Sonance 91922 User Manual

PN. 33-2528

I N S T A L L A T I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S

SONANCE ELLIPSE LCR IN-CEILING SPEAKER

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Sonance Ellipse LCR in-ceiling speaker.
When properly installed, this product will provide you with years of
entertainment pleasure.

To obtain the full potential of your new speakers, please read all
instructions before starting the installation. If you do not have the
necessary skills to install the speakers yourself, contact your
authorized Sonance dealer for installation options.

PARTS LIST

Each Ellipse speaker package includes the following items:

(1) Sonance Ellipse LCR speaker

(1) Paintable grille

(1) Plastic paint plug to protect speaker during painting

(1) Mounting cutout template ( in packaging )

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

FlexBracket - part number 91922

Designed to be used with the Flexbar mounting system.

Plastic template to reserve a hole in new construction.

TM

RECOMMENDED PLACEMENT CONTINUED

Proper placement of the Ellipse LCR is critical for maximum
performance. Try to apply as many of the following recommendations
in your installation.

The speakers should be located from eight to eighteen feet from the
listener. The minimum recommended spacing from speaker to listening
position would be approximately 6 feet in a room with eight foot
ceilings. The height and size of the television will largely determine this
distance. Keep in mind that if the television is placed at eye level and
the speakers are installed less than six feet in front of the listening
position the picture and sound could seem very disconnected.

If possible the speakers should be located a minimum of three to four
feet from the front wall this is the wall the television is on.

The left and right speakers should be separated approximately eight to
twelve feet apart with the center speaker placed as close to the middle
as possible. The Sonic Eye on all three speakers should be pivoted
toward the listening position.

8 to 18 feet

Acoustical Enclosure - part number 91921

A 1/2" medium density fiberboard enclosure designed

specifically for the Ellipse LCR speaker.

Sonafill in-ceiling - part number 91928

Sonafill is a retrofitable acoustical treatment for that virtually
eliminates the noise produced by resonating drywall and

dramatically improves mid-bass sound quality

RECOMMENDED PLACEMENT

The design of many homes today leaves little space for box or in-wall
LCR speakers. The use of in-ceiling LCR speakers has become quite
common in the last few years. Most of these installations have used
speakers not well suited for this purpose. The Ellipse LCR was
specifically designed to solve this problem.

The most important c onsideration when using in-ceiling LCR speakers
is maintaining good cohesion between picture and sound. As a general
rule you should try to install the speakers no more than 4 to 6 feet
away from the top of the television. In a room with 8 foot ceilings and
using a rear projection or large tube television this should be very
easy.

Using the following recommendations will insure your installation
achieves maximum performance from the speakers.

TV

3 to 4 feet

8 to 18 feet

8 to 12 feet

TV

Left Center Right Speaker Placement

1

WIRE GAUGE AND QUALITY

The total wire resistance should be less than 10% of the speaker
impedance. If using an 8 ohm speaker, your total wire resistance
should be no more than 0.8 ohms.

In simple terms, the extra resistance from the wire will have a very
negative affect on the sound quality of the speaker. The sound can be
less dynamic, definition of bass frequencies can be reduced, and in
extreme cases, the high frequencies can be attenuated. Amplifier
power is also wasted in the wire, reducing the maximum output level
of the system.

Please refer to the following chart when deciding on the appropriate
wire gauge for your installation.

Wire resistance in Ohms vs. length of cable run

Distance in Feet

20 gauge

18 gauge

16 gauge

14 gauge

12 gauge

10 gauge

50' 100' 150' 200' 250' 300'

5.18

4.32

3.45

1.73

1.30

.85

.54

.34

.22

2.59

1.94

1.28

.81

.51

.33

2.59

1.71

1.08

.68

.44

3.24

2.14

1.35

.85

.56

3.89

2.56

1.62

1.02

.67

.86

.65

.43

.27

.17

.11

Acoustic Pillow

Damping Tiles

Acoustic Pillow

Damping Tiles

The Sonafill System

PREPARING THE INSTALLATION LOCATION

All Sonance speakers are designed to be relatively insensitive to
changes in enclosure volume. To achieve the ultimate performance
from the Ellipse LCR speaker, a section of the ceiling bay can be
sectioned off to form a back box. Building this enclosure will create a
dramatic improvement in the quality of bass response and power
handling.

Ideal Back box volume:

Insulating the ceiling cavity

Speaker performance can be enhanced by insulating the cavity with
fiberglass insulation.

When installing speakers in a ceiling, it is best to lay a sheet of
unfaced fiberglass insulation over the back of the speaker.

To further improve the sound quality, install insulation in the bays
adjacent to the speaker location. This will reduce noise produced by
the unsupported drywall.

