Polk Audio 500LS High-Performance Loudspeaker
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings.
- Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, this apparatus should not be exposed to rain or moisture and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.
Product Disposal
Certain international, national and/or local laws and/ or regulations may apply regarding the disposal of this product. For further detailed information, please contact the retailer where you purchased this product or the Polk Audio Importer/ Distributor in your country. A listing of Polk Audio Importer/Distributors can be found on the Polk Audio website www.polkaudio.com or by contacting Polk Audio at 5601 Metro Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, USA
Phone: +1 410 358-3600.
WARNING: Listen Carefully
Polk Audio loudspeakers and subwoofers are capable of playing at extremely high volume levels, which could cause serious or permanent hearing damage. Polk Audio, Inc. accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury or property damage resulting from the misuse of its products.
Keep these guidelines in mind and always use your own good judgment when controlling volume: You should limit prolonged exposure to volumes that exceed 85 decibels(dB). For more about safe volume levels, go to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) guidelines at http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/noise/standards_more.html
TAKE INVENTORY
Inside each speaker container, you should find the following:
- One In-Ceiling Loudspeaker
- One Sheer-Grille
- Mounting Template
- Owner’s Manual
- Registration Card
Important Note: If anything is missing or damaged, or if your speaker fails to operate, notify Polk Audio Customer Support Services immediately at 800-377-7655.
INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATION
FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE
Important Note: Vanishing Series Loudspeakers are not magnetically shielded and should not be placed closer than 1′ (30cm) from a CRT (tube) television or video monitor.
Important Note: You should have a thorough understanding of and adhere to all local building and fire codes. Also, you should be familiar with the area behind the wall or ceiling into which you plan to install your speakers. Always use wire that meets appropriate building and fire codes. Wiring is best performed by an experienced professional.
When installing your loudspeakers, be aware of the weight of your particular model and the sturdiness of the material into which you are installing the speakers. Be aware of any concealed studs, electrical wiring or plumbing in the wall or ceiling into which you are installing the speakers.
If you doubt that you possess the necessary skills or tools, consult your Polk Audio dealer or a professional installer.
Wire Recommendations
(Minimum recommended)
Runs Gauge
- Lengths up to 25′ 18 or 16
- Lengths greater than 25′ 16 or 14
- But less than 50′
- Lengths greater than 50′ 14 or 12
- But less than 75′
- Lengths greater than 75′ 12
Wall or Ceiling Surface Preparation
If you’re installing your Vanishing Series speaker into a heavily textured wall or ceiling (e.g. stucco or popcorn finish), you must prepare the wall surface immediately around the speaker cutout. Sanding and smoothing the wall or ceiling surface will ensure the speaker and grille both seat properly and flat to the surface.
Loudspeaker Installation
You will need
- Pencil for marking the location of installation.
- Keyhole saw, utility knife or material appropriate tool for cutting drywall or other wall material.
- Screwdriver, preferably powered, with Phillips Head bit.
- Power drill with appropriate bit (optional, for starting wall cut).
Trace around the template
Cut the hole with the appropriate tool
Crossover Warning
- Exercise extreme caution when installing this
- Loudspeaker so you do not damage the crossover.
Security Eyebolt
Your Vanishing Series in-ceiling loudspeaker has an eyebolt on the back of the speaker that can be used for an extra measure of installation security. Follow standard building code installation procedures in your area.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO PAINT YOUR GRILLES Because of its ultra-thin profile; the Vanishing Series Sheer-Grille™ requires a specific painting procedure to ensure smooth, even coverage.
Important Note: Do not remove the grille scrim before painting.
Paint Recommendation
We highly recommend you use a can of spray paint matched to the ceiling color you want the Sheer-Grilles to blend with.
Important Note: Never use a brush or roller to paint the grilles, as this will clog the perforated holes.
To paint the Sheer-Grille
- Elevate the Sheer-Grille off of a flat surface. This will ensure even coverage of the grille frame and make it easier to pick up. Mounting Idea: A single spray can cap will raise the grille high enough.
