™

UIW RCS II
Reference Series In-Ceiling Speaker
Owner’s Manual

Congratulations
Congratulations on your purchase of the Definitive Technology
UIW RCS II Loudspeaker. This reference quality loudspeaker
provides the highest level of sonic performance and construction
quality and is designed for easy flush-mount installation in
ceilings of homes and commercial spaces. Six years of intensive
research and development by Definitive engineers, working in
collaboration with one of the world’s leading industrial design
firms, has produced the finest architectural loudspeakers on the
market. The beautiful upscale designer styling of this model
is perfect for the finest homes belonging to the most
discriminating homeowners.
 The UIW RCS II Loudspeaker
The RCS II:

• Incorporates high power, high definition cast basket Definitive

bass/midrange drivers combined with pressure-coupled low-
frequency radiators and state-of-the-art Definitive 1" dome tweeters.

• Incorporates polypropylene cones with butyl rubber surrounds.

• Incorporates a complete precision crossover system designed by

Definitive engineers for seamless driver blending.

• Incorporates a completely sealed non-resonant medite enclosure to

assure you of laboratory reference quality performance in your home.

• Is moisture resistant to allow use in bathrooms, etc.

• Is easily paintable and comes complete with mounting templates

and plastic paint masks.

• Can be used as an exceptional left main, right main, center channel

or rear/side surround in a state-of-the-art home theater system or as
stereo pairs in a 2-channel music system.

The Sound Quality Is Extraordinary

The UIW RCS IIs have been voiced by Definitive engineers (using the
superb facilities of the Definitive Technology Advanced Research Facility) to
the same high-end standards as all Definitive loudspeakers. The drivers and
baffles are perfectly integrated into the design to minimize the diffraction
problems that are inherent with most other in-wall loudspeakers. To ensure
that you experience the finest performance possible from your UIW RCS IIs,
we encourage you to read this owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with
the proper installation and set-up procedures.

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 Unpacking Your UIW RCS II Loudspeakers
Please Inspect For Shipping Damage
Each loudspeaker leaves our plant in perfect condition. Any visible or
concealed damage most likely will have occurred in handling after it left the
plant and should be reported at once to your Definitive dealer or the delivery
company that delivered your loudspeakers. Please unpack your system
carefully. Save all cartons and packing materials in case you move or need
to ship your system. Record the serial numbers found on the back of the
UIW RCS II Loudspeakers in the appropriate place on your warranty card.

UIW RCS II Applications

The UIW RCS II is designed to be mounted in ceilings and used as a front
main left, right or center channel loudspeaker in a stealth home theater
system of the highest quality. In addition, they can be used as rear or side
surround speakers or as left and right stereo speakers.

UIW RCS II Positioning

Definitive’s UIW RCS II Loudspeakers are designed to be mounted in ceil-
ings with excellent results. Because of their wide dispersion characteristics
and other aspects of their superb sonic performance, mounting position in
your room is very flexible. Due to the different requirements of the wide
variety of room shapes and sizes, we recommend that you consult with the
custom installation specialist at your Definitive Technology dealer regarding
your own particular needs.

Your Complete Definitive Home Theater

For best results, we recommend that you use Definitive speakers in
combination with your RCS IIs for the best overall sonic performance.
A popular choice for matching side or rear surround speakers is the
Definitive UIW RSS II. In-wall or free-standing subwoofers may be used
with the RCS II. Popular choices are the in-wall Definitive UIW Sub 10/10,
UIW Sub Reference or our freestanding SuperCube subs.

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 Painting Your UIW RCS II Loudspeakers
The UIW RCS II Loudspeakers are easily paintable and are shipped with
plastic paint masks (which should be retained even if you initially decide not
to paint the speakers). The grille and frame must be painted separately, and
for best results, prior to installation.
For the grille, spray painting is the recommended method. Follow the paint
manufacturer’s directions for ventilation and correct spraying procedure. Be
very careful not to clog the speaker grille with too heavy a coat of paint as
this will impair system sonic performance.

