Snell Acoustics Speaker 650r User Manual

Owner’s Manual  
AMC  
650r  
680r  
 
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION  
The AMC650r and AMC680r in-wall loudspeakers deliver outstanding performance. They  
incorporate a unique waveguide tweeter that has a large mounting area to extend its response.  
This allows a lower crossover point which produces a more integrated sound. The painstakingly  
developed shape and profile of this waveguide guarantees much smoother and wider response  
than with post or “eye socket” mounted tweeters. In addition the tweeter is mounted on a 20-  
degree angle which provides a natural “toe in” to focus the sound when the AMC650/680r are  
used as front speakers. Alternatively the sound of the tweeters can be directed away from the  
listening area, producing a more diffuse sound when used as surround speakers. Complex high-  
order crossovers ensure seamless blending between woofer and tweeter and a perfectly  
balanced sonic character. In production, Snell’s unique hand tuning of each  
crossover gives an incredibly tight ±1dB match to the Master Reference. The AMC650r is  
perfect for any application—main speakers, surround use, or background music.  
3/4-inch dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter provides detailed, articulate sound and wide dispersion.  
Waveguide tweeter mounting for smoother high frequency response.  
Tweeter and waveguide are angled at 20 degrees for optimum coverage of the listening area.  
Copolymer woofer with NBR rubber surround offers smooth, natural performance.  
This Package Contains:  
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Model AMC650r or AMC680 loudspeakers  
White metal grilles  
Paint masks  
Hole-cutting template  
Examine the contents of the package and confirm that you have all the items.  
INTRODUCTION  
Note: This manual is written with the assumption that the installer possesses skill in the proper  
use of hand and power tools, a knowledge of local fire and building codes, and a familiarity  
with the environment behind the surface of the wall or ceiling in which the speakers will be  
installed.  
Where to Place Your Speaker Systems  
Effects of the Installation Location  
The wall or ceiling into which the AMC650r or AMC680r is installed becomes its acoustical  
enclosure. A large part of the system’s acoustical performance is dependent on that enclosure.  
Generally, larger volumes will ensure full bass response. Whenever possible, avoid placing the  
speakers at either end of a long column such as that created between wall studs, the footer,  
and the header. Placement at the ends of such a tunnel will create a “closed-end tuned pipe”  
that can adversely effect bass response. Hard surfaces behind the speaker installlation location  
will cause reflections that also will adversely effect bass response. To avoid this loosly fill the  
volume behind the speaker with fiberglass or other sound-absorptive material.  
Be sure the area behind the speaker mounting location is large enough - 0.5 cu. ft. or more.  
Avoid installing the speaker near the ends of the chamber behind the mounting that is  
formed by 2x4 framing. (Typically at ceiling or floor).  
Fill the chamber behind the speaker mounting location with acoustically absorbent material.  
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STEREO IMAGE  
The distance between the speakers determines the width of the stereo image. If the speakers are  
placed too close together, the image will be too narrow; too far apart and the blend will suffer,  
creating a “hole in the middle.”  
We recommend an angular separation  
between 45 degrees and 60 degrees (when  
viewed from above). This is equivalent to a  
45  
separation between the speaker systems that  
is about 75% to 100% of the distance from  
60  
the listener to either of the speakers.  
Creating the illustion of sound coming from  
the area between the speakers requires careful  
selection of the speaker instalation locations.  
The distance from the left speaker to the  
listener location should equal the distance  
from the right speaker to the listener location.  
Use a tape measure to be sure that the  
distances from the primary listening position to the speakers are equal. When properly placed,  
your speakers will create a continuum of “virtual images” from left to right, with a convincing  
illusion of sound outside, in front, and behind the speaker systems.  
Separate the speakers by 45 degrees to 60 degrees.  
Equalize the distance between each speaker and the listening area.  
Aiming the Speakers  
Floor-standing and bookshelf speakers are often angled inward to create a more solid stereo  
image and to broaden the acceptable listening area. Typical wall or ceiling mounted speakers do  
not provide this flexibility.  
The AMC650r and AMC680r address this issue with a tweeter that is angle-mounted at 20  
degrees. Our studies show this to be the optimum angling for wall or ceiling mounted speakers.  
When installing the speakers, they should be oriented such that the tweeters are symmetrically  
angled toward the central listening area. The exact angle is not crucial, however, because the  
response of the system is excellent from 0 degrees (straight out on its center line) to about 50  
degrees off-axis in the direction of the waveguide.  
If the AMC650r or AMC680r is used as a wall-mounted center channel speaker, aim the tweeter  
up or down as appropriate. If its position is above normal seated ear level, orient the system  
with the waveguide angling downward. Conversely, if the system is centrally mounted just at or  
below ear level, orient the system to angle the waveguide upward. For use as a surround, see  
the following section.  
Aim the center of the speaker to your ear level while listening in a seated position.  
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Using As a Surround Speaker  
The compact size and neutral tonal quality of the AMC650r and AMC680r make them perfect  
for the surround channel speakers of a home theater system. Place the speakers toward the  
back of the room, to the sides of, or behind  
the listening position.  
An indirect sound path from the speakers to  
the listening position results in a more diffuse  
and convincing surround sound effect. This  
can be achieved by taking advantage of the  
angled waveguide tweeter. Orient (rotate) the  
speakers so that the tweeters point away from  
