Sonance Quintette 521QR, Quintette 522QR Instruction Manual

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing Sonance Quintette™ in-ceiling speakers. When
properly installed, these speakers will give you many years of entertainment
pleasure. To get the most out of your new speakers, please read this
manual thoroughly before you begin installation. This manual covers
the Quintette 522

QR and 521QR speaker models.

PARTS LIST

Your Sonance Quintette in-ceiling speakers include the following:

• (2) Sonance Quintette speakers

• (2) Paintable grilles

• (2) Plastic paint plugs to protect speakers during painting

• (1) Mounting cutout template (in packaging)

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Quintette FlexBracket (part# 91966) — Plastic template to reserve a

mounting hole for the speaker in new construction. Designed to be
used with the RotoLock® mounting system.

Quintette Coverplate (part# 91458) — Covers the hole made by the
FlexBracket during construction until the speaker is installed.

SPEAKER PLACEMENT

The locations of the speakers should be determined by considering your
primary listening location, the primary use for the speakers (distributed
audio, 2-channel stereo or home theater) and aesthetic values. For
optimum results contact your Authorized Sonance Dealer for advice.

Distributed Audio Placement (Mono Signal)

Sonance Quintette in-ceiling speakers have very smooth and predictable
off-axis response, increasing placement options while providing
excellent coverage in distributed audio systems. The chart below shows
how far apart the speakers can be placed while still providing good
coverage. The distances are based on ±45° of coverage from the speaker
and on ear heights of 62” for standing listeners and 40”for seated listeners.

Home Theater Placement

Left, Center and Right Speakers

• Place the left, center and right speakers from 1 foot to 2 feet in front of
the video screen, anywhere from 6 feet to 10 feet apart, with the center
channel speaker as close to midway between the left and right speakers as
possible.

• Place the left & right speakers at least 2 to 3 feet away from the side walls.

• The main listening position should be between 4 and 10 feet away from
the speakers.

Left & Right Surround Speakers (5.1-Channel System)

Locate the left and right surround speakers on the ceiling between 2 feet
and 6 feet behind the listening position. The speakers should be between
6 feet and 10 feet apart. Since the surround speakers are usually called­upon to create diffuse effects like the sound of wind or rain, they can be
located close to walls without adversely affecting sound quality.

Use Illustration 1 as a guide for home theater speaker placement.

2-Channel Placement

Follow the directions for Home Theater Placement for the left and right
speakers.

WIRE GAUGE

Extra resistance in the speaker wire can make a speaker sound less
dynamic and reduce definition of the bass frequencies. In extreme cases,
it can even attenuate high frequencies. Also, amplifier power is wasted in
wire with extra resistance, reducing your system’s maximum output level.

To prevent degrading sound quality, the total wire resistance should be
less than 10% of the speaker’s impedance.This means that for an 8-ohm
speaker, the total resistance of the wire should be less than 0.8 ohms.

Refer to the following table when selecting the proper wire gauge for
your system:

1

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SONANCE QUINTETTE™SERIES
5¼” IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

Illustration 1: 5.1-Channel Home Theater Placement

2' – 6'

Left & Right

Surround
Speakers

6' – 10'

apart

Left, Center

& Right

Speakers

TV

1'– 2'

6'– 10'

apart

2'– 3'

Speaker spacing in feet for a distributed audio system

Standing Listener Seated Listen er

8-fo ot ceiling

10-foot ceiling

12-foot ceiling

14-foot ceiling

5.7'

9.7'

13.7'

17.7'

9.5'

13.5'

17.5'

21.5'

Wire resistance in Ohms vs. length of cable run

Distance in Feet 50' 100' 150' 200' 250' 300'

20 gauge

18 gauge

16 gauge

14 gauge

12 gauge

10 gauge

1.04

.65

.41

.26

.16

.10

2.07

1.30

.82

.52

.32

.20

3.11

1.96

1.22

.77

.49

.31

4.14

2.61

1.63

1.03

.65

.41

5.18

3.26

2.04

1.29

.81

.51

6.22

3.91

2.45

1.55

.97

.61

2

PREPARING THE INSTALLATION LOCATION

All Sonance speakers are designed to be relatively insensitive to
variations in enclosure volume. To achieve the ultimate performance
from your speakers, a section of the ceiling bay can be sectioned-off to
form a back box. Building such an enclosure will create a dramatic
improvement in bass performance and power handling.