Sonafill

Sonafill is a retrofitable acoustical treatment for loudspeakers that
virtually eliminates the noise produced by resonating drywall and
dramatically improves mid-bass sound quality. Sonafill also reduces
room-to-room noise especially in multi-channel installations where
many speakers are installed.

The Sonafill system consists of two pillows and four tiles. Installation is
accomplished by first adhering the tiles to the inside of the cavity, then
stuffing the two pillows in place behind the tiles.

Ellipse 1.0 LCR 1.00 cubic feet (28.3 liters)
Ellipse 2.0 LCR 1.25 cubic feet (35.4 liters)

®

New Construction

The Ellipse LCR speaker features an integral FlexBar mounting
system for quick mounting into ceilings. The Ellipse FlexBracket is only
necessary in new construction installations when reserving a location
for the speaker is desired.

The FlexBracket will serve as a guide for the drywall installer when
cutting holes for in-ceiling speakers. The FlexBracket can be nailed,
screwed or stapled to the joists so that the hole is in the desired
location once the drywall is installed.

Ellipse FlexBracket

Retrofit

With the FlexBar system, the speaker can be installed directly into
existing ceilings. Once the hole is cut and the cable is run, the
speakers can be installed in a matter of seconds.

Once you have determined the area you would like to locate your
speakers, you will need to do an obstruction survey. Before you cut
the hole for the speaker, be certain no joist, conduit, pipe, heating
duct or air return will interfere with the speaker.

A cut out template is provided in the packaging of the speaker.
Position the template where the speaker is to be located and pencil an
outline on the ceiling. If you are unsure about obstructions drill a small
hole in the center of the circle and insert a coat hanger into the hole to
feel for possible obstructions. If no obstructions are found, proceed
with cutting the hole using a drywall saw and run the speaker wires.

®

2

INSTALLING THE SPEAKERS

Step 1

Remove the paint plug from the
speaker. Attach the wire from your
amplifier to the terminals on the back of
the speaker. Double check the polarity
of the speaker wires, amplifier + to
speaker + and amplifier - to speaker -.
Proper polarity is critical in home theater
installations.

Step 2

To install the Ellipse LCR, insert one side
of the Flexbar clamps through the hole
in the drywall. Once the feet are
through the hole, insert the other side
of the Flexbars into the cutout.

Note: The maximum clamp thickness is
1-1/4" (32mm)

PAINTING THE SPEAKERS AND GRILLES

Speakers and grilles can be painted before installation, which will
eliminate the "paint scar" if the speaker needs to be removed for
service. Speakers may also be painted after installation, but before the
grilles are attached. All speakers come from the factory fitted with a
plastic "paint plug." Use the paint plug to protect the drivers while the
flange is being painted with the ceiling.

Sonance suggests always painting the grilles separate from the
speaker. The grilles may be lightly sprayed with thin paint (5 parts
thinning agent to 1 part paint), but be careful not to plug the holes.
Too much paint will adversely affect the sound of the speaker.

Once the grilles and flange are painted and dry, remove the paint plug
from the flange and install the grilles.

Step 3

Tighten the four screws on the front of
the baffle. The Flexbars will
automatically begin clamping the
speaker. When you notice resistance on
the four screws, the speaker has been
clamped successfully.

The flange is designed to flex and
conform to any small imperfections in
the wall surface. The screws should not
be tightened so far that the flange bows
out.

Step 4

After the four Flexbar screws are
tightened the grille can be installed.
Insert about half of the grille into the
groove at the edge of the speaker.
Gently fit the remaining half of the grill
into the speaker by working your hands
around the speaker fitting the grille into
the groove as you go along.

ADJUSTING YOUR SPEAKERS

The Sonic Eye

The unique sealed pivoting enclosure can direct sound toward or away
from the listening area. To pivot the Sonic Eye, apply light pressure to
the tweeter ring and the outside edge of the midrange. Do not apply
pressure to the midrange cone or the tweeter dome. If you have any
questions about how the Sonic Eye should be adjusted, consult your
authorized Sonance dealer.

Here are some suggestions:

Orient the Sonic Eye toward the listening area if the speakers are
widely separated and the music fails to blend into a central image
when the system is operated in stereo.

When using the Ellipse LCR in a home theater, point the Sonic Eye on
all three speakers towards the listening position for more accurate
sound.

Note: The torque applied to the
mounting screws can be adjusted for
proper grille fit.

