McIntosh CS100 User Manual

5

The CS100 Ceiling Loudspeaker System is primed and 

may be painted before or after installation. 

The Loudspeaker Frame:

1. Insert the supplied paint shield into the frame of the 

Loudspeaker. Refer to figure 5.

2. Paint the frame with light 

coats, to help prevent ex-

cessive paint buildup and 

“runs” on the frame.

3. After the paint has dried, 

use the finger pulls to re-

move the paint shield.

The Loudspeaker Grille:

1. Carefully remove the cloth 

from the inside of the grille. Set it aside in a clean loca-

tion.

2. Paint the grille with very light coats, to help prevent 

paint from filling the holes in the grille.

3. After the paint is dry, reinstall the previously removed 

grille cloth.

Figure 5

Follow the instructions below for installation using appro-

priate tools. If the optional RK100 Rough-In Kit Bracket 

has been previously installed, go directly to step 6:

1. Place the supplied Hole Cutting Template to the desired 

mounting location in the ceiling and trace the outside 

edge of the template onto the mounting surface. Refer 

to figures 5 

and 6.

2. In the center 

of the circle 

just drawn on 

the mount-

ing surface, 

make a 

small pilot 

hole. Insert 

a long wire 

(with an insulated handle) into 

the opening and verify there are no objects located in 

the ceiling where the Loudspeaker will be installed.                     

Refer to figure 7.

3. Cut out and remove the piece of 

ceiling material.

4. Install the Loudspeaker hookup 

cable from the location of the Au-

dio Component(s) (Power Ampli-

fier) to the opening. Using a suitable securing device, 

attach the cable inside the ceiling making sure to leave 

about 24 inches (60.96cm) of cable.

5. Install into the ceiling opening nonflammable sound 

absorbing material (such as fiberglass) to reduce sound 

leakage into other areas and 

reduce acoustical standing waves/

resonances. If there already is pa-

per or aluminum backed fiberglass 

located in the ceiling, remove the 

backing where it would come into 

contact with the rear of the Loud-

speaker. Refer to figure 8.

In determining the CS100 Loudspeaker location, it is 

important to keep away from any heating/cooling duct-

work, electrical wiring and plumbing that may be located 

in the ceiling between the joists. The CS100 is designed for 

indoor use only. Indoor rooms with high humidity levels 

should be avoided; i.e. an indoor swimming pool area, 

directly above a bathtub/shower/jacuzzi/sauna, etc.

When mounting the CS100 Ceiling Loudspeaker Sys-

tem to a building structure, it is important to follow all of 

the local building/construction codes. Make sure the ceil-

ing structural members can support a weight of five times 

the total weight of the Ceiling Loudspeaker System.

When the CS100 will be installed into a room under 

constuction, it is advisable to install the optional McIntosh 

RK100 Rough-In Kit Bracket into the joists. The bracket 

provides a rigid mounting location for the Loudspeaker, 

a secure tie off point for the hookup cable and allows for 

easier finishing of the ceiling surface.

If the RK100 Rough-In Kit Bracket is used, install the 

Loudspeaker hookup cable from the location of the Audio 

Component(s) (Power Amplifier) to the bracket making 

sure to leave about 24 inches (60.96cm) of cable after the 

cable tie point. This will make for easier connection of 

the cable to the Loudspeaker and allow for rotation of the 

Loudspeaker after installation into the ceiling. Also refer 

to “Installing the Loudspeaker” step 5. 

Figure 7

 

12-

7/8"

 

32.70cm

 

10-

7/8"

 

27.62cm

Figure 5

CS100

CS100 Ceiling Loudsp

eaker

Figure 6

Figure 8