TLC-8.3 - Loudspeaker ATLANTIC - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	In-ceiling loudspeaker
Model	Atlantic Technology TLC-8.3
Driver Complement	8" Polypropylene cone woofer with mica, rubber surround; Dual 1" soft dome tweeters, swivel 30°, ferro-fluid cooled, neodymium magnet
Crossover Frequency	2500 Hz (18 dB/octave woofer, 12 dB/octave tweeter)
Frequency Response	45 Hz – 22 kHz
Sensitivity	89 dB
Impedance	8 Ohms per channel
Recommended Amplifier Power	10 – 150 watts per channel
Cut-Out Size	9.625 inches (244 mm) diameter
Mounting Depth	4.53 inches (115 mm)
Weight (Single Speaker)	5.25 lbs (2.38 kg)
Grille	White steel, paintable, magnetically attached
Adjustable Tweeters	Yes, orbital socket allows 30° swivel
Bipole/Dipole Switch	Yes, for diffuse surround sound
Single-Point Stereo Capability	Yes, via jumper configuration
Pre-Construction Bracket	Optional (IC-NC-TLC-8)
Cut-Out Template Included	Yes
Wiring	Spring-loaded push terminals; two sets for single-point stereo
Minimum Mounting Surface Thickness	10 mm (0.4 inches)
Compliance	Safety instructions: avoid water, heat, blockages; no user-serviceable parts

Frequently Asked Questions - TLC-8.3 ATLANTIC

How do I adjust the tweeter direction on my TLC-8.3?

Apply gentle pressure to the plastic ring around the outer edge of the tweeter (not the dome itself) to swivel it up to 30 degrees. This allows you to aim sound toward or away from the listening area.

What is the difference between Bipole and Dipole mode on the TLC-8.3?

In Bipole mode, both tweeters operate in phase, creating a wider soundstage. In Dipole mode, the tweeters are out of phase, producing a more diffuse, non-localizable surround effect ideal for home theater side surrounds.

Can I use the TLC-8.3 as a single-point stereo speaker?

Yes. Move the internal jumpers to the 'Stereo' position. Connect one channel’s wires to one set of terminals and the other channel to the second set. This allows one speaker to reproduce both left and right audio.

What size hole do I need to cut for the TLC-8.3?

The required cut-out diameter is 9.625 inches (244 mm). Use the included template to mark the hole before cutting.

How do I paint the grille?

Remove the white scrim cloth from behind the grille. Lightly spray paint the grille separately from the speaker, avoiding clogging the mesh. Let it dry completely, then replace the scrim cloth (no adhesive needed).

What wire gauge should I use for installation?

Use 16-gauge wire for runs up to 50 feet, 14-gauge for longer runs, and 18-gauge for short runs under 25 feet. Ensure insulation meets local building codes.

Can I connect two pairs of TLC-8.3 to one amplifier?

Yes, but ensure the total impedance does not drop below the amplifier’s minimum. For two 8-ohm speakers wired in parallel, the impedance becomes 4 ohms, which is safe for most amplifiers. Series wiring gives 16 ohms.

How do I install the speaker in an existing ceiling?

Use a stud finder to locate joists, cut a pilot hole, then cut the opening using the template. Fish speaker cables from the amplifier to the hole. Connect wires (observe polarity), insert the speaker, and tighten the mounting screws to clamp the dog-leg fasteners.

What is the recommended placement for 5.1 channel home theater?

Side surrounds should be placed directly alongside or slightly behind (1-2 ft) the listening area. Set the TLC-8.3 to Dipole mode with the tweeter bridge's single leg facing the front of the room.

Why is there no sound or weak bass from my TLC-8.3?

Check polarity: speaker wires must be connected + to + and - to - on both speaker and amplifier. Incorrect polarity causes phase cancellation and weak bass. Also verify that the amplifier is powerful enough (10-150 watts per channel) and the speaker is not obstructed.

