I n s t a l l a t i o n G u i d e
Pro870FX ■ Pro770FX
P r o f e s s i o n a l Q u a l i t y , C a b i n e t ,
S u r r o u n d E f f e c t s L o u d s p e a k e r s
CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you for choosing a superior StageFront Home Theater Solutions™ Cabinet FX
loudspeaker from Niles. With proper installation and operation, you should enjoy
years of trouble-free use.
Niles manufactures the industry’s most complete line of custom installation
components and accessories for audio/video systems. To see the complete Niles
product assortment, visit us on the Internet at: www.nilesaudio.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Features and Benefits 2
Installation Considerations 3
Loudspeaker Placement 4
Finishing the Installation 6
Operation 9
Specifications 10
Limited Warranty 12
Warranty Registration Card 13
INTRODUCTION
The StageFront Home Theater Solutions loudspeakers are expressly designed
for superior sonic quality in home theater applications. Each model employs
advanced technology components that extract the subtle nuances in recorded
music or the thunderous action sound in a movie. Models that end in “FX” are
intended primarily for special effect placement. Models ending in “LCR” are
designed for front channel left/center/right placement or wherever a monopole
design is required. StageFront models are the perfect choice wherever quality of
sound is the most important consideration.
Pro770FX
Stock Number
FG01337
Pro870FX
Stock Number
FG01137
1
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
INTERLACED CARBON-FIBER WOOFER WITH BUTYL RUBBER SURROUND
Provides dynamic theater quality sound at sustained high-power output levels
DUAL SIDE-FIRING CARBON-FIBER MIDRANGES WITH DUAL TETERON™ DOME
TWEETERS
Provide diffuse sound fields for optimum surround effects
FORWARD-FIRING FLUID-COOLED TETERON™ DOME TWEETER
Deliver ultra-wide dispersion and silky-smooth response
FORWARD-FIRING FLUID-COOLED TETERON™ DOME MIDRANGE*
*Pro770FX only
Allows for precise imaging regardless of placement
FORWARD-FIRING FLUID-COOLED CARBON-FIBER CONE MIDRANGE*
*Pro870FX only
Provides precise imaging regardless of placement
12V CONTROLLED DIPOLE/BIPOLE RELAY
Accommodates automated DVD-Audio or Dolby® surround sound effects
FRONT-MOUNTED DIPOLE/BIPOLE SWITCH AND EFFECTS LEVEL CONTROL
Enables fine-tuning after installation
CROSS-BRACED CABINET
Delivers the ultimate in rigidity and sound clarity
POLISHED BLACK CABINET WITH SCULPTED CHARCOAL ALUMINUM GRILLE
Presents an elegant yet unobtrusive appearance
DOLBY DIGITAL® READY
The StageFront Home Theater Solutions loudspeakers are expressly designed
for superior sonic quality in home theater applications. All models exceed the
specifications set forth by Dolby Laboratories for the accurate reproduction of Dolby
Digital-Encoded Sources
2
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER POWER
For satisfactory performance, we recommend using a surround amplifier with
a power rating of 20-150 watts for the Pro770FX. We recommend an amplifier
power rating of to 20-200 watts for the Pro870FX. Most loudspeakers are not
damaged by large amplifiers, but rather by small amplifiers. If your system is
playing loud music, a small amplifier will run out of power very quickly and can
create damaging “clipping” distortions. A more powerful amplifier will play at the
same volume without distorting. See OPERATION on page 9 for more information
about amplifier clipping distortion.
LOUDSPEAKER WIRE
Use 2-conductor loudspeaker wire when connecting loudspeakers to your receiver
or amplifier. For most applications, we recommend using 16-gauge wire. For wiring
runs longer than 80 feet, we recommend 14-gauge wire. Every StageFront Pro
loudspeaker features gold-plated, five-way binding posts that will accommodate up
to 12-gauge wire directly. Larger sizes can be accommodated via pin connectors.
NOTE: THESE FIVE-WAY BINDING POSTS CAN BE CONNECTED IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS (E.G.,
BANANA PLUGS, SPADE TERMINALS, AND DIRECT WIRING).
When running wire inside walls or ceilings, use special jacketed cable (CL-2 or CL-3)
to protect the wire and to meet local electrical and fire codes. In some areas, conduit
is also required. For a trouble-free installation, low-voltage wire such as loudspeaker
wire must be run in accordance with the National Electrical Code and any applicable
provisions of the local building code. If you are unsure of the correct installation
techniques, wire jacket, or type of conduit to use, consult a professional audio/video
installer, building contractor, or the local building and inspection department.
TECH TIP
Wire size is expressed by its AWG (American
Wire Gauge) number – the lower the number,
the larger the wire. For example, 12 AWG is
physically larger than 14 AWG.
