Sonance Visual Performance VP38R Round Speakers
Installation and Placement Guide
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Sonance Visual Performance VP38R Speakers. When properly installed, your new speakers will provide years of entertainment pleasure.
Box Contents
The Visual Performance in-ceiling speaker box contains:
- 1 Visual Performance speaker
- 1 Paintable grille
- 1 Mounting cutout template
Speaker Placement - Spacing
The VP38R speakers feature very wide dispersion due to the small diameter of the woofer and tweeter. This wide dispersion allows the speakers to be placed from 6'-10' (1.8-3.0 meters) apart center to center in a typical 8'-9' (2.5-2.7 meter) height ceiling. As the ceiling height increases, it is possible to separate the speakers farther, following the chart below.
The chart below illustrates recommended speaker spacing in feet for distributed audio systems, considering both standing and seated listener positions relative to ceiling height.
Ceiling Height | Standing Listener Spacing | Seated Listener Spacing |
---|---|---|
8-Foot Ceiling | 5.7′ (1.7m) Apart | 9.5′ (2.9m) Apart |
10-Foot Ceiling | 9.7′ (3.0m) Apart | 13.5′ (4.1m) Apart |
12-Foot Ceiling | 13.7′ (4.2m) Apart | 17.5′ (5.3m) Apart |
14-Foot Ceiling | 17.7′ (5.4m) Apart | 21.5′ (6.6m) Apart |
The visual representation of "COVERAGE AREA" indicates the dispersion pattern of the speakers, showing how they overlap to provide even sound distribution.
Speaker Placement - Examples
When placed as shown in the examples below, the VP38R speakers will provide even coverage over a large area.
Kitchen Example
The kitchen floorplan illustrates an ideal installation of a four VP38R satellite and one BPS6 subwoofer system. In this floorplan, the satellites are placed in high-traffic areas, and the subwoofer is positioned over the island. The approximate spacing between speakers is 6-10 feet (1.8-3m).
[Diagram Description: A floor plan showing four satellite speakers positioned around the perimeter of a kitchen space, with one subwoofer located centrally under a kitchen island. Arrows indicate 6-10 feet spacing between speakers.]
Dining Room Example
The dining room floorplan shows a typical installation with six VP38R satellites and two BPS6 subwoofers. The subwoofers are located at the center of the array of VP38R speakers. Keeping subwoofers in close proximity to satellites allows for a seamless transition from satellite to subwoofer sound.
[Diagram Description: A floor plan depicting a dining room with six satellite speakers arranged throughout the space. Two subwoofers are placed near the central area of the speaker layout. Arrows indicate 6-10 feet spacing.]
Speaker Placement – Sound Field
To maximize the sound field created by the VP38R system, we suggest connecting the speakers using an alternating left/right pattern, as shown in the floorplan examples. This connection method is particularly important in rooms without a defined listening position or where multiple people will listen simultaneously. With speakers connected this way, listeners are more likely to experience a true stereo signal regardless of their position in the room.
[Diagram Description: A visual representation of speaker wiring showing an alternating left/right connection pattern for optimal stereo imaging.]
Wiring
When wiring a DOS system (VP38R & BPS6), you have two options for connecting the speakers to the amplifier.
Wiring – 2 Channel Amplifier
In a system with four VP38R satellites and one BPS6 subwoofer, all speakers can be connected to a two-channel amplifier. This connection is possible using the high-pass filter on the VP38R satellite and the built-in crossover in the BPS6 subwoofer.
[Diagram Description: A wiring diagram illustrating four VP38R satellite speakers and one BPS6 subwoofer connected to a two-channel amplifier.]
Wiring – Multi-Channel Amplifier
The alternative connection method is to dedicate two amplifier channels to the four VP38R satellites, then connect the BPS6 subwoofer to a dedicated pair of amplifier channels. Using this connection method allows independent adjustment of the level for satellites and subwoofers.
[Diagram Description: A wiring diagram showing four VP38R satellite speakers connected to two amplifier channels and one BPS6 subwoofer connected to another two amplifier channels.]
Before Installation
- Determine the speaker location (refer to Speaker Placement on page 1).
- Perform an obstruction survey using a stud finder to ensure there are no studs, conduit, pipes, heating, ducts, pocket doors, or air returns in the ceiling cavity that could interfere with the speaker. If unsure about obstructions, drill a small hole in the center of the outline and insert a coat hanger wire to feel around for potential obstructions.
- Cut the mounting hole using a 4" (102mm) hole saw, and run the speaker wires from the mounting hole to the amplifier location. NOTE: CONSULT LOCAL BUILDING CODES BEFORE RUNNING SPEAKER WIRES THROUGH CEILINGS.
High Pass Filter Switch
The high-pass filter switch is located on the back of the speaker. The setting for this switch should be determined before you start installing the VP38R speaker.
- The default position is ON. In the ON position, the high-pass filter limits the quantity of low bass sent to the VP38R speaker. The high-pass filter is necessary to allow a smooth transition from the VP38R to the BPS6 subwoofer.
- If the VP38R will be used without a subwoofer, the high-pass filter switch should be set to the OFF position.
- If the VP38R will be used with a Sonance DSP series amplifier, the high-pass filter switch should be set to the OFF position. The high-pass filter will be applied in the DSP preset.
