7
SPEAKER BREAK-IN
In the same way that a new car requires a break-in period before it can be safely operated
at high engine RPMs, speakers require a break-in period before they can be safely operated
at maximum volume levels. Proper break-in ensures that the moving parts of the speaker
(the cone and cone suspension) are allowed to flex and soften, losing the initial stiffness
and allowing the speaker to move through its full intended range. After the break-in
period, the speakers will produce richer and fatter sounding lows, warmer and smoother
sounding mids, and cleaner and more accurate highs, without any hint of distortion.
The best way to break-in speakers is simply to play normal music or watch movies at
moderate volume levels. The amount of time required for speaker break-in varies based on
the operating environment, but is typically in the area of 50~80 hours. It will take a bit
longer in a cold or dry environment and a little less time in a warm or humid environment.
Note that the break-in period does not have to be continuous.
SPEAKER WIRE PREPARATION
Before attempting to make any connections it is best to look at the situation, get all the
necessary materials together, and then make all the connections at once.
First, look at the back of your amplifier or receiver to determine what options it offers for
making connections. Amplifiers and receivers typically employ either 5-way binding posts,
spring-loaded terminals, or push terminals for the speaker connections.
A 5-way binding post can accept bare speaker wire, spade plugs, pin plugs, and banana
plugs, while spring loaded terminals and push terminals can accept either bare speaker
wire or pin plugs. Refer to the documentation that came with your amplifier or receiver to
determine the maximum size/gauge speaker wire the speaker terminals can accept.
The in-ceiling speakers feature push terminals, which can accept pin plugs or bare wire up
to 14AWG. The speakers feature blade connectors. You should use .250" 16-14AWG crimp
style blue female disconnects (not included) on the speaker end of the speaker wire.
If your amplifier can accept it, you should use 14AWG speaker wire. Using pin plugs is
highly recommended for several reasons. Plugs are easier to connect, don't run the risk of
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