- Hold the spray paint about 12″ from the grille and at a 45° angle.
- Apply one light, thin coat, moving evenly side to side over the grille, then work your way around the perimeter of the grille to ensure you cover the grille frame.
- After each application of paint, wait approximately 1 minute, rotate the grille 90°, and apply the next thin coat.
Important Note: You must rotate the grille 90°. Use your hands to define the next 90°rotation and always rotate the grille in the same direction of travel.
- Three light, even applications should cover the grille and frame adequately. Remember to work your way around the grille frame to cover it evenly and completely.
| RT Models | 90-rt | 70-rt | 50-rt |
| A. Overall Diameter | 9 5/8″ (244.48mm) | 8 1/8″ (206.38mm) | 7 3/4″ (195.58mm) |
| B. Cutout Diameter | 8 3/16″ (207.95mm) | 6 1/2″ (165.1mm) | 6″ (152.4mm) |
| C. Product Depth | 9 3/8″ (238.1mm) | 8 3/8″ (212.7mm) | 9″ (228.6mm) |
| D. Mounting Depth (using 1/2″ drywall) | 8 7/8″ (225.4mm) | 7 7/8″ (200mm) | 8 1/2″ (215.9mm) |
ROOM ENVIRONMENT CONTROLS
Room Switch
If your listening room is very reflective, with smooth sheetrock walls, hardwood floors and non-cushioned furniture, the sound will be overly “bright” and unnatural.
Engaging the Room Switch (Reflective) compensates for the effect of reflectivity in a “hard room” by attenuating only the portion of the tweeter response that can cause harshness resulting in listener fatigue. This flattens room response without hindering higher frequency response, for warmer, more realistic sound and more accurate imaging.
If your listening room is not highly reflective, and that is it has curtains, carpeting, and cushioned furniture, leave the Room Switch in its Normal setting (Norm).
Wall Distance Switch (LS models only)
In-ceiling loudspeakers excel when placed more than 2′ (60cm) from side walls. If position limitations demand that in-ceiling loudspeakers be installed closer than 2′ (60cm) from side walls, the proximity of the surface can result in a response “bump” between 50Hz and 200Hz. This can cause in-ceiling speakers to sound “boomy.” The “Wall Distance” switch flattens response and eliminates “boominess” without sacrificing deep bass response, for more lifelike sound.
| DIMENSIONS | |||
| LS Models | 900-ls | 700-ls | 500-ls |
| A. Overall Diameter | 9 5/8″ (244.48mm) | 8 1/8″ (206.38mm) | 7 3/4″ (195.58mm) |
| B. Cutout Diameter | 8 3/16″ (207.95mm) | 6 1/2″ (165.1mm) | 6″ (152.4mm) |
| C. Product Depth | 9 3/8″ (238.1mm) | 8 1/2″ (215.9mm) | 9 3/8″ (238.1mm) |
| D. Mounting Depth (using 1/2″ drywall) | 8 7/8″ (225.4mm) | 8″ (203.2mm) | 8 7/8″ (225.4mm) |
| RT Models | 90-rt | 70-rt | 50-rt |
| A. Overall Diameter | 9 5/8″ (244.48mm) | 8 1/8″ (206.38mm) | 7 3/4″ (195.58mm) |
| B. Cutout Diameter | 8 3/16″ (207.95mm) | 6 1/2″ (165.1mm) | 6″ (152.4mm) |
| C. Product Depth | 9 3/8″ (238.1mm) | 8 3/8″ (212.7mm) | 9″ (228.6mm) |
| D. Mounting Depth (using 1/2″ drywall) | 8 7/8″ (225.4mm) | 7 7/8″ (200mm) | 8 1/2″ (215.9mm) |
Specifications
For complete Vanishing Series specifications, visit www.polkaudio.com
Limited Lifetime Warranty for Polk Audio
Branded In-Wall and In-Ceiling Speakers
Important Note: This lifetime warranty applies only to in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeakers, and passive CSW subwoofers sold after September 9, 2009.
