Phoenix Gold

Frequently Asked Questions

- General - Speakers - Speaker Selectors - Volume Controls - Electronics - Cables

If you can't find the answer to your question here, you can contact us at:

Phoenix Gold (Tech Support)
13970 SW 72nd
Portland, OR 97223

Phone:
503.914.4688
877.715.5439

Fax:
503.746.5224
support@audiosource.net

General

  1. Where can I buy Phoenix Gold products?
    Phoenix Gold products are widely available from major retail chains (or their online stores), as well as from a number of online dealers and national distributors. Use our dealer locator to search for a dealer in your area, or search online for the product(s) you are interested in.
  2. Does Phoenix Gold sell products direct?
    In general, Phoenix Gold does not sell product directly to the public. Our home audio products can be purchased from local dealers or ordered from online dealers.
  3. What is the warranty period for Phoenix Gold products?
    The following warranty periods apply to most Phoenix Gold products:
    Accessories/Cables – (5) years
    Speakers – (2) years
    Speaker Selectors – (2) years
    Volume Controls – (1) year
    Electronics – (2) years

Speakers

  1. How are the front grills removed from the ceiling and wall speakers?
    In-wall and in-ceiling speaker grills are pressure fit and rely on contact of both inside and outside surfaces to hold it in place. If the grill becomes warped/distorted, it will be more difficult to remove or reinstall. Proper care should be taken when removing or reinstalling it.

    If the speaker is not yet installed:
    While looking at the rear of the speaker assembly, rotate all mounting legs outward into their free position and then push them forward, one by one, towards the front of the speaker assembly. This will push the attached screws forward to meet the inside of the grill and push it out from behind. When a section of the grill starts to move out, apply pressure to one of the other mounting legs until the grill is free.

    If the speaker is installed:
    We suggest the use of a small hook tool (resembling a dentist's pick) or other small, pointed tool. A bent paper clip or stiff wire will work as well. Hook the device into a hole in the metal mesh of the grill near a corner (In-Wall) or edge (In-Ceiling) and gently pull it towards you. Once it moves a little, change the position of the hook to pull out other sections. For rectangular speakers, go to the next corner, and repeat. For round speaker, move your hook about four inches at a time, and repeat all away around or until the grill is free.

    *Attempting to remove the grill by prying will likely result in damage.
  2. Can In-Ceiling speakers be used in the wall and In-Wall speakers in the ceiling?
    Absolutely! You can install either type in any in-wall or in-ceiling applications. Footprint size and aesthetics may be a consideration. In-Ceiling speakers are smaller and have a smaller footprint (or overall dimension). However, the larger In-Wall speakers will mount safely to wall or ceiling. Either speaker can be used for either application.
  3. Are there general guidelines as to how many speakers to install in a room and where to position them?
    Typically, most rooms will only need a single pair of speakers to provide adequate coverage for background music or moderate listening volumes. In larger rooms, such as a garage or recreation room, multiple pairs should be spaced about 10 to 12 feet apart. Also, speakers should be positioned at least 3 to 4 feet from adjacent walls (to avoid sound bounce back or deflection).

    In a home theater installation, In-Wall and In-Ceiling speakers should be positioned according to standard guidelines in order to direct sound towards the viewing/listening area.
  4. Are mounting brackets (new construction) required to install In-Ceiling and In-Wall speakers?
    It depends on your installation needs. Our in-wall and in-ceiling speakers are equipped with their own mounting system and will install without additional brackets. They will mount directly to sheetrock/drywall with the “L” shaped mounting legs that clamp to the backside of the wallboard.

    The benefit of brackets is to indicate pre-determined speaker locations at the time the drywall work is done. New construction brackets provide a template that allows sheet-rock or dry-wall to be cut for the speakers upon installation.

