Xantech XA8W, XB8W, XB65CS, XA65W, XA8C User Manual
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Ceiling and In-Wall Speaker Systems
INTRODUCTION
The XTC and XTC Reference series loudspeakers are the result of Xantech’s commitment to build
the best speakers possible. In their quest for perfection, Xantech engineers examined every aspect of
their performance and design, from electronic components to structural material, even how they
interact with the home environment. The Result: Flawless performance that you never thought
possible from an installed speaker.
• Pivoting Tweeters
Pivoting dome tweeters provide brilliant highs, and allow the sound field to be adjusted to fit the
specifics of the listening environment. In-wall speakers can accept a Dinky Link™ IR receiver for a
convenient, discreet mounting solution. In-ceiling speakers have an aerodynamic dome-shaped
tweeter housing that eliminates woofer sound-wave restriction.
• FIM
FIM (Flexible Impedance Matching) binding posts provide a more dependable solution for adding a
second pair of speakers to a room or zone. One post is set for 6 ohms, delivering maximum SPL.
Another flexible post provides 8 ohms for attaching two speaker pairs in parallel without harming the
amplifier.
• XTC Technology
Xantech XTC technology delivers amazing sound quality. Custom-designed crossovers deliver a
pure, smooth tonal range that goes beyond the typical expectations of an installed speaker.
• High-density MDF Baffles
The In-Wall baffles are constructed with the same high-density MDF wood material found in premium
box speakers. An MDF based speaker provides sonic clarity by reducing vibrations and resonance.
The XTC baffle design increases dynamics, provides solid bass and midrange performance.
• SoundPATH Bridge Design
The XTC Reference In-Ceiling baffles are designed to eliminate the adverse-effects of having the
tweeter placed directly over the woofer. SoundPATH’s solid-density bridge design provides sonic
clarity by reducing vibrations and resonance. An aerodynamic shape eliminates woofer sound-wave
restriction.
• XA and XB Series
The XTC series is also known by the model numbers as the XB series. The XTC Reference series is
also known by the model numbers as the XA series.
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APPLICATION – SINGLE ZONE
A single zone setup can be created using an audio receiver, general purpose amplifier, or a multiroom amplifier. The figure below shows a typical stereo left and right speaker setup.
APPLICATION – SMALL AREA (BATHROOM, LAUNDRY ROOM)
Small areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms may not have enough room for a pair of left and
right speakers. The XA65CS and XB65CS are perfect for this type of situation. The “CS” ceiling
stereo speakers are designed with stereo left and right audio in one single installed package. The
figure below shows a typical installation.
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ADVANCED APPLICATION – LARGE AREA, MULTIPLE SPEAKER SYSTEMS
Large areas such as gathering rooms or banquet halls may require more than a single pair of
speakers. Multiple speakers can be connected to the same amplifier channel. This application
requires careful understanding of the amplifiers capabilities.
1) Determine what the minimum speaker impedance the amplifier can handle. This should be
noted on the amplifier or the amplifier’s instruction manual. Typically, most amplifiers can had
a minimum of 4-ohms per speaker channel.
2) The XA and XB series speakers are 6-ohms. By connecting two 6-ohm speakers to one
amplifier channel, a 3-ohm speaker load is created. For amplifiers with a 4-ohm minimum, this
is an improper application that can cause damage to the amplifier.
3) The XA and XB series speakers provide a third wiring post for this type of application. Remove
the yellow plastic cap to expose the “+8” wiring post. Using the “+8” wiring post will make the
XA and XB series speaker 8-ohms. By connecting two 8-ohm speakers to one amplifier
channel, a 4-ohm speaker load is created. For amplifiers with a 4-ohm minimum, this is an
acceptable application.
The figure above shows multiple speakers connected to a single output amplifier channel by using
FIM (flexible impedance matching). To make sure the impedance matches the amplifiers minimum 4ohm specification, the “+8” post is used. The yellow cap that was once on the “+8” post is moved to
the “+6” post as an added precaution.
Note: A 6-Ohm load is the optimum load for a single speaker per
channel. The best sound is a result of a single 6-Ohm connection.
Be sure to verify the amplifiers minimum impedance capability.
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REQUIREMENTS – SPEAKER PLACEMENT
The best sound can be achieved by making sure the speakers are placed is the best position
possible. The surface material should be similar for right and left pairs. Also, the cavity volume behind
each speaker should be identical.
Placing a speaker near a corner tends to emphasize
bass. Large surface areas emphasize treble.
Drapes and upholstered furniture may muffle sound.
Be sure that both right and left pairs are equal
distance from the corners of a room and facing
identical surfaces. Non-equality between the left and
right speakers may result in inconsistent sound.
The objective of a well designed speaker system is
how well it replicates live sound. A speaker system
that can present a 3-dimensional replication as if the
performer is in front of the listener presents “stereo
imaging”.
The left and right channels of a speaker system are
best placed 6 to 8 feet apart. The best height for the
in-wall systems is where a person standing and a
person sitting are within the optimum range of the
tweeter. In general, the optimum height should be
4.5 feet from floor to tweeter. This height covers
both standing and sitting.
REQUIREMENTS – WIRE
For the best installation, using high-quality speaker wire is recommended. High-quality speaker wire
is stranded. Do not use solid gauge wire (commonly used for 120VAC and 240VAC power
connections).
Wire Length Recommended Size
Up to 50 feet 16-gauge
Up to 100 feet 14-gauge
Greater than 100 feet 12-gauge
The general rule is that a heavier gauge wire is recommended for all installations, especially for long
distances. Be sure to select a wire that has an easy to follow indicator (such as a white stripe or
indented ridge). This will make connecting the polarity correctly an easier task.
Be sure to observe the proper polarity. The positive (+) wire must always be connected to the positive
(+) terminal and the negative (-) wire must always be connected to the negative terminal. An incorrect
polarity connection will result in poor imagining and bass response.
Note: Be sure that each wire strand is completely isolated from other connections. Frayed or poorly
twisted strands may cause short circuits and damage the systems equipment.
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