Wharfedale Pro PI-C6, PI-W6, PI-W8, PI-C6ST, PI-C8 Instruction Manual

Specifications

Service Centres

The name ‘WHARFEDALE' is a registered trademark of Wharfedale International Limited.
Wharfedale has a policy of continuous product development and reserves the right to

change specification without notice.
Wharfedale is a member of the International Audio Group.

www.wharfedale.co.uk

USA

IAG America, Inc.
15 Walpole Park South
Walpole
MA 02081
Tel: [phone]

CANADA

Korbon Trading Ltd
6800 Kitimat Road
Units 19-20
Mississauga
Ontario
Tel: [phone]

UK

Wharfedale International Ltd.
IAG House, Sovereign Court,
Ermine Business Park,
Huntingdon, PE29 6XU,
England.
Tel:[phone]
Fax: [phone]

BRITAIN'S MOST FAMOUS LOUDSPEAKERS

Pacific Architectural
Loudspeakers

Instruction Manual

PI-C6

PI-C6ST

PI-C8

PI-W6

PI-W8

Dimensions Overall
H x W x D mm
H x W x D inches

Nominal Impedance
Recommended Amp. Power
Sensitivity (1W@1m)
Frequency Response
Bass Unit
Midrange Unit
Treble Unit

250 mm circular
x 102 mm deep

9.85 (circ) x 4.0

4/6/8 Ohms

5-80 Watts

90 dB

60 - 20 kHz

150 mm kevlar

PI-C6

25 mm textile

250 mm circular

x 111 mm deep

9.85 (circ )x 4.4

2 x 8 Ohms
5 -50 Watts

87 dB

60 - 20 kHz

150 mm kevlar

PI-C6ST

2 x 25 mm textile

288 mm circular
x 128 mm deep

11.3 (circ) x 5.0

4/6/8 Ohms

5 -100 Watts

90 dB

50 - 20 kHz

200 mm kevlar

PI-C8

25 mm textile

332 x 232 x 90

12.2 x 8.8 x 3.5

4/6/8 Ohms
5 -80 Watts

90 dB

50 - 20 kHz

170 mm kevlar

PI-W6

25 mm textile

444 x 284 x 110

17.5 x 11.2 x 4.3

4/6/8 Ohms

5 -100 Watts

90 dB

40 - 20 kHz

200 mm kevlar

50 mm Dome

PI-W8

25 mm textile

Tone Controls

HF ±3dB
LF ± 3dB

HF ±3dB

HF ±3dB
LF ± 3dB

HF ±3dB
LF ± 3dB

HF ±3dB
MF ± 3dB
LF ± 3dB

Securing Method

Clips Clips Clips Clamp Bar

Clamp Bar

Wharfedale speakers are compatible
with 4-8 Ohm amplifiers

Positioning

For stereo and home cinema installations the loudspeakers should be symmetrical to
the main listening area and ideally be sited 2-4 metres apart.

Wall mounting speakers should be installed no more than 5ft (1.5 metres) above the
floor. Rear surround speakers should ideally be on the side walls slightly behind the
listening position. If this position is not available, the rear wall can be used.
Alternatively, ceiling speakers may be considered.

Speakers should be placed at least 400mm (1.4 ft) from the side walls to minimise
colouration. The tweeters on Wharfedale Pacific installed speakers can be rotated for
precise localisation of high frequencies. The illustrations show placement options for
home cinema with the appropriate tweeter adjustments. For combinations of wall and
ceiling speakers, consult the drawings below and on page 8.

The PI-C6ST model is a special case - refer to pages 8 & 9.

REAR L

REAR R

RIGHT

LEFT

CENTRE

2 - 4 metres

RIGHT

LEFT

CENTRE

REAR L

REAR R

2 - 4 metres

CENTRE

3

Dimensions and Cutouts PI-C6, PI-C6ST, PI-C8

105.00

100.00

250.00

Cutout Dimension 205.00 mm (8.07”)circular

PI-C6

115.00

110.00

250.00

Cutout Dimension 205.00 mm (8.07”) circular

PI-C6ST

120.00

115.00

288.00

Cutout Dimension 245.00 mm (9.8”) circular

PI-C8

10

CEILING MOUNTING

PI-C6, PI-C8

WALL MOUNTING

PI-W6, PI-W8

HOME CINEMA INSTALLATION USING WALL AND CEILING UNITS

Mounting the Loudspeakers

Wall Mounting: PI-W6 and PI-W8

PI W-6 and PI W-8 use a latching bar for mounting
to the wall. Remove the grille. Connect the speaker
to the cable. Support the speaker with one hand
and carefully insert the assembly into the cavity at
an angle as shown. Line up the speaker square with
the mounting hole. Tighten the screws on the
latching bar until the speaker is in place and firmly
trapped against the wall board. During tightening,
centralise the unit in the cutout. After adjusting the
treble and bass contours (Page 7), the grilles can
be fitted.