Ideal back box volume requirements:

Quintette 522

QR 0.75 ft

3

Quintette 521

QR 0.60 ft

3

Insulating the Ceiling Cavity

To reduce sound transmission to adjacent rooms and further improve
speaker performance, insulate the ceiling cavity by inserting a sheet of
unfaced fiberglass insulation above and below the speaker.

To reduce noise produced by unsupported drywall, install fiberglass
insulation in the ceiling bays adjacent to the speaker location.

INSTALLING THE SPEAKERS

New Construction

For installations in new construction, Sonance recommends using
a Quintette FlexBracket (part#91966) to reserve a location for the
speaker. The FlexBracket is nailed or screwed to the studs and serves as
a guide for the drywaller so that the speaker hole will be in the desired
location once the drywall is installed.

Quintette FlexBrackets are compatible with the RotoLock® mounting
system (see Retrofit, below).

Retrofit

Quintette speakers feature an integral RotoLock® mounting system for
quick mounting directly into existing ceilings and walls. Once the hole is
cut and the cable is run, you can install the speaker in a matter of seconds.

1. Determine the location for the speaker (see Speaker Placement).

2. Perform an obstruction survey to be certain that there are no studs,

conduit, pipes, heating ducts or air returns that will interfere with the
speaker.

3. The cutout for all Quintette In-Ceiling Speakers is 6

7

/8” (175mm).
There also must be at least 3½” (89mm) depth within the ceiling
cavity for the speaker.

4. Find the cutout template provided in the speaker packaging. 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 outline and insert a coat hanger wire into the hole to
feel-around for possible obstructions.

5. Cut the hole using a drywall saw, and run the speaker wires.

6. Remove the paint plug from the speaker. Connect the speaker wire to
the terminals on the back of the speaker. Double-check that you
connected amplifier + to speaker + and amplifier – to speaker –.

7. Make sure all the RotoLock clamps are in the full clockwise position
so that they are tucked within the cutout border. Insert the speaker
into the hole in the ceiling.

Note: The RotoLock system can accommodate a maximum ceiling
material thickness of 1¼” (32mm).

8. Tighten the four screws on the front of the speaker baffle. The
RotoLock clamps will automatically rotate into position and begin
clamping the speaker.

• When you notice resistance on the four screws the speaker has been
clamped successfully.

The speaker flange is designed to flex and conform to any small
imperfections in the wall surface. Do not tighten the screws so much
so that the flange bows-out.

Important: Always use low-torque settings — NEVER over-tighten.

9. Attach the grille after the speaker has been installed. Insert about half
of the grille into the groove at the edge of the speaker. Gently fit the
remaining half of the grille by working around the speaker, fitting the
grille into the groove as you go.

Note: You can adjust the torque applied to the RotoLock screws to
achieve a proper grille fit.

Illustration 2: Quintette FlexBracket Installation

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SONANCE QUINTETTE®SERIES
5¼” IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

Steps 6 & 7:

Step 8:

Step 9:

Ceiling Joist

FlexBracket Wing

PAINTING THE SPEAKERS AND GRILLES

You can paint the speakers and grilles before installing them, which will
eliminate the “paint scar” if the speaker ever needs to be removed for
service. You can also paint the speakers after installation, but before the
grilles are attached. All Quintette speakers come from the factory fitted
with a plastic ‘paint plug’. Use the paint plug to protect the speaker
drivers while the flange is being painted along with the wall.

Sonance always suggests painting the grille separately from the speaker.
Before painting, carefully remove the under-grille cloth. It is held in place
with a light tacking glue that makes it easy to remove.

Spray the grilles with thinned paint (5 parts thinner to 1 part paint),
being careful not to plug the holes. Too heavy a coat of paint on the grille
will adversely affect the sound of the speaker.

Once the grilles and flange are painted and dry, replace the under-grille
cloth, remove the paint plug from the speaker flange and install the grille.

PIVOTING THE 522

QR TWEETER

The Quintette 522QR has a pivoting tweeter that allows you to direct
sound toward or away from the listening area.

If you’re using the speakers in stereo or as the front L/C/R speakers in a
home theater,you should pivot the tweeter directly towards the listening
area. This can be especially helpful if the speakers are widely-separated
and the music fails to blend into a central sonic image.

If you’re using the speakers as surround channel speakers in a home theater,
you can create a more diffuse, spacious surround effect by aiming the
tweeters towards a wall or window, away from the listeners.