Polk Audio, Inc., (“Polk”) warrants to the original retail purchaser that Polk Audio branded in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, including passive CSW series subwoofers (collectively “product”), will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product, under normal use and conditions. Should this product prove to be defective in material or workmanship, Polk will, at its option, (a) repair the product, or (b) replace the product. If the product model is no longer available and cannot be repaired effectively, or replaced with an identical model, Polk may, at its sole and absolute option, replace the unit with a current model of equal or greater value. To obtain warranty service, you may refer to the instructions in your owner’s manual or visit the Polk Audio website at www.polkaudio.com
You may also contact Polk Audio Customer Service at 1-800-377-7655 for instructions on where to send the product. You will be required to provide an original receipt or bill of sale, identifying you as the original purchaser and identifying the purchase made through an authorized Polk retailer. You will need to ship the product, prepaid and insured, together with the proof of purchase to Polk Audio, Inc. 1 Viper Way, Vista, CA 92081. Risk of loss or damage in transit shall be borne by the purchaser. Freight collect shipments will be refused. This warranty is non-transferable and does not apply to any product that has been modified or used in a manner contrary to its intended purpose, and does not cover damage to the product caused by installation or removal of the product.
If modification(s) to a mounting surface are made to product(s) that have been substituted under warranty, Polk assumes no responsibility or liability for any modification made to the mounting surface or otherwise. This limited warranty is void if the product has an altered or missing serial number, or if the product was purchased from someone other than an authorized dealer. This limited warranty is void if the product has been damaged by accident or unreasonable use, neglect, improper service or other causes not arising out of defects in material or construction. Product(s) which are found to be damaged by abuse resulting in thermally damaged voice coils are not covered by this warranty but may be replaced at the sole and absolute discretion of Polk.
This warranty terminates if you sell or otherwise transfer the product to another party. This limited warranty does not cover cosmetic damage, paint damage, damage to other components, parts or premises, or any consequential damages which may result for any reason. This limited warranty does not cover labor costs for the removal and/or reinstallation of the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The LED lights cannot be dimmed; they can only be switched on or off.
Actually, it consists of two separate parts that are joined by a few screws. Like any other completed conventional speaker, the speaker, which screws onto the back of the lights, has its own set of cords and terminals for making music. The front part of the light’s LEDs are powered by two cords.
No, ceiling speakers typically operate as passive speakers, which means that, because they lack built-in amplifiers, they are powered by speaker wires connected to an external amplifier. Each ceiling speaker is connected to the amplifier using the binding posts.
The receiver’s connection to ceiling speakers increases the possibility that there won’t be any further disconnections. You won’t have any trouble listening to quality music for a very long time if your speakers are correctly wired.
background music, despite the fact that they are directional and still require careful placement for the optimum audio picture. Even if you are at the room’s edges or corners, you can still receive a strong signal.
Each surround speaker’s SYNC button must be pressed and held for three seconds. When the sound bar is connected, the surround speaker’s green LED on the back starts to flash more quickly before going solid green.
An external amplifier must be connected via speaker cable to each of the ceiling speakers in order to power them all. The Sonos Amp is, in our opinion, the greatest multi-room alternative.
Every TV will be equipped with an audio output. It will most likely be a digital optical output for the time being. You can listen to TV sound through your ceiling speaker system by running an analogue cable from your TV to the amplifier and switching to line output on your TV.
Create a passageway for the wires to pass through.
Shut off the breaker after making sure the amplifier is unplugged.
Connect the wiring.
Start attaching the wires to the speaker terminals in the ceiling.
Connect the other end of the wires to the amplifier’s terminals.
Try it out by turning on your breaker.
Purchase a multi-zone AV receiver, then connect speaker wires to each amp-powered speaker. Your home audio system will be easier to set up if you choose an AV receiver with Bluetooth and WiFi built in.
As far apart as speakers on a typical sound system would be, speakers should be placed at least 18 inches from the wall. They ought to be no closer than two metres apart, as a general rule.
In most cases, in-ceiling speakers may easily be mounted in a wall, and vice versa, and they will sound the same.
