Sonance Silhouette I Service manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND MANUAL
SONANCE SILHOUETTE
™
I , II , III
PN.33-1823 02.00
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 1

3
CONTENTS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 4
INTRODUCTION 5
CUSTOM INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS 6
SPEAKER DESIGN
DRIVER-COMPLEMENT 7
TWEETER 7
MIDRANGE 7
ELLIPTICAL WOOFER 8
BAFFLE 8
MIDRANGE, TWEETER DRIVER ENCLOSURE 8
ALUMINUM FRAME ARCHITECTURE 9
ROTO-LOCK MOUNTING SYSTEM 9
CROSSOVER NETWORK 10
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR SONANCE SILHOUETTE™SPEAKERS 11
INSTALLATION QUICKSTART AND PARTS LIST 13
INSTALLATION SAFETY/CARE AND MAINTENANCE 14
CREATE OPENINGS (NEW CONSTRUCTION) OR WITH A BACK BOX 15
WITHOUT A BACK BOX OR CREATE OPENINGS (RETROFIT) 19
SPEAKER INSTALLATION/GRILLE PAINTING 20
WIRE SIZE/TYPE, SINGLE WIRE OR BI-WIRING CONNECTIONS 21
FINAL ASSEMBLY 22
SONANCE SILHOUETTE™ SPECIFICATIONS 23-25
SERVICE/WARRANTY
SERVICE 26
WARRANTY COVERAGE (U.S. ONLY) 26
FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY 27
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 3

4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using your Sonance Silhouette™speakers, basic safety precautions should always be followed to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following:
1. Read and understand all instructions.
2. Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.
3. Follow all warnings and instructions in this manual and marked on the product.
4.Any service or repair required must be performed by qualified, factory authorized personnel.
5. Do not use this product in a high humidity environment or near water, for example a wet basement,
wet bar, or swimming pool.
6. Never touch the drivers or push objects of any kind into this product through the grilles.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 4

5
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your choice of the Sonance Silhouette™series, the no compromise in-wall speakers
from Sonance®, the Leader in Architectural Audio™. Sonance Silhouette speakers deliver audiophile
quality music reproduction without the space requirements of freestanding loudspeakers. Their
elegant, unobtrusive form combines remarkable transparency, imaging, and dynamic range with
architectural styling.
Sonance Silhouette has been designated a Signature Series—its baffle proudly displays the signature
of chief speaker designer, Todd Ryan. Every aspect of the series is designed to contribute to its
benchmark performance for in-wall speakers. The 1" medium-density fiber board (MDF) baffle,
chosen to provide a rigid platform for the drivers, features a black lacquer finish rivaling a fine musical
instrument. The bi-wireable five-way binding posts provide a variety of connection options. The
elliptical bass drivers extol the groundbreaking nature of this design.
Since designing the first high fidelity in-wall speaker in the world, Sonance continues its evolutionary
success with Sonance Silhouette. The Sonance Silhouette series combines years of scientific research
with stunning aesthetics to satisfy both the discriminating audiophile and the most particular of
design requirements.
By combining innovative driver technology with a sophisticated crossover design, Sonance Silhouette
delivers sonic performance previously limited to high-end, free-standing speakers. From its
introduction, the Sonance Silhouette series has been praised by respected critics.
Sound sources make drywall vibrate, creating its own resonant frequency, adding "coloration" to the
original information. The Sonance Silhouette design approach eliminates this coloration by carefully
matching a 1" titanium tweeter and two 4" magnesium midranges with the proper crossover
components meticulously crafted into a multi thickness enclosure,isolating these critical components
from the wall itself.This enclosure is then mounted from the rear,to the center of a 1" front baffle along
with proprietary aluminum 9" elliptical woofers. The entire baffle is then coupled to a rigid aluminum
frame complete with steel mounting feet for rigidity.This entire system creates the Sonance Silhouette,
easily integrating into any décor while delivering sonic performance unmatched by any other in-wall
product. Now, there truly is a better alternative to large free-standing speakers, the elegant Sonance
Silhouette.
The Sonance Silhouette series exceeds a remarkable set of design goals. These in-wall speakers deliver
the full detail, subtlety, imaging, and dynamic range present in a fine recording. They mount in a
standard 4" deep stud bay and eliminate the coloration and acoustical artifacts of drywall
construction.
The seven-driver Sonance Silhouette III, five-driver Sonance Silhouette II, and four-driver Sonance
SilhouetteI are all well suited to left and right channel duties in fine music and home theater systems.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 5