Note: The PI-W-8 is a three-way system with a soft
dome midrange unit and a dome tweeter mounted
in an isolating pod. This pod can be rotated through
90°, thus enabling the loudspeaker to be mounted
in either portrait or landscape mode.

To mount the PI-W8 in landscape mode:

Remove the four screws from the pod cover on the rear
of the PI-W8 and lift off the cover. The pod has two
central axle stubs. Remove the clamps on these stubs.
The whole pod can now be rotated 90°. Replace the
axle stubs and cover, and install the unit.

In landscape mode the PI-W8s should be positioned as
‘mirror pairs’ with the pods on the inside so that the
tweeters can be swivelled for optimum dispersion.

LANDSCAPE

PORTRAIT

(NORMAL

POSITION)

90°

°

0

9

5

PI-W8: Adjusting the Dispersion
The PI-W8 has a MF/HF assembly which can be rotated through 90º so that the

speaker can be operated in portrait or landscape mode. Additionally the tweeter is
mounted in its own separate pod so that it may be angled for optimum dispersion.

When operated in landscape mode, the tweeters should face inward as shown.

PI-C6ST

The PI-C6ST enables a full stereo
connection within a looped multiple
unit installation. It features two
tweeters and a dual coil bass unit for
stereo playback via one ceiling mount
speaker. The speaker is designed for
use in restricted spaces. where true
stereo is not a priority, such as
hallways, bathrooms, elevators, etc.

Location

in many cases loudspeaker positions
are dictated by architectural
considerations. Where feasible the PI­C6ST should be mounted in a central
position in hallways: in bathrooms or
workplaces, it should be mounted away from the focus of activity. Mounting the PI­C6ST directly above a workstation or rest position is not recommended.

The tweeters can be rotated to enhance the stereo image. They are housed in pods on
a central diffuser. This central plate should run along the main axis of the listening area
and the tweeter pods angled down, facing to left and right for maximum dispersion.

8

Ceiling Mounting: PI-C6, PI-C6S and PI-C8

Check the ceiling carefully. As all the weight
acts directly downward ensure that the ceiling
panel and structure will support the speaker.

Suspended Ceilings: If the grids are 600 x
600 mm (2’X2’) we suggest you strengthen the
panel. If the grids are 1200 x 600 mm (4’X2’)
the panel may be too weak, especially for the
PI-C8. It may be advisable to suspend the
assembly from the grids and not rely on the
panel alone (see drawing). Alternatively, use a
safety wire tethered securely to the speaker
frame and attached to a nearby anchor point on
the ceiling grid.

Remove the grille. Make sure the speaker
mounting lugs are within the circumference of
the cutout, support the speaker with one hand
and push it through the hole. With the free
hand, insert a screwdriver into each mounting
screw and rotate the lug outwards. Tighten
each lug in turn until the speaker is securely
trapped to the ceiling. Keep the speaker
centralised in the hole during mounting.

When cutting into cavities during installation, it is essential to ensure that existing fire
barriers are not breached, and that the installation does not result in a new fire
hazard. If you suspect that either has occurred or is likely to occur, consult a
competent surveyor or your local Building Control Authority for advice.

In cases where a loudspeaker may be mounted close to a resonant structure, such as
a ventilating duct or plastic drainpipe, it may be a good idea to place some sound
absorbing material around the structure to damp down these resonances. Similarly,
in a ceiling cavity that may be resonant, a pad or sheet of fibreglass may be tacked in
place loosely around the speaker - taking care to keep it clear of the components of
the speaker. If space permits a fibreglass curt ain may be hung to advantage behind a
wall-mounting speaker.

It is essential that any insulating or sound absorbing material is non-flammable and
compliant in full to all building and electrical standards in force in your locality.

Note: The tweeter on the PI-C8 is mounted off-axis. When these speakers are used
in a stereo or home cinema installation, the tweeters should face inwards so that they
can be adjusted for optimum effectiveness.