3
LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
NOTE: STAGEFRONT FX LOUDSPEAKERS ARE DESIGNED FOR USE IN EFFECT CHANNEL
APPLICATIONS. FOR FRONT LEFT, CENTER OR RIGHT-CHANNEL NEEDS, WE RECOMMEND USING
STAGEFRONT LCR LOUDSPEAKERS.
PLACING THE STAGEFRONT FX AS THE SIDE LEFT AND RIGHT LOUDSPEAKERS
In home theater, the goal is to reproduce the experience of a great movie theater
in your home. The biggest difference between the two venues is the use of a rearor surround-loudspeaker array in a commercial theater. Here, it is not uncommon
to see 20 or 30 loudspeakers placed around theater walls. This huge array of
loudspeakers assures the audience will feel completely surrounded by the ambient
soundtrack of the movie.
Filmmakers carefully use the “surround” soundtrack to envelope viewers in the
sound environment on screen. They will place background music, rain sounds,
traffic noise, etc. on the “surround” soundtrack to create desired effects. However,
in a home with a single pair of front loudspeakers, this surround effect will be lost,
and jungle sounds may actually sound like they are emanating “from the middle of
your head,” just like headphones!
Each StageFront FX loudspeaker is equipped with a BIPOLE/DIPOLE front switch
as well as a 12-volt trigger jack on the rear of the enclosure. This jack will switch
the StageFront FX loudspeaker from the front switch setting to its opposite
position (such as from a setting of Dipole to Bipole) for as long as voltage is
applied to this connection. Tip is positive. Use a source that will supply 12 volts
DC 200 mA minimum for this trigger. These controls optimize the surround effects
for either side or rear placement as well as various surround modes. (see SETTING
THE BIPOLE/DIPOLE MODE on page 8). Here are some recommended loudspeaker
placement tips:
■ Place the surround loudspeakers on a rear wall directly behind the listening position.
If possible, try placing the loudspeakers nearer to the corners, as shown in Figure
1 and 2. Set each BIPOLE/DIPOLE switch to DIPOLE for reflected sound. Moreover,
the adjoining walls will act as powerful reflectors to create even more reflections.
■ If you place the surround loudspeakers farther away from the listener, the surround
sound will dissipate, requiring even more power from the surround-sound channels.
If your sound system uses a small (less than 50 watts per channel) surround
amplifier for the rear loudspeakers, be sure to place the loudspeakers within 5 to 8
feet of the listening location.
■ If you are using a larger (more than 50 watts per channel) surround amplifier, you
can mount the loudspeakers 10 to 15 feet away from the listening location and still
achieve reasonably high volume levels. In large or unusually shaped rooms, this
might be the only way to achieve a good effect.
4
Left Right
Left
Right
Figure 1. ProFX loudspeakers are
placed near back corner walls of a
home theater room.
■ If your home theater system is capable of reproducing Dolby Surround EX
Figure 2. ProFX loudspeakers are
placed near back corner walls of a home
theater room with an L-shaped sofa.
®
sound,
consider using a second pair of StageFront FX loudspeakers (on the side walls) for
an additional rear surround effect, as shown in Figure 3. Ideally, the side loudspeakers
should be placed in-line with the listening position with the BIPOLE/DIPOLE controls set to
DIPOLE. For a more focused surround effect, set the BIPOLE/DIPOLE controls to BIPOLE.
■ If you like listening to music in surround modes (which emulate concert hall
acoustics), consider using more than two surround loudspeakers to provide an
extraordinary effect. With StageFront FX loudspeakers, it is easy to add another pair
without affecting the decor of the room.
NOTE: FOR THIS APPLICATION, YOU WILL NEED TO USE A MORE POWERFUL AMPLIFIER THAN
THE ONE BUILT INTO A TYPICAL SURROUND-SOUND RECEIVER OR AMPLIFIER. NILES MAKES A
NUMBER OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION AMPLIFIERS WITH PROPRIETARY FEATURES THAT MAKE
THEM UNIQUELY SUITED TO ENHANCE YOUR EXISTING SURROUND-SOUND SYSTEM. CONSULT
YOUR LOCAL NILES DEALER FOR MORE INFORMATION.
THE BOUNDARY EFFECT
Placing a loudspeaker in a corner can powerfully affect the way a listener perceives
bass response. Known as the boundary effect, placing loudspeakers close to a
wall/ceiling boundary or near a corner wall boundary will emphasize certain bass
frequencies, while canceling others. This effect can make the loudspeaker sound
excessively boomy and inaccurate to some listeners, while to others it just seems
like more bass sound.
