Boston Acoustics 335, 315 User's Manual

315
335

Designer Series Ceiling-Mount
Speaker Systems

2

Specifications 315 335

Speaker Design Round ceiling-mount speaker Round ceiling-mount speaker

Frequency Response (±3dB) 62–17,000Hz 62–20,000Hz

Recommended Amplifier Power 5–75 watts 5–75 watts

Nominal Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms

Sensitivity [1 watt (2.83v) at 1m] 90dB 90dB

Bass Unit 51⁄4" (135mm) copolymer 51⁄4" (135mm) copolymer

Dimensions 73⁄4" diameter 73⁄4" diameter

(197mm) (197mm)

Mounting Hole Cutout 63⁄4" (172mm) diameter 63⁄4" (172mm) diameter

Mounting Depth (from surface) 33⁄8" (85mm) 33⁄8" (85mm)

Description

Boston round ceiling-mount loudspeakers deliver outstanding sonic performance, but are virtually
invisible in the room. Their smooth, wide-range response makes them perfect for any application—
main speakers, surround use, or background music.

• Fits in standard light fixture for ease of placement.

• Frame and grille can be painted to match any decor.

• Model 335 adds

3

⁄4-inch (19mm) dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter for detailed, articulate sound with

wide dispersion.

This Package Contains

Quantity Description

2 Model 315 or 335 loudspeaker
2 White metal grille
2 Paint mask
2 Cable clamp
1 Hole-cutting template

Examine the contents of the speaker package and confirm that it contains the following:

3

Introduction

IMPORTANT: This manual is written with the assumption that the installer possesses skill in the
proper use of hand and power tools, a knowledge of local fire and building codes, and a familiarity
with the environment behind the surface of the wall or ceiling in which the speakers will be
installed.

You Will Need

1. A utility knife, an electric jigsaw, or another means of cutting a hole in the mounting surface.

2. Phillips and flat-blade screwdrivers.

3. A wire cutter or stripper for preparing the speaker wires.

315/335 Speaker System Side View Mounting Hole

Cutout Dimensions

73⁄4"

(197mm)

33⁄4"

(95mm)

63⁄4"

(172mm)

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Placement

Since the speaker installation is permanent and the furniture placement in a room may not be,
determine a long-term mounting location—one that will accommodate future relocation
of furniture in the room, but will still allow an unobstructed sound path from the speakers to
the listening area.

For best stereo effect, separate the speakers by at least 3 to 6 feet (1–2m). For the most balanced
sound, place each speaker an equal distance from the listener. For the sake of appearance, you
may wish to line up the speaker with lighting or other ceiling fixtures.

NOTE: The speakers should be mounted on a flat surface to form a good seal between the speak­er flange and the mounting surface.

Surround Sound

The compact size and neutral tonal quality
of these speakers make them perfect for
the surround channel of a home theater
system. Place the speakers toward the back
of the room, behind or beside the listening
position.

If possible, place the speakers so they do
not point directly at the listener. An indirect
sound path from the speakers to the
listening position results in a more diffuse
and convincing surround sound effect.

Painting the Speakers

If you intend to paint the speakers, it’s best to do so before installation. Typically, a primer coat is
not necessary.

1. Remove the speaker grille. Carefully pry on one edge with an awl or a small screwdriver. If you
choose to paint the metal grille, do so after detaching it from the speaker. NOTE: You may find it
helpful to thin the paint to be used on the grille. This prevents the paint from filling the holes.

2. Use the form-fitting painting mask provided
to paint the housing. Cover the slots with
masking tape.

3. After painting, remove the mask by carefully
inserting a screwdriver into the slots. Do not
puncture the drivers behind the mask with the
screwdriver.

4. When painting the grilles, be certain that the
paint does not fill the perforated holes in the
metal. If using spray paint, use two thin coats.
If using house paint or other canned paint, thin
the paint to avoid filling the holes.

Preparing for Installation

Take the following steps to prepare for installation:

1. Map out the wiring paths from the speakers to the amplifier. We recommend 18-gauge or larger
wire for runs up to 25 feet and thicker 16-gauge wire for longer runs. Be sure the speaker wire does
not rest or rub against any sharp or pointed objects.

2. Each speaker is 8 ohms nominal. When connecting more than two speakers per amplifier chan­nel, you should use series wiring or an impedance protection device, such as a line transformer.

3. Make sure that the total system’s impedance does not fall below the amplifier’s minimum rating.
If you are not certain, consult your Boston Acoustics dealer.

5

6

Installation

1. Make a 6

3

⁄4" (172mm) cutout using the supplied

template. It is not necessary to remove fiberglass
insulation that may be behind the wall.

2. Run the wire from the amplifier to the cutout. Allow an extra foot of wire at the cutout. Strip

1

⁄2"

(12mm) of insulation off the wire, and tightly twist the wire strands together.

3. Remove the speaker grille. Carefully pry on one side with an awl or a small screwdriver.

4. For wall installation, use the cable clamp
supplied to secure the speaker wire to the
housing. (This clamp is optional in ceiling
installations.) Affix the clamp to one of the
screws used to hold the terminal strip to
the housing.

utility knife

Attach the wires to the terminals

cable clamp

Cut a 6

3

⁄4" hole.

7

5. Connect the wire to the speaker. Maintain consistency of the + (red) and – (black) connections by
using the markings on the wire. Failure to do so will result in degraded sound.

WARNING: To prevent electrical shock hazard, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when
making connections to the speaker.

There are several ways that wire strands are identified:

6. Place the speaker in the hole. Use a Phillips
screwdriver to tighten the four pivoting
mounting arms. IMPORTANT: Avoid
overtightening, as this could break the
mounting arms or damage the ceiling surface.

7. Install the grille. The grille will snap into place.

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Tighten the mounting arms

Attach the grille

Smooth/ribbed Smooth/one rib or stripe Different colored wires Fabric strand

Listening Levels and Power-Handling

The power recommendation for the speakers assumes that you will operate the amplifier in a way
that will not produce distortion. Even our rugged speakers can be damaged by an amplifier if it is
producing distortion.

If you hear a harsh, gritty noise, turn down the volume. Prolonged or repeated operation of your
speaker with a distorted signal from the amplifier can cause damage that is not covered by the
warranty.

Limited Warranty

For two years from the date of purchase, Boston Acoustics will repair for the original owner any
defect in materials or workmanship that occurs in normal use of the speaker system, without
charge for parts and labor.

Your responsibilities are to use the system according to the instructions supplied, to provide safe
and secure transportation to an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative, and to present
proof of purchase in the form of your sales slip when requesting service.

Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, accidents, shipping, or repairs
or modifications by anyone other than an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.

If Service Seems Necessary

First, contact the retailer from whom you purchased the speakers. If that is not possible, write to:

Boston Acoustics, Inc. 300 Jubilee Drive Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.

We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your speaker to the
factory, please ship it prepaid. After it has been repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in the
U.S. and Canada.

300 Jubilee Drive
Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.

978.538.5000

Boston and Boston Acoustics are registered
trademarks of Boston Acoustics, Inc.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
©1998 Boston Acoustics, Inc.
42-470-3