Niles Audio HDLRS, HDCTR Installation Fundamentals, Running the Speaker Wire in New Construction

Speaker Placement

of these placement techniques require that you work your surround sound amplifier channels harder. If the surround sound sys- tem you are using has a small five or ten watt amplifier for the rear speakers, stay within five to eight feet of the listening loca- tion. If you are using a 25 to 50 watt amplifi- er you can mount the speakers 10 to 15 feet away from the listening location and still achieve reasonably high volume levels.

Of course, the best way to emulate the sound of multiple speakers is to use multi- ple speakers. In large or unusually shaped rooms this might be the only way to achieve a good effect. (See Figure 7).

If you like to listen to music surround modes which emulate concert hall acoustics, more than two surround speakers will prove extraordinarily effective. With Niles HD•LRS loudspeakers it is easy to add another pair without affecting the decor of the room. However, you will need to use a much more powerful amplifier than that which is built into a typical sur- round sound receiver or amplifier. Niles makes a number of Systems Integration Amplifiers™ with proprietary features that make them uniquely suited to enhance a good surround sound system. Consult your Niles dealer for more information.

Installation

Fundamentals

Running the Speaker Wire in New Construction

If you have doubts about whether you are capable of installing a Niles Blueprint Series In-Wall Loudspeaker, consult a Niles dealer or professional installer. They have special tools, techniques, and experi- ence to make the impossible possible. The installer can provide you with an estimate before any work is done.

Scheduling and Preparation

Plan to schedule the speaker wiring after the electrical wiring is finished. That way you can avoid wire routes which could potentially induce hum over the speaker wire. The basic rules are:

• Never run speaker wire through the

same hole as an electrical cable.

• Never run speaker wire into the same

J-box as electrical cable.

• Avoid running the speaker wire beside

Side-by-side wiring is unavoidable in par- ticular spots in every house, just move the speaker wire route away as soon as possi- ble. If construction forces a side by side run for more than ten feet, install metal conduit or shielded speaker wire. Low- voltage wires such as doorbells, inter- coms, telephone, security, or television cannot cause interference or hum on your speaker wires, so you can safely run all of them at the same time, through the same holes, side-by-side.

Before you drill any holes, mount the speaker brackets in the desired speaker locations and mount p-rings or open backed J-boxes where the in-wall volume controls and stereo equipment will be.

Safety First!

Wear gloves, safety goggles and head pro- tection when drilling. Avoid nails, they ruin bits and they can create injury. Pay particu- lar care when using “hole-hogs” and other powerful electric drills; the torque of the drill when suddenly stopped by a nail can break the wrist of a strong man.

Drilling

Installation Fundamentals

Figure 6

If the primary listening position is towards the center of the room as depicted in figure 6, place the rear speakers high up on the rear wall or in the ceiling as pictured.

Figure 7

If you use multiple rear speakers or have an irregularly shaped listening area as shown in figure 7, place the speakers high up on the rear and side walls or in the ceiling as pictured.

the electrical cable. Keep it at least three

or four feet distant from any electrical

power cable.

Figure 8

Use a bit that is large enough for the wires you plan to run. An auger bit is the pre- ferred bit for rough-in wiring. It will actu- ally pull itself through the wood, so that the drill motor, not you, does most of the work. You will be drilling a lot of holes, so this is important.

Always drill the holes in the center of the stud. If you have to notch the stud or drill the hole closer than one inch from the edge of the stud, protect the wire with a nail plate. (See Figure 8).

When drilling holes in ceiling joists drill in the center of the joists and try to locate the hole near the end of the joist. DO NOT drill through a “gluelam” or any load bearing beam without the direction of your contractor.

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