Sonance Invisible series - User Manual

Sonance
®
Invisible Series
SA3, SA1.5 and SAW In-Wall and In-Ceiling Speakers
Features:
• SA3 and SA1.5 combine patented planar diaphragm
midrange/tweeter technology with the proven low-
frequency performance of a direct-radiating woofer.
• Simple installation: Available Space Saver units reserve
locations for the speakers during construction. Then, the
installer simply runs the speaker wires and attaches the
speakers to the studs/joists in the reserved locations.
• After drywall is installed, mudded, and finished, the speakers
are completely invisible, becoming part of the wall
or ceiling surface. No vellum overlay or additional
construction materials are required.
• Planar diaphragm midrange/tweeter technology radiates
in a 140° hemispherical pattern all the way up to 10kHz,
providing extremely even sound coverage and allowing
wide latitude in speaker placement.
• SA3 incorporates a 50 in
2
(323cm
2
) — 8” (203mm)
diameter woofer; the SA1.5 has a 33 in
2
(210cm
2
) — 6½”
(165mm) diameter woofer. SAW subwoofer features two
50 in
2
(323cm
2
) — 8” (203mm) diameter woofers recessed
behind the diaphragm.
• The integrated metal backcan and damping material
improve bass performance and dramatically reduce sound
spillover into adjacent spaces.
• Limited Fifteen Year Warranty when installed by a certified Sonance Invisible Series installer — see Sonance Invisible Series
Instruction Manual for full warranty information.
Sona n c e I n v I S I ble Se rIe S
Sa3 (l e ft) ; Sa1. 5 (cen t e r ),
SaW (r Igh t )
The all-new Sonance Invisible Series SA3 and SA1.5 are
extended-bandwidth speakers that combine planar dia-
phragm midrange/tweeter technology with the proven
low-frequency performance of a direct-radiating woofer.
When properly installed into a wall or ceiling, these speak-
ers become part of the wall or ceiling surface, providing
remarkable sound while remaining totally invisible.
Installation is easy: Available Space Saver units can be used
to reserve locations for the speakers during early stages of
construction. The installer then screws the speakers to the studs
or joists in the reserved locations and runs the speaker wir-
ing back to the amplifier location. Next, the drywall trades-
people install the drywall and mud and sand the speaker’s
radiating surface into the drywall. The speaker’s radiating
surface becomes part of the wall or ceiling surface, com-
pletely disappearing.
Behind the radiating diaphragm, the SA3 and SA1.5
utilize the same planar diaphragm midrange/ tweeter
element, which radiates sound in a 140° hemispherical
pattern all the way up to 10kHz. This provides extremely
even sound coverage over a very wide area, and it
allows the installer much more latitude in speaker place-
ment than is afforded by conventional speakers. The SA3
incorporates an 8” diameter cone woofer, while the SA1.5
incorporates a 6½” diameter cone woofer. The SAW
subwoofer incorporates two of the SA3’s 8” diameter cone
woofers behind the radiating diaphragm. All three models
include an integral metal backcan with internal damping
material that enhances low-frequency performance and
dramatically reduces sound spillover into adjacent spaces.
The SAW is designed to be used with the Sonamp
®
A800
subwoofer amplifier (available separately). The amplifier
provides flexible connections that allow the SAW to be
easily integrated into any audio system, along with controls
for fine-tuning the SAW’s performance for the listening
environment or personal taste. No other compensation
circuitry is required.
SA3 Front
(Diaphragm Removed)*
SA3 Rear
(Backcan Removed)*
Midrange/Tweeter
Motor
Midrange/Tweeter
Planar Diaphragm
MDF Baffle
(Front Layer)
Woofer
MDF Baffle
(Rear Layer)
Crossover
Network
*I NTEGRAL DIAPHRAGM AND METAL BACKCAN ARE NOT SHOWN
FOR
ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES .

Summary

Speaker Specifications

SA3 Speaker Details

Technical specifications for the SA3 in-wall/in-ceiling speaker, including driver, frequency, and power handling.

SAW Subwoofer Details

Technical specifications for the SAW subwoofer, detailing its dual woofers, frequency range, and power handling.

SA1.5 Speaker Details

Technical specifications for the SA1.5 in-wall/in-ceiling speaker, highlighting its driver size and performance metrics.

