1. I would like to purchase speaker stands. How can I obtain them?

Please send an e-mail request to parts@harman.com. They will be able to help you out, as well as give you pricing and availability on the stands.

2. My grilles have disintegrated. Are these grilles still available, and how can I obtain them?

Some original foam grilles are no longer available through JBL. The replacement is a cloth grille. If you would like these, call 1-800-336-4JBL and then follow the prompts for PARTS. They will be able to help you out with this, as well as give you pricing and availability.

1. How can I obtain information/service/support on ordering stands for my new system?

Please send an e-mail request to parts@harman.com. They will be able to help you out, as well as give you pricing and availability on the stands.

1. After upgrading to iOS 6, my Bluetooth connection keeps dropping out. What should I do?

iOS devices that have been upgraded to iOS 6 do experience Bluetooth connectivity issues with products from HARMAN and other manufacturers. Apple is aware of, and is investigating, this issue. We recommend you consult the online forums on the Apple website for updates, tips and solutions.

2. My sub/speakers are not shielded. How close can I put them to my TV?

Unfortunately there is no cut and dry answer for this. You see, every TV will react differently with every speaker. It's a matter of trial and error. Your best bet for finding out how close you can put your speakers is to do the following. Turn on your TV with your speaker as far away as possible (no more than 10 feet). Begin sliding (or carrying) the speaker toward the TV, keeping an eye on the TV screen at all times. Eventually you will begin to see a discoloration/distortion in the TV screen. At this point you should back away roughly 1 foot. Turn the TV off for a few minutes. Now turn it back on. Your picture will look fine and you now know how far the speaker must be from the TV in order not to cause a problem.

3. My driver (woofer, midrange, etc.) has blown. Can anything be done to resolve this?

Absolutely! If you would like to have your drivers re-coned or replaced, please bring or send them to your nearest authorized JBL re-cone service center. The will be able to help you and give you pricing. If you have already discarded your driver and/or would like to simply replace it yourself, Please send an e-mail request to parts@harman.com. They will be able to help you out with the closest equivalent replacement, as well as give you pricing and availability.

4. Where is the best place to put my subwoofer?

The fact is, you can put it anywhere because you won't be able to detect where the low frequencies are coming from. However, if the sub is placed in the wrong spot, it is feasible that you will not be able to hear it. This is due to something called "standing waves". The sound of the bass will bounce off the wall and come back to you. Of course, the direct sound will come to you as well. If these two sounds are out of phase with each other, you will not be able to hear the bass. In general, it is recommended that the subwoofer is placed somewhere along the front wall with your front speakers. Finding the best placement is usually a matter of trial and error. Simply try placing the sub in a few areas, and stick with the one that sounds the best to you when you are sitting in the general listening area. Placing it in a corner is often times the most effective spot.

5. Can I leave my Subwoofer unit powered on at all times?

There is no problem with leaving your unit plugged in and turned on in the Auto mode at all times. In the Auto mode, your subwoofer will be in a standby mode, waiting for an audio signal input. When it detects an audio signal, the subwoofer will start playing. In its standby mode, the subwoofer draws very little power. When you will be away from home for several weeks or more such as on vacation, you may wish to turn the unit off. As with all electrical appliances that do not need to stay on, turning the subwoofer off will conserve electricity and protect the unit from the possibility of damage from lightning or power surges. You may manually turn model PB12 off using the master switch, or you may unplug model PB10.

6. Can my 220 volt component perform if plugged into a 110 volt outlet?

JBL does not offer any multi-voltage components. However, you can use an international 220 volt component in a 110 volt outlet with the addition of a step-up transformer, available at most electronic stores.

7. Can my 110 volt component perform if plugged into a 220 volt outlet?

JBL does not offer any multi-voltage components. However, you can use a domestic 110 volt component overseas with the addition of a step-down transformer, available at most electronics stores.

8. I am experiencing odd problems (static, noise, intermittent remote, etc.) with my JBL iPod/iPhone problem. How can I fix this?

Please try the following, this will likely fix your problem. Unplug the JBL iPod/iPhone product for roughly 15 minutes. During that time reset your iPod/iPhone by pressing and holding the Center and Menu buttons until the Apple logo appears (or follow your particular iPod/iPhone reset procedure). After 15 minutes, reconnect the power for the JBL but do not turn it on yet. Dock the iPod/iPhone. Power on the JBL and then power on the iPod if it does not auto power. This should fix the problem.