As a good rule-of-thumb, if you like listening to your current pair of loudspeakers
with the bass turned up, you’ll enjoy corner placement. However, if you listen with
the tone controls at neutral, try keeping the loudspeakers at least 2 or 3 feet from
the boundaries of the room.
5
FINISHING THE INSTALLATION
Left
Rear Left Rear Right
Right
optional
placement
optional
placement
CONNECTING & INSTALLING THE LOUDSPEAKER
1. Please be sure to install the correct loudspeaker in the correct room position. Look
on the rear label for “Right” or “Left” designation. Install in the appropriate position
as viewed from the listening position facing the video display.
Figure 3. Two pairs of ProFX
loudspeakers reproduce Dolby Surround EX®
sound in a home theater room.
2. At each loudspeaker, route the wire to the input connectors, then separate the
loudspeaker wire so that at least 2 inches of each conductor are free. Strip away
1/4 inch of insulation from each loudspeaker wire. Using correct polarity, connect the
appropriate conductor to each five-way binding post. If you wish to use the 12 volt
triggered Dipole/Bipole automated feature, please insert 1/8” (3.5mm) plug above
speaker inputs. Refer back to page 4 for details.
NOTE: OBSERVE CORRECT POLARITY: POSITIVE (+) GOES TO THE RED POST AND NEGATIVE
(–) GOES TO THE BLACK POST. IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF WIRE POLARITY, SEE THE SECTION,
CHECKING LOUDSPEAKER PHASE ON PAGE 7.
3. Using the supplied template and a level,
mark the position for your two screws
(see Figure 4). Check
width available for the
model you are using and
install two screws into wall.
Ensure that the screws and
the mounting material can
support the loudspeaker
you are installing. The
6
mounting material can be
a stud or anchors of a type
that are sufficient for this
requirement.
Figure 4. Use the supplied loudspeaker template
for on-wall installation.
4. Connect the other end of the loudspeaker
wires to the home theater receiver (or
amplifier) in the same way.
5. Turn on the home theater receiver and
calibrate all loudspeakers in the system
according to the receiver manufacturer’s
instructions.
Figure 5. Connecting loudspeaker
wires to the ProFX terminals.
CHECKING LOUDSPEAKER PHASE
Speaker wire has two conductors. On both your loudspeaker and amplifier, one
conductor is attached to the negative (–) terminals, while the other is attached to
the positive (+) terminals. Usually, the wire is marked for your convenience, but the
marking can be done in the following different ways:
■ Stripe on one wire
■ Ribbed area you can feel on one conductor
■ Different colors of metal wire on each conductor
■ Fabric strand or string wound into one of the conductors
Of course, there are some wires that appear completely identical. So be careful, or
you might make a connection mistake. If you do, one loudspeaker will be playing
“out-of-phase” with the other loudspeaker. A pair of out-of-phase loudspeakers
works against each other, and the sound of the two playing together will be lacking
in bass and sound “phasey.” If you suspect the sound is not right, and you cannot
see any markings on the wire, try this simple test:
1. Stand halfway between the loudspeakers.
2. Play some music with the amplifier or radio set to Mono.
3. Listen to the richness of the bass and the loudness of the sound.
4. Turn off the amplifier and reverse the connections on one amplifier channel only.
5. Repeat the listening test with the same volume control setting. When the sound has a
richer bass and is slightly louder, the loudspeakers are working together or “in-phase.”
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
7
FINISHING THE INSTALLATION
(CONTINUED)
ACOUSTIC FINE TUNING
Each StageFront Pro FX loudspeaker features a Diffuse Sound Level control located
on the front, as shown in Figure 6. Adjust this control as follows:
■ The Diffuse Sound Level control adjusts the level between the side-firing (diffuse)
and front-firing drivers. Increase the level with this control for more ambiance. A
decrease with this control will yield a more direct sound.
SETTING THE BIPOLE/DIPOLE MODE
Each StageFront Pro FX loudspeaker features
BIPOLE/DIPOLE switch located on the front, as
shown in Figure 7. Set the BIPOLE/DIPOLE
switch on each StageFront FX loudspeaker
according to the loudspeaker’s side or rear
placement, as shown on pages 5 and 6. Here
are some tips on usage:
■ Use the DIPOLE setting on rear loudspeakers
when listening to movies and classical
music. The sound will be less focused as it
is reflected along the room’s boundaries.
This is the best choice, since most films are
Figure 6. The Pro770FX includes
Diffusion Level and Bipole/Dipole controls.
mixed using non-localized surround effects,
and classical music is usually recorded in a favorable acoustic environment.
■ Use the BIPOLE setting on rear loudspeakers when listening to discrete multi-
channel recordings that equally emphasize front and surround sounds.
