JBL Performance P81 User manual

JBL PERFORMANCE™SERIES
OWNER’S GUIDE
P81
P941
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
IN-WALL LOUDSPEAKERS
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 1

This document contains general safety,
installation, and operation instructions
for the JBL®Performance™Series P81
and P941 In-Wall Loudspeakers. It is
important to read this document before
attempting to use your loudspeakers.
Pay particular attention to safety
instructions.
WARNING
Calls attention to a procedure, practice,
condition, or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result
in injury or death.
CAUTION
Calls attention to a procedure, practice,
condition, or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result
in damage to or destruction of part or
all of the product.
NOTE
Calls attention to information that is
essential to highlight.
3
3 Documentation Conventions
4Introduction
4 Highlights
4 Product Registration
5Unpacking
6 Loudspeaker Overview
6 Driver Complement
7 Filter Network
7Input Panel
8 Installation Considerations
8 Loudspeaker Placement
9Installation Instructions
11 Making Connections
12 Optimizing Performance
13 Loudspeaker Volume
14 Specifications
14 Dimensions
14 Obtaining Service
15 Index
P81/P941 IN-WALL
LOUDSPEAKERS DOCUMENTATION
CONVENTIONS
®
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 3

4
Thank you for purchasing the JBL
Performance Series P81/P941 In-Wall
Loudspeakers. Designed for discerning
audiophiles, the P81 and P941 offer ver-
satile, easily integrated in-wall loud-
speakers that provide the superior,
uncolored sound that is the hallmark of
JBL loudspeakers. The P81 and P941
reproduce realistic, accurate signals
with minimal coloration and distortion,
making them perfect complements to
JBL Performance front speakers in
multichannel setups. Proprietary trans-
ducers, sophisticated filter networks,
and user-adjustable compensation con-
trols allow the P81/P941 to achieve
remarkable sound quality and perform-
ance befitting the most demanding
home entertainment systems.
The P81 and P941 are also perfectly
suited as front and surround speakers
in complete in-wall setups, or as stereo
pairs in secondary listening spaces, or
for integration with flat-screen televi-
sion home theater installations. Unlike
freestanding loudspeakers, the P81 and
P941 speakers occupy no space in liv-
ing areas and will not detract from the
décor of the listening room. They are
easily mounted in either pre-existing or
new construction projects.
Acritical aspect of loudspeaker design,
transducers convert electrical signals
into audible sounds, profoundly affecting
speaker performance. Combining supe-
rior form and function, the P81 and P941
transducers feature a distinctive design
that allows for smoother frequency
response. The cones are constructed
with Organic Ceramic Composite cone
material to reduce dis
tortion, while the
spiders are constructed
of a high-strength
Nomex®blend with optimized geometry
for increased linearity.
Atwo-way design, the P81 transducers
effectively cover a broad range of fre-
quencies. A 7-1/2-inch (191mm) woofer
delivers highly refined and dynamically
authoritative low frequencies down to
the very lowest octaves. Also, a 1-inch
(25mm) titanium-dome tweeter repro-
duces high frequencies well above
audible levels, with wide dispersion for
open, airy treble.
Athree-way design, the P941, in addi-
tion to its 9-inch (229mm) woofer and
1-inch (25mm) tweeter,also features
a3-1/2-inch (89mm) midrange, which
handles critical mid-band frequencies
with natural tonal balance over a wide
operating range.
An advanced midrange (P941 only)
motor structure includes two high-
grade neodymium magnets placed
atthe center of the motor structure,
inside the voice coil, for improved
magnetic shielding. Inside the motor, a
black-plated steel-shield cup facilitates
heat dissipation for higher power han-
dling. An integrated aluminum flux-
stabilization ring minimizes modulation
inside the motor’s static gap flux field,
greatly reducing distortion. A copper ring
inside the motor’s gap reduces distortion
even further. Both rings are optimally
sized and placed to maintain constant
linear voice coil inductance with
forward and backward motions.
The P81 has a high-order filter at
2.8kHz. In the P941, high-order filters at
300Hz and 2kHz optimize loudspeaker
on- and off-axis response, helping
to ensure smooth octave-to-octave
balance and timbral accuracy. The P81
and P941 feature gold-plated binding
posts that accommodate two connec-
tion methods, while separate High-
Frequency Tilt, Low-Frequency Boundary
Compensation, High-Frequency Level
and Listener Axis controls compensate
for less-than-ideal listening room
acoustics and loudspeaker placement.
For more than 50 years, JBL has stood
at the forefront of loudspeaker design.
With extensive research and design
facilities, the JBL Performance Series
P81 and P941 loudspeakers benefit
from cutting-edge tools such as a multi-
channel listening lab for double-blind
listening tests; a laser interferometer
for detailed driver analysis; real ane-
choic chambers for precise tests and
measurements; finite element analysis
for advanced loudspeaker modeling;
and a stereo lithography apparatus for
design verification.
Adding to the proud lineage of JBL’s
Performance Series loudspeakers, the
P81 and P941 further advance JBL’s
reputation as the leading designer
and manufacturer of high-quality,
high-performance loudspeakers.
P81/P941 HIGHLIGHTS
nExceptional accuracy
nProprietary 7-1/2-inch (191mm)/9-inch
(229mm) Organic Ceramic Composite
woofer
nProprietary 3-1/2-inch (89mm)
Organic Ceramic Composite
midrange (P941 only)
nProprietary 1-inch (25mm) titanium-
dome tweeter
nHigh output with low distortion
nGold-plated binding posts
nHigh-Frequency Level control
nHigh-Frequency Tilt control
nLow-Frequency Boundary
Compensation control
nListener Axis control
nAdvanced woofer and midrange
(P941 only) motor structure
nLarge voice coils for wide dynamic
range without compression
nWall-mounting frame which features
spring-loaded clamps to securely
anchor loudspeaker into wall opening
nOptional rough-in bracket for stud-
mounting prior to drywall installation
(not included)
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Please register the P81/P941 as soon
as possible after purchase. To do so,
register online at www.jbl.com. The
product registration serves no warranty
purposes. Retain the original, dated
sales receipt as proof of warranty
coverage.
INTRODUCTION
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 4