9. What does the Phase switch do on a sub woofer?

Depending on the placement of your sub, and the room it is in, it is possible for it to end up being out of phase with your speakers. Simply place the sub in its location, sit in the general seating area, and have someone switch the polarity switch back and forth. Which ever position gives you more perceived bass, is the position you want to stick with. This is the position that puts the sub in phase with your speakers. Sometimes, in order to hear the difference, you may need to crank up the sub, and the bass control on your receiver. This will increase the bass enough to hear whether or not the sub and speakers are canceling themselves out. When doing this, be careful not to crank up the speakers too much. With the bass turned up you can easily blow your speakers.

10. I just connected my subwoofer, and now I hear a constant hum. What can be done to fix this?

Usually this hum is caused by a ground loop. This is a problem that is sometimes created when connecting two or more electrical components together. Most times the problem does not lie in any one particular unit, but in how they're connected. If your subwoofer is connected to a different wall outlet than your system, move the subwoofer plug to the same outlet. This may require an extension cord just for the trial. If it works, you can permanently move the sub or use an extension cord. Please be sure to use a heavy duty UL approved extension cord.

11. Which Powered subwoofer input is better? Speaker Level or Line Level?

In most cases, either signal input method will do the same job. A true line level signal is always better when being sent to an amplifier. When a speaker level signal is converted back to a line level only to be re-amplified again, the audio signal passes through more electronics than necessary. In this situation, the potential for signal degradation exists. However, with low frequencies, any noise amplified by speaker level conversion is not very audible. One would need to have a trained ear to notice a difference between line and speaker level connections. If possible, use line level inputs.

12. I lost my remote control. Is it possible for me to obtain a new one?

Absolutely! Please send an e-mail request to parts@harman.com. They will be able to help you out, as well as give you pricing and availability on the remote.

13. How can I obtain a new power supply?

Please send an e-mail request to parts@harman.com. They will be able to help you out, as well as give you pricing and availability on the remote.

14. Why is the grille on my subwoofer missing the JBL logo that is pictured on the Web site?

Your grille is correct; the JBL logo is on the top plate of the subwoofer, near the LED. Sometimes our Web site contains images of prototypes, and the appearance of the product may change prior to production.

15. How can I obtain wall mount brackets?

Please send an e-mail request to parts@harman.com. They will be able to help you out, as well as give you pricing and availability on the brackets.

16. Can I paint my HTI speakers?

All HTI Series in-wall speakers are ready to be painted any color you desire. You don't even need primer. Be careful not to fill the holes in the grilles with paint, since this may affect sound quality.

17. AW means All Weather, does this mean that the speakers are water-proof? Can I dunk them in a pool if I'd like?

Absolutely NOT! These speakers are weather-proofed, not water-proofed. You can safely mount these speakers outside, preferably under an awning. The speakers can handle the abuse of weather changes, dampness, and even some water, but it cannot handle direct and/or constant subjection to sun and water.

18. I am not getting any sound from my speaker system. What's wrong?

1. Make sure all wall and power outlet switches are on and that all switches for your speaker system are on. Cycle the power switch.(switch is located on the back of the subwoofer) Check power LED on left and right speakers. Is the LED on? If not, power is not getting to your speaker system. Make sure the power cord is plugged into an electrical outlet. 2. Ensure that the speaker input jack is pushed all the way into the appropriate jack. Check all the connections and secure them. 3. Check the connection to the soundcard. Make sure it is connected to the proper jack. This varies from each soundcard manufacturer. (Please refer to your soundcard manual.) 4. Your volume settings are too low or muted. Increase your volume by pressing the + key located on top of the right satellite. You can also check your volume through the volume control located in the taskbar. To mute and unmute the speakers, press the + and - controls at the same time.

19. What colors does the Creature come in?

The Creature comes in White, Silver and Blue.

20. Can I add more satellites to a computer speaker system?

This system does not allow any more satellites than the ones included in your system.

21. My satellite speakers do not work, but my subwoofer light is on. What's wrong?

This is an indication that the satellite speakers are not plugged in all the way to the subwoofer. You will hear a slight "snap" sound if they are plugged in all the way. The inputs are color coded and shape coded (triangle and square). Make sure they are aligned properly.

