Installation Guide
Installationsvejledning
Installationsanleitung
Guía de instalación
Asennusopas
Notice d’installation
Telepítési útmutató
Guida di installazione
Gebruikershandleiding
Podręcznik instalacji
Installationsanvisning
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SAFETY INFORMATION
Important words of caution
Please read this owner’s guide completely before you start.
Then carefully consider your experience using the tools and
taking the precautions referred to here.
If you have doubts about doing this installation, you should
contact either the dealer you purchased the product from, an
electrician, or a professional audio/video installer. You can
describe the job and request a cost estimate before committing
to installation service.
WARNING: Installation shall be in accordance with the applicable
section of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, and/or the
National Fire Alarm Code, ANSI/NFPA 72, as applicable. The wiring
method and compartment shall be such as not to interfere with the
operation of the speaker.
CAUTIONS:
• Failure to follow the instructions in this owner’s guide voids all
warranties on your speakers.
• These speakers are not designed or recommended for
installation in walls, in ceilings of masonry, or in drop ceilings.
• This product is not intended for use in Air-Handling Plenum
Spaces.
• Consult local building codes before you get started with this
installation.
• See product enclosures for safety-related markings.
• Make no modifications to the speakers or accessories.
Unauthorized alterations may compromise safety, regulatory
compliance, and system performance.
• Be sure to keep all insulation away from speakers in
accordance with the installation instructions in this guide.
OVERVIEW
Basic steps to installation
The instructions on the pages that follow will help you
complete each of the steps below.
Step 1:
Choose approximate locations for each
speaker.
Step 2:
Observe the cautions and use the template
for precise placement.
Step 3:
Cut the hole for each speaker.
Step 4:
Wire each speaker.
Step 5:
Insert and secure each speaker in the ceiling.
Step 6:
Test each speaker to make sure it works.
Mount these speakers in wood frame or
similar construction only
Each speaker requires a round space of 85/8 in. (21.9 cm)
diameter, plus a minimum of 4
wallboard that is a maximum of 1
Bose recommends installing these speakers only in wood frame
or similar ceiling construction with adequately spaced studs, as
found in 2 x 6 construction. These installation guide instructions
are specific to this type of installation only.
1
/
in. (10.5 cm) of depth behind
8
1
/4 in. (3.2 cm) thick.
Important safety instructions
1. Read these instructions – for all components before using
this product.
2. Keep these instructions – for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings – on the product and in the owner’s
guide.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
For your records
Serial numbers are located behind the rim of your Virtually
Invisible
Serial numbers: _____________________ ____________________
Serial numbers: _____________________ ____________________
Serial numbers: _____________________ ____________________
Dealer name:___________________________________________
Dealer phone: ___________________________________________
Purchase date: ___________________________________________
We suggest you keep your sales receipt and warranty card
together with this owner’s guide.
®
791 speakers.
VIRTUALLY INVISIBLE is a registered trademark of Bose
Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
2
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Speakers
Template/Paint shield
Speaker grilles
Speaker cable
Spade
drill bit
Phillips-head
screwdriver
Sharp pencil
Cutting tool*
Protective eyewear
Painter’s tape**
Wire cutter/stripper
Tape m eas u re
Power drill
Stud finder
PREPARATION
Before you begin...
Thank you for choosing Bose® Virtually Invisible® 791
speakers for in-ceiling installation. These top-of-the-line
Virtually Invisible
mance for stereo and home theater enjoyment. Their
slim profile blends well into your room, so only the
sound...not the speakers...stands out.
Please be sure to read this guide carefully before you do
any cutting. There are many factors to consider before
proceeding with this type of installation.
Unpacking
Carefully unpack the speakers. Check to be sure the
carton includes all the parts shown.
®
speakers provide superior perfor-
Other equipment you will need
Hardware for securing the speaker to your ceiling is
attached to the speaker. In addition, you need a ladder
and the equipment below to make the installation go
smoothly.
If any part of the speaker pair appears damaged, do
not use it. Notify Bose or your authorized Bose dealer
immediately. For Bose contact information, refer to
the address list included in the carton.
Note: With the speakers unpacked, you can find the serial
numbers on the back of each one. Then you can copy the
numbers onto your warranty card and in the “For your records”
space on page 2.