3

Ellipse 1.0 LCR

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND SERVICE

Speaker Design In-ceiling LCR infinite baffle

Tweeter 1/2" (13mm) Cloth dome, pivoting
Midrange 4" (102 mm) Polypropylene cone, pivoting
Woofer 6-1/2" (165 mm) Black glass composite cone with a

rubber surround

Frequency Response 50Hz – 20kHz ±3dB
Impedance 8 ohms nominal, 6 ohms minimum
Power 5 watts minimum; 125 watts maximum
Sensitivity 89dB 1W / 1m

Grille Aluminum

Speaker Dimensions 10-1/2" (267mm) x 15-1/2" (394mm) x 5-7/8" (149mm)
Cutout Dimensions 9" (171mm) x 14" (356mm) elliptical

Weight 8.0 lbs (3.63 kg) each

Ellipse 2.0 LCR

Speaker Design In-ceiling LCR infinite baffle

Tweeter 1" (25mm) Aluminum dome, pivoting
Midrange 4" (102 mm) Aluminum cone, pivoting
Woofer 6-1/2" (165 mm) Black aluminum cone with a rubber

surround and extended pole piece

Frequency Response 40Hz – 20kHz ±3dB
Impedance 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum
Power 5 watts minimum; 150 watts maximum
Sensitivity 90dB 1W / 1m

The Technical Assistance Department at Sonance is available at (800)
582-0772 or [phone] to answer any questions concerning the
operation and installation of your speakers between the hours of 7:00
AM and 5:00 PM Pacific time, Monday through Friday, except holidays.

In the event your unit should need repair or service, you may return
the unit to your authorized dealer or use the following guidelines:

1. Be prepared to state the model number and / or serial number,
date of purchase and dealer's name and address when calling.

2. Contact Sonance directly at [phone] or [phone] or
at www.sonance.com

3. If you are returning the product directly to Sonance, call us to
obtain a return authorization number before shipping. YOU MUST

HAVE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TO RETURN YOUR UNIT.

4. The original packaging must be used. If the original packaging is
unavailable, replacements can be obtained from Sonance for a

small fee.

5. Ship the product via a package delivery service such as UPS or

Federal Express. Please do not use the U.S. Postal service.

6. Write the return authorization number on the outside of the box.

7. Ship to:

Attn: Quality Assurance Department

Sonance
212 Avenida Fabricante
San Clemente, CA 92672-7531

Grille Aluminum

Speaker Dimensions 10-1/2" (267mm) x 15-1/2" (394mm) x 5-7/8" (149mm)
Cutout Dimensions 9" (171mm) x 14" (356mm) elliptical

Weight 9.0 lbs (4.1 kg) each

10 1/2" (267mm)

15 1/2" (394mm)

(149mm)

5 7/8"

14" (356mm)

9" (229mm)

8. FREIGHT COLLECT SHIPMENTS WILL BE REFUSED !

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Sonance warrants to the original retail purchaser only that this Sonance product will be free
from defects in materials and workmanship, provided the speaker was purchased from a
Sonance Authorized Dealer after September 1, 2003. Purchases made before that date carry a
limited 5 year warranty.

Defective products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid insured to the
Sonance Authorized Dealer from whom they were purchased, or to the Sonance factory at the
address listed on this installation instruction manual. Freight collect shipments will be refused.
It is preferable to ship this product in the original shipping container to lessen the chance of
transit damage. In any case, the risk or loss or damage i n transit i s to be borne by the
purchaser. If, upon examinat ion at the Factory or Sonance Authorized Dealer, it is determined
that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this warranty
period, Sonance or the Sonance Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace thi s
product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. If this model is no longer available
and can not be repaired effectively, Sonance, at its sole option may replace the unit with a
current model of equal or great er value. In some cases where a new model is substituted, a
modification to the mounting surface may be required. If mounting surface modification is
required, Sonance assumes no responsibility or liability for such modification. All replaced parts
and product become the propert y of Sonance. Products replaced or repaired under this
warranty will be returned to the original retail purchaser, within a reasonable time, freight
prepaid.

This Warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, disaster,
misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use,
voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, or service, repair or modification of
the product which has not been authorized or approved by Sonance. This Warranty also
excludes normal cosmetic deterioration caused by environmental conditions. This Warranty will
be void if the Serial Number on the product has been removed, tampered with or defaced.
This Warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. If the product is defective in
materials or workmanship as warranted above, the purchaser's sole remedy shall be repair or
replacement as provided above. In no event will Sonance be liable for any incidental or
consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the product, even if Sonance
or a Sonance. Authorized Dealer has been advised of the poss ibility of such damages, or for
any claim by any other party.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above
limitati on and exclusion may n ot apply. All implied warranti es on the pro duct are limited to the
duration of this expressed Warranty. Some states do not allow limitation on the length of an
implied warranty. If the original retail purchaser resides in such a state, this limitation does not
apply.

www.sonance.com

Sonance • 212 Avenida Fabricante • San Clemente, CA 92672-7531, USA • [phone] or [phone] • FAX: [phone] • Technical Support: [phone]

©2007 Sonance. Sonance, Sonic Eye, Flexbar, and Sonafill are trademarks of Dana Innovations.