22. Why is there distortion on my monitor when the speakers are on?

Make sure you do not have the subwoofer placed near the monitor. Please place the subwoofer at least 3 feet away from the monitor. This should fix your problem.

23. Why do my computer speakers make static, crackling, humming or hissing sounds?

1. Interference may be causing the distortion. Please check all surrounding electrical objects and place the speakers away from the problem object. 2. Ensure that the speaker input jack is pushed all the way into the appropriate jack. Check all the connections and secure them. 3. The volume on your soundcard may be set too high. Decrease the volume in your volume control panel. Also check the volume and tone controls on the speaker. 4. Sound card or audio source material may cause a problem. *note* the quality of the audio source is also a factor (i.e. bad recording). The compatibility of your CD/DVD rom drive, soundcard and software will contribute to the quality of your sound.

24. Are software drivers needed for these speakers?

No software drivers are needed for these speakers. Simply plug them into the analog audio output on your computers soundcard, and you will be ready to roll.

25. Can I have two of these speaker systems running at the same time?

Yes, although some soundcards do not support two analog devices running at the same time. Please check with your soundcard manufacturer to be sure.

26. Why is there no sound/less output from one of my satellite speakers?

First check all of your wire connections. These connectors are shape coded, meaning that each connector has a specific shape. As you connect these wires, they must "CLICK" into place. If they don't click into place, you will not get sound from one or more speakers. If this doesn't solve your problem, please check your balance settings within the operating system. This will probably fix your problem. Automatic updates or software changes may alter these settings. For Mac users, using OS 10.* , the balance is located in your System Preferences>Sound>Output.

27. Are computer speakers magnetically shielded?

Yes, these types of speakers are usually magnetically shielded.

28. My volume level will not adjust. What's wrong?

This system uses a special volume control circuit. Try touching something metal to ground yourself while adjusting the volume. Also try testing the speakers in another location on another wall outlet.

29. Where is the on/off switch located on a Creature?

Rotate the volume knob fully counter clockwise to switch the system off and clockwise to switch them on.

30. How do I connect a 3.5mm jack to a receiver with RCA connectors?

You can purchase an RCA to 3.5mm mini adaptor cable at most local electronics retailers.

31. What is the warranty for this speaker system?

All new speaker systems come with a 1 year warranty, from original date of purchase, protecting you against a manufacturing defect. All refurbished systems come with a 90-day warranty, from the original date of purchase, protecting you against a manufacturing defect. Speakers purchased from private individuals or unauthorized dealers are not covered under warranty.

32. How should I use the LFE/Normal switch on my powered subwoofer?

This switch is available on subwoofers that use the same input jacks for full-range line-level and LFE (low-frequency effects channel) inputs. Where the input signal is full frequency range, the subwoofer's normal crossover circuits must be engaged to filter out the high frequencies that the subwoofer is not designed to reproduce, and which might cause distortion. This low-pass filtering also enables the subwoofer to operate more efficiently. A full-range signal is usually produced by receivers or processors that only have analog surround sound processing (i.e. Dolby Pro Logic). The LFE channel is produced by receivers and processors with digital decoding (i.e. Dolby Digital or DTS), and is of limited frequency range by definition. Since the signal has already undergone low-pass filtering, there is no need to filter it again inside the subwoofer.

33. How do I remove the stickers from my JBL On Stage or JBL On Tour?

To remove the sticker from your unit, you can use Isopropyl alcohol (70% +). If there is still adhesive residue remaining on the unit, the best material to remove it is Naphtha or Mineral Spirits. These can be found at your local home and garden store. Do not use Acetone or any other substances that may be harmful to plastics such as nail polish remover.

34. Will the iPod Shuffle work with my JBL On Stage?

Yes, however, you will not be able to dock the iPod Shuffle into the JBL On Stage. You can connect the audio in cable to the headphone jack of your iPod Shuffle.

35. Will my U.S. 120v JBL On Stage work in another country?

Yes, as long as you purchase the optional 230Vac or 100Vac adaptor from our Parts department. They can be contacted by emailing parts@harman.com or you can call 800-336-4525.

36. My new iPod/iPhone™ won't charge when docked. I checked it with my previous iPod/iPhone and the dock charges it without any problems. Why won't it charge my new iPod/iPhone?