If painting is in your plan
You may want to complete that step before you begin
speaker installation. See “Painting the exterior parts” on
page 10 before you begin painting.
3
PREPARATION
Guide arrow
3'
(1 m)
3'
(1 m)
2' (.6 m)
2' (.6 m)
2' (.6 m)
2' (.6 m)
Front of your room
Minimum
Minimum
Minimum
Minimum
Minimum
Minimum
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Selecting speaker cable
If your cables are not yet installed, use these guidelines
for choosing and using speaker cable. If your cables are
already installed, check to be sure they meet these
standards.
GaugeMaximum Length
18 AWG (0.82 mm
16 AWG (1.3 mm
14 AWG (2.1 mm
12 AWG (3.3 mm
2
)
2
)
2
)
2
)
Consider the location of the speakers and be sure to
allow enough cable to reach each one. This includes the
extra length needed for wiring the speaker before
inserting it into the ceiling.
Preparing the cable wires
Speaker cable consists of two insulated wires. The
insulation around one wire is marked (striped, collared,
or ribbed) to identify it as positive. The other wire is
negative.
Note: It is sometimes difficult to distinguish wire
markings. Inspect both wires carefully.
1
1. Strip approximately
both wires.
2. Twist the bare end of each wire so loose strands will
not touch across terminals.
Be sure to connect each wire to the proper speaker
terminal, positive to positive (+) and negative to
negative (–).
Note: For information on installing cable, consult a
professional electrician or audio/video installer, or look
for reference books at a local home building retail store.
/2 in. (13 mm) of insulation from
20 ft (6 m)
30 ft (9 m)
50 ft (15 m)
90 ft (27 m)
Placement guidelines
Orienting and placing these identical speakers is critical
to their performance. Follow these guidelines in
choosing the approximate location for each speaker.
Before you mark the location for the ceiling holes, be
sure to read:
• “Other considerations” on page 5, and
• “WARNINGS:” on page 6.
Using the arrow as a guide
There is a small arrow molded into the inside flange
of each speaker. Use it as a guide for orienting the
speakers relative to one another.
The diagrams that follow show the proper orientation
using a pair of speakers for stereo sound, or several
pairs of speakers for home theater sound.
Placing speakers for stereo sound
Position these two speakers:
– one on the left and one on the right at the front of
the room
– oriented with the arrow pointing to the opposite
speaker
– an equal distance from the primary listening area
– with each one AT LEAST:
- 2 ft (.6 m) from the front wall
- 3 ft (1 m) from the side walls
- 6 ft (2 m) apart
4
Placing speakers for home theater
2'
(.6 m)
3'
(1 m)
3'
(1 m)
2'
(.6 m)
3'
(1 m)
3'
(1 m)
2'
(.6 m)
2'
(.6 m)
Front of your home theater room
TV
Minimum
Minimum
Minimum
Minimum
Although these speakers are sold in pairs, you can use
several pairs for home theater enjoyment.
• Place two of the speakers:
– with one on either side of your TV
– with the arrow pointing to the opposite speaker
– with each one AT LEAST:
- 2 ft (.6 m) from the front wall
- 3 ft (1 m) from the side walls
- 6 ft (2 m) apart
• Place the third speaker:
– above the TV with the arrow pointing at the
rear wall
– at least 2 ft (.6 m) from the front wall
• Place two other speakers:
– to the left and right near the rear of the room
– with the arrow pointing toward the side wall
(away from the other speaker)
– with each one AT LEAST:
- 2 ft (.6 m) from the front wall
- 3 ft (1 m) from the side walls
- 6 ft (2 m) apart
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PREPARATION
Place the sixth speaker (for use with a 6.1 receiver,
only):
– between the other rear speakers
– with the arrow pointing to the rear of the room
– AT LEAST 2 ft (.6 m) from the rear wall
Other considerations
• Placing the provided template against your ceiling
serves to determine the space needed for each
speaker.
• Using a stud finder is helpful in choosing a usable
space between joists. You need to allow 5
(13 cm) from the center of the speaker to a joist.
• If you are installing in a sealed space between joists, it
is important to optimal performance that the volume
of the space is at least 1 cubic foot (.028 m
• Avoid all electrical wiring, vents, and plumbing pipes
that are located above the ceiling. Check with a
trained professional to learn how to locate and
avoid them.
