5
WIRE RESISTANCE IN OHMS VS. LENGTH OF CABLE RUN
DISTANCE
50’
15.2m
100’
30.5m
150’
45.7m
200’
61m
250’
76.2m
300’
91.4m
20 GAUGE
0.86
1.73
2.59
3.45
4.32
5.18
18 GAUGE
0.65
1.30
1.94
2.59
3.24
3.89
16 GAUGE
0.43
0.85
1.28
1.71
2.14
2.56
14 GAUGE
0.27
0.54
0.81
1.08
1.35
1.62
12 GAUGE
0.17
0.34
0.51
0.68
0.85
1.02
SPACE SAVER PART NUMBERS
IS-SAVER-S
IS6T
93492
4-pack
PRODUCT PREPARATION
Amplifier Selection
Sonance DSP Amplifiers are recommended for use with
the IS6T speaker. When using the IS6T in 70V/100V, we
recommend the Sonance DSP-2-750 MKII. These amps
have preloaded curves to optimize the performance of
Invisible Series speakers and woofers. Preconfigured
curves for various finish types and thicknesses allow for
effortless calibration without the need for additional
measurement equipment. Sonance DSP Amplifiers are
rated down to 4 Ohms and are stable to 2 Ohms. Never
run more than two Invisible Speakers in parallel on one
amplifier channel.
NOTE: Pay attention to Sonance IS speaker rated RMS
power handling. Select an amplifier with max RMS
watts per channel at 4 ohms that closely matches or
is less than the IS speaker’s rated power handling (see
page 16). Damage to the speaker or installed finish
may occur if the speaker is overdriven.
Wire Gauge - 70V/100V Systems
The most common wire used on commercial 70
volt systems is 18 gauge, 2 conductor, stranded,
and jacketed without a shield. The wire starts at the
amplifier location and is paralleled at each speaker
location.
Wire length using 18 gauge is appropriate up to 700
feet with a 100 watt load. If you double the load (sum
of your tap settings), you will reduce the footage by
half, to 350 feet. Conversely, if you halve the load, you
may double the acceptable wire length, i.e., a 50 watt
load is safe over 1400 feet of 18 gauge. Stepping up
to 16 gauge wire extends the allowable run length by
approximately 35%. For example, a 100 watt load can
go 700 feet on 18 gauge; the same load may be placed
on 1100 feet of 16 gauge.
Wire Gauge - Low Impedance Systems
When using the product in a low impedance system,
the total wire resistance should be less than 10% of the
speaker impedance. The speakers have a nominal 4
Ohm impedance, so your total wire resistance should
be no more than 0.4 Ohms. Simply, the extra resistance
from the wire will have a very negative affect on the
sound quality of the speaker. The sound can be less
dynamic, definition of bass frequencies can be reduced,
and in extreme cases, the high frequencies can be
attenuated. Amplifier power is also wasted in the wire,
reducing the maximum output level of the system.
Please refer to the chart below when deciding on the
appropriate wire gauge for your installation.
SPEAKER LOCATION
Invisible Series IS6T speakers have a 170 degree
hemispherical dispersion pattern. This allows for a wide
range of applications and installation locations. It is
recommended that speakers be wall-mounted 7 feet
(2.13 meters) or more above finished floor (AFF) or in-
ceiling to avoid being punctured or damaged. Ensure
that the speaker will not be covered by cabinetry,
draperies, art, crown molding or anything that could
cover or puncture the speaker. Face the Wave Flex Drive
Unit away from the ceiling when installing in walls and
away from the walls when installing in ceilings. Ensure
that the back of the speaker has clearance and will not
be adjacent to other building systems such as electrical,
HVAC, pipes, fire sprinklers or others that could violate
local building codes or adversely effect sound quality.
INSTALLATION ACCESSORIES
The use of space savers and preconstruction zip
rings will assist in better coordination of trades and is
recommended for best results. Space savers are a great
way to reserve the precise dimensions and location
of your Sonance Invisible Series speakers during the
construction phase and will protect your speaker wire
from getting lost within the wall or ceiling cavities.
The space saver allows you to delay the installation
of the actual invisible speaker to just prior to the
finishing stage. This reduces the risk of damage or
theft of speakers on the job site. If your project calls
for large quantities of invisible speakers, you may use
our preconstruction zip ring brackets as an easy guide
for getting the perfect drywall cutout using a drywall
zip tool. These can be installed in conjunction with the
space savers or on their own and are to be used when
drywall will be laid up directly over speaker locations.
Zip rings are made-to-order, so please contact your
Sonance representative for bulk pricing and availability.
FINISH MATERIALS
Prior to speaker installation, verify that the topping
compound and final finish are flexible materials (slow-
setting drywall mud/topping compound, wallpaper,
acrylic-based Venetian plaster, thin wood veneer) and
will not exceed 3mm (1/8”).
NOTE: Our recommended target for optimal
performance is between 1.0 and 1.5mm (about 1/16”)
of topping compound. Sound quality and installation
durability will be adversely effected if too much