The newest iPod/iPhone products from Apple™ no longer use what is called "Firewire charging". Previous iPods/iPhones were setup where you could charge the unit using a USB connection or Firewire connection. Due to changes that Apple has made in the new iPods/iPhones, the Firewire pins will no longer be usable for charging. Only the USB pins in the iPod/iPhone 3G's dock connector will be usable for charging. Unfortunately, there is no way to modify this product to accommodate this change. Our future products will all support USB charging.

37. Will the JBL On Stage work with my other MP3 players or computer?

Yes, you can simply connect the audio in cable of the JBL On Stage into your audio source.

38. Can the JBL On Stage run on batteries?

No, the JBL On Stage is ac powered only.

39. I lost my audio in cable, where can I obtain a new one?

The audio in cable is a standard 3.5mm male to male stereo cable. This can be purchased at your local electronics dealer.

40. Why won't the JBL On Stage charge my iPod?

Make sure you have the JBL On Stage connected to a live power source. The JBL On Stage does not need to be on in order to charge your iPod. Also, try connecting your iPod directly to your computer or through the power supply that came with your iPod. If it does not charge, there may be an issue with your iPod.

41. Can I use the JBL On Stage II remote with my original JBL On Stage?

No, the original JBL On Stage does not have a built in receiver to accept remote commands.

42. Can I use an after market converter on my JBL On Stage if I bring it out of the country?

You can, however we do not recommend it. Due to the large number of companies that make after market converters we can not recommend any in particular, nor can we guarantee they will safely work. The proper procedure to make sure you do not damage your power supply or unit would be to order the European power supply through our parts department.

43. I am using an iPhone (any version) and I keep getting noise and static. What's the problem?

Because of the iPhone’s unique circuitry and cellular phone capabilities, users can sometimes experience noise problems when using it with certain aftermarket products that are labeled Made for iPod (MFi). iPhones should be set to Airplane Mode when docked in an OnStage III to avoid static noise. The On Stage IIIP is a special version of the On Stage - it was designed with the iPhone in mind and has Apple’s certification as a ”Works With iPhone” (WWi) product. You will not experience any noise issues when using the On Stage IIIP with your iPhone in both normal and/or airplane modes. The OnStage IIIP can be purchased direct from JBL or other national Retailers and Etailers.

44. I am using an On Stage with an iPod NANO, and I keep getting noise and static. What's the problem?

Please charge the Nano’s battery to at least 25% level to avoid noise caused by rapid charging of Nano battery. You can also use the OnStage portable mode (not plugged in to wall outlet) but Nano will not charge in portable mode.

45. The JBL On Time display is blank, what can I do?

Your JBL On Time has likely locked up, similar to a computer. To reboot/reset your JBL On Time, turn it off, unplug it from the wall outlet and remove the backup batteries (if they've been installed) for a period of 2-3 minutes. Then reinstall the backup batteries and plug the JBL On Time back into the wall outlet. This should get you up and running again.

46. Will the JBL On Time work with a remote control?

The JBL On Time does not include this feature.

47. What is the Sub Out connection on the back of the JBL On Time for?

This port is for future expansion. It is dedicated for external powered subwoofers.

48. Do you make an external subwoofer for the JBL On Time?

At the current time, we do not make an external multimedia subwoofer.

49. Will my U.S. JBL On Time work in another country?

Yes, as long as you purchase the optional 230Vac or 100Vac adaptor from our Parts department. They can be contacted by emailing parts@harman.com or you can call 800-336-4525.

50. I lost some parts for my JBL On Time, where can I obtain new ones?

You can obtain parts by emailing parts@harman.com or call 800-336-4525.

51. My iPod does not sync with iTunes when using the JBL On Time

Make sure you do not have the USB cable connected to a USB hub or peripheral. Connect it directly to the USB ports on your computer. For testing purposes, you may also want to try connecting the iPod directly to the computer, bypassing the JBL On Time.

52. Will the JBL On Time work with my other MP3 players or computer?

Yes, you can simply connect the audio out of your source component to the aux in on the JBL On Time.

53. Why won't the JBL On Time charge my iPod?

Make sure you have the JBL On Time connected to a live power source. The JBL On Time does not need to be on in order to charge your iPod. Also, try connecting your iPod directly to your computer or through the power supply that came with your iPod. If it does not charge, there may be an issue with your iPod.

