Owner’s Manual
AMC
650r
680r
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The AMC650r and AMC680r in-wall loudspeakers deliver outstanding performance. They
incorporate a unique waveguide tweeter that has a large mounting area to extend its response.
This allows a lower crossover point which produces a more integrated sound. The painstakingly
developed shape and profile of this waveguide guarantees much smoother and wider response
than with post or “eye socket” mounted tweeters. In addition the tweeter is mounted on a 20-
degree angle which provides a natural “toe in” to focus the sound when the AMC650/680r are
used as front speakers. Alternatively the sound of the tweeters can be directed away from the
listening area, producing a more diffuse sound when used as surround speakers. Complex high-
order crossovers ensure seamless blending between woofer and tweeter and a perfectly
balanced sonic character. In production, Snell’s unique hand tuning of each
crossover gives an incredibly tight ±1dB match to the Master Reference. The AMC650r is
perfect for any application—main speakers, surround use, or background music.
3/4-inch dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter provides detailed, articulate sound and wide dispersion.
Waveguide tweeter mounting for smoother high frequency response.
Tweeter and waveguide are angled at 20 degrees for optimum coverage of the listening area.
Copolymer woofer with NBR rubber surround offers smooth, natural performance.
This Package Contains:
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Model AMC650r or AMC680 loudspeakers
White metal grilles
Paint masks
Hole-cutting template
Examine the contents of the package and confirm that you have all the items.
INTRODUCTION
Note: This manual is written with the assumption that the installer possesses skill in the proper
use of hand and power tools, a knowledge of local fire and building codes, and a familiarity
with the environment behind the surface of the wall or ceiling in which the speakers will be
installed.
Where to Place Your Speaker Systems
Effects of the Installation Location
The wall or ceiling into which the AMC650r or AMC680r is installed becomes its acoustical
enclosure. A large part of the system’s acoustical performance is dependent on that enclosure.
Generally, larger volumes will ensure full bass response. Whenever possible, avoid placing the
speakers at either end of a long column such as that created between wall studs, the footer,
and the header. Placement at the ends of such a tunnel will create a “closed-end tuned pipe”
that can adversely effect bass response. Hard surfaces behind the speaker installlation location
will cause reflections that also will adversely effect bass response. To avoid this loosly fill the
volume behind the speaker with fiberglass or other sound-absorptive material.
Be sure the area behind the speaker mounting location is large enough - 0.5 cu. ft. or more.
Avoid installing the speaker near the ends of the chamber behind the mounting that is
formed by 2x4 framing. (Typically at ceiling or floor).
Fill the chamber behind the speaker mounting location with acoustically absorbent material.
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STEREO IMAGE
The distance between the speakers determines the width of the stereo image. If the speakers are
placed too close together, the image will be too narrow; too far apart and the blend will suffer,
creating a “hole in the middle.”
We recommend an angular separation
between 45 degrees and 60 degrees (when
viewed from above). This is equivalent to a
45
separation between the speaker systems that
is about 75% to 100% of the distance from
60
the listener to either of the speakers.
Creating the illustion of sound coming from
the area between the speakers requires careful
selection of the speaker instalation locations.
The distance from the left speaker to the
listener location should equal the distance
from the right speaker to the listener location.
Use a tape measure to be sure that the
distances from the primary listening position to the speakers are equal. When properly placed,
your speakers will create a continuum of “virtual images” from left to right, with a convincing
illusion of sound outside, in front, and behind the speaker systems.
Separate the speakers by 45 degrees to 60 degrees.
Equalize the distance between each speaker and the listening area.
Aiming the Speakers
Floor-standing and bookshelf speakers are often angled inward to create a more solid stereo
image and to broaden the acceptable listening area. Typical wall or ceiling mounted speakers do
not provide this flexibility.
The AMC650r and AMC680r address this issue with a tweeter that is angle-mounted at 20
degrees. Our studies show this to be the optimum angling for wall or ceiling mounted speakers.
When installing the speakers, they should be oriented such that the tweeters are symmetrically
angled toward the central listening area. The exact angle is not crucial, however, because the
response of the system is excellent from 0 degrees (straight out on its center line) to about 50
degrees off-axis in the direction of the waveguide.
If the AMC650r or AMC680r is used as a wall-mounted center channel speaker, aim the tweeter
up or down as appropriate. If its position is above normal seated ear level, orient the system
with the waveguide angling downward. Conversely, if the system is centrally mounted just at or
below ear level, orient the system to angle the waveguide upward. For use as a surround, see
the following section.
Aim the center of the speaker to your ear level while listening in a seated position.
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Using As a Surround Speaker
The compact size and neutral tonal quality of the AMC650r and AMC680r make them perfect
for the surround channel speakers of a home theater system. Place the speakers toward the
back of the room, to the sides of, or behind
the listening position.
An indirect sound path from the speakers to
the listening position results in a more diffuse
and convincing surround sound effect. This
can be achieved by taking advantage of the
angled waveguide tweeter. Orient (rotate) the
speakers so that the tweeters point away from
the listening area. Mounting speakers fairly
far back, and fairly high, on the side walls,
with the tweeter aimed toward the rear wall
of the listening area, will give excellent
results.
