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WL55 WL50
Installer's Guide
In-Wall LCR Speakers
from EMPHASYS have been created
to meet the needs of today’s discrimi-
nating listener, offering a blend of
clarity and output that’s equal to the
needs of a high-performance home
theater or distributed audio system.
In fact, an EMPHASYS In-Wall LCR is
just as appropriate used singly as the
center channel speaker as it is in a
front left/right pairing. Twin woofer
cones of aluminum (WL55) or poly-
propylene (WL50) combine with a
pivoting dome tweeter for remarkably
lifelike lows and crystal-clear highs.
This manual is designed to facilitate
easy installation and adjustment of the
Positioning the Speakers
EMPHASYS In-Wall LCR speakers can be
used in any position of a home theater
speaker system. A single LCR speaker can
be used for the front center channel, or a
pair can be used for left and right at the
front or rear in the system. Because the
In-Wall LCRs are magnetically shielded, it is
safe to place them close to the television.
The In-Wall LCR Speaker as a Center Channel
In-Wall LCR speakers are designed to blend seamlessly with other EMPHASYS speak-
ers and accessories, and to fill the specific needs of any sound configuration. For best
results using the LCR as a center channel speaker, it should be placed either immedi-
ately above (or below) the TV and, preferably, flush with the screen. The performance
of the overall system can be enhanced by aligning the center channel speaker as near
as possible to the horizontal plane of the front left and right speakers.
EMPHASYS In-Wall LCR Series prod-
ucts. To ensure the best performance,
please follow the instructions carefully.
Using the In-Wall LCR as Left & Right Speakers
The In-Wall LCRs, when used in the front left and right positions, should be installed in
vertical orientation.
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Speaker Adjustments
Creating a Zone for Optimized Listening
The In-Wall LCR speakers should be placed so that they project, as
much as possible, toward the listening position. (See Diagram 1)
This will ensure an accurate stereo image and help minimize the
creation of excessive sound reflections. The pivoting tweeters normally
Left Speaker Center Speaker Right Speaker
should be aimed directly toward the
listening position. In other cases
it might be preferable to aim the
tweeters slightly outward, away from
the listening position.
Pivoting the Tweeters
Diagram 1: Listening Zone
The EMPHASYS In-Wall LCR models
are equipped with fully pivotal tweeters that make it easy to
optimize speaker performance to the size and shape of the room
(See Diagram 2) For example, if the speakers are positioned far
from the primary listening area, aim the tweeters directly toward
that area so that the upper frequencies (which are directional in
nature) reach the listener. If the ideal listening perspective is relatively close to the speakers, a better balance of frequencies can
be achieved by aiming the tweeters slightly outward, away from
the listener.
TOP VIEW
B C
Ideal
Listening
Zone
A
A=B=C
CAUTION: The tweeter dome, whether aluminum or silk, can be
damaged through direct contact with fingers or objects. Please be
careful when installing and adjusting the speaker.
The following tips are recommended for use of the In-Wall LCRs in
a home theater configuration:
• If the In-Wall LCR speaker is being used as a main front channel,
the tweeter should be aimed toward the listener.
• If the In-Wall LCR is being used as a rear surround speaker, it
might be desirable to aim the tweeter away from the listener.
This will enhance the diffusion of the sound, particularly for
ambient effects.
Diagram 2:
Tweeter
Push Tweeter Here
Preparing the Wall Surface
Precautions for Installation
Careful consideration should be given to the possible presence
of electrical conduits, piping and other elements within the walls
before the In-Wall LCR speakers are installed. If there is any doubt
regarding the most acceptable locations for the speakers, please
consult EMPHASYS Technical Support or the dealer.
New Construction: Unfinished Wall
A new construction bracket, available from your EMPHASYS dealer, can be installed prior to drywall application across studs (up to
24" on-center) where a speaker will be located. Once the hole is
cut and the drywall is installed, the speaker can be easily installed
in accordance with the instructions for mounting in “Finished Wall”
below.