Space Savers Accessory

Description of reusable pieces for reserving speaker space during construction, available in two sizes.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Sonance Invisible Series SA3, SA1.5, and SAW are a range of innovative in-wall and in-ceiling speakers designed to deliver high-quality audio while remaining completely hidden from view. These speakers integrate seamlessly into the architectural environment, becoming an invisible part of the wall or ceiling surface once installed.

Function Description:

At their core, the SA3 and SA1.5 are extended-bandwidth speakers that combine two distinct audio technologies: a planar diaphragm for midrange and high frequencies, and a direct-radiating woofer for low frequencies. This hybrid design aims to provide a balanced and comprehensive sound profile. The planar diaphragm midrange/tweeter element is particularly notable for its wide 140° hemispherical sound pattern, which ensures exceptionally even sound coverage across a broad listening area. This wide dispersion characteristic offers significant flexibility in speaker placement, as the sound quality remains consistent even when listeners are not directly in front of the speaker. The SA3 and SA1.5 differ primarily in their woofer size, with the SA3 featuring a larger 8-inch diameter woofer for potentially deeper bass, and the SA1.5 utilizing a 6.5-inch diameter woofer.

The SAW, on the other hand, is a dedicated subwoofer designed to augment the low-frequency performance of an audio system. It incorporates two 8-inch diameter cone woofers, recessed behind a radiating diaphragm, to deliver powerful and impactful bass. The SAW is specifically engineered to be used in conjunction with a Sonamp A800 subwoofer amplifier, which provides the necessary power and control for optimal performance. This amplifier also offers flexible connectivity options, allowing the SAW to be easily integrated into various audio setups, and includes controls for fine-tuning its output to match the listening environment and personal preferences.

All models in the Invisible Series feature an integrated metal backcan with internal damping material. This design element serves a dual purpose: it enhances the low-frequency performance of the speakers by optimizing their acoustic enclosure, and it dramatically reduces sound spillover into adjacent rooms or spaces, ensuring that the audio remains contained within the intended listening area.

Usage Features:

The primary usage feature of the Sonance Invisible Series is its complete invisibility. Once installed, the speakers are plastered, mudded, and painted over, becoming indistinguishable from the surrounding wall or ceiling. This allows for a clean, minimalist aesthetic in any room, free from visible grilles or speaker cabinets. The wide 140° hemispherical sound pattern of the SA3 and SA1.5 means that precise aiming is not as critical as with conventional speakers, offering greater freedom in furniture arrangement and room layout.

Installation is designed to be straightforward, particularly during the construction phase of a building. Sonance offers "Space Saver" units, which are essentially placeholders that reserve the exact location for the speakers during the early stages of construction. This ensures that the necessary space is maintained until the actual speakers are ready to be installed. Once the drywall is in place, the installer simply screws the speakers to the studs or joists in the reserved locations and runs the speaker wiring back to the amplifier. The drywall trades then finish the surface, completely concealing the speakers. No special vellum overlays or additional construction materials are required for the invisibility aspect, simplifying the finishing process.

For the SAW subwoofer, its integration with the Sonamp A800 amplifier provides users with control over its performance. This allows for customization of the bass output to suit different music genres, movie soundtracks, or personal preferences, ensuring that the low-frequency response is always optimized for the specific listening environment.

Maintenance Features:

Given their invisible nature, the Sonance Invisible Series speakers require virtually no ongoing maintenance once installed and finished. Because they are integrated into the wall or ceiling structure and covered with standard finishing materials, they are protected from dust, physical damage, and the need for cleaning that visible speakers often require. The durable construction and integrated backcan further contribute to their long-term reliability.

The speakers are equipped with self-resetting gel switches for overload protection. These switches act as a safety mechanism, protecting the speakers from damage due to excessive power input. If an overload occurs, the switches temporarily interrupt the signal and then reset automatically once the power level returns to safe limits. This feature enhances the longevity of the speakers and reduces the need for manual intervention or repair in case of accidental overdriving.

Sonance offers a Limited Fifteen Year Warranty when the Invisible Series speakers are installed by a certified Sonance Invisible Series installer. This extensive warranty underscores the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability and long-term performance, providing peace of mind for the end-user. The warranty information, along with detailed installation instructions, is available in the Sonance Invisible Series Instruction Manual, which serves as a comprehensive guide for proper setup and care.

Sonance Invisible series Specifications