6
CUSTOM INSTALLATION
Your Sonance Silhouette speaker will provide maximum performance and entertainment value when
custom installed by skilled professionals with specialized tools and experience to design and install
audio/video and related systems.These professionals can assist you in the selection of complementary
components engineered to meet your needs and optimize performance while satisfying the physical
and aesthetic demands of the space you have chosen for your home theater.
Custom installed systems can be configured to accommodate music reproduction throughout your
home,security,telephone,and other home systems.Professional installers coordinate their efforts with
architects, interior designers, and electricians to ensure that these systems blend into your home both
functionally and aesthetically.
The increasingly sophisticated audio and video component now available demand expert system
design and installation to deliver full value. More than ever, consumers rely on custom installers to help
them explore the myriad of home entertainment options now available . . . to explain the features and
functions of each and assure compatibility of related components.
Custom installation caters to the homeowner who eschews the complexity and unsightliness of
traditional audio and video systems, yet wants to enjoy music throughout the home. In the capable
hands of a custom installer, special devices like those supplied by Sonance can make the most
sophisticated audio/video systems easy to use and practically invisible.
The growing popularity of home theaters speaks to a change in the way you perceive audio and video
components. You probably see them as an integral part of an investment in your home and lifestyle.
The professional installer can assure that this investment meets your expectations.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 6

7
DRIVER-COMPLEMENT DESIGN
The symmetrical placement and use of 4" midrange drivers above and below the tweeter were chosen
to widen the vertical dispersion which is critical for a wide off-axis listening window.
The use of small diameter midrange drivers and a low crossover frequency to the tweeter combine to
produce the desired flat room response.
Magnetic shielding of the midrange and tweeter array eliminates potential interference with video monitors
in close proximity.
TWEETER DESIGN
Sonance Silhouette's high frequency driver is a custom Focal® tweeter featuring a concave titanium
dome with a titanium dioxide coating designed to dampen unwanted resonance.This element delivers
high definition, high frequency information while maintaining a low resonant frequency. This tweeter
was specifically designed for the Sonance Silhouette's novel crossover design. Its elevated breakup
frequency results in high frequency articulation without coloration. The tweeter design also features:
• High-pressure, injection-molded face plate with 5 mm thickness
• Titanium dome employing super high Youngs modules dioxide coating
• 20mm diameter voice coil with aluminum former ensures high power handling
MIDRANGE DESIGN
Sonance Silhouette's 4" midrange driver is essential to the overall design. This specific approach was
chosen after months of research into the resonant characteristics of stud wall construction and
interaction between wall components and loudspeakers.Research reveals that the typical drywall/stud
interface is most susceptible to acoustical resonance in the 150 Hz to 200 Hz band. The 4" midrange
drivers allow a crossover point at 135 Hz, which is below this resonant frequency. Additionally,
mounting the midrange tweeter array in its own MDF back box eliminates coloration induced by
driver/wall interaction. Additional features include:
• Die-cast aluminum basket for maximum mechanical integrity as a rigid device
• Concave, one-piece magnesium cone, for designated polar response to generate uniformity both on-
and off-axis
• Vented pole piece design selected to ensure voice coil cooling and eliminate air pressure build-up
behind the driver element assembly.This results in the required high power handling capability.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 7