    Brackets will provide some additional structural support as they are rugged and mount directly to studs or joists.
  5. How should the New Construction brackets be oriented, with the lip facing in or out?
    The brackets can be installed either way, but are commonly oriented with the lip facing out in order to provide a neater installation and a little extra bracing inside the drywall cut-out.
  6. What is a “Dual Mono” speaker and how is it different from a normal speaker?
    The dual mono design is intended primarily for applications where only a single speaker is required in a particular zone or listening area (i.e. bathroom, foyer). They are also ideal for applications where stereo separation is not essential (long hallway). The dual tweeters and dual voice-coil woofer allow the connection of both right and left channels of the stereo program to the same speaker. With conventional speakers, two are normally used, with one functioning as a left channel speaker and the other as a right channel speaker.
  7. Why is your “Dual Mono” speaker unique?
    The ATC6DM / ATC8DM models are unique because they are dual-function speakers. They can be used as “summed” mono speakers as well as in conventional stereo pairs (when two are used). This is achieved by setting the 16/8 ohm switch on the back of the unit. The switch is set to the 16 ohm position if you are using it as a summed mono speaker (both L&R channels connected). The switch is set to the 8 ohm position to use as “single mono” speakers in a standard two-speaker stereo format.
  8. What is the purpose of a subwoofer?
    A subwoofer's role is reproducing low frequency audio (bass). Subwoofers greatly enhance the bass response of a system, and are especially effective in a home theater environment. Since the recent trend away from larger tower speakers towards smaller satellite and in-wall speakers, subwoofers have become an important part of a complete system for full spectrum audio reproduction.
  9. What is series and parallel wiring?
    Parallel wiring is a wiring scheme that connects two or more components by connecting all positive terminals together and all negative terminals together. The load impedance drops when speakers are wired in this fashion. The greater the number of speakers that are connected in parallel, the lower the total impedance. In general, amplifier output increases with lower load impedances.

    The number of speakers that can be connected in parallel is limited by the minimum load impedance of the receiver/amplifier that powers the system. Typically, 6 or 8 ohms is the minimum load impedance for receivers. Most power amplifiers are capable of operating at 4 ohms or 2 ohms.

    Series wiring has the opposite effect of parallel wiring on the total impedance. The greater the number of speakers that are connected in series, the higher the total impedance. With series wiring, components are connected in such a way that current flows through the first component before it can flow through the second component. The resulting impedance is the sum of the impedances of all components connected in series.

    A common reason for wiring speakers in series is to raise the impedance to a level that is acceptable for the receiver/amplifier (i.e two pairs of 4 ohm speakers / a pair connected to each channel of a receiver. Each pair of 4 ohm speakers is wired in series for 8 ohms per channel operation).

Speaker Selectors

  1. If an ISM/DSSM speaker selector is used with impedance-matching volume controls (VMT100/VSL125 IM), should the protection circuit on the speaker selector be switched on or off?
    If the volume controls are properly configured for an acceptable system impedance, then the protection circuit on the speaker selector should be switched off. If the ISM/DSSM selector is used without impedance-matching volume controls then the protection circuit should be switched on. When using the ISM device with the protection circuit switched off, the impedance jumper settings on all VMT100 must be set for the amount of VMT100s connected to the ISM selector device.

    For Example:
    If you have (1) VMT100 hooked up to Zone 1 output on the ISM/DSSM selector and (1) VMT100 hooked up to Zone 2 output on the ISM, then the jumper setting would be set to the X2 position on each of the VMT100s.
    If 4 Zones are used on the ISM device with one volume control per zone (driving a single pair of 8 ohm speakers per control), then the impedance jumpers should be set to the X4 position on each VMT100.
    If more than 4 Zones are being used on the ISM device, each Zone with a VMT100, then the impedance jumper should be set to the X8 position on all VMT100 controls.
  2. What's the difference between a single and a dual source speaker selector?
    A single source selector (ISM models) accepts input from one audio source (receiver/amplifier) and distributes audio output to a number of zones or speakers. However, a dual source selector (DSSM, VSS models) accepts inputs from two separate amplifiers/receivers and allows the user to select the program from one of the two sources for each zone output.

    With dual source selectors, the audio programs from both amplifiers cannot be selected at the same time for any zone output. The user can select Source A or Source B for each zone. This will allow program A to be active in one room and program B in another.
  3. Can you have more than one speaker selector for additional zones?
    Yes you can, but it is not recommended unless the amplifier can operate at the lower impedance that will result from the increased number of zones. If impedance-matching volume controls are used, that will increase the number zones you can use while maintaining an acceptable system impedance.
  4. What are the output connectors (located below the input connectors) for on the speaker selectors?
    The outputs are provided for wiring convenience as a pass-through from the input connectors. The output is generally used to connect an additional speaker selector device to expand the number of zones in a system.
  5. What is the Protection Circuit switch for on the rear of the speaker selector?
    To compensate for low impedance that results from connecting multiple pairs of speakers to the selector box. The protection circuit adds 5 ohms to each channel to guarantee a final load impedance that will be greater than 5 ohms at the amplifier.

