specification information visit our website: www.sonance.com
SONANCE • 212 Avenida Fabricante • San Clemente, CA 92672-7531 USA
[phone] or [phone] • FAX: [phone] • Technical Support: [phone]
www.sonance.com
33-5481 Rev. 10/2010
ORIGINAL SERIES MEDIUM ROUND SPEAKERS
7