Fire Barriers and Hazards

Damping Materials

Treble and Bass Adjustments
PI-C6 and PI-C8: These speakers have separate three way switches on the front of

the unit that can be used to adjust the treble (HF) and bass(LF) level +3dB, 0, -3dB.
The PI-C6ST is described on the following page.
PI-W6: The PI-W6 features HF adjustment by +3dB, 0, -3dB on a front mounted

switch. Bass adjustment is by means of a set of tabs marked +3dB, 0, -3dB. As
supplied the unit is in the 0dB position and a red cable with a push on spade is
connected to the 0dB tag. T o adjust the bass response up or down, lift off this spade
and replace it on the required tag.

PI-W8: The PI-W8 has three front mounted switches for separately adjusting the HF ,
Midrange and Bass level by +3dB, 0, -3dB.

Default factory setting is 0db in all cases. Boost and cut should only be finalised after
listening tests in situ and after the tweeter pods are adjusted for optimum dispersion.

Altering the bass changes the impedance of the loudspeaker. When set to 0dB, the
impedance is 6Ω; at the +3dB setting it is 4Ω, and when set to -3dB it is 8Ω.

Adjusting the Treble Dispersion

The PI-C6, PI-C6ST and PI-C8
ceiling speakers and the PI-W6
wall loudspeakers feature pod­mounted ball tweeters. When
adjusting the pod, take care not to
damage the tweeter dome.

The pod is capable of a virtual 360º
circular rotation and a virtual 180º
axial adjustment so a wide variation
in dispersion is achievable.

The PI-W8 has a rotatable mid/tweeter assembly. This is described on Pgs 5 & 8.
The pods should be adjusted so that the HF dispersion is focused on the listening

area. Where the speakers are used as surrounds the focus should be slightly
behind the listening position for good diffusion of rear effects. If an architectural
speaker is used as a home cinema centre channel, keep the focus tight on the
listening seat. The diagrams on Pgs 2 & 8 provide an idea of dipersion patterns.

Installing Grilles

This is the final stage of assembly. Always make sure that the backing gauze is in
place before you install grilles and insert them by applying light hand pressure around
the perimeter. DO NOT apply pressure in the middle of the grille or you may dent it. PI
Series Grilles are not designed for frequent removal and replacement.

Ceiling grilles may have to be lightly worked by hand to ensure a tight fit. We
recommend that you apply a very small amount of silicone sealant around the outside
of the grille perimeter to keep it totally secure.

SUSPENDED

CEILING
BRIDGE

6

7

Installation

Refer to Pages 10 & 11 for dimensions, mounting depths and cutouts etc.

New Build: Wall and ceiling cavities should be sufficiently deep to accommodate the
loudspeakers. The area around the speakers should be strengthened using extra
screws and additional studs (or stretchers between ceiling joists) to firmly support the
speakers. Where possible a denser grade of wall/ceiling board may be advisable.
Cables should be pre-run to the speaker locations and areas around the speaker
cavities should be free from electrical wiring, plumbing, etc.

Existing Build: Having decided the location, establish that there is
sufficient depth in the wall or ceiling cavity to accept the speaker. The
back of the unit should not touch the rear wall. Ensure that you can run
speaker cables to the location and that the speaker cavity is clear of
electrical wiring, plumbing, etc. Cut a small hole in the wall or ceiling
board at the centre of the proposed location. The hole should slope
inwards to enable easy repair if the location is unsuitable. Insert a
probe until it touches the rear wall, mark the point at which the probe
meets the front wall and verify the depth. To check for obstructions,
insert a bent piece of stiff wire through the hole and rotate it slowly at
different depths. The speaker is now ready for mounting.

Cutting the mounting hole

Cut the correct sized hole using the template provided. Do not cut the hole oversize or
you will impair the fixing. The frame is designed to spread over minor imperfections but
sculptured wall or ceiling surfaces should be smoothed in the area behind the frame,
or the seal will be faulty and impair the sound. Alternatively, consider the use of
draught sealing tape placed as a gasket behind the speaker mounting flange.

Painting

Make sure the grilles are removed. Place the provided paint mask into the grille
aperture. Paint the frame ensuring the paint does not seep into the aperture. When
painting grilles, remove the backing gauze and keep the holes in the grille free of paint

- the paint may need to be thinned. Replace the gauze when the paint is dry.

Connection

The table shows AWG and metric sizes.1.5 mm diameter
cable may be used for runs below 7 metres, 2 mm for runs
up to 10 metres and 2.5 mm should be used for long runs.