The P81 and P941 require special care
and handling during unpacking. Pay
particular attention to the precautions
that appear in this section and to other
precautions that appear throughout this
owner’s manual.
When unpacking, save all packing
materials for possible future shipping
needs. Refer to the Obtaining Service
section on page 14 for additional
information.
Figure 1: Unpacking the P81/P941
ToUnpack the P81 and P941:
1. Place the packing carton in the
upright position and fully open the top
flaps, as shown in Step 1 of Figure 1.
2. Without allowing the top flaps to
close, move the outer packing carton
into an inverted position, as shown in
Step 2 of Figure 1.
3. Lift the packing carton off of the
loudspeaker, as shown in Step 3
of Figure 1. Use caution to avoid
damaging the loudspeaker or frame
clamps. At this point, the loudspeaker
will be upside-down.
4. Remove the bottom pad, and then
remove the frame alignment tool
and grille from the grille filler.These
items are identified in Figure 2.
5. Set aside the wall template, paint
mask, fiberglass insulation, spacer
shim, replacement scrim cloth and
Allen keys.
6. Invert speaker so it is in the upright
position.
7. When the P81/P941 is in the upright
position, remove the top pad.
8. Leave the loudspeaker upright in the
bottom pad until ready to install.
5
UNPACKING
Top Pad
Bottom Pad
Frame
Alignment Tool
Paint Mask Protective
Cloth
Grille
Allen Keys/Spacer Shim
Fiberglass
Insulation
Wall Template
Replacement
Scrim Cloth
Figure 2: Packing Materials
Figure 2: Packing Materials
Figure 1: Unpacking the P81/P941
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™
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P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 5

