OEM K-5LCRSd — 5-1/4" LCR In-Wall Loudspeaker Installation Guide

Installation guide for the OEM K-5LCRSd 5-1/4" LCR in-wall loudspeaker, featuring a frameless baffle and grille design. This two-way speaker uses a linear long-throw butyl rubber surround woofer and a pivoting dome tweeter for excellent high-frequency dispersion.

Overview

Amplifier Operation

These speakers perform well with amplifiers from 5 to 125 Watts RMS. Damage can occur from amplifiers of nearly any power rating if overdriven into clipping — a distortion condition caused when an amplifier is asked for more power than it can deliver. If you hear unusual distortion at high listening levels, reduce the volume. Damage from clipping is not covered under warranty.

Speaker Placement

• For more bass, place speakers between 18 and 36 inches from an adjacent wall (measured to speaker center); avoid placing less than 18 inches from an adjacent wall.
• When placing speakers near a corner, avoid locating them an equal distance from the two adjacent walls.
• For home theater, front left/right speakers should be separated by 0.8 to 1.2 times the seating distance (e.g. a 10-foot seating distance suggests 8-12 feet of separation).
• MTM-style speakers are best installed in portrait orientation; landscape is often used for center channels for aesthetic/clearance reasons. Behind an acoustically transparent screen, all speakers should be oriented portrait style.
• If your model has level controls, switch the HF control to the "+" position. Aiming the pivoting tweeter toward the listening area adds brilliance (raises amplitude above 12kHz) — aim by pressing the lens area alongside the tweeter dome.

Wiring

• Use good quality stereo cable, 16 gauge or larger for runs over 50 feet, double-insulated ("jacketed") cable. Avoid single-insulated "zip cord."
• Allow about 2-1/2 feet (0.8m) of free cable at the speaker cut-out plus sufficient length at the electronics end.
• Avoid running speaker cable parallel to electrical cable for extended lengths to reduce hum/RF interference.
• Do not staple or nail through the electrical conductors — this can cause a short that damages the electronics.
• Maintain correct polarity: the wire connected to the amplifier's positive terminal must connect to the speaker's positive terminal (most manufacturers use red for +). Reversed polarity on one speaker seriously impairs bass quality.
• If connecting more than two speakers to one amplifier channel, consult a professional.

Installation

1. If drywall isn't yet installed, an optional Rough-in-Bracket (RIB-LCR) can reserve the speaker location — the hole is cut when drywall goes in, and the RIB-LCR is stapled to a nearby joist.
2. If drywall is already installed, assess the wall for concealed obstructions (wiring, plumbing) using a stud finder and inspection tools if needed. The K-5LCRd ships with two styles of clamp rings, allowing installation immediately next to a stud.
3. Use the paper template (outer cardboard rectangle) to mark the speaker cut-out per the dimensions above. On drywall, use a drywall saw for clean cuts.
4. If cable hasn't been run yet, run it now that you have wall access.
5. Optionally place fibrous material (fiberglass or polyester fiber) behind the speaker to improve performance and reduce sound transmission to adjoining rooms. If the wall has loose/blown insulation, place a batt of fiberglass over the back of the speaker to keep insulation out.
6. Install the frame and mounting ring assembly by passing the black mounting ring through the cut-out. The white frame should fit cleanly without interference — trim the hole slightly if needed. Lightly tighten the screws to secure the clamp ring against the back of the wall; avoid over-tightening or the frame will distort and make grille installation difficult.
7. Pull the cable out of the wall, strip back the jacket, and expose 1/2" (13mm) of each conductor. Connect to the terminals on the back of the speaker assembly, observing polarity.
8. Insert the speaker into the frame and install the eight screws, starting with the four inner screws followed by the four outer. Avoid over-tightening.
9. Install the grilles after testing speaker operation — work the grille edge into the frame starting at one corner and working around to the opposite corner.

Painting Notes

If painting the speaker frames, remove the speaker baffle assembly or use the included paint-mask (inner cardboard rectangle) to protect the speakers. Do not paint the grille and frame assembly together — the grille should be painted separately, using thin coats to avoid clogging the perforations.