Sonance Cinema Select Home Theater Speakers Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing Sonance Cinema® Select THX® in-wall speakers. When properly installed, these THX-certified speakers will deliver film soundtracks as their creators intended and reproduce music with outstanding clarity and realism. This manual covers both the Sonance Cinema Select LCR and Cinema Select SUR models.

Safety Warning

These speakers feature FastMount® tabs that prevent the speaker from falling out of the mounting hole during installation. The edges of the FastMount tabs are very sharp; use caution when handling the speaker. Refer to the Installation section for complete information about the FastMount tabs.

Design and Features

• Ideal for home theater systems and multi-channel music systems.
• THX® Select certification guarantees cinema-quality performance in rooms up to 2,000 ft³.
• Carbon fiber woofer cone for robust, low-distortion bass.
• Neodymium woofer magnet for increased output and power handling.
• Unique tweeter acoustic back chamber for widened and smoothed high-frequency performance.
• 3/4"-Thick MDF baffle reduces resonances, improving clarity and detail.
• RotoLock® mounting system for quick and easy installation.

Box Contents

Cinema Select LCR:

• 1 Cinema Select LCR speaker
• 1 Paintable grille
• 1 Plastic paint plug (installed on front)
• 1 Mounting cutout template

Cinema Select SUR:

• 2 Cinema Select SUR speakers
• 2 Paintable grilles
• 2 Plastic paint plugs (installed on fronts)
• 1 Mounting cutout template

Optional Accessories

• Symphony FlexBracket (part #92336): Plastic template for reserving a mounting hole in new construction, used with the RotoLock® mounting system.
• Symphony Coverplate (part #92334): Reusable cover to protect the hole made by the FlexBracket during construction until the speaker is installed.

Speaker Placement

Consult your local authorized Sonance dealer for expert system planning and installation. Ensure your system is properly planned, assembled, and installed.

Left, Center & Right Speakers

Note: CINEMA SELECT LCR SPEAKERS MUST BE ORIENTED VERTICALLY.

• Place left & right speakers 6 to 10 feet apart, 38 to 42 inches from the floor (ear height when seated).
• Locate speakers at least 18 inches away from side walls.
• Center speaker should be at the same height as left & right speakers (38-42 inches from floor).
• If placing the center speaker above or below a video screen, limit placement to within 2 feet above or below the center of the front speakers to maintain tonal consistency.

The main listening position should be between 8 and 12 feet away from the speakers.

Figure 2: Diagram illustrating recommended placement for Left, Center, and Right speakers relative to a video screen and side walls. Shows minimum 18 inches from side walls and 6-10 feet apart. Maximum 2 feet vertical offset for center speaker.

Left & Right Surround Speakers

• Place directly to the sides of the listening position, 5 to 7 feet off the floor.
• If side wall placement is not possible, mount on the ceiling 6 to 10 feet apart. Aim tweeters towards the video screen and rear wall, with woofers towards each other.

Figure 3: Diagram showing recommended placement for Left and Right surround speakers on side walls relative to the listening position (5-7 feet off floor).

Figure 4: Diagram showing recommended placement for Left and Right surround speakers on the ceiling (6-10 feet apart).

Surround Back Channel Speakers

• For 6.1 or 7.1 systems, place on the rear wall between 4 and 8 feet apart, at least 5 feet from the floor.

Figure 5: Diagram showing recommended placement for Surround Back speakers on the rear wall (4-8 feet apart, at least 5 feet from floor).

Selecting the Proper Speaker Wire

Use premium Sonance MediaLinQ® speaker cable or other UL-compliant cables. Check local codes for in-wall wiring. Avoid thin-gauge wire, as it constricts sound, diminishes bass response, and wastes amplifier power. Total wire resistance should be less than 10% of the speaker's impedance (e.g., less than 0.8 ohms for an 8-ohm speaker).

Figure 6: Table showing speaker wire resistance in Ohms versus cable length for various gauges.

Preparing the Installation Location

Building a Backbox into the Wall Stud Bay

Sonance Cinema Select speakers perform best with a specific internal volume. Partitioning a stud bay to form a sealed backbox (ideal volume: 1.5 ft³ for LCR and SUR) dramatically improves bass performance and power handling.