USER MANUAL TLC-8.3 ATLANTIC

Trim-Look Ceiling Speakers

TLC-6.2

TLC-6.3

TLC-8.2

TLC-8.3

Table of Contents

2 Model TLC-6.2, -6.3, -8.2, -8.3

3 Important Safety Information

3 Features

3 Speaker Placement

3 2-Channel Audio Placement

4 Distributed Audio Placement

4 5.1 Channel Home Theater Placement

4 7.1 Channel Theater Placement

5 Home Theater (5.1 Channel) Layout [diagram]

6 Home Theater (7.1 Channel) Layout [diagram]

7 Using the 8.3 or 6.3 as a "Single Point Stereo" Speaker

7 Wire Gauge and Quality

8 Installation

8 Installing Your Loudspeakers During a New Construction/Renovation

8 Installing Your Loudspeakers in a Pre-Existing Construction

9 Fitting the Speaker into the Cut-Out Opening

10 Painting the Speakers and Grilles

10 Acoustic Adjustments

10 Single-Stereo (TLC-6.3 and 8.3) Models

10 Adjusting the Directionality of Your Speakers

11 Specifications

For Future Reference

Record your serial numbers and date of purchase here:

Model Number

Serial Number

Date of Purchase

The serial number is found on the back panel.

Copyright © 2011 Atlantic Technology International.

Specifications are those in effect at the time of printing. Atlantic Technology reserves the right to change specifications or designs at any time without notice.

Model TLC-6.2, -6.3, -8.2, -8.3

Trim-Look Ceiling Speakers

Thank you for your purchase and welcome to the family of Atlantic Technology owners. Please read the following installation and operation guidelines carefully to ensure enjoyment of your home audio system for years to come.

Although we recommend that Atlantic Technology flush-mount loudspeakers should be fitted by competent installation technicians, installation is also well within the means of a competent DIY enthusiast when performed with the aid of this instruction guide. You may also find it useful to visit our web site for the latest tips and techniques on installation.

Your Atlantic Technology flush-mount loudspeakers are designed to blend into your home interior while providing superior sound quality. At Atlantic Technology we continuously strive to improve our products and it is for this reason that we reserve the right to change product specifications without notice. The information concerning product specifications and instructions in this manual do not necessarily set forth all technical or other specifications of Atlantic Technology products.

Important Safety Information

• Do not use this or other electrical equipment near water or other liquids
  • Clean only with a dry cloth
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with all safety standards and regulations.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as stoves, radiators, heat registers, amplifiers or any other apparatus producing heat.
  • Use attachments and accessories as indicated by the manufacturer.
• No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain, moisture or other liquids.
• Warning: To prevent injury, this apparatus must be securely attached to the wall/ceiling in accordance with the installation instructions. No naked flame sources such as candles should be placed close to the product.
• Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Atlantic Technology could void the warranty.

Instruction Manual

Features

Polypropylene Cones: Polypropylene has physical properties that make it ideal for loudspeaker drivers and consequently is found in many of the world's finest loudspeakers. Its combination of stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio means that it results in a more precise and defined sound reproduction.
■ Soft-dome tweeters: Another feature often found in the world's finest loudspeakers. The low mass of treated cloth and its self-damping properties deliver more accurate sound with less distortion.
- Adjustable tweeters: The tweeters in your Atlantic Technology loudspeakers are mounted in an orbital socket and can be adjusted by gently pressing on their edge. This adjustment allows for directing the sound when the speaker may need to be offset from an ideal listening position due to aesthetic or physical reasons.
- Stable tweeter bridge mounting: The tweeters in our ceiling loudspeakers are mounted on an extremely stable bridge rather than on a central pole as found in many other designs. This mounting method is less prone to resonance and vibration than a central “pole” tweeter mount, resulting in cleaner sound, especially at high listening levels..
- Bipole/Dipole Switch (6.3 and 8.3 only): This switch allows these dual-tweeter speakers to operate as highly-effective diffuse surround speakers in a home-theater system when their tweeters are out of phase in the “Dipole” position.
- Cut-out template: Atlantic Technology loudspeakers come with a cut-out template to allow the installer to accurately measure the hole to be cut out in the wall or ceiling surface resulting in an easier installation process.
■ Pre-construction bracket: All Atlantic Technology loudspeakers have an optional plastic pre-construction bracket. Their use is optional, but can be very helpful to the installation process at the time the plasterboard is about to be attached to the wall/ceiling. Therefore they would be used only during more extensive renovations and not when retrofitting the loudspeakers into an existing surface.
■ Paintable Grilles: Your Atlantic Technology loudspeakers come with steel grilles pre-painted in white. These may be painted if required. Important: Please refer to the section later in this manual on painting grilles before you attempt any painting.

