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Rock Speakers
Owner’s Manual
OB-R6W
OB-R6F
OB-R6G
Overview
2
Introduction
Russound introduces a unique line of outdoor
speakers. These Rock Speakers are designed
to look like natural outcroppings of rock
instead of bulky aluminum and plastic speakers that detract from nature’s beauty.
Russound Rock Speakers are a distinctive
addition to your yard and blend into any landscape for a convenient and practical outdoor
audio solution.
The realistic rock speakers are offered in three
styles to match your landscape: Gray Granite,
Fieldstone and White Sandstone. These shapes
and finishes closely mimic rocks found in
nature for a quality, believable look.
The secret to the realistic look of the rock
speakers is in the way they are crafted. The
cast enclosure process produces more lifelike
shapes and surfaces. This process is more
expensive, but the three-layer fiberglass and
resin construction results in an acoustically
better speaker with low resonance for better
sound. The process also creates an environmentally stable and durable speaker housing.
The resulting Rock Speaker has a sturdy,
waterproof cabinet tough enough for use in all
types of weather and environments. The enclosure is silicone sealed and equipped with a
water drain for the speaker opening.
For added convenience an attached security
eyelet is provided to prevent the speaker from
getting ‘carried away.’ Also included are silicone-impregnated wire nuts for weathertight
electrical terminations.
Each speaker has a 6.5” coaxial two-way driver with a polypropylene cone and fully painted
aluminum grille.
With 10 – 100 watt power handling, Russound
Rock Speakers fit any outdoor speaker necessities, for monaural or stereo applications.
Speaker Placement
An important factor for speaker placement is
the location elevation. Select a spot wires can
be run to from the audio system. The speakers should face the listening area and be
spaced for best sound coverage for the area.
The realistic rock shape and finish will blend in
best if placed in a manner that mimics nature,
such as near a rock wall or amidst ground
plantings. Be sure to avoid placing the speaker
in low spots that collect water.
Elevation and Slope
Speakers should be placed on the same level
for balanced sound delivery. Speakers on different elevations will have different sound characteristics. The acoustic design is optimized
to provide the best sound when placed on
level ground at the same elevation as the listening area. Placing the speaker on higher elevations or tilting it upwards will provide less
than optimal sound. Speakers should be
placed for best sound delivery with the base of
the speaker as level as possible. Never lean a
speaker back to aim the sound up as this
could allow it to retain water.
Amplifier Considerations
The Rock Speakers should be powered by an
amplifier that provides a minimum of 10 watts
per channel. An amplifier that has both stereo
and mono capability is a plus, as you may
want to use mono for large areas.
Number of Speaker Pairs
First, determine the size of the listening area,
and identify any gathering areas where folks
will sit or stand. The typical coverage area is
20 feet from the front of the speaker for normal listening levels. There should be a maximum of 20 feet between speakers for better
stereo imaging. Too far away from each other
creates an acoustic void when used for
stereo. Monaural will not be affected to the
same degree.
Use as many pairs of speakers as needed to
achieve the desired coverage and dispersion
of sound. Getting more sound with more
speakers is better than cranking the volume,
which may lead to amp clipping. Large areas
are better served by monaural audio instead
of stereo. In most outdoor environments,
there is no ideal listening area to give stereo
image or separation.
Tools Needed for Installation
• Wire strippers
• Hacksaw or pipe cutter
• Spade or trench tool
• Direct burial rated speaker cable
(Polarity indication should be on the cable)
16AWG minimum - for distances up to 75ft.
14AWG - from 75 to 125 feet
12AWG - from 125 to 175 feet
• PVC conduit, cleaner and cement (optional)
• Silicone caulking
Planning Path for Cable Burial
First, consult your local phone and/or electric
company to learn of existing buried cables or
pipes. Watch for buried water lines or gas
lines. If necessary, use a metal detector to
discover buried cables. Be aware of any local
building code requirements that may be applicable.
Trenching and Burying Cable
To ensure proper installation of direct burial
speaker cable, consult the manufacturer of
the cable you are using, and adhere to all
applicable electrical codes.
After positioning the speakers and determining where any buried obstructions exist, you
can dig the trench. Lay the cable out on top
of the ground from the speaker to the outdoor
volume control to determine length.
Make cable connections at the speaker. Be
sure to observe polarity. Make connections at
the amplifier, and test the system to see if
everything is working properly.
Trench below the frost line for the cable. The
frost line will vary depending on geography,
and is typically no deeper than three feet.
If using conduit, size and cut it to length.
Connect the conduit lengths and elbows with
PVC cement. Ensure all electrical connections
are watertight; seal with additional silicone if
necessary. Run cable through the conduit.
Bury the cable or conduit in the trench, and
leave an extra 3 feet of cable under the
speaker to allow for future adjustments in
position.
Seal the cable paths through structure walls
with silicone.
Installation
3
4
Rock Speaker Placement
Security Eyelet Use
The Rock Speakers have a security eyelet
on the bottom through which a security
cable can be looped. Attach a vinyl coated
cable at a low position to a not-so-easily
removable object like a park bench, fence
post, tree trunk, etc.