1
/2 in.
3
).
5
INSTALLATION
8
5
/8
"
(21.9 cm)
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Preparing the ceiling
Be sure you have read and understand all of the safety
and preparation information on these pages so you can
continue with confidence.
CAUTIONS:
• If you are unsure of your ability to complete this
process, contact a professional installer.
• Certain forms of insulation (such as horse hair plaster,
newspaper, cellulose, or any blown-in materials) may
pose a risk of ignition. Be sure to keep all insulation
away from speakers in accordance with the installation
instructions.
WARNINGS:
• Make sure the spot chosen is safe for cutting. Do not
cut through surfaces that may have hazards such as
electrical wiring, conduits, or plumbing concealed
behind them. Follow all other safety precautions.
• If you believe there is asbestos insulation in the ceiling
where you want to install a speaker, do not drill or cut
there. Find a different ceiling area for the speakers
instead.
• If there is another type of moveable insulation in the
ceiling, you can proceed after reading these tips:
– You may need to cut or push the insulation away
before inserting the speaker.
– Beware of hidden nails when reaching into the
ceiling to remove insulation.
– Wear gloves and protection for your mouth, nose,
and eyes before handling insulation that contains
fiberglass.
– Be sure keep a 4-6 in. (10-15 cm) area around the
speaker hole free from any types of insulation to
maximize acoustic performance.
Using the template
1. Center the template on the spot where you want the
center of the speaker grille.
2. Press the template to the ceiling with your hand or
use painter’s tape to hold it in place.
Drilling a pilot hole
1. Choose the proper spade bit to drill a hole that is
large enough for the blade of your cutting tool.
WARNING: Use eye protection and be sure to observe all
safety precautions while using a drill or cutting tool.
2. Drill the hole inside the circle you have drawn.
Choose a spot near the center or closer to the
outside edge of the circle, depending on which
will be easier when you begin to use your saw.
Cutting the speaker hole
Be sure to cut carefully to make the hole as regular as
possible. However, when the speaker is in place, the
frame overlaps the cutting edge by
masks minor cutting inaccuracies.
1. Hold the cutting blade in a vertical position and keep
it straight as you cut the hole.
This helps prevent the blade from angling away from
the outlined circle.
5
/8 in. (0.6 cm), which
3. Trace around the edge of the template.
CAUTION: DO NOT trace around or cut around the tabs
that are for use only when the template serves as a paint
shield.
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Positive (+) wire
to positive
(red) terminal
INSTALLATION
2. Insert the tip of your saw into the pilot hole and cut
most of the way around the circular outline.
3. Place one hand under the circle to brace it and
complete cutting the hole.
WARNING: Keep fingers away from the cutting blade.
4. Remove the cutout section.
5. Clear away any torn or rough material from around
the hole.
Such material can interfere with a tight seal between
the speaker and the ceiling.
Connecting the speaker
As you connect the wires, be careful to match the
polarity of each wire to the proper terminal, as
described below. An error here will adversely affect
speaker performance.
1. Choose the one wire on the cable end that is marked
with a colored collar or other indicator, which
distinguishes it as the positive (+) wire.
2. Notice the red circle on the exposed end of the
positive (+) speaker terminal.
3. Compress both ends of the terminal and fully insert
the bared tip of the positive wire into the terminal
opening.
Avoid inserting any insulated part of the wire.
4. Release pressure on the terminal to capture the wire.
5. Insert the other wire into the other terminal, marked
with a black circle on the end to indicate it is
negative (–).
CAUTION: Do not allow exposed wires to brush against
each other. This could damage your speaker or your
receiver/amplifier. Trim any excess wire and reinsert it
as necessary.
Getting the wire ready
When your speaker cable is within reach of the hole you
have cut, follow the procedure below:
1. Push any insulation away from inside the speaker
hole.
Be sure that all blown insulation is at least 4 to 6 in.
(10 to 15 cm) from the edges of the hole.
2. Locate and pull out at least 14 in. (36 cm) of your
speaker cable. Allow enough cable for where you
stand to connect the wires.
7
INSTALLATION
Security brace
Arrow
One of four
clamp screws
Clamp
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Finishing the installation
It is important to have all of your equipment ready and
within easy reach to complete this procedure.
