INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER POWER
For satisfactory performance, we recommend using a surround amplifier with a power rating of 10 to 150 watts. Curiously, most loudspeakers are not damaged by large amplifiers, but rather by small amplifiers. If your system is playing loud music, a small amplifier will run out of power very quickly and can create damaging “clipping” distortions. A more powerful amplifier will play at the same volume without distorting. See OPERATION on page 10 for more information about amplifier clipping distortion.
LOUDSPEAKER WIRE
Use 2-conductor loudspeaker wire when connecting loudspeakers to your receiver or amplifier. For most applications, we recommend using 16- or 18-gauge wire. For wiring runs longer than 80 feet, we recommend 14-gauge wire. The HDLCRbx’s gold-plated, five-way binding posts will accommo- date up to 12-gauge wire directly. Larger sizes can be accommodated via pin connectors.
NOTE: THE HDLCRBX FEATURES GOLD-PLATED, FIVE-WAY BINDING POSTS THAT CAN BE CONNECTED IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS (E.G., BANANA PLUGS, SPADE TERMINALS, AND DIRECT WIRING).
When running wire inside walls or ceilings, use special jacketed cable (CL-2 or CL-3) to protect the wire and for fire prevention. In some areas, conduit is also required. For a trouble-free installation, low-voltage wire such as loudspeaker wire must be run in accordance with the National Electri- cal Code and any applicable provisions of the local building code. If you are unsure of the correct installation techniques, wire jacket, or type of conduit to use, consult a professional audio/video installer, building contractor, or the local building and inspection department.
TECH TIP
Wire size is expressed by its AWG (American Wire Gauge) number – the lower the number, the larger the wire. For example, 12 AWG is physically larger than 14 AWG.