    If impedance-matching volume controls are used in the system, the protection circuit should be set to the “off” position, since the volume controls will be configured to provide low impedance compensation.

    It is also important to note that a speaker selector's maximum power handling is reduced with the circuit protection switch in the “on” position.
  6. If a speaker selector is getting hot and smells like it's burning, what could be the cause?
    Speaker selectors are rated at 70-100 watts per channel (with circuit protection engaged). If the power handling is exceeded, the selector/switcher can overheat and cause internal components to burn.

    As noted in the previous section, a speaker selector's maximum power handling is reduced with the circuit protection switch in the “on” position. If impedance-matching volume controls are also used in the system, the circuit protection should be turned “off.” Power handling will be increased to 140 watts (4-6 zone selectors) or 200 watts (8 zone selectors).

    Another possible cause may be the following scenario:
    The amplifier/receiver volume is left turned up, the zones on the speaker selector are switched on, and all volume controls are turned down to the minimum position. It is advisable to turn the unused zones off on the speaker selector and/or turn the volume down on the amplifier/receiver if the system is not in use.
  7. What size speaker wire is compatible with the speaker selectors?
    The input and output terminals on the selector will accept speaker wire sizes up to 12 gauge. The minimum recommended size for speaker wire is 16 gauge. In-wall wiring should be CL-3 rated.

Volume Controls

  1. What is an Impedance Matching volume control?
    When connecting a number of speakers in parallel in a typical multi-zone system, the resulting impedance (ohms) will often be below the minimum that a receiver or amplifier can tolerate. Impedance-matching controls compensate by increasing the speaker system impedance to a level that is acceptable for the amplifier.
  2. How are the jumper positions determined?
    The jumper settings (X1, X2, X4, X8) depend on the number of speaker pairs in the system that are connected to one amplifier. First, the minimum impedance of the receiver/amplifier should be determined (typically 4, 6, or 8 ohms). In a basic system (8 ohm minimum receiver), use X1 for (1) pair, X2 for two pairs, X4 for (3) or (4) pairs and X8 for (5) to (8) pairs.

    Calculations:
    Without regard for jumper settings, calculate the total speaker impedance (per side) at each volume control (i.e. one pair = 8 ohms / 2 pairs = 4 ohms).
    If multiple volume controls are used, calculate the total impedance of all volume controls in the system (i.e. 8 ohms, 8 ohms, 4 ohms, 4 ohms). 4 ohms is the impedance with (2) pairs of 8 ohm speakers in one zone on one volume control.

    Use formula: 1 divided by (1/8 + 1/8 + 1/4 + 1/4) =
    1 divided by 6/8 = 1 divided by .75 = 1.33 ohms
    If the amplifier's minimum impedance is 8 ohms, set the jumpers on all (4) controls to X8. The resulting impedance will be 10.6 ohms (8 X 1.33).

    If the amplifier's minimum impedance is 4 ohms, set the jumpers on all controls to X4. The resulting impedance will be 5.3 ohms (4 X 1.33).
  3. How many speakers can you put on a volume control?
    The VMT100 impedance matching volume control is ideal for driving one or two pairs of 8 ohm speakers. The most common application for the VMT100 is distributing audio to a zone (or room) and powering one set of speakers (or stereo pair) from the volume control.

    In some rare applications where more than one pair of speakers is required for a large room, it is possible to wire additional pairs of speakers in a parallel wiring configuration originating from the first pair of speakers. In these cases, the impedance-matching jumpers on the back for the VMT100 will need to be set according to the number of stereo speaker pairs wired to the VMT100 control.

    Example: Two pairs of 8 ohm speakers are wired to a single VMT100. This will require setting the impedance jumpers to the X2 position (2 pair = X2 setting). This setting applies only if this is the only speaker zone and volume control connected to one amplifier/receiver.
  4. With amplifier gain turned up, why is output from the speakers so low?
    The volume control jumpers may be set too high and are reducing output. If you are using a speaker selector/switcher also with a protection circuit feature, turn the circuit protection off. Also check that all speakers are connected in proper phase.
  5. Why are there two jumpers on the volume control?
    They are stereo volume controls (two channels). One jumper is for the left channel and the other is for the right.