P81/P941 DRIVER COMPLEMENT
The numbers in Figure 3 correspond to
the numbered items in this section.
1. Tweeter
•1-inch (25mm) titanium dome
•Underhung with copper-clad alu-
minum wire for low distortion
•Ferrofluid for high-power handling
with reduced compression
2. Woofer
•7-1/2-inch (191mm)/9-inch (229mm)
cones constructed with Organic
Ceramic Composite cone material for
low distortion
•True pistonic operation for increased
freedom from coloration
•Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG™)
design for low overall distortion
•Aluminum ring for flux stabilization
greatly reduces distortion at low fre-
quencies
•Butyl rubber surround for large, linear
excursion capabilities
•Carbon composite aluminum (CCA)
flatwire voice coil wound on a 1-1/2-
inch (38mm) fiberglass bobbin for low
mass and higher power handling
•Vented center pole for improved heat
dissipation and low compression
The numbers in Figure 3 correspond to the
numbered items in the Driver Complement
section.
Figure 3: P81 Speaker (Front View)
3. High-Frequency Level (dB) Control
Provides a shift in the output level of
the tweeter or overall high-frequency
response (active above approximately
2.5kHz). The options are –1dB, 0dB
and +1dB.
4. High-Frequency Tilt Control
Adds a ”tilt“ to the high-frequency
response. The tilt will become active
above approximately 8kHz (depart
from nominally flat response) and will
increase to 3dB – 4dB at 20kHz. This
will offer an improved high-frequency
response for installations where the
primary listening position is located
significantly off the tweeter axis (for an
effect almost like adding ”toe in“ towards
the listening position). The added high-
frequency contour helps to offset per-
ceived reduction of high-frequency
response for off-axis listeners due to
the increase in directivity of the system
(tweeter beaming) above 8kHz.
5. Listener Axis Control
All loudspeakers sound best when the
listener is positioned at optimal angles
relative to the speaker placement. This
is a fixed angle for most loudspeakers,
but the P81 and P941 provide compen-
sation for much greater placement
flexibility. The listener axis control,
used in conjunction with the placement
of the speaker, can obtain excellent
results in a very wide range of circum-
stances. This control optimizes system
response for installations in which the
listening positions are lower than,
higher than, or directly level with the
tweeter. This switch will be active
in the network transition regions
between the woofer and tweeter
(in the P81) and the midrange and
tweeter (in the P941).
•Select the “high” (up arrow) setting
if the speaker is mounted so that the
listener is at tweeter level or above.
•Select the “on axis” setting if the
listener position is located directly
on axis with the tweeter level.
•Select the “low” (down arrow) set-
ting if the speaker is mounted so that
the listener is below tweeter level.
NOTE: In some circumstances, such
as when the speaker is to be mounted
high on the wall towards the ceiling, it
may be desired to invert the speaker in
order to place the tweeter axis closer
to the listener’s ear level. The Listener
Axis Control will also optimize these
inverted speaker installations. Refer to
the Notes on page 9 and the Optimizing
Performance (page 12) section for addi-
tional information.
6. Low-Frequency Boundary
Compensation Control
Compensates for less-than-ideal
speaker placement near adjacent walls
or boundaries.
•Select the “off” setting if the speaker
is mounted at least 4 feet away from
adjacent walls or boundaries.
•Select the “on” position if the
speaker is less than 4 feet from one
(or possibly two) or more adjacent
walls or boundaries. In the ”on“
position, system output is reduced
below approximately 400Hz to offset
the increased low-frequency support,
due to the boundary.
NOTE: Refer to the Optimizing
Performance section on page 12 for
more information about the front-panel
controls.
The numbers in Figure 4 correspond to the
numbered items in the Driver Complement
section.
Figure 4: P941 Speaker (Front View)
7. Midrange (P941 Only)
•3-1/2-inch (89mm) cone constructed
with Organic Ceramic Composite
material
•Die-cast basket to eliminate col-
oration from resonances
•True pistonic operation for increased
freedom from coloration
6
LOUDSPEAKER OVERVIEW
The numbers in Figure 3 correspond
to the numbered items in the Driver
Complement section.
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¢
∞
§
Figure 3: P81 Speaker (Front View)
on
off
Low Frequency
Boundary
Compensation
High Frequency Level (dB)
Listener Axis
High Frequency Tilt
on axis
0
+1
0
–1
The numbers in Figure 4 correspond
to the numbered items in the Driver
Complement section.
Figure 4: P941 Speaker (Front View)
on
off
Low Frequency
Boundary
Compensation
High Frequency Level (dB)
Listener Axis
High Frequency Tilt
onaxis
0
+1
0
–1
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 6

•Two high-grade neodymium magnets
placed inside the voice coils for opti-
mal magnetic shielding
•Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG™)
design for low overall distortion
•1-1/2-inch (38mm) voice coil wound
on a fiberglass bobbin for high-power
handling and low distortion
•Copper cap stabilizes inductance and
controls flux modulation, dramatically
reducing distortion
•Optimized and shielded magnetic cir-
cuits to minimize harmonic distortion
and prevent video monitor interfer-
ence
FILTER NETWORK
Optimizes loudspeaker on- and off-axis
response with a high-order filter at
2.8kHz for the P81, and high-order
filters at 300Hz and 2kHz for the P941,
helping to ensure smooth octave-to-
octave balance and timbral accuracy.
Gold-plated binding posts accommo-
date heavy speaker cables, while
separate Low-Frequency Boundary
Compensation, High-Frequency Level,
High-Frequency Tilt and Listener Axis
controls provide precise balance to
compensate for less-than-ideal listen-
ing room acoustics and loudspeaker
placement.
INPUT PANEL
Number 1 in Figure 5 corresponds to
the numbered item below.
1. Input Connectors
Provide input connections from the
associated power amplifier/receiver(s).
One positive (+) gold-plated binding
post and one negative (–) gold-plated
binding post are available. Refer to
the Making Connections section on
page 11 for additional information.
Figure 5: Rear of P81 and P941
7
P81
P941
Figure 5: Rear of P81/P941
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 7