the listening area. Mounting speakers fairly  
far back, and fairly high, on the side walls,  
with the tweeter aimed toward the rear wall  
of the listening area, will give excellent  
results.  
PAINTING THE SPEAKERS  
If you intend to paint the speakers, it’s best to do so before you install them. Typically, a primer  
coat is not necessary.  
1. Remove the speaker grille. Carefully pry on one edge with an awl or small screwdriver. If  
you choose to paint the metal grille, do so after detaching it  
from the speaker.  
Note: You may find it helpful to thin the paint to be used  
on the grille. This prevents the paint from filling the  
holes.  
2. Use the form-fitting painting mask provided to paint  
the housing. Shape it into a cone and insert the two  
tabs into their adjacent slots.  
3. After the paint has dried, remove the mask by carefully  
inserting a screwdriver into the slots and prying  
upward.  
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION  
Take the following steps to prepare for installation:  
Map out the wiring paths from the speakers to the amplifier. We recommend 16-gauge  
cable or thicker for runs up to 25 feet (8m) and 12-gauge wire or thicker for longer runs.  
Be sure the speaker wire does not rest or rub against any sharp or pointed objects.  
Each speaker is 8 ohms nominal. When connecting more than two speakers per amplifier  
channel, you should use series wiring or an impedance protection device, such as a line  
transformer.  
Make sure that the total system’s impedance does not fall below the amplifier’s minimum  
rating. If you are not certain, consult your Snell Acoustics dealer.  
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INSTALLATION  
Note: The speakers should be mounted on a flat surface to form a good seal between the  
speaker flange and the mounting surface.  
1. Make a 758-inch (194mm) cutout using the  
Wall or Ceiling Material  
supplied template. It is not necessary to remove  
fiberglass insulation that may be behind the wall.  
2. Run wire from amplifier to cutout. Allow an  
extra foot of wire at the cutout.  
3. Remove the speaker grille. Carefully pry up one  
side with an awl or small screwdriver.  
The AMC650r and AMC680r have heavy-duty spring-loaded push terminals for their input  
connections. The terminals will accept wire or pins up to 532-inch in diameter.  
4. If connecting with bare wire, strip the wire so that  
approximately 12-inch is exposed. Twist the wire  
into a bundle so that there are no stray strands.  
Push the end of the terminal to expose the hole in  
the side of the terminal. Then insert bare wire into  
the hole and release.  
5. The insulation of the wire will have a stripe or ribs on one side. Use this marking to ensure  
the + (red) terminal of the speaker is connected to the + terminal of the amplifier and the  
– terminal of the speaker is connected to the – terminal of the amplifier.  
Warning! To prevent electrical shock, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when making  
connections to the speaker system.  
6. Place the speaker in the hole. Rotate the  
speaker until the tweeter waveguide is  
aimed in the desired direction. Use a  
Phillips screwdriver to tighten the four  
pivoting mounting arms. Avoid  
overtightening, as this could break the  
mounting arms or damage the ceiling surface.  
7. Install the grille. Press firmly arund the outer edge of the grille  
to seat it firmly in place.  
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LISTENING LEVELS AND POWER HANDLING  
The power recommendation for the system assumes you will operate the amplifier in a way that  
will not produce distortion. All speakers can be damaged by a modest amplifier that is  
producing distortion. If you hear a gritty noise or other signs of strain, turn down the volume.  
Prolonged or repeated operation of your speakers with a distorted signal can cause damage  
that is not covered by the warranty.  
When turning on the system from a remote location, it is hard to judge how loud the speakers  
are being driven. Be careful not to overdrive the system.  
If it sounds strained, turn it down!  
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SPEAKERS  
Use a soft cloth slightly dampened with water or a mild detergent. The cloth should be just  
damp enough to wipe the surface clean without leaving a trail of moisture.  
Alternatively, vacuum the grille and frame with a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment.  
Do not use abrasive cleaners or any cleaner containing chemicals harsher than those found  
in glass cleaner.  
LIMITED WARRANTY  
For five years from the date of purchase, Snell Acoustics will repair for the original owner any  
defect in materials or workmanship that occurs in normal use of the speaker system, without  
charge for parts and labor.  
Your responsibilities are to use the product according to the instructions supplied, to provide  
safe and secure transportation to an authorized Snell Acoustics service representative, and to  
present proof of purchase from an authorized Snell dealer in the form of your sales slip when  
requesting service.  
Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, accidents, shipping,  
repairs, or modifications by anyone other than an authorized Snell Acoustics service  
representative. This warranty is void if the serial number has been removed or defaced.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from  
state to state.  
If Service Seems Necessary  
Contact the dealer from whom you purchased the speaker system. If that is not possible, call us  
at 978-538-6262, or write to:  
Snell Acoustics  
300 Jubilee Drive, PO Box 3717  
Peabody, MA 01961-3717  
We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your speaker  
system to the factory, please ship it prepaid in the original factory packaging. Please note that  
Snell Acoustics will not be held liable for shipping damage due to improper packaging. After it  
has been repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in the U.S. or Canada.  
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300 Jubilee Drive, P0B 3717  
Peabody, MA 01961-3717  
phone: 978-538-6262  
fax: 978-538-6266  
©2005 Snell Acoustics. All Rights Reserved.  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
Covered by patents issued and/or pending.  
Part #542-1027  
 

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