MC-553
LCR IN-WALL SPEAKER
O w n e r ’ s M a n u a l
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a RBH Sound LCR In-wall speaker! Your speaker is the
result of many years of research and development dedicated to producing high quality
products for home audio and audio/video systems.
This manual contains features, setup recommendations and specifications for RBH Sound
LCR in-wall speakers. It is recommended you thoroughly read through the material
contained in this manual before connecting your speaker. This will ensure you have a good
understanding of how to setup your speaker for optimum performance and allow for years
of listening enjoyment.
Speaker Placement
In order to obtain the best possible sound from your speaker system, it is important to
determine where the speakers will sound best in your listening room. Room reflections
from the floor, ceiling and side walls influence the balance, imaging and overall sonic
quality at the listening position. Experiment with speaker placement to determine which
location offers the best overall sound.
Front Main Speakers
As a starting point, place your left and right speakers at least 7-feet apart from each
other. The distance from the listening position to each speaker should be close to the
distance that separates the two main speakers. The MC-553 has the unique ability to
perform double-duty as both a center-channel speaker and as a main front left or right
speaker for a surround sound system.
Center Channel Speaker
If two MC-553s are in dual-channel mode, the lower tweeter and woofer on each side can
function as the center channel, this allows the top two woofers and tweeter on each
speaker to be the front left or right channel. For situations where a dedicated center
channel can be installed, three MC-553s can be used for the front left, center and right
channels for an outstanding in-wall home theater system. See the wiring diagrams if you
have questions.
Surround Speakers
The surrounds may be placed either above, behind or to the sides of the listening
position. The listening position should be centered between the surround speakers. For
best performance you may want to experiment with angling the surround speakers either
towards or away from the listening position.
Subwoofer
Placement of the subwoofer will largely determine quality, quantity, and extension of the
bass frequencies within your listening room. Bass frequencies are reinforced by close room
boundaries. Placing the subwoofer in a corner will make the subwoofer sound louder and
boost the very lowest frequencies. Placing the subwoofer away from walls will provide
the least reinforcement, making the bass sound subjectively thinner than if the woofer
were close to a wall. Good results can usually be obtained by placing a subwoofer along a
wall 1-3 feet from a corner. Experiment with subwoofer placement and the sub-amplifier
controls to achieve the proper bass balance.
1
Speaker Placement (continued)
Pre-wiring the Speaker
Pre-wiring with an install bracket (optional)
1. Determine placement of speakers in the room.
2. Install the speaker bracket by nailing or stapling the wings of the speaker bracket to the
studs of the wall or ceiling. The bracket has a ½-inch lip that should face into the room.
This lip will provide a guide for the sheetrock installers to cut the hole for the speaker.
3. Run speaker wire from the audio equipment location to the speaker bracket. Make
sure you have plenty of wire at the speaker location to connect to the speaker, three
feet is recommended.
4. If you are running wire through studs, consider using nail guards to protect your wires
from sheetrock nails or screws.
5. See installing the speaker on page 3 for more information.
Pre-wiring without an install bracket
1. Determine the location of the speakers.
2. Run speaker wire from the audio equipment location to the speaker location. Make
sure you have plenty of wire at the speaker location to connect to the speaker, three
feet is recommended.
2
Pre-wiring the Speaker (continued)
3. Secure the speaker wire to a framing member with a staple. If you are using a staple, be
careful not to nick or pierce the wire. Make sure the wire is back far enough that the sheet
rocker’s blade or router will not cut it.
4. After the sheetrock or finish material has been installed, use the cutout template that
came in the speaker box to cut a hole in the sheetrock. Leave the wire loose enough that
you can reach into the hole you will cut into the sheetrock. Be mindful of the studs or floor
joists as you place the template.
5. See installing the speaker below and the wiring diagrams more information.
Painting the Speaker Frame and Grille
When you received your speaker, a paint shield was included. This shield can be used to protect
the speaker when painting the speaker rim (frame). If you plan to paint your speaker, we
recommend that it be done prior to installation. If you decide to paint your speaker sometime
in the future, it is best to remove them by simply reversing the speaker installation steps. When
painting the speaker, the paint shields provided in the packaging must be installed in place of
the grille. The grille can also be painted. Painting the speaker grille should be done with a paint
sprayer set to fine. Remove the grille from the speaker, peel off the grill fabric on the back of
the grille and set aside. Place the grille on a flat surface. Do not use a brush or roller on the
speaker grille as it will clog the holes, and this will greatly reduce the sound quality of the
speakers. Do not paint the grille while attached to the speaker. Be sure to remove the paint
shield from the speaker and replace the grille fabric to the back of the grille before reinstalling
the grille and using the speakers.