Loudspeaker fidelity depends on the
following three factors:
•Loudspeaker accuracy
•Loudspeaker placement
•Listening room acoustics
Advanced JBL design features allow the
P81 and P941 to achieve exceptional
acoustical precision. However, proper
placement and listening room acoustics
have a significant impact on the per-
formance of the P81 and P941.
CAUTION:
•The P81 and P941 should be installed
by a professional.
•Installers must adhere to local build-
ing codes to ensure a proper installa-
tion. JBL is not responsible for any
possible damages caused by improper
installation.
LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
The P81 and P941 are designed to offer
excellent performance in any listening
room or home theater system. Abide by
the following placement suggestions
for optimal results.
2-Channel or Front Left and Front Right
in a Home Theater System
The bulleted items that begin below
indicate important loudspeaker place-
ment considerations for 2-channel or
front left and right installations.
•The speakers should be equidistant
from the primary listening position
and placed at least 4 feet away from
the side walls.
•It is recommended that the angle
formed between the speakers and the
listening area be between 45° and 60.°
For example, if the speakers are 8
feet apart, the listening position
should be 8 to 12 feet from each
speaker.Refer to Figure 6.
•When used as part of a home theater
system, excellent results can also be
obtained when the speakers must be
placed further apart due to a screen.
Figure 6: 2-Channel Placement
Surround Channels in a Home Theater
System
The bulleted items that begin below
indicate important loudspeaker place-
ment considerations for surround chan-
nel installations for home theaters.
•When used as part of a 5.1-channel
music or home theater system, the
surround speakers should be placed
slightly behind the primary listening
position. Refer to Figure 7.
•If there are several rows of seating,
place the speakers perpendicular
to, or slightly behind, the last row of
seating.
•When used as part of a 6.1/7.1-
channel music or home theater sys-
tem, place the side speakers at the
sides of the main listening position.
•If there are several rows of seating,
place the speakers perpendicular to
the middle row of seating.
Figure 7: Surround Channels
(5.1-Channel System)
Figure 8: Surround Channels
6.1/7.1-Channel System
•The back surround speakers should
be placed along the rear wall facing
the front of the room. Each side
surround speaker should be about
one-third of the way forward of the
rear wall, as shown in Figure 8.
Front
Right
TV
Front
Left
Left
Surround
Right
Surround
Subwoofer
(optional)
Primary Listening Position
Couch
Figure 7:
Surround Channels (5.1-channel System)
Figure 6:
Two Channel Placement
Left
Channel
Right
Channel
Primary Listening Position
(Couch)
8
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Front
Right
TV
Front
Left
Left
Side
Surround
Right
Side
Surround
Left
Back Surround
Right
Back Surround
Couch
6.1/7.1-Channel System
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 8

For installations in new construction
projects, use the JBL P81/P941 In-Wall
Rough-In Bracket, which should be
installed by a professional. Refer to the
JBL P81/P941 In-Wall Rough-In Bracket
Installation Instructions for more infor-
mation.
The JBL P81 and P941 in-wall speakers
were designed to be easily installed
into existing walls. It is recommended
that they be professionally installed.
The following tools are required for
installation:
•(4) Allen-head screws (included)
•5/32-inch Allen key (included)
•1/16-inch Allen key (included)
•cardboard installation template
(included)
•pencil
•Phillips-head screwdriver
•measuring tape
•utility knife
•carpenter’slevel
•flat-blade screwdriver
•stud finder
To Install the P81/P941:
1. Locate the wall studs.
2. Use the supplied template to trace an
outline to mark the desired location
to mount the speaker system. Use
caution to cut the hole approximately
centered between wall studs, allow-
ing at least 1 inch between the
cutout and wall studs, as shown in
Figure 9. Use a carpenter’slevel to
ensure a level measurement.
Figure 9: Use Wall Template
NOTES:
•The height of the woofer within the
stud bay relative to the entire height
of the bay is critical because of
standing waves within the cavity.
•Before installation, determine the
height of the cavity. (There might be a
fire block that makes it shorter than
the entire height from the floor to the
ceiling.) Avoid placing the woofer at
the very top or bottom of the stud bay,
as this would cause a serious cancel-
lation of low frequency output.
•The ideal location for the woofer
(whether the speaker is mounted
upright or inverted) is at the one-third
distance point, as shown in example
Aof Figure 10. If that is not feasible,
then two-fifths, or one-fifth of the
height are the next best alternatives.
The least desirable position to place
the woofer is at one-half or one-
fourth of the height. If a fire block
is completely dividing the bay, the
measurement would be from the fire
block – not the floor or ceiling – as
shown in example B of Figure 10.
Example C shows an inverted speaker
placement.
Figure 10: Ideal Height of Woofer
Figure 11: Cut Wall Opening
3. With a utility knife, cut the wall
opening, as shown in Figure 11.
•Use caution not to cut into any
electrical wiring or plumbing. Run
the wiring from your system to the
hole. (Be sure to comply with local
wiring codes.)
•The measurements of the open-
ing(s) required to mount the JBL
in-wall frames are listed below:
•JBL P81
Width: 10-1/2 inches (267mm)
Height: 14-7/8 inches (378mm)
•JBL P941
Width: 12-1/2 inches (318mm)
Height: 19-1/8 inches (486mm)
4. The speakers are shipped with the
baffle assembly attached to the
mounting frame at its four corners.
Unscrew the four screws and care-
fully lift the baffle assembly out of
the mounting frame, as shown in
Figure 12.
Figure 12: Remove Baffle From
Mounting Frame
5. (Optional) It is recommended that the
frame be painted before it is mounted.
For instructions on painting the frame
and grille, refer to page 12.
6. The mounting frame has spring-
loaded clamps around its perimeter,
which are designed to fold shut as
the mounting frame is placed into the
wall opening and spring open once
inside, anchoring the mounting frame
in the wall opening. See Figures 13
and 14. Loosen all clamp screws until
the clamps are fully extended.
Baffle
Mounting Frame
Figure 12: 
Remove Baffle from Mounting Frame
Carpenter's Level
Utility Knife
Figure 10: Cut wall opening
Place Woofer
at 1/3 the
height of
Stud Bay
1/3 the height
of Stud Bay
(measured
from the
Fire Block)
1/3 the height
of Stud Bay
(measured
from the
Fire Block)
Fire Block
1/3 of
Height
1/3 of
Height
1/3 of
Height
C
BA
Figure 11: Ideal Height of Woofer
At least
1-inch
At least
1-inch
Figure 9: Use wall template
9
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 9