54. Why am I getting static or noise with the radio?

Try moving the antenna or the JBL On Time unit to another location until your reception improves.

55. I can't seem to choose the song that I want to wake to. What is the problem?

At the time of its release, the JBL ON TIME was able to wake up to whatever song you chose. Unfortunately subsequent software updates from Apple have caused this feature to stop performing as designed, now allowing you only to wake to the first song in your iPod.

56. Why does the time change?

The JBL On Time is equipped with a Time Crawler feature. With this setting enabled, the JBL On Time scans to find a radio station that transmits the time, receives the signal and sets the clock. This may not be accurate at times, depending on the radio station. To disable the Time Crawler feature, set the clock using the "manual" setting and turn the RDS feature OFF.

57. How come I hear sound only out of one speaker?

Double-check your connections. If the input cable is not plugged in all the way, you will only get mono sound. If you are using an extension cable, make sure it is a stereo cable.

58. Will this speaker system work with my Walkman, Discman, TV, game console, MP3 player or other portable device?

Yes, Most computer speaker systems will work with any audio output device equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack.

59. Do I need a voltage converter for another country outside of the USA?

The JBL On Tour has a Universal AC power supply. You will only need a plug adapter.

60. Why am I getting low battery life?

The JBL On Tour should provide approximately 24 hours of use, nonstop, at moderate listening volumes before you need to replace the battery. Your results may vary depending on the batteries used. If you store the unit unused for a long period of time, the battery will still drain. The JBL On Tour should have a shelf life of approximately 4 months with the cover closed. If storing the unit, we recommend that you remove the batteries to prevent drain or corrosion.

61. The supplied cable is too short; can I use another cable?

Yes, the input cable is a standard 3.5mm male-to-male stereo cable that can be purchased at your local electronic shop. Note: Make sure you purchase a stereo cable and not a mono cable.

62. The green LED is blinking on my On Tour; what does that mean?

The blinking green LED indicates that the JBL On Tour is not receiving an input signal. Check the source device (i.e. CD player, MP3 player).

63. I am not getting any sound from my JBL On Tour. What's wrong?

The JBL On Tour may be muted. Press the + and - volume controls at the same time to unmute or mute the system. Also, check the output from the source device. The output level may be very low.

64. The yellow LED is blinking on my On Tour; what does that mean?

The blinking yellow LED indicates that the batteries are getting low. There is still some battery life left, but the batteries should be replaced or recharged at the earliest convenient time.

65. Does the JBL On Tour charge the batteries when plugged into the wall outlet?

No, the batteries are simply not used when the JBL On Tour is plugged into AC power.

66. My iPhone asks if I want to go into Airplane Mode and the IIIP does not charge the iPhone. What's the problem?

Updating to a newer version of the iPhone software will solve these problems. Please update your iPhone to the latest revision offered by Apple (Rev. 2.2 or higher).

67. I am using the Nano/iTouch/iPhone, and I'm getting noise and static. What's the problem?

Updating to a newer version of the iPod/iPhone software will solve these problems. Please update your iPod/iPhone to the latest revision offered by Apple (Rev. 2.2 or higher).

68. My new iPod/iPhone™ won't charge when docked. I checked it with my previous iPod/iPhone and the dock charges it without any problems. Why won't it charge my new iPod/iPhone?

The newest iPod/iPhone products from Apple™ no longer use what is called "Firewire charging". Previous iPods/iPhones were setup where you could charge the unit using a USB connection or Firewire connection. Due to changes that Apple has made in the new iPods/iPhones, the Firewire pins will no longer be usable for charging. Only the USB pins in the iPod/iPhone 3G's dock connector will be usable for charging. Unfortunately, there is no way to modify this product to accommodate this change. Our future products will all support USB charging.

69. What is the proper placement of AW model weather-resistant speakers to prevent damage to the speakers or the enclosures, particularly the grilles?

The N24AW, N26AW, S36AW, N24AWII, N26AWII and S36AWII speakers are "weather-resistant," and are designed to withstand limited exposure to the elements that enable them to be placed outdoors. However, since the speakers are not waterproof, JBL recommends placing them beneath an overhang, such as under roof eaves. It is best to place the speakers so that they are somewhat shielded from heavy rain. Although the speakers may be placed in a bathroom or hot tub area, they may not be placed underwater, or inside a tub or shower enclosure. This restriction is mainly for your personal safety, but also to protect the speakers.

