Owner’s Manual
AMC550mp
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
By providing the choice of diffuse field or direct field response, and the means to easily
switch between them, the AMC550mp offers the ideal performance for today’s surround
applications. Furthermore, this unique two-way system mounts flush with the wall surface
and virtually disappears in the listening room. In addition to its superb surround perfor-
mance, its excellent performance as a direct radiator makes it equally suitable for front
channel use.
Inside the AMC550mp are two subenclosed 21/2” (65mm) high frequency drivers. One fires
forward, the other rearward. Frequencies below 900Hz are handled by a 51/4“ (135mm) driver
with butyl rubber surrround. Gold-plated five-way binding posts allow quick connection to
virtually any speaker cable.
The front surface has a matte white finish, suitable for use in a variety of environents. For a
AMC550mp
Mounting Bracket
81/4"
81/4"
210mm
210mm
151/8"
14"
384mm
355mm
Side View
Mounting Hole
71/2"
190mm
141/8"
31/4"
358mm
83mm
perfect custom finish, the grille may be painted using the supplied paint mask.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: This manual assumes the installer possesses skill in the proper use of hand and
power tools, knowledge of local building and fire codes, and a familiarity with the environ-
ment behind the wall or ceiling in which the speakers will be installed.
Examine the contents of the shipping carton and verify it contains the following:
Model AMC550mp Loudspeaker
Mounting Bracket
Painting Mask
Metal Grille
Template
Owner’s Manual
PAINTING THE SPEAKERS
If you intend to paint the speakers, it is best to do so before installation
1. Remove the speaker grille by carefully prying each corner with an awl or small screwdriver.
2. Place a strip of wide masking tape over each of the holes in the paint shield. Place the
paint shield on the front of the speaker and press on the tape to hold it in position on the
front of the speaker baffle.
hole in paint shield
tape
3. After painting carefully remove the paint shield.
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HOW TO PLACE YOUR AMC550mp’s
Determining Room Placement
Whether you prefer the enveloping sense of a diffusion-oriented surround speaker, or a more
“direct” surround effect, proper placement of your AMC550mp’s will enable you to achieve it.
Using the following guidelines will help you get the most from your speakers. Every room is
different, so there are no hard and fast rules for placement. Don’t be afraid to experiment. A
few minutes spent working on determining the best place for your speakers will help ensure
they sound their best.
Height
Place the AMC550mp’s at least 5 feet (1.5m) from a floor, yet 12 inches (30cm) from the
ceiling. A fairly high mounting location will aid in sound diffusion and reduce the chance you
will be able to audibly locate the speakers. Increased height will also help to even out the
sound levels across the listening area.
Boundaries
Keep the AMC550mp’s at least 12 inches (30cm) away from an adjacent wall or large
obstacle.
Coverage Area
For large areas, multiple AMC550mp’s can be used to ensure even coverage. Use one pair of
AMC550mp’s for every three rows of seats (approximately 10 feet between the speakers).
Placement
Please consult the placement diagram. To achieve the greatest sense of sound envelopment,
place the AMC550mp’s to the side of the listening area. If the listening area is against a wall
(for example, if your couch is placed against a back wall), place the AMC550mp’s to the side
of the couch, leaving at least 12 inches (30cm) between the AMC550mp’s and the back wall.
Conventional Room Layout
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Alternative Room Layout
Back Wall Placement
When placing the AMC550mp’s behind your listening area, keep them as close to the side
walls as possible — but no closer than 12 inches (30cm).
Diffuse/Direct Surround Mode Patterns
Diffuse Setting
AMC550mp
Wall
Direct Setting
AMC550mp
Wall
When the surround mode switch under the grille is set to “Diffuse”, the AMC550mp produces
the sound radiation pattern shown in the upper diagram. The speaker will radiate energy in
all directions except perpendicular to the mounting plane. Listeners in this area will primarily
hear sound that is reflected off of other surfaces in the room. This gives the system a diffuse,
hard to localize effect that can be very good for surround applications.
Setting the switch to “Direct” makes the AMC550mp produce the sound radiation shown in
the lower illustration. The sound energy is strongest directly in front of the speaker. The
direct setting will draw your attention toward the speaker and produce more dramatic “off-
screen pans”. See the following section for more details.