PAINTING THE SPEAKERS
If you intend to paint the speakers, it’s best to do so before you install them. Typically, a primer
coat is not necessary.
1. Remove the speaker grille. Carefully pry on one edge with an awl or small screwdriver. If
you choose to paint the metal grille, do so after detaching it
from the speaker.
Note: You may find it helpful to thin the paint to be used
on the grille. This prevents the paint from filling the
holes.
2. Use the form-fitting painting mask provided to paint
the housing. Shape it into a cone and insert the two
tabs into their adjacent slots.
3. After the paint has dried, remove the mask by carefully
inserting a screwdriver into the slots and prying
upward.
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
Take the following steps to prepare for installation:
Map out the wiring paths from the speakers to the amplifier. We recommend 16-gauge
cable or thicker for runs up to 25 feet (8m) and 12-gauge wire or thicker for longer runs.
Be sure the speaker wire does not rest or rub against any sharp or pointed objects.
Each speaker is 8 ohms nominal. When connecting more than two speakers per amplifier
channel, you should use series wiring or an impedance protection device, such as a line
transformer.
Make sure that the total system’s impedance does not fall below the amplifier’s minimum
rating. If you are not certain, consult your Snell Acoustics dealer.
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INSTALLATION
Note: The speakers should be mounted on a flat surface to form a good seal between the
speaker flange and the mounting surface.
1. Make a 75⁄8-inch (194mm) cutout using the
Wall or Ceiling Material
supplied template. It is not necessary to remove
fiberglass insulation that may be behind the wall.
2. Run wire from amplifier to cutout. Allow an
extra foot of wire at the cutout.
3. Remove the speaker grille. Carefully pry up one
side with an awl or small screwdriver.
The AMC650r and AMC680r have heavy-duty spring-loaded push terminals for their input
connections. The terminals will accept wire or pins up to 5⁄32-inch in diameter.
4. If connecting with bare wire, strip the wire so that
approximately 1⁄2-inch is exposed. Twist the wire
into a bundle so that there are no stray strands.
Push the end of the terminal to expose the hole in
the side of the terminal. Then insert bare wire into
the hole and release.
5. The insulation of the wire will have a stripe or ribs on one side. Use this marking to ensure
the + (red) terminal of the speaker is connected to the + terminal of the amplifier and the
– terminal of the speaker is connected to the – terminal of the amplifier.
Warning! To prevent electrical shock, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when making
connections to the speaker system.
6. Place the speaker in the hole. Rotate the
speaker until the tweeter waveguide is
aimed in the desired direction. Use a
Phillips screwdriver to tighten the four
pivoting mounting arms. Avoid
overtightening, as this could break the
mounting arms or damage the ceiling surface.
7. Install the grille. Press firmly arund the outer edge of the grille
to seat it firmly in place.
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LISTENING LEVELS AND POWER HANDLING
The power recommendation for the system assumes you will operate the amplifier in a way that
will not produce distortion. All speakers can be damaged by a modest amplifier that is
producing distortion. If you hear a gritty noise or other signs of strain, turn down the volume.
Prolonged or repeated operation of your speakers with a distorted signal can cause damage
that is not covered by the warranty.
When turning on the system from a remote location, it is hard to judge how loud the speakers
are being driven. Be careful not to overdrive the system.
If it sounds strained, turn it down!
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SPEAKERS
Use a soft cloth slightly dampened with water or a mild detergent. The cloth should be just
damp enough to wipe the surface clean without leaving a trail of moisture.
Alternatively, vacuum the grille and frame with a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or any cleaner containing chemicals harsher than those found
in glass cleaner.
LIMITED WARRANTY
For five years from the date of purchase, Snell Acoustics will repair for the original owner any
defect in materials or workmanship that occurs in normal use of the speaker system, without
charge for parts and labor.
Your responsibilities are to use the product according to the instructions supplied, to provide
safe and secure transportation to an authorized Snell Acoustics service representative, and to
present proof of purchase from an authorized Snell dealer in the form of your sales slip when
requesting service.
Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, accidents, shipping,
repairs, or modifications by anyone other than an authorized Snell Acoustics service
representative. This warranty is void if the serial number has been removed or defaced.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from
state to state.
If Service Seems Necessary
Contact the dealer from whom you purchased the speaker system. If that is not possible, call us
at 978-538-6262, or write to:
Snell Acoustics
300 Jubilee Drive, PO Box 3717
Peabody, MA 01961-3717
We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your speaker
system to the factory, please ship it prepaid in the original factory packaging. Please note that
Snell Acoustics will not be held liable for shipping damage due to improper packaging. After it
has been repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in the U.S. or Canada.
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300 Jubilee Drive, P0B 3717
Peabody, MA 01961-3717
phone: 978-538-6262
fax: 978-538-6266
email: [email protected]
©2005 Snell Acoustics. All Rights Reserved.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Covered by patents issued and/or pending.
Part #542-1027
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