8
ELLIPTICAL WOOFER DESIGN
Capitalizing on the unique characteristics of an elliptical driver, the woofer assembly delivers superior
reproduction while offering the perfect profile for Sonance Silhouette’s design criteria. An elliptical
metal cone driver yields essentially the same radiating area as an 8" driver, but with a width of only
6". The undeniable performance of this drive unit delivers these unique benefits:
• The elliptical design varies the distance from center to edge that contributes to the cancellation of
unwanted cone resonance. Resonance is a type of vibration that interferes with the accuracy of the
sound source.
• The use of a die-cast aluminum basket provides a rigid, stable foundation necessary for correct
driver function.
• Audiophile performance requires low distortion components during high cone velocity situations.
Those goals were met with the use of a light metal alloy cone, which combines reduced mass (weight)
with high rigidity to perform as a pure piston for predictably linear excursion. Acting as a heat sink
for the voice coil, the metal cone further contributes to the Sonance Silhouette's high power
handling capability.
• An extended pole piece voice coil eliminates non-linearity coloration caused by common designs
that suffer from dust cap back pressure while providing active and effective cooling for the voice
coil assembly.
• A high-compliance, half-roll rubber surround and long excursion enhance power handling.
BAFFLE DESIGN
The Sonance Silhouette baffle is constructed from 1" MDF. This material is known for its extreme
rigidity and non-resonant qualities.The high-gloss,black lacquer finish is applied to the baffle in a 10-
step process that requires five days of hand finishing. This process is similar to that used so
successfully to finish pianos and guitars. Precise, smooth driver openings ensure optimum
propagation of waveforms.
MIDRANGE, TWEETER DRIVER ENCLOSURE
The midrange and tweeter driver array is acoustically isolated from outside interference by its own
enclosure attached to the back of the baffle. This enclosure is constructed with a combination of three
different thicknesses of MDF to eliminate the mutual resonance occurring between the panels of the
enclosure. The enclosure is filled with a new synthetic damping material called Myraflex®
manufactured by Owens Corning, thus properly loading the interior of the enclosure.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 8

9
ALUMINUM FRAME ARCHITECTURE
The baffle attaches to an extruded aluminum frame specially tooled for the Sonance Silhouette
speaker. The frame employs a truss design that adds incredible strength and rigidity to the Sonance
Silhouette assembly. This frame design also facilitates the ease of installation attributed to all Sonance
Silhouette speakers.
ROTO-LOCK™MOUNTING SYSTEM
Sonance's Roto-Lock mounting system firmly couples the Sonance Silhouette speaker to the wall. By
turning the screws visible on the front baffle of the speaker, a metal tab rotates into place and clamps
the drywall between the mounting tab and the baffle of the speaker assembly. This results in an
extremely secure and non-resonant installation.
Sonance
Silhouette
Frame
Turn Screwdriver to the
Right to Tighten
Wallboard
Bevel Cut
in Wallboard
Roto-Lock shown
in the OPEN position
Sonance
Silhouette Baffle
Board
Roto-Lock
Screw Through
Baffle Board
Roto-Lock shown
in the CLOSED position
CLOSED OPEN
Figure 1. Sonance Roto-Lock mechanism. The Roto-Lock mechanism is built into every Sonance
Silhouette series speakers. Roto-Lock makes in-wall speaker installation fast and easy.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 9

10
CROSSOVER NETWORK DESIGN
The function of the crossover is to route the incoming signals to the intended driver locations. This
results in a cohesive blending of the sound from the woofer, midrange and tweeter elements. The
crossover affects the entire performance of a loudspeaker design.An ideal speaker possesses both flat
on-axis frequency response and smooth off-axis response; this is particularly important for in-wall
speaker designs.
The sound character of a speaker in a home environment is a combination of the on-axis, and the
horizontal and vertical off-axis responses. Due to reflections off the floor, ceiling, side and rear
surfaces, evaluating and engineering the response of the speaker both on-axis and off-axis become
critical components of the overall design.
In-wall speaker designs also have the additional challenge of being mounted in a wall which can
immediately reflect sound into the listening room. Sonance Silhouette’s off-axis frequency response is
optimized to eliminate that specific coloration. The sound directly from the speaker and those
reflected are all equally critical to the overall sound quality.
A major innovation in the Sonance Silhouette design is the application of low crossover frequencies.
These lower frequencies allow the woofer, midrange and tweeter to operate within their ideal
frequency ranges.The result produces the ideal flat on-axis and smooth off-axis performance.The low
135 Hz crossover frequency from woofer to midrange was specifically designed for the woofer and
midrange to work together without exciting wall vibrations.The crossover point from the midrange to
the tweeter is located at 2150 Hz. High quality 18 dB per octave slopes are used on all crossovers to
ensure correct and unaffected interaction between drivers with an increase in power handling and
maximum vertical dispersion. Three separate PC boards are utilized for the design.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 10

