
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.

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.
2