■ For multiple sets of StageFront FX loudspeakers, use the DIPOLE setting on the side
loudspeakers (aimed at the listening position) for a more diffuse surround effect. For
the rear loudspeakers, use the BIPOLE setting to focus the sound.
■ With the 1/8” (3.5 mm) trigger input for Bipole/Dipole mode switching, an IR macro
can be used to control the loudspeaker mode. You can program this as part of your
source selection. This is an easy way to have Dipole envelopment for Movie sources
and Bipole performance for Music sources. (refer to page 4 for details)
INSTALLING THE GRILLES
If desired, at each loudspeaker, carefully fit each grille to its position on the cabinet.
Starting with one corner, gently press the grille frame around the loudspeaker’s
edge, pushing it in at each of the four recessed holes. When properly installed, the
bottom and top of each grille will be nearly flush in appearance with the cabinet.
8
Figure 7. The Pro870FX
includes Treble, Midrange,
Bipole/Dipole and Diffuse
Sound Level controls.
OPERATION
LISTENING AT HIGHER VOLUMES
Achieving a reasonable volume of sound in a large room requires more amplifier
power than it does in a small room. It is possible to turn the volume up so high that
the amplifier runs out of power. This creates “clipping” distortion, which will make
treble sound very harsh and unmusical. When you hear harsh-sounding treble from
any good loudspeaker, turn the volume down immediately! Those harsh sounds are
masking much more powerful ultra-high-frequency sound spikes, which will quickly
damage any fine loudspeaker. You are much less likely to damage a loudspeaker
driven by a large amplifier because it will be very loud before any clipping distortion
is produced.
CLEANING
Clean the Niles StageFront loudspeaker with a dampened soft cloth or paper towel.
9
SPECIFICATIONS
Pro770FX
Recommended Amplifier Power
20-150 watts per channel
Nominal Impedance
6 ohm nominal; 3.2 ohm minimum
Frequency Response
80Hz to 20kHz, +/- 3 dB
Sensitivity
88 dB with 2.83 V pink noise input measured at
1 meter on axis
Dimensions
13-7/8” W x 16” H x 5-3/4” D*
* Measurements include all grilles and rear
mounting bracket
13-1/2” W x 16” H x 6” D**
**Measurements are without any grilles and
include rear mounting bracket
Wiring Requirements
We recommend using 16-gauge loudspeaker
wire for runs up to 80 feet and 14-gauge
speaker wire for runs up to 200 feet. The
connectors will accommodate 12 to 22
gauge wire.
Pro870FX
Recommended Amplifier Power
20-200 watts per channel
Nominal Impedance
6 ohm nominal; 3.2 ohm minimum
Frequency Response
70Hz to 20kHz, +/- 3 dB
Sensitivity
90 dB with 2.83 V pink noise input measured at
1 meter on axis
Dimensions
19-3/4” W x 18” H x 7-3/4” D*
* Measurements include all grilles and rear
mounting bracket
17-1/2” W x 18” H x 7-1/2” D**
**Measurements are without any grilles and
include rear mounting bracket
Wiring Requirements
We recommend using 16-gauge loudspeaker
wire for runs up to 80 feet and 14-gauge
speaker wire for runs up to 200 feet. The
connectors will accommodate 12 to 22
gauge wire.
10
NOTES
11
LIMITED WARRANTY
NILES AUDIO CORPOR ATION (“NILES”) WARRANTS ITS PASSIVE LOUDSPE AKER PRODUCTS (THOSE NOT REQUIRING
AC OR BATTERY POWER) TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER TO BE FREE OF MANUFACTURING DEFECTS IN M ATERIAL
AND WORKMANSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE.
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IS VOID AND INAPPLICABLE IF NILES DEEMS THAT THE PRODUCT HAS BEEN USED OR HANDLED OTHER TH AN IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFAC TURER, INCLUDING BUT NOT L IMITED TO
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ACCIDENT, MISHANDLING, IMPROPER INSTALLATION, A BUSE, NEGLIGENCE, OR NORMAL
WEAR AND TEAR, OR ANY DEFECT CAUSED BY REPAIR TO THE PRODUCT BY ANYONE OTHER THAN NILES OR AN
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TO OBTAIN WARR ANT Y SERVICE, TAKE THE UNIT TO THE NEA REST AUTHORIZED NILES DEALER, WHO WILL TEST
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12
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NILE S AUDIO C ORPORATION
12331 SW 130 Street, Miami, FL 33186 1-800-BUY-HIFI – www.nilesaudio.com
©2006 Niles Audio Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Niles and the Niles logo are registered trademarks of
Niles Audio Corporation. Stagefront Home Theater Solutions is a trademark of Niles Audio Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. DS00542A
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