So you just purchased your first in-wall and in-ceiling speakers from Jensen. Now that you have made the smart decision to do so, the installation is yet to come. In this article, I am going to give you some tips and hints at a successful installation. We will go over the planning, the prep, and what tools you should have around.
Step 1. Plan your installation. What room do you want to install speakers? Where is the Television going to go or are you just installing for music? Will you place in-wall or in-ceiling speakers? Where is the optimal place of listening or watching? By determining this first, you can adequately plan what you will need to purchase.
Once you have decided on what the room's purpose is, the next step is planning where the speakers will get installed. In-wall speakers should be about 97 cm to 112 cm from the ground. This, of course, depends on where the TV is situated. It is best to be in the middle of the screen whenever possible. In-ceiling speakers should be equal distance apart and not near any edges or corners. Use the stud finder and mark where they are. Once you have found the perfect spots, drill a tiny hole for the snake to fit thru and make sure nothing is in the way for the wires. You can also use a creep-zit rod. Finally, if you have rear speakers we recommend going a meter higher depending on the aesthetics of the room. Always remember that we have a lot more tolerance now with room correction on receivers.
Step 2. Cut holes for the speakers. While it seems obvious, please use the templates for proper cuts. Too many people eye it and end up with improper space. First, mark the cutlines with a pencil and then cut lines with your utility knife. If you need to use a saw, drill a 14 mm. hole in one of the corners and use your drywall, saw to finish cutting. Don't worry about rough edges as the speaker frame will cover them.
Step 3. Run the wires. Running wires should be pretty simple because you have already checked for anything in your way. If you are using a snake, here are a couple of pointers. Make sure the end is bent 180 degrees and will hold the speaker wire. Have a small bend at the top of the snake, which will help if you need to curve it around something. Mark it where you think it will be to meet its ending place. Doing this will give you an idea if something went awry. Finally, make sure to leave a couple of feet on the end for ceiling speakers as you will have them on the ladder while attaching the wire.
Step 4. Speaker Installation. First, attach the wire to the speaker with a screwdriver. Once it is properly connected, place the speaker in the opening and secure the speaker to the wall or ceiling. Tighten the speakers, but don't do a final clamp.
Step 5. Make sure it works! Before you put all the finishing touches on and tighten everything down, make sure it is properly working. At a low volume, test proper speaker volume individually. Once everything sounds great, you can finish the process off. The next step is the best one, listen to your new fantastic sound coming from the top of the line Jensen speakers!
Here is a list of tools needed for the installation:
Drywall Saw. If you have thick drywall, you will need a saw to get through it. The thinner drywall can be cut through with a utility knife.
Utility Knife. The knife can is used in several ways, like marking where to cut or cutting through drywall.
Wire Stripper. You will need to prep the wires to be added to the speaker and also the receiver/amplifier.
Level. If you are installing in-wall speakers, this will make sure they are installed level.
Stud Finder. They are used in a couple of ways. First, so you can plan the proper installation of in-wall or in-ceiling speakers without hitting a stud. You might also need to understand where studs are for pulling through speaker wire.
Screwdriver. Never use a battery-operated drill for tightening the posts on the speaker. It will tighten too much and cause damage.
Masking Tape. Used in many ways like marking where things are or helping you gut straight.
Pencil. It is convenient for drawing places to cut and marking things without causing damage and can be erased.
Measuring Tape. How much speaker wire should you purchase for installation purposes? Once installed, you will make sure your speakers are the correct distance apart.
Drill and Bits. They are used to clamp the speakers to the wall or ceiling.
Shop Vac®. The best tool to be used to clean up the big pieces and also any nails or screws.
Speaker Wire. With Jensen Speakers, we would recommend 14 gauge wire to our 6-ohm speakers.
Electrical Snake. Snakes are used to push wires through walls and ceilings. A secondary use is also to make sure no impediments are in between studs.