11
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR SONANCE SILHOUETTE SPEAKERS
When properly installed and operated with appropriate components,your Sonance Silhouettespeakers
will provide many years of entertainment pleasure. Your Sonance Silhouette speakers are capable of
delivering pristine sound quality, unparalleled clarity, and precise imaging. Your system also can
sustain reproduction of substantial continuous sound levels, with a large dynamic performance
margin. To realize the full potential of your new speakers, please read all instructions before starting
the installation process.
Pre-installation is critical to achieving the maximum performance of your Sonance Silhouette
speakers. Factors such as the location and height of seating and location of video monitor dictate the
proper placement and direction of speakers. As with any fine speaker, good room characteristics are
necessary to ensure the maximum sonic performance of which the Sonance Silhouette is capable.
Remember that the wall is part of the sound reproduction system.To the degree possible,the listening
room should be symmetrical both in overall shape, and with respect to furnishings (especially wall
treatments and hanging art). The best listening rooms exhibit low intrusion of ambient noise. In any
event, the Sonance Silhouette speakers should not be mounted with less than two feet of unobstructed
wall on either side (i.e., not in columns).
Optimum horizontal placement of left and right speakers is six to ten feet apart and at least 18" from
side walls (see Figure 2 below). All measurements are at the center of the tweeter.
Room Layout, top view.
8' - 12' from LCR speakers
18" min.
from
side wall.
18" min.
from
side wall.
6' to 10'
Range Center
Surround
Right
Left
Slightly behind
Ear Center
40" Ear from floor
Surround speakers
may be mounted
slightly behind the
listener's ear.
An alternate position
may be in the rear
walls spaced
identical with the
front left and right
speakers.
Due to weight,
Sonance Silhouette
speakers are not
recommended for
ceiling mounting.
Surround
Figure 2. In-wall speaker locations for optimum speaker performance.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 11

12
Seating position should be 8'–12' from the front speakers.Ideally, the tweeter and listeners’ ears should
be 38"–42" from the floor, though the excellent off-axis dispersion of the Sonance Silhouette speakers
provides superb reproduction even when optimal placement is impossible.
When employed as surround speakers, the Sonance Silhouette speakers should be in the side walls, in
line with the listeners’ ears and with the tweeters 60"–72" from the floor (see Figure 3 below). If this is
not possible, the surround speakers may be installed in the back walls of the room at the same width
as the left and right front speakers. The tweeters should also be 60"–72" from the floor. Due to their
substantial weight, it is not recommended that any of the Sonance Silhouette series speakers be
employed in ceiling installations.
For center and surround channel duty, the compact Sonance Cinema®Two speakers also complement
Sonance Silhouette speakers in these applications.
60"to 72"
from floor
38"to 42"
from floor
(see Chart A)
8' - 12' from LCR s
p
eakers
Surround speakers may be mounted
slightly behind the listener's ear.
An alternate
position may be
in the rear walls
spaced identical
with the front left
and right
speakers.
Figure 3. In-wall side and rear speaker locations for optimum speaker performance.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 12

13
PARTS LIST / TOOL LIST
Drywall Screws (not included)
NEW CONSTRUCTION RETROFIT
PARTS
Phillips Bit
1" Flat Bit
Stiff Wire (coathanger, fishtape)
Electric Drill (1/4" - 3/8" drive)
Wire Strippers
Torpedo Level
TOOLS
Keyhole or Drywall Saw
Gloves
Construction Adhesive
(not included)
Silicon Sealer (not included)
Eye Protection Goggles
INSTALLATION QUICK START
Read “Getting The Most From Your Sonance Silhouette Speakers” and plan speaker locations.
If this is your first installation of a Sonance Silhouette system, read all of the installation instructions
before beginning.
Choose high quality (oxygen-free, multi-strand) copper wire to make the wire runs between your
audio equipment and your Sonance Silhouette speakers. Larger wire than normal is recommended. to
reduce resistance which eliminates power losses between your audio equipment and your in-wall
Sonance Silhouettespeakers. Follow the information listed below:
• 14 gauge for less than 30 feet.
• 12 gauge for between 30 and 75 feet.
• 10 gauge for greater than 75 feet.
Verify adequate parts and tools for the installation:
Chart A. Installation Parts and Tools List for Sonance Silhouette speakers.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 13