Speaker Placement

The pivoting tweeters in Atlantic Technology loudspeakers are able to compensate for unusual placements of the speakers themselves. However, the ideal positioning of the speakers should be at roughly equal distances from the intended listening area and along a common wall. This helps to ensure the best stereo effect.

Naturally, intended listening positions are rarely static and they may vary considerably within a room. In these circumstances, you can confidently compromise on the ideal location and use the pivoting tweeter to assist without impacting your listening pleasure.

2-Channel Audio Placement

In standard two channel audio systems, the ideal distance between the left and right channel speakers should be in the range of 6-10 feet (1.8-3.0m) apart. If the layout of the joists and light fittings permit, the speakers should be equidistant from the most commonly used listening position.

Stereo Sound Layout

Atlantic Technology ceiling loudspeakers feature swivelling tweeters to aim sound directly at the listening area to compensate for offset mounting.

Distributed Audio Placement

Atlantic Technology loudspeakers possess extremely smooth and predictable off-axis frequency response. However, in some cases, where the room is large, you may wish to consider the use of two (or more) pairs of speakers in order to provide a wider and more even dispersion of sound. A more even distribution of sound in this way means that people within the room are more likely to be equidistant from the speakers so that there are less “hot” or “cold” spots of audio volume.

When connecting more than one pair of speakers to an amplifier it is vital to maintain a compatible impedance load between the amplifier and speakers. Your amplifier will specify an acceptable impedance range which it can handle and you must ensure you do not drop the total impedance below that specified minimum level or you may damage your amplifier. If in doubt you should consult a professional installer or contact Atlantic Technology directly before commencing installation.

As an example, a typical amplifier may specify an acceptable operational impedance range of 4 to 8 ohms. If you connect two pairs of Atlantic Technology 8-ohm loudspeakers in parallel, the impedance you will present to the amplifier is 4 ohms. This is within acceptable limits of most quality amplifiers. If you connect them in series, you will present 16 ohms resistance to the amplifier which will reduce the available power, but be a very “safe” load for the amplifier.

Generally, you should not connect two 4-ohm loudspeakers in parallel, because then the impedance will be 2 ohms and may damage your amplifier. If they are connected in series, the impedance will be 8 ohms and therefore within acceptable limits.

Please note that, much like attaching a trailer to the back of a car, attaching a second set of speakers to an amplifier puts an additional load on the amplifier (or engine). This makes it work harder for the same performance or it may simply not have the power to perform satisfactorily. You need to check the capability of your chosen amplifier before attempting multiple speaker connection.

5.1 Channel Home Theater Placement

When using the 6.3 or 8.3 speakers as side channel speakers in a 5.1 channel home theater environment, they should be located directly alongside the listening area to just slightly (1-2 ft.) behind it. If you are setting them to Dipole (see diagram below), the tweeter with the single leg of the bridge should face towards the front of the theater (see diagram on page 5).

7.1 Channel Home Theater Placement

When using the 6.3 or 8.3 speakers as side and back channel speakers in a 7.1 channel home theater environment, they should be located directly alongside the listening area to just slightly (1-2 ft.) behind it. If you are setting them to Dipole, the tweeter with the single leg of the bridge should face towards the front of the theater (see diagram on page 6). The back speakers should be behind the listening position, about 1-2 ft. away from the rear wall if possible.

Generally, the best results are when the .3 back speakers are set to Bipole, whether or not the .3 side speakers are set to Dipole.

