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UIW RCS III
Reference Series In-Ceiling Speaker
Owner’s Manual
Congratulations
Congratulations on your purchase of the Definitive Technology
UIW RCS III Loudspeaker. This reference quality loudspeaker
provides the highest level of sonic performance and construction
quality and is designed for easy flush-mount installation in
ceilings of homes and commercial spaces. Six years of intensive
research and development by Definitive engineers, working in
collaboration with one of the world’s leading industrial design
firms, has produced the finest architectural loudspeakers on the
market. The beautiful upscale designer styling of this model
is perfect for the finest homes belonging to the most
discriminating homeowners.
The UIW RCS III Loudspeaker
The RCS III:
• Incorporates high power, high definition cast basket Definitive
bass/midrange drivers combined with pressure-coupled lowfrequency radiators and state-of-the-art Definitive 1" dome tweeters.
• Incorporates polypropylene cones with butyl rubber surrounds.
• Incorporates a complete precision crossover system designed by
Definitive engineers for seamless driver blending.
• Incorporates a completely sealed non-resonant medite enclosure to
assure you of laboratory reference quality performance in your home.
• Is moisture resistant to allow use in bathrooms, etc.
• Is easily paintable and comes complete with mounting templates
and plastic paint masks.
• Can be used as an exceptional left main, right main, center channel
or rear/side surround in a state-of-the-art home theater system or as
stereo pairs in a 2-channel music system.
The Sound Quality Is Extraordinary
The UIW RCS IIIs have been voiced by Definitive engineers (using the
superb facilities of the Definitive Technology Advanced Research Facility) to
the same high-end standards as all Definitive loudspeakers. The drivers and
baffles are perfectly integrated into the design to minimize the diffraction
problems that are inherent with most other in-wall loudspeakers. To ensure
that you experience the finest performance possible from your UIW RCS IIIs,
we encourage you to read this owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with the
proper installation and set-up procedures.
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Unpacking Your UIW RCS III Loudspeakers
Please Inspect For Shipping Damage
Each loudspeaker leaves our plant in perfect condition. Any visible or
concealed damage most likely will have occurred in handling after it left the
plant and should be reported at once to your Definitive dealer or the delivery
company that delivered your loudspeakers. Please unpack your system
carefully. Save all cartons and packing materials in case you move or need
to ship your system. Record the serial numbers found on the back of the
UIW RCS III Loudspeakers in the appropriate place on your warranty card.
UIW RCS III Applications
The UIW RCS III is designed to be mounted in ceilings and used as a front
main left, right or center channel loudspeaker in a stealth home theater
system of the highest quality. In addition, they can be used as rear or side
surround speakers or as left and right stereo speakers.
UIW RCS III Positioning
Definitive’s UIW RCS III Loudspeakers are designed to be mounted in ceilings with excellent results. Because of their wide dispersion characteristics
and other aspects of their superb sonic performance, mounting position in
your room is very flexible. Due to the different requirements of the wide
variety of room shapes and sizes, we recommend that you consult with the
custom installation specialist at your Definitive Technology dealer regarding
your own particular needs.
Your Complete Definitive Home Theater
For best results, we recommend that you use Definitive speakers in
combination with your RCS IIIs for the best overall sonic performance.
A popular choice for matching side or rear surround speakers is the
Definitive UIW RSS III. In-wall or free-standing subwoofers may be used
with the RCS III. Popular choices are the in-wall Definitive UIW Sub 10/10,
UIW Sub Reference or our freestanding SuperCube subs.
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Painting Your UIW RCS III Loudspeakers
The UIW RCS III Loudspeakers are easily paintable and are shipped with
plastic paint masks (which should be retained even if you initially decide not
to paint the speakers). The grille and frame must be painted separately, and
for best results, prior to installation.
For the grille, spray painting is the recommended method. Follow the paint
manufacturer’s directions for ventilation and correct spraying procedure. Be
very careful not to clog the speaker grille with too heavy a coat of paint as
this will impair system sonic performance.
For the frame, spray painting is preferred but brush or roller will also give
good results. The supplied frame masks should be put in place to protect the
speaker components for whichever method you choose.
Installation Procedure Overview
The RCS III is designed to be installed inside the ceiling of your home
quickly and easily. Because of its superb sonic performance, installation location within your room is very flexible. Your room is not like anyone else’s
room, and because of its unique size and shape will have its own requirements for optimal sonic performance. We recommend that you consult with
the Custom Installation Specialist at your Definitive Technology dealer
regarding your special needs or if you are at all uncertain about the best and
safest way to install your RCS III.
• Installation of this product must follow all local and state building code
requirements. We strongly recommend using a qualified, professional
installer who is knowledgeable of local building codes.
• The UIW RCS III is designed for mounting inline or at 90 degrees
to 12" on-center ceiling joists.
• If ceiling joists are wider than 12" apart, you will need to shim (or frame in
the enclosure) with appropriate framing material.
• Before starting construction or modification of your ceiling, you should
familiarize yourself with any applicable local fire and building codes.
• Make sure the locations you select do not conceal studs, electrical wiring
or plumbing. Prior to installation, hold the speaker in your chosen location
to make sure it meets the clearance requirements around obstacles such as
studs, corners, beams,
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lighting fixtures and door/window frames.