Electronics

  1. Which inputs are used on the line-source switching amplifiers if there is only one line source, Line 1 or Line 2 inputs?
    If only one source is being used, connect the line signal to the Line 2 inputs. Line 2 should be considered the primary input for continuous use audio program. Input devices that are used on an occasional basis should be connected to the Line 1 inputs.
  2. How many speakers can be connected to one amplifier?
    That depends on how much power you need to have available for each speaker. For background music or moderate listening levels you should provide at least 15 watts for each speaker. Then it is just a matter of doing the math. Example: Amplifier output=80 watts per channel. 80 watts divided by 15 watts = 5.3 or (5) pairs of speakers. To provide at least 15 watts to each speaker, the number of speakers should not exceed (5) pair. If more speakers are desired, additional amplifiers are recommended. If more power to each speaker is required, than a higher output amplifier or additional amplifiers are recommended.

    The other consideration is impedance. 4 ohms is the minimum recommended impedance for most home audio power amplifiers. For most receivers, 8 ohms is the minimum speaker impedance. Without the use of impedance matching/balancing devices, the number of 8 ohm speakers (in parallel) that can be connected to a power amplifier is (2) pair.
  3. How much power is needed for the number of speakers I have?
    That depends on the recommended minimum power for the speaker (if indicated) or the amount of power desired for each speaker. For background music and moderate listening levels, multiply 15 watts X the number of speaker pairs in the system. Example: 8 pairs of speakers X 15 watts per speaker = 120 watts. The amplifier should have at least 120 watts (continuous) power per channel.
  4. My amplifier makes a clicking sound inside when the audio program is at a low level. The audio also cuts in and out. What is causing this?
    If you are using the Line 1 inputs on the amp and there is only one source connected, remove the RCA cables from the Line 1 inputs and connect to the Line 2 inputs. Line 2 is the primary input for continuous use audio program.

    If you have two sources connected to the amp, and you hear clicking, or the audio cuts out between music tracks when the Line 1 device is active, try increasing the “delay time” on the rear if the amplifier (if feature is provided on your model).
  5. There is very little or no sound coming from the speakers. What is the problem?
    Check to ensure that the Master Gain levels on the rear of amplifier are adjusted up, as they are usually set to minimum from the factory. Set the master levels between the 12 and 3 o'clock position.
  6. The volume on the amplifier is at maximum and the volume from the speakers is still too low. What could the problem be?
    If there are a large number of speakers in the system, the amplifier may not have enough output to provide adequate power to each speaker. In this case, additional amplifiers or a more powerful amplifier may be required. The speaker wiring should also be checked to ensure that there are no wires touching (at amplifier outputs, speaker selector, or volume controls).
  7. Can I use both Speaker A and Speaker B outputs in Bridged Mode?
    This connection is not recommended. Speaker A and Speaker B are parallel outputs. A connection to both outputs in bridged mode will likely result in a load impedance that is below the minimum (8 ohms) for bridged operation.
  8. What is the difference between the “Master Level” controls and the “Volume Trim” control on my amplifier?
    The Master Level controls set the overall power output level and upper limit of the amplifier's output. The Volume Trim control allows the user to fine-tune the volume within the range set by the Master Level controls. The front Volume Trim control should be set to maximum when the Master Level controls are set. The Balance Trim should be in the center position.
  9. What is the Delay Time adjustment for?
    A delay time setting is used to allow for silence between audio tracks on a source (player) connected to Line 1. This will prevent the amplifier from reverting to the Line 2 input prematurely.
  10. I don't have RCA output jacks (line level) on my old receiver. How do I connect to the AMP200/210 or AMP300/310?
    The 200 and 300 series amplifiers are equipped with high-level inputs (labeled “Speaker In”) that accept a speaker wire connection from the speaker outputs on your receiver. If this is your only input source, set the input switch on the amplifier to Line 2.
  11. There is a switch above the “Speaker In” input connectors on the amplifier. Should the switch be set to the Line 1 or Line 2 position?
    This switch is for designating the speaker level input as the primary input (Line 2) for continuous use or the “override” input (Line 1) for occasional use. If the speaker input connection is the only source connected to the amp, set the switch to the Line 2 position. If the primary source is connected to the Line 2 RCA inputs, set the switch to the Line 1 position for a secondary source connected to the speaker level inputs.
  12. My amplifier is shutting down or going into protect mode. What is the cause?
    There are several conditions that can cause this. One possible cause is a speaker with a shorted voice-coil. All speakers should be checked for operation.