7. Be sure to run the speaker wire in
through the rear opening before
reinstalling the baffle assembly.
8. Insert the mounting frame into the
cutout until the clamps snap into
place.
Figure 13: Clamp Close-Up
Figure 14: Clamp Mechanism
Figure 15: Frame Alignment Tool
9. Insert the frame alignment tool
horizontally into the center of the
frame. This tool functions as a
frame spreader, while the clamps
are being tightened, as shown in
Figure 15.
10. Starting from the lower right corner
and working in a diagonal torque
sequence, use a power screwdriver
to tighten each of the clamp screws
(only until almost snug). If needed,
adjust the mounting frame so it is
level and centered in the cutout.
11. Perform a final torque sequence.
Hand-tighten frame screws and
check each screw at least twice to
make sure they are fully tightened
to prevent rattles.
12. Remove the frame alignment tool.
13. Place the included fiberglass insula-
tion in the back of the mounting
frame, as shown in Figure 16. Cut an
“x” into the insulation and thread
the wire(s) through.
14. Make speaker wire connections.
Refer to the Making Connections
section on page 11 for instructions.
15. Slide the baffle into place in the
mounting frame.
Figure 17: Tighten Allen Screws With
Allen Key Wrench
NOTE: Be sure that the speaker wires
are clear of the woofer basket and not
too close to the woofer cone. Make
sure the wires are not pinched
between the baffle and the mounting
frame. Refer to Figure 16.
16. Use the spacer shim to center the
baffle inside of the frame while
securing with four 10-32 x 2-1/4-inch
screws. Loosely tighten the screws
while using the spacer on the bottom
side. Remove spacer and gauge the
other three sides before starting
final torque sequence. Proper cen-
tering of the baffle is critical to the
grille fitting properly.
17. Use the included 5/32-inch Allen key
to tighten until snug, as shown in
Figure 17.
Figure 17: 
Tighten Allen screws with Allen key wrench
Mounting Frame
Clamp
Frame
Alignment
Tool
Figure 15:
Frame Alignment Tool
A
Clamp
Screw
B
C
Insert frame into
wall opening
Wall
Figure 14:
Clamp Mechanism
Note how the clamp
springs open
CLAMP
Figure 13: Clamp Closeup
10
Figure 16: Install the Insulation and Baffle
Baffle
Assembly
Thread Speaker Wires
Fiberglass Insulation
Allen Head
Screws
Figure 16: Install the Insulation and Baffle
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 10

The P81 and P941 feature gold-plated
binding posts that allow for two meth-
ods of connecting the speaker wires.
CAUTION: Never make or break con-
nections unless all system components
are powered off.
Before making connections, note the
following:
•Make all connections observing the
proper polarity, positive-to-positive (+)
and negative-to-negative (–). Connec-
tions that do not observe the proper
polarity will cause poor stereo imag-
ing and diminished bass response.
With the advent of multichannel sur-
round systems, maintaining proper
polarity remains equally important to
preserve the correct ambience and
directionality of the program material.
•Use high-quality loudspeaker cable
with a maximum total loop resistance
of 0.07 ohms or less (for each wire
run). Refer to the table below to
determine the appropriate maximum
wire gauge.
•All in-wall speaker wires must be UL
listed for use in in-wall applications.
CAUTION: Be sure to comply with local
wiring codes. JBL is not responsible for
any damage or injuries that may result
from faulty wiring.
Maximum Wire Gauge
Gauge Length Length
(AWG) (Feet) (Meters)
687 27
7 69 21
8 58 18
9 43 13
10 34 10
11 27 8
12 22 7
13 17 5
14 14 4
15 11 3
16 93
17 7 2
18 5 2
NOTE: High loop resistances that
exceed 0.07 ohms (for each wire run)
will cause the filter network to mis-
terminate, resulting in considerable
degradation of sound quality.
Figure 18: Making Connections
•Contact an authorized JBL dealer for
information about the suitability of
power amplifier/receiver components
before connecting the P81 or P941
to the associated power amplifier/
receiver.
•Review the owner’s manuals for asso-
ciated audio components to deter-
mine their connection procedures.
Connections are made between one
pair of P81 or P941 input connectors
and one amplifier/receiver output
channel, as described below.
ToMake Connections:
1. Loosen the terminal connectors by
hand (counterclockwise) on the
speakers’ positive (+) and negative
(–) binding posts until the holes in
their threaded posts are visible.
2. Insert the stripped ends of the
wires through the holes, as shown
in Figure 18.
3. Retighten the connectors by hand
(clockwise) to secure the wire. Be
sure no stray strands of wire from
one binding post touch the other
binding post, as this will short-out the
signal and may damage the amplifier.
4. In the manner described above, con-
nect one pair of loudspeaker wires
to the P81 or P941 input connectors.
Then connect the same pair of loud-
speaker wires to the desired amplifier/
receiver output channel.
5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 to connect the
second P81 or P941 to a separate
amplifier/receiver output channel.
An alternative connection method,
instead of those described in Steps 1 to
3,is to attach standard banana plugs to
the speaker wires and plug them into
the ends of the speaker connectors.
The hole in the center of each collar is
intended for use with banana-type con-
nectors. To comply with European CE
certification, these holes are blocked
with plastic inserts at the point of
manufacture. The use of banana-type
connectors requires the removal of
the inserts. Do not remove these
inserts if you are using the product
in an area covered by the European
CE certification.
If using a back box or if limited by
installation depth, the banana plugs
can also be inserted through the sides
of the binding posts. See Figure 18.
Insert Speaker Wire
Te rminal Connectors
Insert
Banana Plug
here if desired
Exposed Binding Post (connector removed)
Binding
Post
Figure 18: Making Connections
11
MAKING CONNECTIONS
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 11