You may use the 6.2 or 8.2 as either side or back surround speakers, with excellent results, in either a 5.1 or 7.1 home theater system. If you are mixing .3 and .2 surround speakers in a 7.1 system, it is advisable to use the .3's as side surrounds, set to

Dipole. Use the angle tweeter capability on the .2 speakers to aim the tweeter away from the listeners, towards the wall, to create a more non-localizable, diffuse surround effect.

Instruction Manual

Home Theater (5.1 Channel) Layout

Home Theater (7.1 channel) Layout

Instruction Manual

Using the 8.3 or 6.3 as a "Single Point Stereo" Speaker

Your TLC 6.3/8.3 comes from the factory ready for conventional (mono) use. This means a single speaker will handle a single channel of information, such as what is required for surround channel use.

If you are going to use your .3 speaker for surround channel duties, leave the jumpers in the configuration shown to the left.

You may connect the speaker wires to either set of terminals.

If you want to use the TLC-6.3/8.3 as a “single-point stereo” speaker (where two channel’s worth of information is handled by the single unit), then move the jumpers to the position shown left.

Connect the speaker wires for one channel to one set of terminals, and the speaker wires for the other channel to the other set of terminals.

Wire Gauge and Quality

A good rule of thumb when installing speakers is to use 16-gauge wire for runs up to about 50 feet. Use 14-gauge wire for longer runs. 18-gauge is acceptable for short runs less than about 25 feet. Use speaker wire whose insulation meets local building codes. Consult a knowledgeable installer for more details.

Using two TLC-6.3 or TLC-8.3 speakers for stereo (conventional/surround use)

Using one TLC-6.3 or TLC-8.3 for single point stereo setup

Set jumpers to stereo position as shown

Installation

Installing Your Loudspeakers During a New Construction/Renovation

If you are installing your flush-mount Atlantic Technology loudspeakers during a renovation or new construction, you will probably have the benefit of exposed joists, ceilings and stud walls. This makes the running of the speaker wire much more straightforward.

The mounting surfaces used should be at least 10mm thick to ensure safety and speaker stability.

Your Atlantic Technology loudspeakers have optional pre-construction brackets. These can be used to assist with installation. They can be nailed or stapled between the joists or studs in the planned speaker position with the flange of the speaker cutout facing out.

As the plasterboard is fitted you will find it easier to accurately cut out the necessary hole for your Atlantic Technology loudspeaker reducing installation time and debris when the speakers are being fitted.

installing TLC pre-construction bracket

Mounting TLC with pre-construction bracket

Installing Your Loudspeakers in a Pre-Existing Construction

If you are installing your flush-mount Atlantic Technology loudspeakers in existing construction, installation may be a little more challenging as you may have to fish cables to minimize any disruption to the decor of your home.

The first step in installing flush-mount loudspeakers in existing construction is to establish the location of the ceiling joists. You may be able to do this by lifting upstairs floorboards or using stud finding tools. If not, you may need to make pilot holes and a probe but recognize this may entail making cosmetic repairs afterwards.

Once a suitable location is identified, you will need to cut out the correct size opening in the surface of the plasterboard using the supplied cut-out template. You should make a pilot hole first and take care not to cut into pre-existing electrical cables or plumbing.

You will need to run speaker cable from the opening back to the amplifier (in the case of the Single-stereo model TLC-8.3 or 6.3, you will need two cables). Ensure you comply with any building codes that may apply in

Using the template to cut a hole

NOTE: When installing in an existing construction, take care not to cut through any existing wiring or plumbing.

Instruction Manual

your location.

Fitting the Speaker into the Cut-Out Opening

Before inserting the speaker into the opening in the wall/ceiling, attach the speaker cable(s) to the speaker, taking care to ensure the correct polarity of the speaker wires as this is critical to the correct operation of the speakers.

Insert the speaker housing into the opening and tighten the mounting screws to engage the "dog-leg" fasteners. Be careful to not over-tighten. The "dog-leg" fasteners will clamp the speaker frame and the mounting surface together.

To attach the speaker grille, position the grille over the speaker frame. Powerful magnets embedded in the frame will draw the grille towards the frame. Be sure the grille is centered properly over the frame and that it "snugs" down to the correct centered position.