    Another possible cause is that the combined impedance of the speakers is below the minimum of the amplifier. Beyond two or three pairs of speakers, impedance-matching devices are needed (speaker selector box or impedance-matching volume controls).

    It is also possible there is an internal problem with the amplifier that will require service attention to correct.
  13. How do I connect my equalizer?
    Equalizers are most commonly connected to the Tape Monitor inputs (play) and outputs (record) on a receiver or preamplifier. The “Main Out” RCA jacks on the EQ are connected to the Tape inputs on the receiver/preamp. The “Audio In” RCA jacks on the EQ are connected to the Tape outputs on the receiver/preamp. This connection will work only if the receiver/preamp allows the Tape Monitor to be activated at the same time a different input source is selected (i.e. CD player).

    Alternate connections:
    If the receiver provides preamp outputs and main inputs, they can be used to connect an EQ: The “Main Out” RCA jacks on the EQ are connected to the “Main In” inputs on the receiver/preamp. The “Audio In” RCA jacks on the EQ are connected to the “Preamp Out” outputs on the receiver/preamp.

    If the above two methods are not feasible, then CDR inputs/outputs or VCR audio inputs/outputs on the receiver may also work. It depends on the design and functionality of the receiver you are using. Consult the owner's manual for the receiver to determine how those inputs/outputs function.

Cables

  1. Are Phoenix Gold cables CL-3 rated for in-wall installation?
    All 500 series and 900 series HDMI cables are CL-3 rated. In addition, all 500 series DVID cables and DVID to HDMI adaptor cables are CL-3 rated. We also offer CL-3 rated speaker wire – M1650W and M16100W.
  2. Can I run speaker wire alongside power wires inside the wall?
    Running speaker wire in close proximity to power wires (that serve fans, lighting, etc.) should be avoided. It will almost certainly cause electrical noise to be picked up and transmitted to the speakers. It is usually not a problem if speaker wires cross power wires, but they should never run parallel to them.
  3. What is the conductor material used in Phoenix Gold interconnect cables?
    500 series HDMI cables: Oxygen free copper (OFC)
    900 series HDMI cables: Silver-plated oxygen free copper (SP OFC)
    500/600/800 series Analog Audio cables: Pure crystal oxygen free copper (PC OFC)
  4. What are the Ferrite Filter Cores on HDMI cables for?
    The in-line ferrite cores suppress noise (Radio Frequency Interference, Electro-Magnetic Interference) produced by house appliances, electrical equipment, power wires and other outside sources.
  5. Are Phoenix Gold HDMI cables compliant with the HDMI 1.3a standard?
    Most of our HDMI products support the enhanced performance standards of HDMI 1.3a. That would include increased resolution (1080p), higher speed (10.2 Gbps), greater color depth (30, 36, and 48-bit) for billions of colors, increased contrast ratio, and lossless compressed digital audio.
  6. Do Phoenix Gold HDMI cables support 1080p resolution?
    Yes, but there are cable length limitations for 1080p resolution without the use of a repeater or booster. 1080p support with no repeater is as follows:
    300 series HDMI cable: 1080p up to 6.5' (2 meters)
    500 series HDMI cable: 1080p up to 10' (3 meters)
    900 series HDMI cable: 1080p up to 25” (7.5 meters)
  7. With a repeater, what cable lengths will support 1080p resolution?
    The Phoenix Gold repeater (HD.REP FF) will allow cable lengths up to 82' (25 meters) to provide 1080p resolution. The repeater is also packaged with the longer length HDMI cables (65', 82', and 118'). It repeater will also allow 1080i resolution up to a length of 147' (45 meters).
  8. Are Phoenix Gold HDMI products Simplay HD-Verified?
    Yes, many of our HDMI products have already been certified by Simplay Labs for full HD performance and compliance with current HD standards. Verification on many of our other HD products is pending.