For the frame, spray painting is preferred but brush or roller will also give
good results. The supplied frame masks should be put in place to protect the
speaker components for whichever method you choose.

Installation Procedure Overview

The RCS II is designed to be installed inside the ceiling of your home quick-
ly and easily. Because of its superb sonic performance, installation location
within your room is very flexible. Your room is not like anyone else’s room,
and because of its unique size and shape will have its own requirements
for optimal sonic performance. We recommend that you consult with the
Custom Installation Specialist at your Definitive Technology dealer regarding
your special needs or if you are at all uncertain about the best and safest way
to install your RCS II.

• Installation of this product must follow all local and state building code
requirements. We strongly recommend using a qualified, professional
installer who is knowledgeable of local building codes.

• The UIW RCS II is designed for mounting inline or at 90 degrees

to 16" on-center ceiling joists.

• If ceiling joists are wider than 16" apart, you will need to shim (or frame in
the enclosure) with appropriate framing material.

• Before starting construction or modification of your ceiling, you should

familiarize yourself with any applicable local fire and building codes.

• Make sure the locations you select do not conceal studs, electrical wiring
or plumbing. Prior to installation, hold the speaker in your chosen location
to make sure it meets the clearance requirements around obstacles such as
studs, corners, beams, lighting fixtures and door/window frames.

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 Installation Procedure Overview (continued)

• The speaker enclosure needs to be against joists or framing material on the

2 parallel sides that are to be fastened with the screws.

• The clearance required on outside ceiling surface is 1" around the cutout to
clear the speaker bezel. On inside surface, 11/4" of clearance is required to
clear lock arms on the sides that will not be fastened to the joists or framing
material.

• Also note that the installation of the RCS II may require some modification
of the joist structure in your ceiling. This should only be done by a compe-
tent professional who will configure the studs to maintain their structural
integrity and make sure that everything is in compliance with all local and
state building code requirements.

• Speaker wire must be run inside your ceiling as part of the installation
process of in-wall loudspeakers. Plan the connection before you start your
loudspeaker installation.

Step-by-Step Installation
Mounting options overview
• Installation of this product must follow all local and state building codes.

• We strongly recommend using a qualified, professional installer who is

knowledgeable of local building codes.

Required cutout and cavity size

• Template cutout size: 143/8"W x 143/8"L.
• Minimum size of installation cavity (inside ceiling and between joists)
is as follows:
– Depth: 57/8"
– 141/2" between joists on the sides the wood screws are to be installed in.
– 161/2" between joists on sides the lock arms are to be used
(11/4" of space required on each side to clear lock arms).
See Diagram 1, page 9 for reference.

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 Step-by-Step Installation (continued)

Hole location options and requirements

• Mounting in ceiling with joists 16" on-center.

– Place template against inside edge of joist.

– Trace around template with pencil.

– Cut hole.

See Diagram 1, page 9 for reference.

• Mounting in ceiling with joists wider than 16" on-center.

– Place template at least 11/4" away from existing joists

(to clear lock arms).

– Template does not need to be centered between joists.

– Trace around template with pencil.

– Cut hole.

– Install framing material inside cavity, running 90 degrees to

existing joists, leaving 141/2" between frame sides.
See Diagram 2, page 9 for reference.

• Mounting in ceiling with joists 16" on-center where crossbeam

is closer than 11/4" from side of enclosure.
– Enclosure MUST be against the crossbeam and 2 joists, boxing
it in on 3 sides. Shim as required.

– This will require 2 additional #8 x 31/2" wood screws and side

gasket material (not included) to secure to crossbeam and prevent
rattling.

– Place template against crossbeam and mounting joist.

– Trace around template with pencil.