PI series speakers use spring terminals. The Positive, +,
terminal is coded RED, the Negative, Minus, – terminal is
coded BLACK. Strip the ends of the cable back 25mm and
bare the top 7mm. Depress a terminal and insert the bared
end. Release the terminal and the wire will be secured.
Repeat for the other terminal. Use any colour coding on
the cable as a guide to identification. Ensure there are no
loose strands of wire that may short across the terminals.

BLACK RED

AWG mm /km

10 2.5 3.3
12 2.0 5.3
14 1.5 8.3
16 1.3 13.2

4

Mounting is the same as for the PI-C6 and PI-C8.

Connection

There ae two terminal sets. The top set
connects to the Left Channel of the amplifier,
the bottom set connects to the Right Channel.

Treble Adjustment

Phase

In a multi-speaker or Home Cinema environment it is essential that all the speakers
are wired in phase. Because the wiring is inaccessible in installed products, phase is
sometimes difficult to determine. An easy way is to place an AA battery across the
cables going to the loudspeaker. If the bass cone moves out the + terminal of the
battery is connected to the + terminal of the speaker. If the bass cone moves in the +
of the battery is connected to the - terminal of the speaker.

Treble adjustment is by means of two sets of
tabs marked +3dB, 0, -3dB. (one for each
channel) As supplied the unit is in the 0dB
position and a cable with a push on spade is
connected to the 0dB tag. To adjust the treble
response up or down, lift off this spade and
replace it on the required tag.

Boost and cut should only be employed after
listening tests in situ after the treble units have
been adjusted for optimum dispersion.

The grille should be fitted only when all
adjustments have been completed.

Warranty

Your PI loudspeakers are typically warranted for 12 months from date of purchase,
though the warranty period and conditions are subject to regional variations and local
terms of sale. During this period faulty equipment will be repaired or replaced free of
charge to the original purchaser. This warranty excludes carriage charges to the
dealer or service centre, details of which are on the rear page of this manual. Items
returned for warranty service which are not faulty or have been damaged by misuse
or neglect are not covered by the warranty and are chargeable.

PI-C6ST

To LH Channel

To RH Channel

9

Introduction

The Wharfedale PI Architectural range consists of 5 models for in - ceiling and in- wall
applications. Sizes and fittings are compatible with US industry standards. The
speakers are suitable for use as normal stereo, AV front, centre and surround
speakers, and distributed household music systems. All the speakers are hi-fi sound
quality and feature drivers similar to the Wharfedale Pacific series of hi-fi
loudspeakers - with Kevlar cone bass drivers and low distortion 25 mm textile dome
neodymium magnet tweeters. The wall and ceiling models all have tweeters fitted in
swivel ball pods to enable image focus adjustment . All the speakers are fitted with
fine perforation aluminium grilles backed with anti moisture and rot-proof gauzes.

The model range consists of:

# PI-W6 and PI-W8 In Wall Models
# PI-C6 and PI-C8 in Ceiling Models
# PI-C6 ST Single-chassis Stereo In Ceiling model

Warnings and Disclaimers

Your Wharfedale PI speaker system should be installed in accordance with the
regulations and laws appertaining to the building and construction industry (including
safety and mandatory insurance regulations) of the country of installation.

Although your loudspeaker is a low voltage device, all wiring to and from the unit
should be in accordance with the relevant standards laid down by the competent
authority in the country and place of installation.

Inappropriate modifications to your home can cause damage to the structure and
fabric as well as electrical or plumbing installations.

For the above reasons, in wall or in ceiling speakers should be installed by licensed
sound contractors or technicians with the appropriate qualifications and experience.
Installers should also be in possession of adequate public liability insurance and
householders are advised to ascertain this before the project commences.

Wharfedale cannot be responsible for any damage, actual or collateral, arising from
installations involving the Wharfedale range of in- wall or in-ceiling loudspeakers.

Please read this manual in full before commencing the installation of your
Wharfedale PI Architectural loudspeakers.

Unpacking

The packing should contain:

# The product and the grille assembly
# A cutout template and paint mask

Unpack the speakers and examine them. Report any damage or shortages to the
supplier immediately. Replace the speakers in the protective packaging until the
actual moment of installation, as exposed components are easily damaged.

2

284mm

Speaker Cutout

410mm x 245mm

16.15” x 9.65

444mm

Speaker Cutout

305mm x 200mm

12.0” x 7.87”

232mm

232mm

460.00

10.00

05.00

1

1

356.00

90.00

85.00

Dimensions and Cutouts PI-W6, PI-W8

PI-W6

PI-W8

PI-W8

PI-W6

11