JBL Project K2 S9800 User manual

CHAPTER 1
Preface
JBL wishes to thank you for selecting a
Project K2 S9800 loudspeaker system.
It represents the sum total of our re-
search and developmental efforts in
sound reproduction over the last half
century. We have labored to create a
loudspeaker system with no acoustical
or electrical limitations whatsoever.
While theProject K2 S9800 loud-
speaker is itself a new development,
the goal behind it goes right back to
the earliest days of the original James
B. Lansing Sound Company.
But it is your listening pleasure that
ultimately determines how successful
we are in this endeavor. It is solely in
the interest of ensuring a perfect listen-
ing experience that we ask you to
faithfully follow the set-up and opera-
tion procedures outlined in the Project
K2 S9800 Owner’s Reference.
This manual exists for several purpos-
es. As your owner's manual, it contains
all necessary background information
and detailed instructions for setting up
your Project K2 S9800 loudspeaker
system, including unpacking the loud-
speaker, selecting the correct location,
speaker wire, wiring scheme and
amplification, and connecting it up to
its associated electronics. This infor-
mation will be found in Chapters 4
through 8. In addition, we have includ-
ed a detailed description of your
Project K2 S9800 loudspeakers
(Chapter 3) so that you may become
thoroughly acquainted with its unique
design and technological features.
Although physically and materially
imposing, the set-up procedure of the
Project K2 loudspeaker system is rela-
tively simple. We strongly urge you to
read this manual thoroughly before you
begin, and consult it frequently
throughout the process. Considerations
must be made in placing the speakers;
their stature makes it imperative that
you become familiar with the entire
set-up process in advance.
Also, we believe that the historical and
technical information included will add
immeasurably to your total enjoyment
of the loudspeaker system. As a loud-
speaker, Project K2 S9800 is unparal-
leled in the field of sound reproduction.
The story and principles behind it are
an interesting, informative and fitting
precursor to a lifetime of musical
enjoyment.
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CHAPTER 2
Legacy-the historical development of
the JBL Project loudspeakers
Of those few who seek perfection in
sound reproduction, only a handful have
actually achieved it. The price is always
high. It is a rare occurrence indeed
when an individual or group is able to
triumph over the constraints of econom-
ic and technological reality just once.
At JBL, this has happened six times. In
each case, its engineers were told to
build the speaker system they had
always wanted to build. Whatever
resources were required would be made
available. Thus began an ongoing inves-
tigation into new frontiers of sound
reproduction, beginning mid-century in
1950 and continuing to the present day.
The products that have resulted from
this venture are now known as the JBL
Project loudspeakers. Each represents
the absolute peak of every technologi-
cal, material and engineering innovation
available at that time, combined into a
single system. They are Hartsfield,
Paragon, Everest, K2 S9500/7500 and
K2 S5500. The newest is K2 S9800.
Although differing in performance
details and physical attributes, each of
theProject loudspeakers has shared a
common objective: to elevate sound
reproduction to levels defined only by
the limitations of existing materials and
technology. And despite a spread of
nearly fifty years, all Project loudspeak-
ers have shared many common features-
testimony to their foundation on the
technology and manufacturing tech-
niques upon which JBLwas built.
Defining the Project Concept
TheHartsfield began a tradition at JBL
that continues today. First, engineer a
product as close to perfection as pos-
sible. When it reaches that level, that is
the time to make it better.
In 1954, the Hartsfield was significant
not in that it represented newtechnol-
ogy, but rather a new level of the all-
technical manufacturing approach pio-
neered by James B. Lansing some
twenty years before it. Like its Project
series successors, it was a high efficien-
cy system incorporating compression
driver technology, one combining the
qualities of high output, low distortion,
exceptional stereo imaging and fatigue-
free listening. Most important, it was
the first consumer-available listening
system to do so.
In this respect, Project K2 S9800 is at
once the most advanced and sophisticat-
ed loudspeaker in the world today and a
speaker whose technology is deeply
rooted in over 50 years of tradition.
JBL's president in 1954, William
Thomas, described the Hartsfield as
"...the speaker system we have always
wanted to build ... the finest compo-
nents ever made available to serious lis-
teners."
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He went on to describe the process
behind his creation: “Most people who
own and appreciate fine sound repro-
duction equipment look forward to the
day when they will be able to assemble
a system without limitation in just
exactly the way they think it should be
done. Periodically a manufacturer gets
this same feeling ... The science of
acoustics has provided us with basic
principles-available to all for achieving
precision reproduction. It is only a mat-
ter of incorporating these methods into a
system design, and then taking every bit
of trouble necessary to build a system
precisely to the design.”
"It isn't easy, but that's the way it is
done."
TheRanger-Paragon, JBL's second
Project system, was the first serious
attempt at a reflecting speaker system,
and broke ground in the new concept of
stereo imaging. Essentially two inde-
pendent full-range speaker systems
installed in a handsome curved cabinet
nearly 9 feet long, the Paragon's enclo-
sure was treated as an extension of its
transducers. In essence, the system had
its own "built-in acoustics." In many
respects the Paragon anticipated loud-
speaker developments that would occur
years-and even decades-later.
For nearly 30 years, the Paragon re-
mained the most acoustically viable
sound system for the home. Today,
along with the Hartsfield, it is still the
most sought-after speaker in the world.
In 1986, JBL introduced a new Project
system that retained the Paragon's over-
all sense of musicality while upgrading
its character by incorporating three
decades' worth of continuous develop-
ment in every facet of its design. Its
name reflected the pinnacle of achieve-
ment it represented: Project Everest.
For the first time, the rest of the sound
reproduction chain-and not the loud-
speaker or its transducers-would impose
limits on overall system performance.
