WIRE GAUGE AND QUALITY
The total wire resistance should be less than 10% of the speaker impedance. If using an 8 ohm speaker, your total wire resistance should be no more than 0.8 ohms.
In simple terms, the extra resistance from the wire will have a very negative affect on the sound quality of the speaker. The sound can be less dynamic, definition of bass frequencies can be reduced, and in extreme cases, the high frequencies can be attenuated. Amplifier power is also wasted in the wire, reducing the maximum output level of the system.
Please refer to the following chart when deciding on the appropriate wire gauge for your installation.
Wire resistance in Ohms vs. length of cable run
Distance in Feet | 50' | 100' 150' 200' 250' 300' | ||||
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20 gauge | .86 | 1.73 | 2.59 | 3.45 | 4.32 | 5.18 |
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18 gauge | .65 | 1.30 | 1.94 | 2.59 | 3.24 | 3.89 |
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16 gauge | .43 | .85 | 1.28 | 1.71 | 2.14 | 2.56 |
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14 gauge | .27 | .54 | .81 | 1.08 | 1.35 | 1.62 |
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12 gauge | .17 | .34 | .51 | .68 | .85 | 1.02 |
Acoustic Pillow
Acoustic Pillow
Damping Tiles
Damping Tiles
10 gauge | .11 .22 .33 .44 .56 | .67 |
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PREPARING THE INSTALLATION LOCATION
All Sonance speakers are designed to be relatively insensitive to changes in enclosure volume. To achieve the ultimate performance from the Ellipse LCR speaker, a section of the ceiling bay can be sectioned off to form a back box. Building this enclosure will create a dramatic improvement in the quality of bass response and power handling.
Ideal Back box volume: |
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Ellipse 1.0 | LCR | 1.00 | cubic feet (28.3 | liters) |
Ellipse 2.0 | LCR | 1.25 | cubic feet (35.4 | liters) |
Insulating the ceiling cavity
Speaker performance can be enhanced by insulating the cavity with fiberglass insulation.
When installing speakers in a ceiling, it is best to lay a sheet of unfaced fiberglass insulation over the back of the speaker.
To further improve the sound quality, install insulation in the bays adjacent to the speaker location. This will reduce noise produced by the unsupported drywall.
Sonafill ®
Sonafill is a retrofitable acoustical treatment for loudspeakers that virtually eliminates the noise produced by resonating drywall and dramatically improves
The Sonafill system consists of two pillows and four tiles. Installation is accomplished by first adhering the tiles to the inside of the cavity, then stuffing the two pillows in place behind the tiles.
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The Sonafill System
New Construction
The Ellipse LCR speaker features an integral FlexBar® mounting system for quick mounting into ceilings. The Ellipse FlexBracket is only necessary in new construction installations when reserving a location for the speaker is desired.
The FlexBracket will serve as a guide for the drywall installer when cutting holes for
Ellipse FlexBracket
Retrofit
With the FlexBar system, the speaker can be installed directly into existing ceilings. Once the hole is cut and the cable is run, the speakers can be installed in a matter of seconds.
Once you have determined the area you would like to locate your speakers, you will need to do an obstruction survey. Before you cut the hole for the speaker, be certain no joist, conduit, pipe, heating duct or air return will interfere with the speaker.
A cut out template is provided in the packaging of the speaker. 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 circle and insert a coat hanger into the hole to feel for possible obstructions. If no obstructions are found, proceed with cutting the hole using a drywall saw and run the speaker wires.