Finished Wall
Two-conductor wire should be run to the proper wall locations
before the speakers are affixed. To ensure a professional-looking
installation, observe the following steps:
1. Choose the general location for the installation of each speaker,
being certain that these areas present no obstructions such as
electrical conduit, HVAC duct work or water lines.
flange. This flange extends beyond the mounting hole
on all four sides of the speaker.
3. Mark the hole. A template for setting the hole is provided in the
box (as are two paint mask inserts). Position the template in the
desired position and outline it on the wall using a pencil.
4. Cut the hole. CAUTION: This is the most important part of the in-
stallation
. If you aren’t certain whether there are any obstructions
in the desired mounting area, use a drywall saw to cut a small
hole at the center of the spot you’ve outlined.
Cut at a 45° angle toward the inside of the hole. (See Diagram 3)
You can use the piece cut out to fill the hole again, if obstructions
are found. Once the mounting location is deemed to be free of
obstructions, cut the outline at a 90° angle relative to the surface
of the wall.
Diagram 3:
Wall Cutout
TOP VIEW OF WALL
2. Find the studs nearest the desired location for the speaker.
EMPHASYS recommends the use of a good stud finder for this
procedure. If you are lining up the speakers to some other object
or molding in the room, be sure to allow for the size of the baffle
5. If the area in the wall isn’t already insulated, add insulation
material sufficient to fill the cavity. If the insulation material used is
faced with foil or paper, position the foil or paper away from the
speaker.
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Installing the Speakers
Mounting Feet
F
l
ange
The In-Wall LCR speakers feature a mounting system with six swiveling feet for quick, secure installation. Use the following steps:
1. Remove the grille. (To force the grille out of its retaining
groove, it may be necessary to push one or two of the mounting screws and its attached foot toward the baffle and against the
inside surface of the grille.)
2. Attach the speaker wire (observing the proper polarity with
your amplifier, matching positive (red) to positive and negative
(black) to negative). Be certain the left channel of the amplifier is
connected to the left speaker, and that the right channel is connected to the right speaker.
3. Be sure the mounting feet are turned inward to clear the opening, and then insert the speaker into the wall. Position the speaker
in the hole. Note: The flange of the speaker is designed to conform
to minor imperfections in the wall surface.
Tighten the six screws
on the front of the baffle only so much that the flange becomes
snug against the wall. As you tighten the screws, the feet will flip
into an outward position (See Diagram 4), clamping the drywall
between the feet and the flange.
CAUTION: Excessive tightening may torque the baffle, crack the
wall, cause the white bezel to distort and make it difficult to seat the
grille within the grooves.
4. Push the grille firmly into the slot in the speaker baffle.
Diagram 4:
Mounting Feet
Adjusting the Frequency Response for WL55 & WL50
Treble Adjustment
The Treble switch allows +3dB of adjustment from the “0” position, where the most linear frequency response is maintained. If
more treble is desired, simply move the switch to the “+3” position. To return to the neutral setting, move the switch back to the
“0” position. The Treble switch can be adjusted whenever desired.
(See Diagram 5)
Bass Adjustment
The Bass switch provides +3dB of bass adjustment from the “0”
position, where the flattest bass frequency response is maintained. For extra bass, push the switch to the “+3” position. To
return to the neutral setting, push the switch back to the “0” position. As with treble adjustment, the Bass switch can be moved
whenever desired. (See Diagram 5)
Diagram 5:
Adjustment Switches
Painting the Speakers
If the speakers are to be painted, we recommend that it be done
before the speakers are actually installed. However, it is possible to
paint the speakers post-installation. Simply remove them from the
wall by reversing the order of the steps for installation described
earlier in this manual.