14
INSTALLATION SAFETY
When installing Sonance Silhouette speakers,
basic safety precautions should always be followed
to reduce the risk of fire,electric shock,and injury
to persons, including the following:
1. Read and understand all instructions.
2. Never drill or cut into wall cavities that already
contain electrical wiring or plumbing.
3. Follow all warnings and instructions in this
manual and marked on the product.
4. Always exercise caution when working in
unfinished spaces such as attics. Areas with
exposed joists present a significant danger of
injury from falls or stepping on nonstructural
surfaces. Before working in areas with exposed
joists, always create temporary walkways using
plywood or dimensional lumber strong
enough to support your weight.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
1. Retain the safety and operating instructions
for future reference.
2. Any service or repair required must be
performed by qualified, factory authorized
personnel.
3. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners on the
speakers.
4. To clean your speakers, wipe the grilles with
a soft cloth dampened with water. You may
remove the grilles to wash and dry them.The
baffle and drivers may be dusted by gentle
use of “canned air” commonly used to clean
cameras and computer equipment.
5. Do not expose your Sonance Silhouette
speakers to direct sunlight or high heat.
Extended periods of exposure may cause
deterioration of adhesives and driver
materials, compromising the useful life of
the speakers.
6. Sine wave test tones can damage your
Sonance Silhouette speakers and should
only be used at low volume levels for short
periods.
7. Do not expose your Sonance Silhouette
speakers to construction dust, dirt, or
airborne paint particles. If the area in which
your speakers are installed is subject to
potentially damaging airborne particles, you
may remove the grilles, temporarily cover
them with paper or plastic food wrap, then
replace them over the speakers. Be sure to
remove this protective cover after the dirty
activity is complete and the room is
thoroughly cleaned.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 14

15
CREATE OPENINGS (NEW CONSTRUCTION)
Survey proposed sites and look for installation obstacles, like plumbing, wiring, and other fixtures.
Any high performance loudspeaker needs some care in understanding its physical placement
requirements:
• The optimum installation space is a 2" x 6" stud bay. This allows for the use of a back box with
notable sonic improvement. Several physical and acoustic criteria are better served with this space
allocation. Back box plans are provided for all models on pages 16, 17, and 18.
• Double 1/2" dry wall in a 2" x 4" stud bay, is the next best solution. The physical size and weight of
Silhouette are best served with this type of physical support.
• After double dry wall, a standard 5/8" drywall in a 2" x 4" stud bay can be used though optimum
sonic integrity will be compromised. Magnet depth requires a 1/8" relief cut-out made behind the
magnet with a dremel® tool to accommodate current speaker depth of 4-1/4".
• Any other situation will take more creativity on the part of the installer. This is achievable, but will
take more time.
WITH A BACK BOX
To obtain the ultimate performance from your Sonance Silhouette speakers we strongly recommend
the use of a back box. Back boxes will provide better definition to bass,higher power handling,and less
intrusion of sound into other rooms.
I
N
S
U
L
A
T
I
O
N
I
N
S
U
L
A
T
I
O
N
Stud Width
Enclosure
18 "
38" - 42"
40.5 "
18 "
6to10 '
Enclosure
H
ei
g
h
t
Drywall screws
3-4" spacing
SpkOpening
Speaker
Heigh
t
Figure 4: New construction locations for optimum speaker performance.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 15