Optional Speaker Enclosures

• Symphony® Acoustic Enclosures (part #91687): For installations without a backbox, these ½”-thick MDF enclosures improve bass performance and power handling, and reduce sound transmission into adjacent rooms. For new construction only.
• Symphony® Retrofit Enclosures (part #92342): Reduce sound transmission into adjacent rooms for retrofits.

Insulating the Wall Cavity

Insert unfaced fiberglass insulation over the back of the speaker and in adjacent stud bays to reduce sound transmission and mechanical noise from drywall.

Sonafill®

Sonafill (part #91698) is an acoustical treatment system (pillows and tiles) that virtually eliminates drywall noise, improves midbass quality, and reduces sound transmission.

Installing the Speakers

Before Installation: New Construction

Use the Symphony® FlexBracket (part #92336) to reserve the speaker location. Its perforated wings attach to studs, guiding the drywaller for precise cutout placement.

Before Installation: Retrofit

1. Determine speaker location (see Speaker Placement, page 3).
2. Perform an obstruction survey for studs, conduit, pipes, heating ducts, pocket doors, or air returns in the wall cavity.
3. The cutout for all Cinema Select speakers is 10 11/16" (270mm) x 6 13/16" (172mm). Ensure at least 3 7/8" (98mm) depth within the wall cavity.
4. Position the cutout template, pencil an outline on the wall. If unsure about obstructions, drill a small center hole and use a coat hanger wire to check.
5. Cut the mounting hole using a keyhole or drywall saw. Run speaker wires from the hole to the amplifier location. Consult local building codes before running wires.

Before Installation: IR Plug

Sonance Cinema Select speakers have a port for an IR receiver, allowing remote controls to aim at the front of the room. The knockout is a bolt and retaining nut. Remove the nut (behind baffle) and bolt. The hole accepts a Sonance SMRI or SMRIP Surface-Mount IR receiver. Secure with the included nut.

Note: The speaker grille may reduce IR receiver effectiveness. If so, slightly enlarge the grille holes directly in front of the IR receiver.

Figure 7: Diagram of the IR Plug port on the speaker baffle.

Figure 8: Diagram of the IR Plug retaining nut.

Installation

Sonance Cinema Select speakers feature FastMount® tabs and RotoLock® mounting for quick installation into existing walls.

Warning: The edges of FastMount tabs are very sharp. Use caution.

1. Remove the paint plug from the speaker.
2. Run speaker wire to the amplifier location.
3. Strip ½" - ¾" of insulation from each speaker lead. Twist strands or tin with solder to prevent stray strands, which can cause short-circuits.
4. Push down the spring-loaded connector post, insert exposed wires. Connect amplifier "+" to speaker "+" (red dot) and amplifier "—" to speaker "—" (black dot).
5. Ensure RotoLock clamps are fully clockwise (tucked within the mounting hole border). Insert the speaker into the wall hole. The RotoLock system accommodates wall material up to 1½" thick.
6. The FastMount tabs prevent the speaker from falling out, allowing installers to let go and retrieve tools.

Note: FastMount tabs are for one-time use. If the speaker is removed, the tabs disconnect and remain in the wall.

Figure 9: Diagram showing the speaker being inserted into the mounting hole, with RotoLock clamps visible.

Figure 10: Diagram illustrating the FastMount tabs securing the speaker.

7. Tighten the four screws on the speaker baffle. RotoLock clamps automatically rotate and clamp the speaker. Stop when resistance is felt; do not over-tighten.

Important: Always use low-torque settings. Never over-tighten.

Note: The speaker flange is designed to flex. Do not overtighten screws to the point the flange bows out.

8. Attach the grille. Insert about half the grille into the speaker edge groove, then gently fit the remaining half.

Note: Adjust RotoLock screw torque for a proper grille fit.

Figure 11: Diagram showing the RotoLock clamps tightening the speaker into the wall.

Painting the Speakers and Grilles

Speakers and grilles can be painted before installation to avoid a "paint scar." Speakers can also be painted after installation but before grille attachment. A plastic paint plug protects speaker drivers during flange painting.