– Cut hole.
6 See Diagram 3, page 10 for reference.
Gasket requirements and application
• There are 2 sizes of gasket strips included in the accessory pack with the
owner’s manual.
– 5 long gaskets.
– 1 short gasket.
• The gaskets are to be applied as follows:
– 2 long gaskets on back of enclosure.
– 2 gaskets on each side of enclosure to be placed against joist or
framing material.
– The short gasket is provided to run on the side of the enclosure where
the terminal cut-away is located.

Connecting the speaker

• Run color-coded wires between the speaker cavity and amplifier
unit. When running the wires inside the ceiling to the opening, leave a
minimum of 18" of additional length in the cavity to facilitate speaker
connection.
• Fish wiring out of hole.
• Connect the speaker wires to the UIW RCS II taking care to make red to
red (+) and black to black (-) terminal connections.
• Refer to your amplifier or receiver loudspeaker wiring instructions, turn
off the unit and connect the speaker wires to the appropriate colored out-
put terminal on the unit, again making red to red (+) and black to black (-)
connections. This will ensure absolute phase throughout the system.

Securing speaker
• Installation of this product must follow all local and state building
code requirements.
• We strongly recommend using a qualified, professional installer who is
knowledgeable of local building codes.
• We recommend holding the unit by the bezel and outer edges
of the speaker to avoid damaging the drivers.
• Place speaker in hole and secure to joists (or framing material) with
4 screws provided. Tighten 2 screws on one side before installing and 7
tightening the opposing side.
 Step-by-Step Installation (continued)

• As a minimum, the speaker must be secured using four screws provided

on 2 parallel sides.

See Diagrams 1 and 2, page 9 for reference.

• If speaker is mounted against a crossbeam, install two additional #8 x 31/2"

wood screws (not included) into side that is against crossbeam to secure
speaker and prevent rattling.

See Diagram 3, page 10 for reference.

• Secure lock arms on sides that are not secured using wood screws.

See Diagrams 1, 2 and 3, page 9 and 10 for reference.

• The metal pivoting lock arms are pre-installed in the loudspeaker frame
with Phillips screws. The lock arms can be rotated left or right by turning
the screws.

• Fit grille on speaker bezel.

*VERY IMPORTANT*
Please note that the pivoting lock arms are not designed to support
the weight of the speaker. They are only designed to pull the speaker
tight to the ceiling and prevent it from rattling. Do not use them for
supporting the speaker. The screws going through the speaker and
into the joists are there for support and must be properly used.

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 Diagram 1

EXISTING CEILING JOISTS

24” ON-CENTER

NOTE: UNIT DOES NOT NEED TO BE CENTERED

BETWEEN JOISTS. ALLOW FOR 1-1/4” OF CLEARANCE
ON EACH SIDE OF CLEAR LOCK ARMS ADDED FRAMING
MATERIAL

14-1/2”
CAVITY SIZE REQUIRED
14-3/8” BETWEEN INSTALLED
TEMPLATE FRAMING MATERIAL
CUT-OUT

14-3/8” TEMPLATE CUT-OUT

LOCK ARM
(6 PLACES)

WOODSCREW
(4 PLACES)
Diagram 2 9
 EXISTING CEILING JOISTS
14-1/2” MINIMUM CAVITY SIZE BETWEEN STUDS 16” ON-CENTER
HOLDING WOODSCREWS

EXISTING CROSSBEAM
CAUSING OBSTRUCTION

15-3/8”
MINIMUM CAVITY
SIZE REQUIRED BETWEEN
CROSSBRACES TO
CLEAR LOCK ARMS.
UNIT MUST BE PLACED
14-3/8” AGAINST CROSSBEAM.
TEMPLATE
CUT-OUT

14-3/8” TEMPLATE CUT-OUT

1-1/4”
MINIMUM
CLEARANCE
WOODSCREW REQUIRED FOR
(6 PLACES) LOCKARMS

LOCK ARM
(2 PLACES)
Diagram 3

Troubleshooting Your UIW RCS II Speakers

If you experience any difficulties with your UIW RCS II Loudspeakers,
try the suggestions described below. If you are still having problems, please
consult your Definitive Technology authorized dealer for assistance.