16
4.000
Inside
Brace
O
utside
Brace
Top View
3.0
4.000
14.500
13.000
9.500
8.000
14.500
6.8753.8125 3.8125
2.500
0.750
0.750 0.750
1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75
40.500 40.500
40.500 42.000
4.000
5.5
3.43753.4375
35.125
12.000 12.0009.000
42.000
3.250
2.500
0.750
3.250
Sonance Silhouette I(1.218 cubic feet)
Figure 5: Sonance Silhouette I rear box design.
• Attempt to avoid placing a speaker in a stud bay shared with the home’s electrical system.
• Move any fire stops that will interfere with the installation location (use the cardboard cut-out
template to pre-visualize installed speaker). Be sure to follow local building codes.
To use a back box with the Sonance Silhouette speakers you will need a wall with at least 5-1/2" of
depth. On pages 16 through 18 of this manual you can find construction drawings of back boxes for
the three Sonance Silhouette models. Follow the drawings as closely as possible.
1. Construct the back boxes out of 3/4" MDF according to the drawings, apply glue to all joints and
screw or nail the box together. Loosely fill the back box with fiberglass.
NOTE : On the construction drawings you can find the back box volumes necessary for each
of the Sonance Silhouette models. If your installation requires, modify the dimensions
of the box but maintain the proper internal volume. If you modify the depth of the
back box, please allow at least 4-1/4" of depth to clear the woofer magnet.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 16

17
4.000
Inside
Brace
Outside
Brace
Top View
Front View Front Baffle
3.0
4.000
14.500
13.000
9.500
8.000
14.500
6.8753.8125 3.8125
2.500
0.750
0.750 0.750
2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
70.000
70.000 70.000
71.500
4.000
5.5
13.125 13.125
45.125
11.000 11.000 11.000 11.00011.000
71.500
3.250
2.500
0.750
3.250
Sonance Silhouette II (2.106 cubic feet)
Figure 6: Sonance Silhouette II rear box design.
2. Once the boxes are constructed, attach the back box to the studs using 3" screws. Drill a hole
through the back box and run the speaker wire though it. After wire is installed, seal the hole with
silicone chalking to prevent air leaks.
3. To further improve sound quality, install fiberglass in each stud bay adjacent to the speaker’s
locations.
4. Use construction adhesive and drywall screws to attach the drywall around the rim of the
enclosure. Space screws at 4-6" intervals.
5. After drywall has been installed, mark and cut the drywall along the template outline and discard
the center.
6. Tape and fill seams to finish the drywall around the back box location.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 17

18
4.000
Inside
Brace
Outside
Brace
Top View
Front View Front Baffle
3.0
4.000
14.500
13.000
9.500
8.000
14.500
6.8753.8125 3.8125
2.500
0.750
0.750 0.750
2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
90.000
90.000
90.000
91.500
4.000
5.5
13.1875 13.1875
65.125
15.000 15.000 15.000 15.00015.000
91.500
3.250
2.500
0.750
3.250
Sonance Silhouette III (2.71 cubic feet)
Figure 7: Sonance Silhouette III rear box design.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 18

19
WITHOUT A BACK BOX
1. Run wire to desired speaker locations. Mark stud bay for reference when returning to install
speakers.
2. We strongly recommend using construction adhesive to secure the drywall to the studs around the
bay the speaker will be mounted in. Use extra drywall screws to secure the drywall to the studs,
space the screws approximately 4"–6" apart.
CAUTION: The speaker opening must be smaller than the enclosure width (use the Retrofit
cut-out dimensions). Do not cut the drywall out to the width and height of the
enclosure sides or the Roto-Lock fasteners will not work.
3. After drywall is installed and ready for speakers follow retrofit instructions on page 19.
CREATE OPENINGS (RETROFIT)
Survey proposed sites and look for installation obstacles, e.g., plumbing, wiring, and other fixtures.
Access the attic or crawl space to check routing of air ducts and available mounting depth. The Roto-
Lock requires a 1" area around the speaker to function.
1. At each selected site, use a stud
locator (available at hardware stores
for about $20) to identify studs.
Center each speaker between two
studs. Check on both sides of the
wall (this and adjacent room) for
electrical outlets or switches, which
indicate wiring in the selected stud
bay. Attempt to avoid placing a
speaker in a stud bay shared with the
home’s electrical system.
2. Measure in from wall and mark
planned edge of each wall opening.
Painter’s masking tape (available at
paint and hardware stores) is good
for this because it leaves no adhesive
residue.
3. Position and temporarily attach the cardboard cut-out template from packaging with painter’s tape
or a stapler and a level. Trace a cutout hole on wall for each speaker (Figure 8). Remove template.
40.5"
for
Silhouette I
I
N
S
U
L
A
T
I
O
N
38"– 42"
Sonance Silhouette Retrofit Guidelines
Firestop
(must move)
Speaker
sight
(Trace on
Wall) Retrofit
Opening
Drywall screws
3"-4" spacing
Figure 8: Retrofit construction for Sonance Silhouette speakers.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 19

