Klipsch KHO-7 Premium Outdoor Speaker User Manual
PLACEMENT
There are a number of applications where the Klipsch KHO-7 is the perfect solution for outdoor sound – patios, decks, swimming pools, porches or any other place where exposure to the elements makes conventional loudspeaker usage unacceptable. Many of the placement recommendations for indoor use also apply in outdoor applications. The most common difference is the desire or need to mount the speakers above ear level on a wall or under an overhang. To achieve the best performance from your KHO-7, place both speakers on the same wall facing the listening area and space them 6-15 feet apart. For a higher quality stereo image, angle down, or toe-in the speakers toward the primary listening area. This is especially important in installations that place the speaker well above ear level. Some additional bass will result if you place the speakers in a corner or near a wall: This provides greater bass coupling due to the additional reflected energy from the walls.
WALL MOUNTING
Included with your KHO-7 speakers are “C”-style mounting brackets that provide tremendous placement flexibility. Constructed of weather-resistant powdercoated aluminum to ensure years of reliable service, these brackets are the reconmmended method of mounting and supporting your speakers. The bracket is attached to the speaker with the supplied low profile knobs, which thread into the top and bottom of the cabinet. This allows the speaker to be angled to the left or right when mounted vertically, or up and down when mounted horizontally. After determining the desired location and orientation of your KHO-7, remove the bracket from the loudspeaker and use it as a template to mark the location of the mounting holes. Check the alignment of the holes with a torpedo level before drilling the properly sized pilot hole at the marked locations. Use #10-12, 2.5-3” long pan head screws to attach the bracket into a wall stud. Affix the speaker to the bracket with the supplied knobs. Be sure to leave enough clearance between the end of the bracket and any adjacent wall or ceiling for installation of the knobs. If a wall stud if not available, use the appropriate type of drywall or masonry anchor to support the weight of the speaker, allowing for a generous safety margin. Please consult your dealer, custom installer or building contractor in these situations.
USE OF THE PORT PLUG
A vinyl port plug is included for installations that may expose the KHO-7 to extremely wet weather conditions. The internal components are water-resistant, however, it is best to avoid having standing water inside the cabinet whenever possible. To insert the plug, gently pry off the metal grille taking care not to bend it or chip the paint. Insert the closed end of the plug into the port until the fit is snug. DO NOT use excessive force! Use of the port plug will result in a slight loss in the bass frequencies, but will make your speakers more weather-resistant and ensure a long and trouble-free life.
HOW TO CONNECT
Switch your electronics OFF when making all connections! Connect your KHO-7 speakers to the “Front” or “Main” left and right channels of your system’s power amplifier. Be sure to observe proper polarity (+ to + and – to -) and avoid having excess bare wire at the connectors, which could short together causing possible amplifier damage. Refer to “About Speaker Wire Connections”
ABOUT SPEAKER WIRE CONNECTIONS
When making any type of speaker wire connection, be sure to observe proper polarity. Most speaker wire is color-coded or has some distinguishing feature differentiating the two conductors. Speaker wire connectors on most loudspeakers and amplifiers are also color-coded. Typically, Red is positive (+) and Black is negative (-), or ground. It does not matter which wire conductor is connected to the positive or negative connections of your equipment as long as you are consistent. Be sure that the connections from the amp to the speaker on all of the various channels of your system are connected in a like manner. If this is not done, the amount of bass will be reduced and the stereo image will be compromised. Be careful not to have excess bare wire or loose strands of wire that could short from positive to negative as this could damage the speaker and amplifier. High quality speaker cable can make an audible improvement in the sound of your speakers. Your Klipsch dealer can assist you in selecting the proper cable to ensure optimal performance from your loudspeakers.
PAINTING
- The grille and cabinet of your KHO-7 may be painted to match the exterior decor of your house or to blend in with the surrounding environment. For best results, properly prepare the surface before painting. Lightly sand all surfaces to be painted (cabinet and grille) with 300-400 grit sand paper. Wash these surfaces with a moistened cloth dipped into a mild detergent to remove any fingerprints or grease. Allow to dry before painting.
- Care must be taken to mask off the front of the speaker to protect the tweeter, woofer and front panel from over-spray. This will maintain the existing uniform dark color behind the grille and protect the woofer and tweeter from being damaged by the paint. Affix masking tape to the inboard wall of the grille groove and attach plastic or newspaper to the tape to cover the entire front panel of the speaker. Also before painting, mask the speaker wire binding posts on the rear of the cabinet to preserve the color-coding and conductivity. Make sure that the black and red knobs are screwed down to cover the threaded metal shafts and wrap the knobs securely in masking tape.
- Remove the grille before painting. For best results, use several light coats of paint instead of one heavy coat. This will help prevent the perforations in the grille from becoming clogged in paint.
REFRENCE LINK