It is highly recommended that you
make front-panel control adjustments
before installing the grille. Experiment
with settings and carefully listen to
ensure that the proper adjustments
have been made.
Tooptimize the P81 and P941 for best
performance:
1. Refer to the Loudspeaker Placement
section on page 8 for information
about loudspeaker installation.
2. Set the High-Frequency Level control
to 0 (different listening rooms may
require other High-Frequency Level
control settings).
3. Set the Low-Frequency Boundary
Compensation control to the appro-
priate position.
•Select the “off” setting if the speak-
er is mounted at least 4 feet away
from adjacent walls or boundaries.
•Select the “on” setting if the speak-
er is mounted close to one (or pos-
sibly two) or more adjacent walls
or boundaries. In the “on” position,
system output is reduced below
approximately 400Hz to offset the
increased low-frequency support
due to the boundary.
4. Begin playback of a familiar music or
film source.
5. Listen from the primary listening
position, increasing volume to a
comfortable level.
6. Adjust the High-Frequency Level
con-
trol on each P81 or P941 to change
high-frequency balance and timbre.
7. Adjust the Listener Axis control
depending on the position of the
primary listening location. Refer to
Figure 19.
•Select the “high” (up arrow) setting
if the speaker is mounted so that
the listener is above the tweeter
level.
•Select the “on axis” setting if the
listener location is directly on axis.
•Select the “low” (down arrow) set-
ting if the speaker is mounted so
that the listener is significantly
below the tweeter.
When the loudspeaker has been
mounted upside-down, (with the
woofer higher than the tweeter), refer
to Figure 19. The listener axis control
settings function in the opposite manner
as normal operation:
•Select the “low” setting if the
speaker is mounted so that the lis-
tener is at tweeter level or above.
•Select the “high” setting if the
speaker is mounted so that the
listener is below the tweeter.
8. Set the High-Frequency Tilt switch to
“+” if your listening position is far off
the tweeter axis; otherwise, leave it
at “0.”
9. Repeat these steps to optimize per-
formance of the second P81 or P941.
NOTE: For best results, set the High-
Frequency Level, High-Frequency Tilt,
and the Listener Axis controls to the
same positions on both loudspeakers.
Painting the Frame
Proper surface preparation is critical
for best results. Use spray, roller
(smooth), or a pad to apply the paint.
Clean and prime the frame surface
prior to painting.
1. Place frame on a protected work
surface.
2. Install plastic paint mask (included)
into the frame.
3. Clean front edges of frame face by
gently rubbing with a soft rag damp-
ened with rubbing alcohol.
4. Apply one coat of white or neutral
color water-based primer and let dry.
5. Apply one to two coats of paint for
desired finish.
12
OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE
Figure 19: Listener Axis Control Upright Speaker Placement
Tweeter
Tweeter
Tweeter
Tweeter
Woofer
Woofer
Woofer
Set Listener Axis Switch to “High” if
listening position is at tweeter level
or above.
Set Listener Axis Switch to “Low”
if listening position is below
tweeter level.
Set Listener Axis Switch to “High”
if listening position is below tweeter.
Set Listener Axis Switch to “Low”
if listening position is at tweeter
level or above.
Inverted Speaker Placement (woofer is above tweeter)
Woofer
Set Listener Axis Switch to “on axis”
if listening position is directly at
tweeter level.
Tweeter
Woofer
Woofer
Tweeter
Set Listener Axis Switch to “on axis”
if listening position is directly at
tweeter level.
Wall
Figure 19: Listener Axis Control Upright Speaker Placement
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 12