Special Note For Use As Front Channel Speakers
If you are planning on using the AMC550mp’s as wide coverage front channel speakers, use
only the “Direct” setting, and place them as near to seated ear level as is practical.
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AMC550mp OPERATION AND USE
One of the best features of the AMC550mp is that it can be switched between “Direct” and
“Diffuse” radiation modes. The surround mode switch is conveniently located under the grille
to allow easy access. See Diagram for toggle switch location. Refer to the switch diagram and
the figures to determine the appropriate setting. You should take some time and experiment
to best adapt the speaker to your listening habits.
The diffuse mode is preferable when the listener should not be able to localize the sound
source. This should be perceived as “wall-of-sound”. Music with side channels encoded with
hall effects will produce a feeling of envelopment. Surround encoded baseball games will be
heard as if the stadium were all around, with no clear source of off-the-field, realism-
enhancing effects.
Both music and movies will have instances when either “direct” or “diffuse” surround sound
will suit. Music recordings with musicians in the side channels will most likely sound best in
“direct” mode. However, if the side channels are used to record the performance environment
or audience sounds, the “diffuse” mode may be best.
Similarly, with movie soundtracks, some producers will use side channels to pan discrete
sources off screen (e.g., jet fly-bys, etc.). This material will be well-served with the “direct”
mode. Other movies will use the side channels to transport you to a remote environment with
street noises, crowd noises, etc. These may be best reproduced in “diffuse” mode.
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
Preparing for Installation
Map out the wiring paths from the speakers to the amplifier. We recommend 16-gauge wire
for runs up to 25 feet, and 14-gauge or thicker for longer runs. Be sure the speaker wire does
not rest or rub against any sharp or pointed objects.
The speakers should be mounted on a flat surface to form a good seal between the speaker
flange and the mounting surface.
Each speaker is 8 ohms nominal. When connecting more than two speakers per amplifier
channel, you should use series/parallel wiring or line transformers. In all cases, make certain
that the total impedance does not fall below the amplifier’s minimum rating. If you are not
sure, contact your Snell Acoustics dealer.
You Will Need
1. A utility knife, an electric jigsaw, or another means of cutting a hole in the mounting
surface.
2. Phillips screwdriver.
3. A wire cutter or stripper for preparing the speaker wires.
4. An awl or a small screwdriver to remove the speaker grille.
With the hardware supplied, the speaker can be installed in existing walls and ceilings from
1⁄2" (12mm) to 11⁄2" (38mm) thick. For thinner walls, you will need to use spacers (not
provided) for the mounting bracket. In walls greater than 11⁄2" (38mm) thick, you will need
longer screws.
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Installation
1. Make a cutout using the supplied template.
2. Run the wire from the amplifier to the cutout. Allow an extra foot of wire at the cutout.
Strip 1⁄2" (12mm) off the wire, and tightly twist the wire strands together.
3. Remove speaker grille by carefully prying each corner with an awl or a small screwdriver.
4. Prepare the speaker/bracket assembly for installation as shown.
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Note: The AMC550mp is sold in mirror-imaged pairs. On the back of each system is a label that
specifies the screen direction. In the diffuse mode, the response will be slightly superior in this
direction. Install the two systems so that the arrows point toward the screen. If listeners are not
going to be located on or near the center axis of the speaker, the speaker should be oriented
with the arrow toward the listener location (even if this is away from the screen).
Warning: To prevent electrical shock, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when
making connections to the speaker.
Important: Typically, one side of the wire is smooth. Connect this side to the – (black)
speaker terminal. The other side has a rib or stripe. Connect this to the + (red) speaker
terminal. Connect wire at the amplifier in the same way. Failure to do so will result in
degraded sound.
5. Install speaker according to diagram below.
Important: Do not overtighten screws. Doing so will break the frame and/or
make it impossible to insert the grille.
wall
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 even a modest
amplifier if it 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. It is especially
important that you do not overdrive the bass capability of smaller speakers. Watch for
noises, such as pops, caused by the music’s bass line. Use of the loudness control and/or
full bass boost at louder volumes is likely to overdrive the woofer. Use such controls
sparingly.
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HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SPEAKERS
Use a soft terry cloth towel slightly dampened with water, glass cleaner, or a diluted
mild detergent. The towel should be just damp enough to wipe the surface clean without
leaving a trail of moisture.
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 01960
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, PO Box 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 #542-1015
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