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UIW RSS II
Reference Series In-Wall/In-Ceiling Surround Speaker
Owner’s Manual
Congratulations
Congratulations on your purchase of the Definitive Technology
UIW RSS II 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 or walls 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 RSS II Loudspeaker
The RSS II:
• 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 rear/side surround or main speaker
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 RSS IIs 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 RSS IIs,
we encourage you to read this owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with
the proper installation and set-up procedures.
Unpacking Your UIW RSS II 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 Defi
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 carton of the
UIW RSS II Loudspeakers in the appropriate place on your warranty card.
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nitive dealer or the delivery
UIW RSS II Applications
The UIW RSS II is designed to be mounted in ceilings or in walls as a rear or
side surround speaker in stealth home theater systems of the highest quality.
In addition, they can be used as a front left, right or center main speaker in a
home theater or as a left or right stereo speaker.
UIW RSS II Positioning
Definitive’s UIW RSS II Loudspeakers are designed to be mounted in walls
or 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.
As a general guide when using the RSS II as a surround speaker:
• Try not to locate the RSS IIs forward of the main listening position.
• If ceiling-mounting these speakers directly on either side of the main
listening position, the speakers should be oriented so that one set of drivers
shoots at the listening position and the other set shoots away from the
listening position.
• If ceiling-mounting the speakers directly behind the main listening position, orient the speakers so that one set of drivers shoots towards the listening position and the other set shoots back away from the listening position.
Your Complete Definitive Home Theater
For best results, we recommend that you use Definitive speakers in
combination with your RSS IIs for the best overall sonic performance.
Painting Your UIW RSS II Loudspeakers
The UIW RSS II 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.
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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 RSS II is designed to be installed inside the wall or 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 RSS II.
• 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 RSS II is designed for both In-Wall and In-Ceiling mounting.
• For In-Ceiling mounting, 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, lighting fixtures and door/window frames
• For In-Wall mounting, the speaker requires 1
1
/4" of clearance inside the
wall, on all four sides of the cutout, to clear the lock arms. If the desired
location is closer than 11/4" to a stud on one of the long sides of the speaker,
the long side of the speaker enclosure must be installed directly against the
stud to prevent rattling.
• For In-Ceiling mounting, the speaker enclosure must be directly against
two joists and/or framing material on the two long sides that are to be
fastened with the screws. 1
1
/4" of clearance is required on the two
remaining sides of the enclosure to clear the lock arms.
• For all mounting applications, 1" of clearance is required around the
cutout, on the outside mounting surface, to clear the speaker bezel.
• Also note that the installation of the RSS II may require some modifi
of the joist structure in your ceiling. This should only be done by a competent professional who will configure the studs to maintain their structural
integrity and make sure that everything is in compliance with all local and
state building code requirements.
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