Securing the speaker
As you lift the speaker, keep the speaker cable above
and out of the way to prevent pinching it.
You may notice a security brace, located on the upper
edge of the speaker, for use where local building codes
require it.
1. Use two hands to hold the edge of the speaker as
you guide it into the ceiling hole.
CAUTION: Be sure not to press on the two small drivers
seated on the face of the speaker.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:
You can use a Phillips-head screwdriver to tighten the
screws on the speaker clamps. These clamps exert
pressure inside the ceiling to hold the speaker firmly in
place.
If you choose to use a screw gun or power drill with a
Phillips-head bit:
• Select the lowest torque setting to begin.
• If the screw does not seat properly, use the next
highest torque setting to finish securing the screw.
Or use a Phillips-head screwdriver to finish this
manually.
3. Tighten one of the four clamp screws until you
can feel the frame press firmly against the ceiling.
This indicates that the clamp is extended and is
gripping the ceiling.
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage or remove any of
the foam gasket material along the edge of the speaker.
This gasket is important to the operation of the speaker.
2. Use the small arrow on the inside flange of each
speaker to properly orient the speaker for your
installation.
Refer to “Placement guidelines” on page 4 to review
guidelines for orienting the speakers relative to one
another.
8
CAUTION: Tighten these screws firmly, but avoid using
so much pressure that the clamps compress the ceiling
material. This can cause the material to crumble, creating
an uneven surface with gaps between the speaker face
and the ceiling.
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Clasp
Slot
Bose®
logo
INSTALLATION
4. Locate the clamp screw opposite the one that is
tightened and repeat the process with this clamp.
These two tightened clamps will hold the speaker
in place temporarily.
5. Repeat the process with the other two clamps to
firmly secure the speaker to the ceiling.
Testing each speaker
With the speakers secured to your ceiling, you can
make sure the speaker functions properly before you
attach the grille.
CAUTION: Before you turn on your receiver/amplifier,
be sure there is no unused speaker cable connected to it.
An attached cable that is free at one end can cause a
short and damage your receiver/amplifier.
1. Turn on the receiver/amplifier and play a piece of
music that is familiar to you.
2. Make sure the sound is clear and free of static.
Static may indicate that the speaker cable is not
connected properly. Refer to the “CAUTION:” on
page 7.
Attaching the grille
The grille is designed to fit into the slots on the rim of
the speaker and lock into place with a slight clockwise
twist.
1. Notice the six clasps along the inside edge of the
speaker grille.
2. Position these clasps below the six slots along the
rim of the speaker.
3. On the rim of the speaker, notice the six slots that
the clasps fit into.
Note: To remove the speaker and check the connections,
loosen two of the screws that are opposite each other
first. Use one hand to support the speaker as you loosen
the third screw. Continue to support the speaker and
carefully loosen the final screw.
4. Press the grille onto the rim of the speaker until you
feel the clasps engage and twist the grille slightly to
lock the clasps securely.
Note: If you find it difficult to twist the grille, use rubber
gloves or place a piece of non-slip material over the grille
to improve your grip.
5. Rotate the Bose
logo, as needed, to adjust it for your
room layout.
9
REFERENCE
Ta b
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Painting the exterior parts
If you choose to paint the grille and frame of your
Virtually Invisible
that is appropriate. Painting is optional and Bose
cannot be responsible for the quality of adhesion or
finish of non-factory-applied paints.
For the grille
Latex or oil-based architectural paint requires thinning
for use with a siphon-feed spray gun. Refer to the
owner’s guide provided with your spray gun for
guidelines.
• BE SURE to rotate the Bose
want before painting begins.
• Do not use a sharp implement in the grille perforations
to remove a paint clog, which can damage the grille.
For the frame
You can use either latex or oil-based paints.
Before you begin, insert the provided template/paint
shield inside the rim of the speaker. The tabs catch to
hold the shield in place.
®
791 speakers, be sure to use paint
®
logo to the position you
Limited warranty
Yo ur Virtually Invisible® 791 speakers are covered by
a limited warranty. Details of the limited warranty are
provided on the product registration card that is
included in the carton. Please refer to the card for
instructions on how to register. Failure to register will
not affect your limited warranty rights.