Run the cable to the speaker, and bury or
cover the cable to hide visibility and
prevent a trip hazard. Secure the cable to
the eyelet on the bottom of the speaker.
Use compression fittings or a crimp to
form a loop.
The Rock Speakers have been optimized to provide the best response when placed on the same
elevation as the listening area and sitting flat on
the ground. Tilting the speaker up can potentially
create a problem with proper rainwater drainage
also.
Compression
fitting
Security eyelet
Poor placement
Ideal placement
Optimum
sound field
5
The best stereo imaging can be achieved by
placing rock speakers no closer than 20 feet
next to one another. The sound propagation outward from the face of the speaker is ideal within
a 20 to 30 foot range. The rock speakers can
certainly cover larger areas but as the distance
between adjacent speakers increases, the stereo
imaging starts to deteriorate. As the distance
between opposing speakers increases beyond
the 20 to 30 foot range, the volume level to
cover the whole area can reach uncomfortably
loud levels when the listener moves closer to the
speakers.
Rock Speaker Stereo Imaging
20 feet +/-
20 feet +/-
20-30 feet
20-30 feet
6
Model: OB-R6G Gray Granite
Description: Rock loudspeaker
Woofer: 6.5-inch coaxial driver with polypropylene
injection molded cone
Tweeter: 14mm (0.56”) polycarbonate
Frequency Response: 70Hz - 20kHz +/- 3 dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Efficiency: 89 dB (1W @ 1M w/1kHz)
Recommended Power: 10-100 watts per channel
Dimensions: 14”W X 10”H X 9.25”D (35.6 X 25 X 23.5 cm)
Weight: 10 lbs. (4.5 kg)
Model: OB-R6W White Sandstone
Description: Rock loudspeaker
Woofer: 6.5-inch coaxial driver with polypropylene
injection molded cone
Tweeter: 14mm (0.56”) polycarbonate
Frequency Response: 70Hz - 20kHz +/- 3 dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Efficiency: 89 dB (1W @ 1M w/1kHz)
Recommended Power: 10-100 watts per channel
Dimensions: 14”W X 10”H X 9.25”D (35.6 X 25 X 23.5 cm)
Weight: 10 lbs. (4.5 kg)
Model: OB-R6F Fieldstone
Description: Rock loudspeaker
Woofer: 6.5-inch coaxial driver with polypropylene
injection molded cone
Tweeter: 14mm (0.56”) polycarbonate
Frequency Response: 60Hz - 20kHz +/- 3 dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Efficiency: 89 dB (1W @ 1M w/1kHz)
Recommended Power: 10-100 watts per channel
Dimensions: 13”W X 12”H X 10”D (33 X 30.5 X 25 cm)
Weight: 13 lbs. (5.85 kg)
Specifications
7
Warranty & Repair
Warranty
All Russound Rock Speaker products have a Five (5) year Limited Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Proof of Purchase must accompany all claims. During the warranty period
Russound will replace any defective part and correct any defect in workmanship without charge for
either parts or labor.
Russound may replace returned speakers with a product of equal value and performance. In such
cases, some modifications to the mounting may be necessary and are not Russound’s
responsibility.
For this warranty to apply, the unit must be installed and used according to its written instructions.
If necessary, repairs must be performed by Russound. The unit must be returned to Russound at
the owner’s expense and with prior written permission. Accidental damage and shipping damage
are not considered defects, nor is damage resulting from abuse or from servicing performed by an
agency or person not specifically authorized in writing by Russound.
Russound sells products only through authorized Dealers and Distributors to ensure that customers
obtain proper support and service. Any Russound product purchased from an unauthorized dealer
or other source, including retailers, mail order sellers and online sellers will not be honored or serviced under existing Russound warranty policy. Any sale of products by an unauthorized source or
other manner not authorized by Russound shall void the warranty on the applicable product.
Damage to or destruction of components due to application of excessive power voids the warranty
on those parts. In these cases, repairs will be made on the basis of the retail value of the parts and
labor. To return for repairs, the unit must be shipped to Russound at the owner’s expense, along
with a note explaining the nature of service required. Be sure to pack the speaker(s) in a corrugated container with at least 3 inches of resilient material to protect the unit from damage in transit.
This Warranty Does Not Cover:
• Damage caused by abuse, accident, misuse, negligence, or improper operation (installation).
• Products that have been altered or modified.
• Any product whose identifying number or decal, serial #, etc. has been altered, defaced or
removed.
• Normal wear and maintenance.
Due to our continual efforts to improve product quality as new technology and techniques become
available, Russound/FMP, Inc. reserves the right to revise speaker systems specifications without
notice.
Russound
5 Forbes Road, Newmarket, NH 03857
tel 603.659.5170 • fax 603.659.5388
e-mail: tech@russound.com
www.russound.com
28-1193 05/27/05
OutBack
Rock Speakers
Owner’s Manual
Models:
OB-R6F, OB-R6G, OB-R6W
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