20
4. Use a painter’s drop cloth, available at paint and hardware stores, to protect floor, carpet, and
furniture from drywall dust during drilling and cutting.
5. At each proposed opening,drill several small holes along the length of the center of chosen area and
insert a bent coat hanger to confirm that the cavity is clear at least 6" in all directions. If you feel
any obstruction, immediately stop drilling, patch hole with drywall compound, and search for a
new installation location. Possible obstructions include braces, plumbing supply, drain, vent pipes,
electrical conduit, junction boxes, and light fixtures.
6. Using a drywall saw, cut a hole large enough to allow inspection.
7. Look inside opening and move any fire stops that will interfere with installation. Be sure to replace
any fire stops you remove.
8. Cut the drywall you just removed along the template outline and discard center.
SPEAKER INSTALLATION/GRILLE/FRAME PAINTING
Speaker grilles may be painted to color match surroundings. Proper preparation will lead to a
beautiful, long lasting surface that matches the room décor.
1. First, remove the grille by carefully prying it away from the baffle starting at the short end of the
speaker. Prepare both the grille and speaker frame using a light 600 grade sanding material. The
idea is to create a slightly rough surface for the primer to adhere to.
2. All sanded surfaces should be cleaned with a soft cloth. Apply a primer such as XIM grade spray
primer to all metal surfaces to be painted. Dry according to the directions provided by the primer
manufacturer. After the primer is dry, a light final sanding should be done to increase the
adherence of the paint to the primer.
3.Prior to painting, all surfaces should be wiped clean with a dry cloth. Several factors will determine
how many coats of paint are required to properly cover the surfaces. The quality of the paint, color
and texture all have affects on the number of coats. Sonance recommends the use of the highest
quality water based paint available. Other paints such as acrylic, may be used as long as the
painting surface is properly prepared.
4.Apply the paint with a sprayer if possible creating an even finish. Let dry according to the
instructions supplied by the paint manufacturer. Additional coats may be desired to achieve the
needed results.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 20

21
WIRE SIZE/TYPE
Choose high quality (oxygen-free) copper wire to make the wire runs between your audio equipment
and your Sonance Silhouette speakers. Larger wire than normal is recommended to reduce resistance
and to eliminate power loss between your audio equipment and your in-wall Sonance Silhouette
speakers. Follow the information listed below when choosing a high-quality wire at your local dealer
or making plans with your custom installation dealer:
• 14 gauge for less than 30 feet.
• 12 gauge for between 30 and 75 feet.
• 10 gauge for greater than 75 feet.
SINGLE WIRE CONNECTIONS
If you have run a single, two conductor wire to each speaker location, use the positive (+) and negative
(-) terminals closest to the outside edges of the Sonance Silhouette speaker (see Figure 9, pg. 22).
BI-WIRING CONNECTIONS
If you have run a single, four conductor wire or special bi-wire cable to take advantage of the bi-wire
option (see Figure 10, pg. 22), follow these instructions;
1. Remove the two special jumper wires that cross-connect the four input terminals on the rear of the
Sonance Silhouette speaker.
2.Attach the two wires you have designated for the woofer and connect them to the terminals marked
woofer. Carefully observe polarity, making sure to connect the positive (+) lead to the positive (+)
terminal and the negative (-) lead to the negative (-) terminal of your amplifier.
3.Attach the two wires you have designated for the mid-high range to the other set, again being
careful to observe proper speaker to amplifier connection. Make sure to connect the positive (+)
lead to the positive (+) terminal and the negative (-) lead to the negative (-) terminal of your
amplifier.
33-1823 Silhouette Manual 2/16/00 1:36 PM Page 21