Painting the Grille
For best results, it is recommended
that the grille be painted with a spray
applicator to enable the paint to be
evenly applied to the inside edges of
the grille’s perforations.
The following items are required to
paint the grille:
•the grille (included)
•replacement scrim cloth (included)
•spray paint
•paint thinner (and cloth)
•rubbing alcohol (and cloth)
•white or neutral color water-based
primer
•masking tape
•spray adhesive
CAUTION: The grille must be painted
before it is attached to the frame.
To Paint the Grille:
1. Remove the grille from the grille filler.
2. Remove the scrim cloth on the inside
surface of the grille. If necesssary,
slightly peel up the lower inside
edges of the black felt strips to
remove the scrim.
3. Inspect the inside surface of the
grille to ensure that there are no
remnants of the scrim cloth. If neces-
sary,remove any remnants by rub-
bing with a cloth dampened with
paint thinner.
4. Clean the front grille surface with a
cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.
5. Apply masking tape over the black
felt strips around the grille perimeter
to shield them from paint. Be sure to
mask only the felt and not the outer
metal edges of the grille, so that they
will be painted.
6. Apply one coat of the primer and let
it dry.
7. Thin the paint before application.
8. Apply one to two coats of spray
paint. Use a varied spraying angle
when spraying, to ensure paint is
applied to the inside edges of the
grille perforations.
After the paint is dried, install the
replacement scrim cloth, if desired.
To Attach the Replacement Scrim Cloth:
1.Place the grille face down on a soft
surface.
2. If paint thinner was used to remove
scrim remnants, apply a light coating
of a spray adhesive to the inside
grille surface. Avoid spraying adhe-
sive onto the felt strips. If too much
adhesive is used, it could wick into
the cloth and degrade the sound.
3. Place the replacement scrim cloth
in the grille with the cardboard side
facing upward (so that the cardboard
is not visible through the front of the
grille).
4. Tuck the outer edges of the scrim
cloth cardboard frame under the
black felt strips and gently smooth
the scrim cloth over the grille surface
to remove any wrinkles.
Attaching the Grille to the
Frame
To Attach the Grille:
1. Line the grille up to the frame and
press the grille in only partially at
first.
2. Push gently at multiple points around
the outer edges to slowly ease it into
position.
NOTE: Configure the four front-panel
controls and experiment until optimal
results are achieved, before installing
the grille.
Grille Removal
To Remove the Grille:
1. Insert the small end of the included
1/16-inch Allen key into one of the
metal mesh holes in the top corner
of the grille, as shown in Figure 20.
2. With the end of the Allen key in the
grille hole approximately 1/8 inch,
with thumb and forefinger close to
the grille, pull up on the Allen key to
wedge it into the grille hole.
3. Gently pull the Allen key to partially
pop out the corner of the grille.
4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for the other top
corner.
5. Apply Steps 1 to 4 for the bottom
corners.
6. When all corners are partially
popped out, the grille can easily
be removed.
Figure 20: Removing the Grille
CAUTION: Donot attempt to pry the
grille out using the Allen key (or any
other object) as a pry bar against the
plastic frame.This will cause damage
to the frame and mar the paint.
Speaker Frame Removal
To remove the speaker frame from wall
opening:
1. Fully unscrew all of the clamps
around the speaker housing. The
clamp screws have an acorn nut
attached on their end to prevent
accidental disassembly.
2. Move the speaker housing away
from the wall enough to wedge your
hand behind and pinch a clamp shut.
3. While the clamp is shut, work the
speaker housing forward enough to
catch the shut clamp in the wall
opening.
4. Work around the perimeter,carefully
closing each clamp and then slowly
pull the speaker housing from the
wall.
LOUDSPEAKER VOLUME LEVELS
High-order filters include steep cut-offs
to reduce potential damage from “out-
of-band” frequencies. Combined with
carefully selected transducers and fil-
ter network components, this approach
helps the P81/P941 to maintain its per-
formance under extreme operating
conditions.
However,all loudspeakers have limits
when it comes to continuous playback.
To extend these limits, avoid playback
at volume levels that distort or strain
sound.
Grille
1/16-inch Allen key
Frame
Figure 20: Removing the Grille
13
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 13

