Professional Collection Manual
Professional Collection Manual
4
6. 70V/100V System
70/100-Volt systems are advantageous when the design calls for multiple speakers from the same
amplifier and/or long-distance wire runs. The Origin Acoustics 70V/100V loudspeakers feature
multiple taps off the transformer adjusted by a rotary switch at the front side of the speaker. The
higher the wattage selected the more output will be generated by the speaker. Please note, 70V
is common in the U.S. while 100V is the common voltage internationally, especially in Europe. A
simple calculation is used to determine how many speakers can be driven on a single amplifier
channel. First, for safety purposes, it is recommended to make the calculations based on 80%
of the amplifiers rated power. For example, a 500-watt amplifier would safely deliver 400 watts
of usable power (500 x 0.8 = 400). Now it is simply a matter of dividing 400 by the tap setting of
the speakers. For example, if the speakers are set at a 15W tap, the amplifier would be capable of
driving 26 speakers per channel. At a 30W tap that would be 13 speakers. At a 60W tap that would
be 6 speakers and so on.
As you can see, if you need coverage over a wide area and it requires numerous speakers, a
70V/100V system presents a tremendous advantage. However, it should be noted that the higher
the wattage tap the higher the fidelity and the greater SPL that can be delivered from each
speaker. Therefore, it is best to determine the total number of speakers needed and set the taps
as high as possible within the amplifier’s power output rating. As mentioned, the rotary switch
used to adjust the tap setting is located at the front side of the speaker. It is best to leave the grilles
off until all of the tap settings have been properly adjusted.
The table below lists the power tap settings for each model. These same settings are reflected on
the rotary switch on the front side of speaker (see image below). Note that there is an 8Ω setting
for both voltages that bypasses the transformer entirely. Use caution to avoid this setting when
connected to a 70V/100V amplifier as this can destroy the loudspeaker.
The tap setting determines how much wattage each speaker will draw from the amplifier. When
daisy-chaining multiple speakers, add the combined wattages of all tap settings to determine
the wattage draw on the amplifier. The combined total wattage should never exceed the wattage
rating of the amplifier.
WARNING:
The 8 Ω position cannot be used with a 70/100V connection as it will damage or
destroy the transformer.
Should you be uncomfortable designing or installing a 70/100V system, or should you have any
questions please contact Origin Acoustics Technical Support.
Model
PS80B
PS80W
PS60B
PS60W
PS50B
PS50W
Position
1
2
3
4
70V
80W
40W
20W
10W
100V
-
80W
40W
20W
8ohm
-
-
-
-
70V
60W
30W
15W
7.5W
100V
-
60W
30W
15W
8ohm
-
-
-
-
70V
30W
15W
7.5W
3.8W
100V
-
30W
15W
7.5W
8ohm
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
8 Ω
-
-
8 Ω
-
-
8 Ω
5
OFF
OFF
OFF
5
7. Speaker Wire
Plan how you will route the wire to the desired speaker location. There are several methods
for routing the wire, and you may need to combine several of them.
8. Wire Routing
One option is to lift up the carpet and route
“tape wire” under the carpet.
Under the Carpet
The wire can be routed behind the baseboard
by cutting a groove out of the back of the
baseboard, or by buying special baseboard
designed for concealing wires.
Behind the Baseboard
When available, you can route the wire
through an attic or crawlspace.
Attic or Basement
When running wires through a wall, be sure
to avoid all obstacles such as AC wiring,
pipes, and ducts.
Through Walls
If these speakers are being installed in a new home during construction, the installation process
will be a bit different (although much simpler). For these situations, it is recommended you
purchase a bracket. Instructions on how to install the speakers are provided with the bracket,
or can be found on our website. Visit www.originacoustics.com for more information.
For New Construction
The gauge of wire used can have an impact on the performance of your speakers.
Generally, speaker wire is determined by the length of the run and wattage utilized. The
longer your run is, the smaller the wire gauge must be.
On commercial 70 volt systems, 18 gauge, 2 conductor, stranded and jacketed without
shield wire is commonly used.
In residential systems, for relatively short runs (less than 50 feet) to 8 ohm speakers, 16
gauge wire will be usually suitable.
Wire Length
Wire Gauge
System
0 - 50’ (0 - 15m)
16
8 Ohm
50 - 100’ (15 - 45m)
14
8 Ohm
Over 100’ (30m)
12
8 Ohm
Wire Length
Wire Gauge
System
0 -200’ (0 - 60m)
18
70V / 100V
200-500’ (60 -150m)
16
70V / 100V
Over 500’ (150m)
14
70V / 100V
30
15
60
100
8 Ω
OFF
W
V
15 7.5
30
70
60
NA
Tap Switch for
PS60B & PS60W
