The Earthquake Sound AWS All Weather Speakers are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, offering robust performance and durability in various environmental conditions. These speakers are part of the AWS line, which emphasizes weather resistance against sun, rain, snow, heat, and cold, making them suitable for marine applications as well. They are engineered to provide quality sound for background music, hi-fi systems, or home theater setups. All models in the AWS line feature a two-way design with all acoustic parts sealed and gasketed to prevent weather penetration.
Function Description:
The AWS speakers are designed to deliver high-quality audio in challenging environments. They are built to withstand extreme weather conditions, which typically damage other speakers. Their construction includes molded PVC cabinets, electro plating, UV protection, aluminum grills and brackets, and gold-plated speaker connections. The drivers feature high-roll rubber surrounds for longer excursion and better bass response. Agile brackets facilitate easier installation, and the speaker shape allows for simplified corner placement. The speakers are intended to be connected to an amplifier or receiver, with proper wiring being crucial for optimal sound quality and stereo imaging.
Important Technical Specifications:
Models: AWS-502, AWS-602, AWS-802
Frequency Response (±3dB):
- AWS-502: 68-20kHz
- AWS-602: 65-20kHz
- AWS-802: 55-20kHz
Recommended Amplifier Power:
- AWS-502: 20-125 Watts
- AWS-602: 35-150 Watts
- AWS-802: 60-200 Watts
Nominal Impedance:
Sensitivity (1W@1M):
- AWS-502: 90dB
- AWS-602: 96dB
- AWS-802: 96dB
Woofer (Mica cone with butyl surround, 25mm ASV voice coil):
- AWS-502: 5 inch (127mm)
- AWS-602: 6 inch (152.40mm)
- AWS-802: 8 inch (203.2mm)
- AWS-502: One 3/4" (20mm) PEI Mylar Dome
- AWS-602: One 3/4" (20mm) PEI Silk Dome
- AWS-802: One 1" (29mm) PEI Silk Dome
Dimensions without bracket (HxWxD):
- AWS-502: 9 5/8" (244.475mm) x 7 1/8" (180.975mm) x 5 3/4" (146.05mm)
- AWS-602: 11 1/2" (292.10mm) x 8 1/2" (215.90mm) x 7 1/8" (180.975mm)
- AWS-802: 14 7/16" (367mm) x 10 3/4" (273mm) x 8 1/8" (206.4mm)
Grill and Bracket:
- All models: Powder Coated Aluminum
Enclosure:
- All models: High Temp Molded PVC
Usage Features:
Wiring:
- For optimal sound quality, speakers must be wired correctly. Incorrect wiring can lead to poor sound stage and bass reproduction.
- 18-gauge (or heavier) speaker cables are recommended for lengths of 25 feet and up.
- Prepare cables by stripping 1/2" (12mm) off the ends, twisting the exposed wire tightly.
- For installations through a building, use weather-proofed wire compliant with local codes.
- Always switch off the amplifier or receiver before making connections to prevent electrical shock.
- Connect positive (+) on the speaker to positive (+) on the amplifier, and negative (-) on the speaker to negative (-) on the amplifier.
- The gold-plated binding posts support banana-plugs, spade-plugs, and bare wire. Insert the wire into the hole and tighten securely, ensuring no bare wire hangs outside the hole.
Polarity Verification:
- To ensure speakers are hooked up "in-phase," place them face-to-face as close as possible.
- Set the amplifier to mono and play music.
- Reverse the connections on one speaker; the speaker that plays louder and deeper is connected correctly.
Volume and Power Handling:
- Avoid operating the system in a way that produces distortion (harsh or crackling noise), as this indicates overpowering the speakers and can cause permanent damage not covered by the warranty. Immediately turn down the volume if distortion is heard.
Speaker Placement:
- Proper speaker placement is crucial for sound quality.
- For stereo sound, speakers should be separated by at least 3-6 feet.
- Placing speakers near a wall or other surface can enhance bass response.
- For outdoor use, placement under roof eaves reduces exposure to direct sunlight and precipitation, extending speaker life.
- To minimize disturbance to neighbors, face speakers toward the intended listening area.
Mounting:
- Before permanent fastening, test speaker placement for optimal sound.
- Use the supplied bracket to mount speakers vertically or horizontally. The bracket offers multiple mounting options, including keyhole sockets and standard screw holes. Consult an installer for proper hardware for specific surface types.
- To mount, remove the bracket from the enclosure. For a cleaner look, insert the wire from the surface through the hole in the bracket and into the connections.
- Mount the bracket in the desired location, fasten the speaker to the bracket, and then face the speaker in the direction where sound is most needed.
- The speakers also feature two 1/4" threaded inserts on the back for alternative mounting options, such as floor stands or hanging devices, available from dealers or audio outlets.
Maintenance Features:
Warranty:
- Five (5) year limited warranty: Covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use for five years from the purchase date (with original bill of sale and serial number).
- Valid only if installed by an authorized Earthquake dealer and the warranty registration card is properly filled out and sent to Earthquake Sound Corporation. A 90-day warranty applies if installed by a non-authorized party.
- First year: Earthquake covers labor, parts, and ground freight (US mainland only).
- Second year: Earthquake covers labor and parts only; customer pays freight both ways.
- Third, fourth & fifth year: Earthquake covers labor only; customer pays for parts and freight both ways.
- Warning: Products sent for repair that are tested and found to have no problems will not be covered by the warranty. Customer will be charged a minimum of one hour of labor plus shipping.
- Repairs: Earthquake will repair or replace defective products/parts if they have not been altered or repaired by non-factory approved technicians, subjected to negligence, misuse, improper use, accident, improper line voltage, incompatible products, or if the serial number or any part of it has been altered, defaced, or removed.
- Warranty Limitations: Does not cover products modified or abused, including:
- Damage to speaker cabinet and finish due to misuse, abuse, or improper cleaning.
- Bent speaker frame, broken speaker connectors, holes in speaker cone, surround & dust cap, burnt speaker voice coil.
- Fading, deterioration of speaker components & finish due to improper exposure to elements.
- Bent amplifier casing, damaged finish due to abuse, misuse, or improper cleaning.
- Burnt tracers on PCB.
- Product/part damaged due to poor packaging or abusive shipping.
- Subsequent damage to other products.
- A warranty claim is not valid if the warranty registration card is not properly filled and returned with a copy of the sales invoice. The warranty card is on the last page of the manual.
Service Request:
- Contact Earthquake service department at (510) 732-1000 to request an RMA number (Return Material Authorization). Items shipped without a valid RMA number will be refused.
- Provide complete/correct shipping address, a valid phone number, and a brief description of the problem. Technicians may be able to resolve the problem over the phone.
Shipping Instructions for Service:
- Products must be packaged in original protective box(s) to minimize transport damage. Shipper claims for transit damage must be presented to the carrier.
- Earthquake Sound Corporation reserves the right to refuse improperly packed products.
- Original bill of sale must accompany products returned for service.
- Include a written description of the problem with the package.
- Ship products to: Earthquake Sound Corp. 2727 Mc Cone Avenue, Hayward, CA 94545.
- Customer is responsible for the cost of shipping the product to Earthquake Sound Corporation.
Disputes Resolution:
- All disputes between clients and Earthquake Sound Corporation regarding the warranty policy must be resolved according to the laws & regulations of Alameda County, California.
Troubleshooting:
- If the speaker is not working, first contact the dealer where it was purchased. If not possible, contact the Earthquake service department at 510.732.1000.
- Products purchased from auction websites or unauthorized dealers will incur charges for shipping, labor, and parts. Always buy from an authorized dealer to protect your investment.
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