The paint masks provided in the carton must be installed between
the grille and flange while they are being painted along with the
wall. Be sure to remove the white plastic blanket from beneath
the grille before painting the speaker. Once the grille has been
painted, remove the paint mask, and return the acoustic blanket to
its position beneath the grille.
Be careful not to clog the holes of the grille. The sound of the
speakers will be dramatically reduced if the perforations in the
grille are covered in paint.
EMPHASYS recommends only light spray painting using five parts
thinning agent to one part paint.
Bass Adjustment Switch
Treble Adjustment Switch
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Features & Specs
Speaker Type:
Woofers:
Tweeter:
Sensitivity, 2.83V/m:
Power Handling:
Impedance:
Switches:
Frequency Response:
Dimensions:
Cut Out Dimensions:
WL55
Two-way In-Wall LCR Speaker
1
Two 5
⁄4" Aluminum Woofers
1" Pivoting Aluminum Dome Tweeter
88dB 1W/1m
125 Watts
8Ω
+3dB Bass & Treble Switches
40Hz - 20kHz
15
H 15
⁄16" x W 8" x D 37⁄16"
1
H 14
⁄2" x W 63⁄16"
WL50
Two-way In-Wall LCR Speaker
1
Two 5
⁄4" Polypropylene Woofers
1" Pivoting Silk Dome Tweeter
88dB 1W/1m
100 Watts
8Ω
+3dB Bass & Treble Switches
45Hz - 20kHz
15
H 15
⁄16" x W 8" x D 37⁄16"
1
H 14
⁄2" x W 63⁄16"
Limited Ten-Year Warranty
EMPHASYS Audio Systems (“Vendor”) makes no warranties with respect to the
Product or to the use and limitation of authority of the Product, except as set
forth herein or expressly authorized, in writing, by Vendor. Vendor warrants
equipment manufactured by it to be free from defects in material and work-
manship under normal use and regular service and maintenance for the lessor
of 10 years from date of installation or 10 years from the date of purchase. If
within the applicable warranty period purchaser discovers such item was not
as warranted and promptly notifies Vendor in writing Vendor, as its sole liability
and its customers’ exclusive remedy, shall repair or replace the item at Vendor’s
expense or refund the purchase price. Replacement of any item hereunder
shall not operate to extend the original warranty period as to any item, includ-
ing replacement items supplied hereunder. This warranty shall not apply to
equipment (i) not manufactured by Vendor, (ii) which has been repaired or
altered by other than Vendor, or (iii) which shall have been subjected to negli-
gence, misuse, misapplication, accident, fire, abuse, damage by circumstances
beyond Vendor’s control, acts of God, or to improper operation, maintenance
or storage, or to other than normal use or service. The foregoing warran-
ties do not cover reimbursement for labor, transportation, removal, installa-
tion, or other expenses which may be incurred in connection with repair or
replacement. Except as may be expressly provided in an authorized writing
by Vendor, Vendor shall not be subject to any other obligations or liabilities
whatsoever with respect to equipment manufactured by Vendor or services
rendered by Vendor. It is expressly understood that vendor’s standard warranty
is made in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including warranties
of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement, and
all such warranties are hereby disclaimed by vendor and excluded from this
standard warranty. It is further understood that vendor’s liability hereunder
or in connection with the manufacture or sale of the products, whether in
contract, in tort, for infringement, for negligence or otherwise shall be limited
to the terms of this standard warranty. Purchaser agrees that EMPHASYS shall
not, in any event, be liable for special, incidental, indirect or consequential
damages (including, without limitation, any loss of anticipated profits incurred
by buyer). The price stated for the equipment is a consideration in limiting
EMPHASYS' liability.
Technical Support
The Technical Support hotline is ready with answers to questions regarding
this and other products from EMPHASYS. Simply call 866.469.0748. We are
available to assist you every weekday, except holidays, between the hours of
7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PST.
940 Columbia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507
866.469.0748 • Fax 951.750.6304 • emphasysav.com
1300-0022000 (rev1)
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