Sonance recommends painting the grille separately. Carefully remove the under-grille cloth (held by light glue). Spray the grille with thinned paint (5 parts thinner to 1 part paint), ensuring not to plug the holes. Heavy paint coats can affect sound.

After painting and drying, replace the under-grille cloth, remove the paint plug, and install the grille.

Specifications

Cinema Select LCR

• Tweeter: 1" (25mm) Silk dome, Ferrofluid-cooled, shielded magnet
• Woofer: 6½" (165mm) Carbon fiber cone, rubber surround, shielded magnet
• Frequency Response: 80Hz - 20kHz ±3dB
• Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal; 5 Ohms minimum
• Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 135 Watts maximum
• Sensitivity: 90dB SPL (2.83V / 1 meter)
• Grille Material: Perforated aluminum
• Adjustments: None
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 8¼" x 12³/16" x 3⁷⁄8" (210mm x 310mm x 98mm)
• Cutout Dim. (W x H): 6¹³/16" x 10¹¹⁄16" (172mm x 270mm)
• Shipping Weight: 5 lbs. (2.3kg) Each

Cinema Select SUR

• Tweeter: Two 1" (25mm) silk domes, Ferrofluid-cooled
• Woofer: 6½" (165mm) Carbon fiber cone, rubber surround
• Frequency Response: 55Hz - 20kHz ±3dB
• Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal; 5 Ohms minimum
• Power Handling: 5 watts minimum; 135 Watts maximum
• Sensitivity: 90dB SPL (2.83V / 1 meter)
• Grille Material: Perforated aluminum
• Adjustments: None
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 8¼" x 12³/16" x 3⁷⁄8" (210mm x 310mm x 98mm)
• Cutout Dim. (W x H): 6¹³/16" x 10¹¹⁄16" (172mm x 270mm)
• Shipping Weight: 10 lbs. (4.5kg) Pair

Technical Assistance and Service

For questions about operation or installation, contact Sonance Technical Assistance at (800) 582-0772 or (949) 492-7777 (7 a.m. - 5 p.m. PST, business days).

For repair or service:

1. Note product model number, serial number, purchase date, and dealer name/address.
2. Contact Technical Assistance to describe the problem. They may issue a Return Authorization Number.
3. Important: Prior authorization is required for returns.
4. If returning for repair, pack in the original shipping carton. Consider an outer overcarton to minimize theft risk. Include a copy of the original bill of sale.
5. Arrange prepaid shipping via a package delivery company (e.g., UPS, FedEx). Do not use USPS. Freight collect shipments will be refused.
6. Write the Return Authorization Number on the outside of the shipping carton.
7. Ship to: QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT, SONANCE, 212 AVENIDA FABRICANTE, SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672-7531.

Limited Lifetime Warranty Coverage (U.S. Only)

Sonance warrants to the original retail purchaser that this Sonance product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship when purchased from a Sonance authorized dealer.

Defective products must be shipped, prepaid and insured, with proof of purchase to the authorized dealer or Sonance factory. Freight collect shipments will be refused. The purchaser bears the risk of loss or damage in transit.

If found defective during the warranty period, Sonance or the authorized dealer will, at their option, repair or replace the product at no charge. If the model is unavailable or unrepairable, Sonance may replace it with a current model of equal or greater value. Modifications to mounting surfaces for replacement models are the responsibility of the purchaser. Replaced parts and products become Sonance property. Repaired/replaced products will be returned freight prepaid.

This warranty excludes damage caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing/shipping, commercial use, voltage inputs exceeding rated maximum, or unauthorized service/modification. It also excludes normal cosmetic deterioration from environmental conditions. The warranty is void if the serial number is removed or defaced.

This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. The purchaser's sole remedy is repair or replacement. Sonance is not liable for incidental or consequential damages, even if advised of their possibility. Some states may not allow limitations on consequential damages or implied warranty duration.

Exclusions and Limitations

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The warranty is limited to Sonance products and excludes damage to allied equipment. Sonance is not liable for incidental or consequential damages arising from any breach of this warranty. This warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by state.