[Diagram Description: A close-up view of the rear of the speaker showing the "HIGH PASS" switch with "ON" and "OFF" positions.]
Two Piece Toggle Foot
Sonance Visual Performance Speakers feature an integral two-piece Roto-Lock mounting system for quick mounting directly into existing ceilings.
- The Roto-Lock system can accommodate a ceiling material thickness of 1/4" (6mm) to 1-7/8" (48mm).
- With the toggle foot cap removed, the system can accommodate a ceiling material thickness of 7/16" (12mm) to 2-1/8" (54mm).
- When installing into double drywall or other thicker ceiling materials, you may need to remove part of the two-piece toggle feet. Unscrew the toggle foot cap from the toggle foot.
[Diagram Description: An illustration of the Roto-Lock mounting system, showing the toggle feet and screws, and how they engage with ceiling material.]
Wire Connection
- Strip 1/4″ – 1/2" (6mm – 12mm) of insulation from each speaker lead. Twist the strands or tin the exposed wire with solder to ensure there are no stray strands.
NOTE: Stray strands that touch each other can cause a short-circuit that can damage the amplifier!
- The speaker's terminals are spring-loaded. Push the top of each terminal down to open the connector and insert the exposed wires into the holes in the spring terminals. The speaker's positive spring terminal is labeled with a red dot; the negative spring terminal is labeled with a black dot. Double-check that you connected amplifier "+" to speaker "+" and amplifier "-" to speaker "-".
Installation
- Make sure all the Roto-Lock toggle feet are retracted so that they are tucked within the mounting hole's border.
- Insert the speaker into the hole in the ceiling.
- Tighten the screws on the front of the speaker baffle. The Roto-Lock toggle feet will automatically rotate into position and begin clamping the speaker. When you notice resistance on the screws, the speaker has been clamped successfully.
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS USE LOW TORQUE SETTINGS; DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN!
NOTE: Adjust the tension of the Roto-Lock clamps so that the speaker frame is flat. This will help ensure the grille contacts the ceiling all the way around the speaker for a proper fit.
- The micro-trim grille is held in place by several small, powerful magnets on the speaker frame. Place the grille against the speaker, and the magnets will hold it firmly in place. When properly installed, the grille trim should make contact with the wall all the way around the speaker.
[Diagram Description: Illustrations showing the Roto-Lock clamps retracted, the Roto-Lock screws, and the speaker being inserted into the ceiling hole.]
Square Adapter Instructions
- The VPSQ Square Adapter slides on through the rear of the round speaker prior to installation.
- Place speaker through the round ceiling cutout, loosely tighten the Roto-Lock toggle feet, then align the Square Adapter on the speaker to the correct symmetry.
- Once the Square Adapter is straight in line with other speakers, lighting, and/or HVAC ceiling fixtures, secure the Roto-Lock toggle feet at a low torque setting.
- Attach the magnetic grille.
NOTE: The Square Adapter includes small screw holes that can be used to tighten the adapter to keep the corners flush to the ceiling in case of heavy textures.
[Diagram Description: Illustrations showing the VPSQ Square Adapter being attached to the speaker and aligned with ceiling features.]
[Note: #6 drywall screws and drywall anchors are not included. Screws will not always be necessary for every installation.]
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Sonance warrants to the first end-user purchaser that this Sonance-brand product ("Product"), when purchased from an authorized Sonance Dealer/Distributor, will be free from defective workmanship and materials for the life of the Product, except for the grille, which is warranted for five (5) years. Sonance will, at its option and expense, either repair the defect or replace the Product with a new or remanufactured Product or a reasonable equivalent.
Exclusions
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS IN LIEU OF, AND EXCLUSIVE OF, ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY PROVIDED BY SONANCE. ALL OTHER EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR USE, AND IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED.
No one is authorized to make or modify any warranties on behalf of Sonance. The warranty stated above is the sole and exclusive remedy, and Sonance's performance shall constitute full and final satisfaction of all obligations, liabilities, and claims with respect to the Product.
IN ANY EVENT, SONANCE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, ECONOMIC, PROPERTY, BODILY INJURY, OR PERSONAL INJURY DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE PRODUCT, ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, OR OTHERWISE.
This warranty statement gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitations of remedies, so the above exclusions and limitations may not apply. If your state does not allow disclaimer of implied warranties, the duration of such implied warranties is limited to the period of Sonance's express warranty.
Product Model and Description
Sonance Visual Performance VP38R loudspeaker
Additional Limitations and Exclusions from Warranty Coverage
The warranty described above is non-transferable, applies only to the initial installation of the Product, does not include installation of any repaired or replaced Product, does not include damage to allied or associated equipment which may result for any reason from use with this Product, and does not include labor or parts caused by accident, disaster, negligence, improper installation, misuse (e.g., overdriving the amplifier or speaker, excessive heat, cold, or humidity), or from service or repair which has not been authorized by Sonance.
Obtaining Authorized Service
To qualify for the warranty, you must contact your authorized Sonance Dealer/Installer or call Sonance Customer Service at (949) 492-7777 within the warranty period, must obtain a return merchandise number (RMA), and must deliver the Product to Sonance shipping prepaid during the warranty period, together with the original sales receipt, or invoice, or other satisfactory proof of purchase.