To pivot the tweeter:

Apply light pressure on the oval plastic tweeter mounting ring, as shown
in Illustration 3.

Note: Do not touch or apply pressure to the tweeter dome.

SPECIFICATIONS

Quintette 522QR

Tweeter ¾" (19mm) Cloth dome pivoting

Woofer 5¼" (133mm) Black polypropylene cone with a

rubber surround

Frequency Response 55Hz – 20 kHz ±3dB

Sensitivity 90dB (2.83V / 1 meter)

Power 5 watts minimum; 45 watts maximum

Impedance 8 ohms nominal; 6 ohms minimum

Grille Perforated aluminum

Dimensions (Dia x D): 8¼" x 3½" (210mm x 89mm)

Cutout Diameter: 67/

8" (175mm)

Weight 7.0 lbs (3.2 Kg) per pair

Quintette 521QR

Tw ee t e r

5

/

8" (16mm) Polycarbonate dome

Woofer 5¼" (133mm) Black polypropylene cone with a

rubber surround

Frequency Response 60Hz – 20 kHz ±3dB

Sensitivity 88dB (2.83V / 1 meter)

Power 5 watts minimum; 45 watts maximum

Impedance 8 ohms nominal; 6 ohms minimum

Grille Perforated aluminum

Dimensions (Dia x D): 8¼" x 3½" (210mm x 89mm)

Cutout Diameter: 6

7

/8" (175mm)

Weight 7.0 lbs (3.2 Kg) per pair

3

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SONANCE QUINTETTE®SERIES
5¼” IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

Illustration 3: Pivoting the 522QR Tweeter

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND SERVICE

If you any have questions about the operation or installation of this
product, please call our Technical Assistance Department on any
business day at [phone] or [phone]; from 7 a.m. to
5 p.m., Pacific Time.

If your speakers should need repair or service, contact your
Sonance Authorized Dealer for help, or use the following procedure:

1. Prior to calling, note the product’s model number, serial number,
purchase date, and the name and address of the dealer where you
purchased the product.

2. Contact our Technical Assistance Department at the above num­ber(s) and describe the problem the unit is experiencing. If
applicable, they will issue a Return Authorization Number.

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST HAVE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TO
RETURN YOUR SPEAKER TO SONANCE!

3. If you’re directed to return the unit to Sonance for repair, pack the
unit in its original shipping carton. If needed, you can obtain
replacement packaging from us for a small charge. Note: it is best
if you place the box into an additional outer “overcarton” before
shipment to minimize a chance of theft in shipment. Please
include a copy of the original bill of sale inside the package.

4. Contact United Parcel Service, Federal Express, or RPS to arrange
prepaid (not collect) shipping. Do not use the U.S. Mail Service.

IMPORTANT: FREIGHT COLLECT SHIPMENTS WILL BE
REFUSED.

5. Write the Return Authorization Number on the outside of

the shipping carton.

6. Ship the packaged unit to:

Quality Assurance Department
Sonance
212 Avenida Fabricante
San Clemente, CA 92672-7531

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY COVERAGE (U.S. ONLY)

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.

Defective products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase,
prepaid insured to the Authorized Sonance Dealer from whom they
were purchased, or to the Sonance factor at the address listed on this
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 in transit is to be borne by the purchaser. If, upon examination
at the Factory or Authorized Sonance Dealer, it is determined that the
unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this
warranty period, sonance or the Authorized Sonance Dealer will, at its
option, repair or replace this product at no additional charge, except as
set forth below. It this model is no longer available and can not be
repaired effectively, Sonance, at is sole option, may replace the unit with
a current model of equal or grater 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 property 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 Authorized Sonance Dealer has been advised of
the possibility 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 limitation and exclusion may not apply. All
implied warranties on the product 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.

EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS

The warranty set forth above is in lieu of all other warranties,
express or implied, of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, or otherwise. The warranty is limited to Sonance products
registered herein and specifically excludes any damage to
loudspeakers and other allied or associated equipment which may
result for any reason from use with this product. Sonance shall, in
no event, be liable for incidental or consequential damages arising
from any breach of this warranty or otherwise. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary
from state to state.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SONANCE QUINTETTE®SERIES
5¼” IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

33-3813 05/05

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

www.sonance.com

©2005 Sonance. All rights reserved. Sonance is a registered trademark of Dana Innovations, Inc. Quintette and RotoLock are registered trademarks of Sonance.