Before returning a product for warranty
or non-warranty service, contact JBL
Customer Support to determine the
extent of the problem and to obtain a
Return Authorization (RA) number. No
products will be accepted without an
RA number issued by JBL.
If a product must be returned for repair,
JBL will assume no responsibility for
the product during shipment from the
customer to JBL or its authorized serv-
ice station, whether the product is or is
not covered under warranty.
All Returns Must Be:
•well-packaged using the original
packing materials (if possible)
•properly insured and consigned
•pre-paid to a reliable shipping agent
To Contact Customer Support:
Call 516.255.4JBL or visit www.jbl.com.
P81 P941
Woofer: 7-1/2 inches (190.5mm) 9 inches (228.6mm)
Midrange: N/A 3-1/2 inches (89mm)
Tweeter: 1inch (25.4mm) 1 inch (25.4mm)
System Frequency 40Hz – 20kHz 32Hz – 20kHz
Response (±3dB):
Sensitivity: 87dB 89dB
Recommended 15 to 150 Watts 15 to 200 Watts
Amplifier Power Range:
Nominal Impedance: 8Ohms 8 Ohms
Crossover Frequency(ies): 2.8kHz, 24dB/octave 300Hz, 2kHz, 24dB/octave
Width: 13 inches (330mm) 14-7/8 inches (377.8mm)
Height: 17-7/8 inches (454mm) 22-1/8 inches (562mm)
Depth: 3-1/2 inches (89mm) 3-1/2 inches (89mm)
Wall Cutout Width: 10-1/2 inches (266.7mm) 12-1/2 inches (317.5mm)
Wall Cutout Height: 14-7/8 inches (377.8mm) 19-1/8 inches (485.8mm)
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
14
P81/P941 SPECIFICATIONS
OBTAINING SERVICE
JBL is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Nomex is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 14

15
INDEX
2-Channel Installations 8
5.1-Channel Installations 8
6.1-/7.1-Channel Installations 8
About the P81/P941 4
Highlights 4
Product Registration 4
Unpacking 5
Allen Key 5, 9, 10, 13
Aluminum Ring 4, 6
Amplifier Power Range
Recommended 14
Baffle Assembly 9, 10
Baffle, Centering of 10
Banana Plugs 11
Binding Post 4, 7, 11
Butyl Rubber Surround 6
Carbon Composite Aluminum (CCA) 6
Caution 3, 8, 11, 13
Clamps 10, 13
Compression 4, 6
Cones 4, 6
Connections 4
Input 7
Making 11
Connectors 11
Depth 14
Distortion, Reducing 4, 6
Documentation Conventions 3
Dome (see Cones)
Driver Complement 6–7
Dynamic Range 4
Ferrofluid 6
Fiberglass Bobbin 6, 7
Fiberglass Insulation 5, 10
Filter Network 7, 11
Filters 4, 7
Fire Block 4
Flux-Stabilization Ring 4, 6
Frame Alignment Tool 5, 10
Grille 13
Grille Installation 13
Grille Removal 13
Heat Dissipation 4, 6
Height 9, 14
High-Frequency Level 4, 6, 12
High-Frequency Tilt 4, 6, 12
Highlights 4
Home Theater 4, 8
Ideal Height of Woofer 9
In-Wall Placement 9
Input Panel 7
Installation Considerations 8
Installation Instructions 9–10
Inverted Speaker 9, 12
Listener Axis 4, 6, 7, 12
Listening Room 8, 12
Loudspeaker Cable 11
Loudspeaker Overview 6
Loudspeaker Placement 8, 9, 12
Loudspeaker Volume Levels 13
Low-Frequency Boundary
Compensation 4, 6, 12
Magnetic Shielding 4
Making Connections 11
Maximum Wire Gauge 11
Midrange 4, 6–7, 14
Mounting Frame 9–10
Neodymium Magnets 4, 6–7
Nomex Spiders 4
Nominal Impedance 14
Obtaining Service 14
On-Axis Response 4, 6, 12
Optimizing Performance 12
Organic Ceramic Composite
Cone Material 4, 6
Packing Carton 5, 14
Packing Materials 5, 14
Paint Mask 5, 13
Painting the Frame 12
Painting the Grille 13
Polarity 11
Primary Listening Position 8, 12
Product Registration 4
Rear Speakers 8
Room Placement 8
Rough-In Bracket 4, 9
Scrim Cloth 5, 13
Sensitivity 14
Shipping 5, 14
Spacer Shim 5, 10
Speaker Frame Removal 13
Speaker Wire 10, 11
Specifications 14
Spider 4
Steel-Shield Cup 4
Stereo Imaging 11
Stud Bay 9
Surround Channels 8
Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG™)6, 7
Terminal Connectors 7, 11
Timbre 4, 12
Titanium Domes 4, 6
Transducers 4, 6
Tweeter 4, 6, 12, 14
UL Listed 11
Unpacking 5
Vented Center Pole 6
Voice Coil 4, 6–7
Volume Levels 12, 13
Wall Cutout Height 9, 14
Wall Cutout Width 9, 14
Wall Openings 9
Wall Studs 9
Wall Template 5, 9
Web Site 14
Width 13, 14
Wire Connections 11
Wire Gauge 11
Wire Resistance 11
Wiring Codes 11
Woofer 4, 6, 14
Woofer Height 9
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 15

JBL Consumer Products
250 Crossways Park Drive
Woodbury, New York 11797 USA
www.jbl.com
©2005 Harman International Industries,
Incorporated
Part No. 355087-001 2/05
AHarman International Company
A Harman International Company
A Harman International Company
A Harman International Company
®
P81, P941 OM 2/18/05 10:55 AM Page 16