What you must do to obtain Limited
Warranty service
Return the product, with proof of purchase from an
authorized Bose dealer, using the following procedures:
1. Contact the Bose organization in your country/
region (visit Global.Bose.com for contact information
in your country/region) for specific return and shipping instructions.
2. Label and ship the product, freight prepaid, to the
address provided by the Bose organization in your
country.
3. Place any necessary Return Authorization Number
prominently on the outside of the carton. Cartons
not bearing a Return Authorization Number, where
required, will be refused.
Customer service
For additional help in solving problems, contact your
Bose dealer. Or, to contact Bose Customer Service,
refer to the address list included in the carton.
Accessories
For unfinished construction, use the Bose® Rough-in
Kit.
The kit contains parts for two speakers and is designed
for installation after the joists are in place and before
wallboard is added. When installed, the kit reserves a
place for each speaker and indicates where to make the
speaker hole in the wallboard. The kit includes installation instructions.
For further information or to order accessories, contact
your Bose dealer. Or, to call Bose directly, refer to the
address list included in the carton.
Technical information
Compatibility
• Compatible with amplifiers or receivers rated
10-100W per channel/rated 4 to 8 ohms
• 50W IEC continuous power handling; rated 6 ohms
Driver complement
• Two (2) 1" (2.54 cm) dome tweeters configured in
an array
• One (1) 7" (17.8 cm) high-excursion woofer
Material
• Molded ABS engineering-grade polymer
• White frame and grille
Dimensions
• Diameter of each speaker: 10 in. (25.4 cm)
• Depth, with grille on: 4.66 in. (12 cm)
5
• Ceiling hole diameter required: 8
diameter
• Finished surface required: 10 in. (25.4 cm)
Weight
4.73 lb (2.2 kg) each
/8" (21.9 cm)
10
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Troubleshooting
ProblemPossible solution
REFERENCE
The speakers do
not play
Only one speaker
plays
• Check the settings on your receiver/amplifier. Refer to the owner’s guide that came with it for
instruction on settings.
• If other stereo speakers are connected to a second set of audio outputs on your amplifier/
receiver, make sure to select the proper A or B speaker setting to match the A or B outputs
®
connected to your Virtually Invisible
791 speakers.
• Check the balance control on your receiver/amplifier and make sure it is centered.
• Trace the cord from the speaker in question to the receiver/amplifier and make sure no wires
from the + and – terminals on the receiver/amplifier are touching.
• Disconnect the cord from the receiver/amplifier channel and reconnect it to a different
receiver/amplifier channel.
– If the performance is now fine, the problem lies in the original receiver/amplifier channel,
the component source of the music, or the connections between the receiver/amplifier and
the source. Check all of those to make sure they are performing properly. Reconnect the
speaker to the proper channel of a functioning receiver/amplifier.
– If the problem persists, its source is either the speaker wire or the speaker in question.
Follow the next instruction.
• Check the cable connected to the speaker in question to be sure that no wires from the +
and – terminals are touching.
• Disconnect the cord from the speaker in question and reconnect it to another speaker.
– If the performance is now fine, the problem lies in the original speaker. Contact your
authorized Bose
dealer, who will arrange for service. Or, to contact Bose directly, refer
to the address list included in the carton.
– If the problem persists, its source is the speaker wires. Follow the next instruction.
• Replace and re-run the speaker wire only after you have followed the procedure above
and find no other source of the problem.
The bass or treble
is weak
Static or noise from
one speaker
• Check the tonal balance setting on your receiver/amplifier.
• Check for gaps between the speaker frame and the ceiling surface.
• Trace the cord from the speaker in question to the receiver/amplifier and switch the wires
connected to the + and – terminals at that end.
– If this strengthens the bass performance, the problem was caused by inconsistent polarity
of the connections made at either end of the cable.
• Disconnect the cord from the receiver/amplifier channel and reconnect it to a different
receiver/amplifier channel.
• Trace the cord from the speaker in question to the receiver/amplifier. Make sure the wires are
in good condition, are firmly connected, and are not touching across terminals.
• Check the connections from the source of the music to the receiver/amplifier.
• Unscrew the speaker clamps and remove the affected speaker to reveal the cable. Make
sure the wires are in good condition, are firmly connected, and are not touching across
terminals.
• If the previous efforts do not solve the problem, refer to the proposed solutions for “Only one
speaker plays” above.