In-Wall Loudspeaker Installation Guide Now Hear This.
Introduction We’re glad you chose an NHT in-wall loudspeaker. We won’t let you down – we promise. Please take a few minutes to read this entire Installation Guide prior to installing your new speakers. The information provided will help you to obtain maximum performance from your audio system. If you have questions or need assistance at any time before, after or during the installation or operation of your new speakers, we are here to help. Our telephone number is: 707-747-0122 Our web address www.nhthifi.
Find an Installer near you by visiting www.nhthifi.com - navigate to the Where to Buy section or visit www.cedia.org to find a CEDIA installation professional. One last word of advice - It is up to you to insure that the installer (NHT referred or not) possesses sufficient skill, the proper tools, knowledge of local fire and building codes, and a familiarity with the structure of the building (especially wall and/or ceiling materials, layouts, electrical and plumbing lines, etc.).
One decision that is part of the location selection is choosing a horizontal or vertical orientation for the iW4-ARC. Sonically it makes no difference which way you orient the speaker as long as you remember to install the actual speaker with the tweeter pointing towards the center of the room or the screen as shown in (fig.1). Otherwise there is no right or wrong way. Sometimes iW4-ARC’s will get installed vertical on the left and right of the video display and horizontal for the center speaker.
Installation: New Construction Continued.... Multi-room audio, where you will use multiple pairs of speakers in different rooms, is a completely different wiring situation and the methods for doing so are too numerous to cover here. Consider what device you will amplify them with, if you will have local controls to wire to, if you need to pull control cables like CAT6, or will the speaker wires home run to the head-end? On. and on.., and on.
Installation: New Construction Continued.... Installation: New Construction (ceilings not installed – you see ceiling joists when you look up) Installation in new construction is a three-step process. (1) Install the appropriate pre-construction brackets in the chosen locations according to your well though-out plan. (2) Run your speakers wires to these locations according to your well though-out wiring plan.
Installation: New Construction Continued.... 1. Once you’ve selected the desired location(s) for the speakers, begin installing the iW4B pre-construction bracket(s) between adjacent studs (or ceiling joists). First attach the mounting wings to the bracket by inserting them into the locking plastic tabs in the side of the bracket (fig.3). Fig. 3 2. The wings feature progressively scored sections (1”, 1”, 2”, 2”, 2”, 3”, 3”) with screw holes spaced in one-inch increments to help you align the bracket.
3. Complete the pre-wiring to the speaker brackets before the drywall goes up. Leave an extra few feet of speaker wire on each end to make your life easier later. Coil the excess and tack it carefully to an adjacent wall stud or ceiling joist for easy retrieval during speaker installation. You can be clever here. 4. During the drywall installation, cut the drywall so it butts up to the protruding lip of the mounting bracket, as you would cut out for a ceiling light can or “J” box.
6. The speaker assembly is then inserted into the hole in the bracket and attaches to the bracket and (dry)wall via six plastic mounting clamps (dog-legs) on the back of the speaker assembly that will swivel out 90˚ and lower to “sandwich” the drywall (and mounting bracket) when you start to tighten the six mounting screws (fig.6). Begin this phase by being sure the dog-legs are rotated sideways (like the speaker came packed) so that the body of the speaker assembly can slide through the mounting bracket.
Installation: Existing Construction (retrofitting finished ceilings) This multi-step process begins by identifying a location in your wall (or ceiling) for the speaker (always keeping a plan B in mind). Somehow you’ll need to get speaker wire to that spot. Using a stud-finder or something you will make sure there are no obstructions behind your intended speaker location. Using the enclosed cutout template you will mark and cut a clean “hole” using a rotary cutter, sheetrock or keyhole saw.
Installation: Existing Construction Continued.... 3. If no obstructions are found, use the supplied cutout template and a pencil to draw an outline of the area to be cut out. Make sure you are using the right template. Begin by drilling a hole on the inside of the outlined cutting line with a 1/4” bit, then cut the hole with a keyhole saw or use a rotary cutter (fig.7). If the wall (ceiling) is painted, use the utility knife to score the paint so the sheetrock paper or paint does not peel when you cut.
7. The speaker assembly mounts to the existing ceiling via six plastic mounting clamps (dog-legs) on the back of the speaker assembly that will swivel out 45˚ and lower to “sandwich” the speaker assembly in place between its protruding outer frame and the rear surface of the drywall. Begin this phase by being sure the dog-legs are rotated sideways (like the speaker came packed) so that the body of the speaker assembly can slide through the mounting bracket.
In Use The NHT in-ceiling speakers are designed to handle a wide range of listening levels, but every speaker has limits. It is important to use common sense and listen for signs of possible distress from the speakers – here are some pointers to remember: - Noticeable distortion or harsh breakup is an indication that the amplifier or your speakers are running beyond their capacity, and the volume should be decreased ASAP.
Maintenance Do not expose the speakers to direct sunlight or excessively high temperatures. Do not attempt to clean the actual drivers (speakers) themselves. You may clean the grill after removal with a citrus-based cleaner to cut a greasy film otherwise a mild detergent will clean the speaker up nicely. Avoid harsh cleaners. Let dry completely. Service & Support & Troubleshooting Contact the NHT Authorized Reseller who sold you the products or, Contact NHT by telephone go online at www.nhthifi.