Fitting speaker into cutout

Painting the Speakers and Grilles

Both the speaker frames and the grilles can be painted, if desired. We recommend doing this before installation. Always paint the grilles separately from the speaker itself. First, remove the white scrim cloth from behind the grille. The grilles should only be spray painted very lightly to avoid clogging the fine mesh of the grille and restricting the sound. Once the grille is dry, replace the scrim cloth by gently placing it behind the grille. No adhesive is necessary—gravity will keep it in place.

Only install the speakers and grilles once the paint has dried thoroughly.

Painting the grilles

Acoustic Adjustments

Single-Stereo (TLC-6.3 and 8.3) Models

These models use the same installation procedure as other models but need two speaker cables as they produce both left and right channel audio signals from one speaker housing. It is ideally suited to smaller rooms such as bathrooms. The crossover circuit board on the speaker features two sets of push-to-connect terminals and it is essential that the correct polarity of the connections to your amplifier is maintained. If the sound from the speaker lacks definition, it is likely the polarity is incorrect. It does not matter which speaker terminals are connected to the left or right channel on your amplifier, but the correct polarity is critical.

Adjusting the Directionality of Your Speakers

Note: Do not apply pressure to the tweeter dome itself. The pivoting tweeter can be used to direct sound towards or away from a listening area. To pivot the tweeter, apply light pressure to the plastic ring around the outside edge of the tweeter.

If your speakers are widely separated and the music fails to blend into a central image when the system is operated in stereo mode, you should orientate the tweeters toward the listening area.

If you are using your Atlantic Technology loudspeakers in a home theater environment, point the pivoting tweeter towards a wall or window to create a diffuse surround effect.

Should you have any questions or problems please feel free to contact us at 781-762-6300 or through our web site, www.atlantictechnology.com.

Instruction Manual

Specifications

	TLC-6.2 TLC-6.3 TLC-8.2 TLC-8.3
Woofer:	6.5", PP cone with mica, rubber surround, 22 oz magnet, 1" voice coil, vented pole piece	6.5", PP cone with mica, dual 1" voice coil, 22 oz magnet, vented pole piece	8", PP cone with mica, rubber surround, 1.25" voice coil, 25 oz magnet, vented pole piece	8", dual 1.25" voice coil, PP cone with mica, rubber surround, 25 oz magnet, vented pole piece
Tweeter:	1" soft dome, swivel 30 degrees, ferro-fluid cooled, neodymium magnet, wide dispersion	Dual 19mm soft dome, ferro-fluid cooled, 30 degree swivel and pivot, neodymium magnet	1" soft dome, swivel 30 degrees, ferro-fluid cooled, neodymium magnet, wide dispersion	Dual 1" soft dome, swivel 30 degrees, ferro-fluid cooled, neodymium magnet
Crossover:	2700 Hz, 12dB woofer section, 12dB tweeter section	2700 Hz, 12db per octave crossover for tweeters and woofer sections	2500 Hz, 12dB woofer section, 12dB tweeter section	2500 Hz, 18dB woofer section, 12dB tweeter section
Frequency Response:	48Hz-22KHz 48Hz-22kHz 45Hz-22KHz 45Hz-22KHz
Sensitivity:	88dB 88dB 89dB 89dB
Recommended amplifier power:	10-125 watts 10-125 watts per channel 10-150 watts 10-150 watts per channel
Impedance:	6 Ohms 8 Ohm per channel 6 Ohms 8 Ohm per channel
Cut-out size:	8" (202mm) 8" (202mm) 9		5/8 " (244mm) 9	5/8 " (244mm)
Mounting Depth:	4.09" 3.82" 4.72" 4.53"
Weight (single speaker):	3.5 lbs 3.6 lbs 5 lbs 5.25 lbs
Optional New Construction Bracket:	IC-NC-TLC-6	IC-NC-TLC-6	IC-NC-TLC-8	IC-NC-TLC-8

Specifications are those in effect at the time of printing. Atlantic Technology reserves the right to change specifications or appearance at any time without notice.