Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your BIC America HT8W 8-Inch 3-Way Acoustech Series In-Wall Speakers. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and use to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Safety Instructions
- Ensure power to the installation area is disconnected before beginning any wiring or installation.
- Consult a qualified electrician or installer if you are unsure about any part of the installation process.
- Do not expose speakers to excessive moisture or extreme temperatures.
- Use appropriate wiring gauges as recommended for audio equipment to prevent overheating and ensure proper signal transmission.
- Avoid placing speakers near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
- Keep packaging materials out of reach of children to prevent suffocation hazards.
Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your package:
- BIC America HT8W 8" 3-way Acoustech Series In-Wall Speakers (1 Pair)
- Mounting brackets (pre-attached or included separately)
- Removable speaker grilles
- Instruction Manual (this document)
Product Overview
The BIC America HT8W speakers are designed for in-wall installation, offering a 3-way sound reproduction system. Key components include:
- 8-inch Poly Graphite Woofer: Provides robust low-frequency response.
- 2.5-inch Volume-adjustable Poly Midrange: Delivers clear and detailed mid-range frequencies.
- 1-inch Volume-adjustable Pivoting Titanium Tweeter: Produces crisp high frequencies and can be aimed for optimal sound dispersion.
- Self-resetting Thermal Cut-offs: Protect the speakers from overload.
Image: The BIC America HT8W In-Wall Speaker. On the left, the speaker is shown with its grille removed, revealing the 8-inch poly graphite woofer, the 2.5-inch poly midrange, and the 1-inch pivoting titanium tweeter. Adjustment knobs for tweeter and midrange levels are visible. On the right, the speaker is shown with its white metal grille attached, presenting a clean, flush appearance for in-wall installation.
Setup and Installation
1. Planning Your Installation
- Location: Choose a suitable location in your wall, ensuring no obstructions like studs, electrical wiring, or plumbing. Use a stud finder to locate studs.
- Clearance: Ensure sufficient depth behind the wall for the speaker enclosure.
- Wiring: Plan your speaker wire routing from your amplifier/receiver to the speaker locations.
- Rough-in Kits: For pre-construction, optional M-8R rough-in kits are available (sold separately) to simplify installation.
2. Cutting the Opening
- Carefully trace the speaker cutout template (usually provided with the speaker or found in a separate template kit) onto the wall.
- Using a drywall saw or utility knife, carefully cut along the traced line.
3. Wiring the Speaker
- Run speaker wire through the wall to the cutout opening.
- Strip approximately 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the speaker wires.
- Connect the positive (+) terminal of the speaker to the positive (+) terminal of your amplifier/receiver, and the negative (-) terminal of the speaker to the negative (-) terminal of your amplifier/receiver. Ensure correct polarity for all speakers in your system.
4. Mounting the Speaker
- Insert the speaker assembly into the wall opening.
- Tighten the mounting screws located on the front baffle of the speaker. These screws activate the metal mounting brackets that pivot out and clamp onto the drywall.
- Important Note: Tighten screws firmly but avoid over-tightening, which can warp the speaker frame or damage the wall. Ensure the speaker is flush and secure.
5. Attaching the Grille
The speaker grilles are designed to fit snugly. Gently press the grille into place until it is flush with the wall. If the grille rattles at high volumes, ensure the speaker is securely mounted and consider adding a thin strip of foam tape around the speaker frame before attaching the grille to improve the fit and reduce vibration.
Operating Instructions
1. Initial Power-Up
Once installed and wired, connect your amplifier/receiver to a power source and turn it on. Start with the volume at a low level and gradually increase it.
2. Adjusting Tweeter and Midrange Levels
The HT8W speakers feature volume-adjustable tweeter and midrange controls on the front baffle (visible when the grille is removed). These controls allow you to fine-tune the sound to your listening environment and personal preference.
- Tweeter Adjustment: Rotate the tweeter control to increase or decrease high-frequency output. This is useful for brightening or softening the sound.
- Midrange Adjustment: Rotate the midrange control to adjust the clarity and presence of vocals and instruments.
- Pivoting Tweeter: The 1-inch titanium tweeter can be gently pivoted to aim the high frequencies towards your primary listening area, optimizing sound dispersion.
Experiment with these settings while listening to various types of audio to find the ideal balance for your room.
3. System Integration
For optimal performance in a surround sound setup, consider integrating a subwoofer to handle very low frequencies, as in-wall speakers excel in mid-range and high-frequency reproduction.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Dust the speaker grilles periodically with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but ensure no moisture enters the speaker components.
- Grille Painting: The grilles can be painted to match your wall color. Use a thin coat of spray paint and ensure the paint does not clog the grille perforations, which could affect sound quality. Allow to dry completely before reattaching.
- Inspection: Periodically check the mounting screws to ensure they remain secure.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from speaker | Incorrect wiring; amplifier off or muted; speaker wire disconnected. | Check all wiring connections for correct polarity and secure fit. Ensure amplifier is on and not muted. Test with another audio source. |
| Distorted or unclear sound | Over-driven amplifier; incorrect impedance match; damaged speaker wire; tweeter/midrange settings. | Reduce amplifier volume. Verify amplifier impedance compatibility (8 Ohm). Inspect speaker wires for damage. Adjust tweeter and midrange controls. |
| Grille rattles at high volume | Loose grille; speaker not securely mounted. | Ensure the speaker is firmly mounted in the wall. Re-seat the grille. Consider adding thin foam tape around the speaker frame before attaching the grille. |
| Weak bass response | Lack of proper enclosure; room acoustics; no subwoofer. | Ensure the wall cavity is sealed as much as possible. Consider adding insulation behind the speaker. Integrate a dedicated subwoofer for enhanced low frequencies. |
Specifications
| Model Name | America HT8W |
| Speaker Type | 3-Way In-Wall Speaker |
| Woofer Diameter | 8 Inches (Poly Graphite) |
| Midrange Diameter | 2.5 Inches (Poly, Volume-adjustable) |
| Tweeter Diameter | 1 Inch (Pivoting Titanium, Volume-adjustable) |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz-25kHz |
| Power Handling | 10-175 Watts per channel (375 Watts Dynamic Peak) |
| Impedance | 8 Ohm |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 14 x 10 x 3.75 inches |
| Item Weight | 16 Pounds |
| Color | White |
| Included Components | Bic America Ht8w 8" 3-way Acoustech Series In-wall Speakers |
Warranty and Support
BIC America HT8W speakers come with a 7-year warranty for parts and labor. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For warranty claims or technical support, please contact BIC America customer service. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.
For further assistance, visit the official BIC America website or contact their support channels.