70. My iPod Photo doesn't fit in the dock of the JBL On Stage. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! We now have available an adaptor that will enable your iPod Photo to fit into the JBL On Stage dock.

71. My iPod does not sync with iTunes when using the JBL On Stage

Make sure you do not have the USB cable connected to a USB hub or peripheral. Connect it directly to the USB ports on your computer. For testing purposes, you may also want to try connecting the iPod directly to the computer, bypassing the JBL On Stage.

72. Where is the On/Off switch?

For the On Tour, simply close the cover. Computer Sperkers have it on the back of the subwoofer, and on subwoofers it is on the back.

73. If my receiver has only one jack for the subwoofer output, how do I connect it to the PowerBass subwoofer?

Use a single RCA-type patch cord to connect the receiver's subwoofer output (or LFE output) to either the left or right line-level input on the subwoofer. It doesn't matter which jack you plug the cord into on the subwoofer, and you do not need to use a Y-adaptor to plug into both jacks. If you are using your receiver in Dolby Digital, DTS or another digital surround mode, since the processor limits the frequency range of the subwoofer output, remember to switch the LFE/Normal switch on the subwoofer to the LFE position. However, if your receiver has a Dolby Pro Logic or analog-only surround processor, put the LFE/Normal switch in the Normal position.

74. Using my JBL receiver, the picture on my TV is slightly out of sync with the audio. What's wrong?

For a dissimilar video and audio synchronization that may occur with certain types of Plasma and HDTV's, you will need to consult your TV set's menu or owner's manual to see if it can be adjusted there. The subject is typically called A/V Sync Delay, Sync Delay, or Lip Sync.

75. The power light rarely changes colors in any kind of a logical fashion. Is something wrong?

The LED is supposed to be RED when in standby (no signal present), and GREEN when performing. However, we've discovered that the relay used to tell the light to change colors is not very accurate. However, We assure you, the unit is working properly, it is simply the color of the light that is not.

76. I put the speaker on top of my TV and now I have distortion on my TV screen. I thought this speaker was shielded. What could be wrong?

This speaker is shielded, and does fall within shielding specs. However, many times, because the speaker is large, as it is being placed on top of a TV, it will cause some distortion. There are a few ways to deal with this. First move it around slightly until you get the least amount of distortion. Now (if you have a newer TV), simply turn the TV off, unplug it for a minute or two, and then turn it back on. Most newer TV's have a demagnetizing process that happens when you first turn it on. This should get rid of the distortion. If it does not, look in the TV display or menu for a demagnetizing feature. If it does not have a demagnetizer, you may have to purchase a demagnetizer (available at most electronic stores) to demag your screen.

77. How do I use the swivel-mount for the tweeters to aim them toward the listening position?

All HTI and SoundPoint Series in-wall speakers feature a swiveling mount for the tweeter to enable you to aim the tweeter, which produces very directional sound, toward the listening position even if you rearrange the furniture in the room. To redirect the tweeter, follow these steps: Remove the grille from the speaker frame. Pry it off gently using a slothead screwdriver. Avoid damaging the grile, the frame or the speaker. Gently press one edge of the tweeter (the smaller round component) to tilt it slightly and aim it toward the listening position. The tweeter will only move a few degrees; don't force it to move further, or it may break, and such breakage would not be covered by your warranty. Replace the grille, and enjoy!

78. Do I need to buy brackets to install my speakers?

No. The RIF Series of rough-in frame kits can simplify, but are not necessary for, new construction installations. If you are installing these speakers in an existing structure, follow the directions in the owner's manual to carefully locate and make the cutout in the wall. Before you cut any walls, make sure you have read the section on speaker placement, and that you have used a carpenter's level to ensure that your cutout will be straight. The dog-ear style brackets are built into the speakers themselves. As described in the owner's manual, just use a screwdriver to turn the screws that will rotate the tabs into place to hold the speaker into the cutout space.

79. I don't like having all-white speakers in my room. Is it possible to change the color of my speakers?

All SoundPoint Series in-wall speakers are ready to be painted any color you desire. You don't even need primer. Be careful not to fill the holes in the grilles with paint, since this may affect sound quality.