Installing the Speaker
NOTE: Remove ¼-inch of the insulation from the wires before connecting to the speaker.
1. Locate the speaker wire previously run to the speaker location and connect the speaker
wire to the terminal connections on the rear of the speaker. The positive conductor
connects to the red terminal and the negative conductor connects to the black
terminal, refer to the wiring diagram.
2. Install the speaker into cutout hole in the wall.
3. The speaker is secured by the eight dog legs. Tighten the eight screws on the front
of the speaker with a screwdriver, which will rotate the dog legs out, and pull them
towards the speaker. Tighten the screws until they are snug. Do not over tighten as
this may make it difficult to install the grille.
4. Be sure to remove the paint shield before placing the grille on and before using the speakers.
3
Wiring Diagram
4
Wiring Diagram (continued)
5
Speaker Adjustment
The MC-553 has two pivoting tweeters and a +3/0/-3 dB gain switch. To select a setting on the
gain switch simply slide the switch up, down or position it to the middle to obtain the desired
sound. Depending upon your listening area, you may find the sound more pleasing to point
the tweeters in a particular direction. If additional treble is desired, simply point the tweeters
towards that area; if less treble is required, point the tweeters away.
Gain Switch Settings:
-3dB Reduces the loudness
of the treble frequencies
0dB The treble frequencies)
remain at a neutral level
+3dB Increases the loudness
of the treble frequencies
Break In Period
Allow several hours of listening time to adequately break-in the speakers. As the speakers
break-in, the driver suspension will loosen. The result of break-in will be an increase in
low frequency response, improved definition, and increased clarity and detail.
Specifications
Model:
MC-553
Three 5¼” (133mm) Aluminum Cone
Woofers:
Tweeters:
Dual 1” (25mm) Pivoting Aluminum Dome
with +3/0/-3dB switch
6 Ohms (in dual-mode)
4 Ohms (in single mode)
Impedance:
53Hz-20kHz 3dB
91dB (1w/1m)
Frequency Response:
Sensitivity:
120Hz / 3,000Hz
Crossover Frequencies:
Cutout Dimensions:
5
8
Width: 6 / ” (168mm)
3
4
Height: 26 / ” (680mm)
7
8
Width: 7 / ” (200mm)
Finished Dimensions:
1
8
Height: 28 / ” (714mm)
3
8
Depth: 3 / ” (86mm)
White Frame with White Grille (Paintable)
9 lbs. (4.08 Kg)
Finish:
Weight:
6
Troubleshooting
Situation:
Probable Cause:
Solution:
No sound from
speakers
Speaker wire not
connected
Make sure wire is connected at
both the speaker and the ampli-
fier observing proper polarity
No sound from
one speaker
Speaker selector on
amplifier is not on
Activate proper selector on
amplifier
Balance control on receiver
or pre-amp is not centered
Place balance control in the
center
Speaker wire not
securely connected
Check all connections at amplifier
and speakers
Very little bass
and/or imaging
Speakers are wired
out of phase
Check entire system for proper
polarity and make adjustments as
necessary
Warranty
Your RBH Sound MC-553 LCR In-wall speaker is covered by a limited warranty against
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 25 (twenty-five) years from the
original date of purchase. This warranty is provided by the authorized RBH Sound dealer
where the speaker was purchased. Warranty repair will be performed only when your
purchase receipt is presented as proof of ownership and date of purchase. Defective
parts will be repaired or replaced without charge by your dealer’s store or the location
designated by RBH Sound authorized to service RBH Sound products. Charges for
unauthorized service and transportation cost are not reimbursable under this warranty.
This warranty becomes void if the product has been damaged by alteration, misuse or
neglect. RBH Sound assumes no liability for property damage or any other incidental
or consequential damage whatsoever which may result from the failure of this product.
Any and all warranties of merchantability and fitness implied by law are limited to the
duration of this express warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. Some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
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Redefining The Way You Experience Sound.TM
382 Marshall Way, Layton, Utah • USA • 84041
Toll Free: (800) 543-2205 • Fax: (801) 543-3300
It is RBH Sound policy to continuously incorporate improvements into products; all specifications are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2008-2009 RBH Sound. All Rights Reserved.
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