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NHT
iC3 ARC In-Ceiling Loudspeaker Installation Guide
hole with a keyhole saw or use a rotary cutter (fig.7). If the ceiling is painted, use the utility knife to score the paint so the sheetrock
paper or paint does not peel when you cut. Once installed, the speaker frame lip will extend about /2 inch beyond the perimeter of
the cutout to hide minor cutting imperfections.
4. If the ceiling is constructed of lath and plaster, outline the penciled circle with masking tape to help prevent plaster cracking, drill
a /4” hole, and use a jig saw with a new blade or rotary saw to cut through the plaster lath. A saber saw with a metal cutting blade
can be used however this saw will vibrate plaster off the ceiling and is easy to loose control of. Save yourself the headache and buy a
good rotary cutter. Always be prepared to patch the plaster.
5. Locate the speaker wire, strip the ends ½” and connect the speaker wire to the spring posts on the back of the speaker, making
sure to observe correct polarity - red (+), black (-).
7. The speaker assembly mounts to the existing ceiling via four plastic, spring-loaded mounting clamps (dog-legs) on the back of the
speaker assembly that will swivel out 45˚ and lower to “sandwich” the speaker assembly in place between its protruding outer frame
and the rear surface of the drywall. Begin this phase by being sure the dog-legs are rotated sideways (like the speaker came packed)
so that the body of the speaker assembly can slide through the mounting bracket. Exercise caution not to damage the drivers them-
selves. (fig. 4).
8. Tighten the screws snugly, making sure not to over tighten, as this may compromise the fit of the speaker assembly. The use of
power screwdrivers is not recommended. The gasket on the back the speaker assembly lip reduces unwanted vibrations against the
drywall and will compress slightly to allow the speaker assembly lip to rest flush and seal against the ceiling.
Painting
Don’t. But if you must to keep the homeowner or decorator happy, take the grill to a professional painter. Bring a sample of the
color you want with you along with a box of chocolate for the painter. High-end custom automotive painting shops can match the
color and paint the grill without plugging up the 000 grill holes. We have extra grills available, for a charge, if you do not heed our
warning and try to paint the grill yourself with latex paint.
In Use
The NHT in-ceiling speakers are designed to handle a wide range of listening levels, but every speaker has limits. It is important to
use common sense and listen for signs of possible distress from the speakers – here are some pointers to remember:
- Noticeable distortion or harsh breakup is an indication that the amplifier or your speakers are running beyond their capacity, and the
volume should be decreased ASAP.
Installation: Existing Construction Continued....