• Make sure all your system interconnections and power cords

are solidly in their place.

• Check to be sure that the power cords and/or speaker wires have
not been damaged.

• Many amplifier/receivers have sophisticated internal protection

circuitry. If for some reason the protection circuitry is tripped,
please turn down the system’s volume and wait five minutes
before trying the system again.

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 Technical Assistance
It is our pleasure to offer assistance if you have any further questions or
comments. Please feel free to contact our technical support staff at
Definitive Technology, LLP, 11433 Cronridge Dr., Suite K, Owings Mills,
MD 21117 or call (410) 363-7148.

Service

Service and warranty work on your Definitive loudspeakers will

normally be performed by your local Definitive Technology dealer. However,
if you wish to return the speaker to us, please contact us first, describing the
problem and requesting authorization as well as the location of the nearest
factory service center. Please note that the address given in this booklet
is the address of our offices only. Under no circumstances should
loudspeakers be shipped to our offices or returned without contacting
us first and obtaining return authorization.

Definitive Technology Offices

11433 Cronridge Dr.
Suite K
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
Phone: 410-363-7148

UIW RCS II Specifications

UIW RCS II
Outer Dimension: 151/2" W x 151 /2" H
Cut-out Size: 143/8" W x 143/8" H x 57/8" D
Recommended Amplification: 10 – 250 watts
Frequency Response: 22 Hz – 30 kHz
Nominal Impedance: Compatible with 8 ohm outputs
Driver Complement: Two 5.25" high-definition cast-basket
bass/midrange drivers, two 6.5" pressure-
coupled low bass radiators, one 1" pure
aluminum dome tweeter

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Visit us at www.definitivetech.com 11
 Limited Warranty:
5-Years for Drivers and Cabinets,
3-Years for Electronic Components
Definitive Technology warrants to the original retail purchaser only that this Definitive
Technology Loudspeaker Product (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of five (5) years covering the drivers and cabinets, and three (3) years
for the electronic components from the date of the original purchase from a Definitive
Technology Authorized Dealer. However, this warranty will automatically terminate prior to
the expiration of five (5) years for the drivers and cabinets and three (3) years for the electronic
components if the original retail purchaser sells or otherwise transfers the Product to any other
party. The original retail purchaser shall hereinafter be referred to as “you.” Defective Products
must be shipped, together with proof of date of purchase, prepaid insured to the Authorized
Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or to the nearest factory service center.
Product(s) must be shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent; in any case the
risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by you. If, upon examination at the Factory or a
Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer, it is determined that the unit was defective in
materials or workmanship at any time during this Warranty period, Definitive Technology or
the Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this Product at
no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts and Product(s) become the
property of Definitive Technology. Product(s) replaced or repaired under this Warranty will be
returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight collect.
This Warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, mis-
use, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage in
excess of the rated maximum of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly
attributable to defects in materials or workmanship, or service, or repair or modification of the
Product which has not been authorized by Definitive Technology. Definitive Technology makes
no Warranty with respect to its Products purchased from dealers or outlets other than
Definitive Technology Authorized Dealers. This Warranty is in lieu of all other expressed
Warranties. If this Product is defective in material or workmanship as warranted above, your
sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will Definitive
Technology be liable to you for any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
or inability to use the Product, even if Definitive Technology or a Definitive Technology
Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any
other party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so
the above limitation may not apply to you.
All implied warranties on the Product are limited to the duration of this expressed
Warranty. Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied Warranty lasts, so the
above limitations may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
also may have other rights which vary from state to state.

This product complies with the essential requirements of

EMC directives 89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC (inclusive of
93/68/EEC) and carries the CE mark accordingly.
DSAT013009