Like the Paragon andHartsfield,
Project Everest was built around com-
pression driver technology and
addressed a more refined stereo image
than was previously considered techni-
cally feasible.
Since Project Everest was introduced,
sound recording and playback technolo-
gy has undergone a revolution of its
own. With the advent of CD, extremely
demanding recorded signals had
become the rule rather than the excep-
tion-the average source material used by
the typical audio enthusiast had become
superior to the best demonstration mate-
rial of even just a few years ago. In
overall dynamics and transient response,
transducers are once again a potential
weak link in the high-end audio repro-
duction chain.
It was in this environment that JBLset
out to create its fourth and fifth Project
loudspeakers, K2 S9500 and K2 S5500.
As with Hartsfield, the puritan simplici-
ty of a two-way system was considered
the most promising design track.
Advances in transducer design and low
frequency alignment would make the
construction of a two-way system of
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unprecedented physical and acoustical
scale possible. Engineers took the core
components-the low and high frequency
drivers-and optimized them by
redesigning their magnetic structures,
diaphragms and framework for greater
linearity, dynamic capability and tran-
sient response.
In the years following the introduction
of the K2 S9500 andK2 S5500, sound
reproduction technology underwent
another series of revolutionary changes,
with the introduction of DVD-Video,
Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-Audio, and
Super Audio CD (SACD). Frequency
responses to 50 kHz and 3-digit dynam-
ic range and signal-to-noise ratios have
now become commonplace. In order to
faithfully reproduce such robust sonic
properties, the loudspeaker needed to
undergo drastic improvements to its
transducer, network and enclosure tech-
nologies.
See Figure 1.
Unlike the earlier Projects K2 S9500
and K2 S5500, the new K2 S9800
employed a 3-way design, incorporating
an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) com-
pression driver and horn to reproduce
high frequencies up to 50 kHz. With the
UHF handling the high frequencies, the
High Frequency (HF) transducer could
then be upgraded to a new design using
a 3 inch diaphragm for better reproduc-
tion of lower frequencies and better
blend with the woofer than the older
generations’2-inch diaphragm. Both
compression drivers utilized newly
developed Beryllium diaphragms to
provide the lowest distortion and flattest
frequency response possible.
In order to recreate the extremely high
dynamic range provided by today’s
audio sources, a brand new low fre-
quency transducer was developed from
ground up, utilizing an Alnico magnet,
4-inch edge wound Voice Coil, and an
Aquaplas™-coated 15 inch cone with
EPDM rubber surround. Extensive
computer-aided engineering and design
effort made to develop the optimized
port tuning employed in Project K2
S9800 has resulted in a significant
advance in the concept of state-of-the-
art bass reproduction. This proprietary
alignment method offers the best damp-
ing characteristics and provides
extremely fast alignment, eliminating
the typical "bass-reflex" sound of a port-
ed system.
All three transducers were built using
the most advanced materials and preci-
sion manufacturing techniques refined
from renowned JBL professional sound
systems.
High power handling capability results
in no limitations on the types of source
material. Project K2 S9800 has very
high input sensitivity; even a relatively
small high-end amplifier can provide
full dynamic range without compres-
sion.
Despite its power and sophistication,
Project K2 S9800 is a marriage of tradi-
tion and technology. It reflects the
design, engineering and manufacturing
expertise derived and refined through
nearly six decades of experience that are
the exclusive province of one loud-
speaker builder: JBL.
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Figure 1
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CHAPTER 3
The Project K2 S9800 loudspeaker: a
triumph in acoustics and technology
The following sections describe the
primary features and components of
the Project K2 loudspeaker system.
The enclosure of the K2 S9800 is spe-
cially designed to transfer unwanted
mechanical energy away from any
acoustically-active surfaces, virtually
eliminating coloration.
Its massive base, along with its special-
ly designed stainless steel modular
feet, couple directly to the floor, and
the system literally becomes a structur-
al part of its environment. Any vibra-
tion is transmitted harmlessly down the
channel provided by the ring/disc axes
and into the floor. Both horns, the UHF
housing and the enclosure top are con-
structed from JBL’s exclusive
SonoGlass™, an extremely dense and
mechanically inert material, in order to
maintain a smooth energy transmission
path.
See Figure 1
The Project K2 S9800 transducer/
enclosure arrangement represents the
best possible balance of the various
tuning options and avoids the mid-bass
response build-up found in other vented
systems. Response works with, rather
than against, the effects of "room load-
ing."
The unique design of the Project K2
system is the platform for its equally
unique acoustical attributes.
The HF (high frequency) driver is
located at the exact ear level of the lis-
tener. The UHF (ultra high frequency)
driver is slightly tilted down so that its
information is also directly reaching the
listener’s ear. Thanks to the large HF
transducer, the 15 inch woofer can be
crossed over at a frequency low enough
to eliminate any audible effects of its
exact location and proximity.
Full image coherency is maintained,
resulting in an acoustically stable pin-
pointed stereo image. All the sound
seems to come from the HF horn in the
center. Music imaging is more realistic
since the sound appears to emanate
from one point and not from multiple
points at different times.
Project K2 is a fixed angle system
without regard to frequency. Careful
horn design enables the loudspeaker to
strictly adhere to a 60° horizontal/30°
vertical coverage pattern. This Con-
trolled Coverage arrangement precisely
defines the optimum listening area and
minimizes room effects. At the same
time, it provides a generous "sweet
spot" for more comfortable critical lis-
tening sessions.
The 1500AL Low Frequency Driver
See Figure 3
In order to achieve the lowest possible
distortion and compression along with
the high linear excursion necessary, the
1500ALis equipped with anAlnico
magnet. As with earlier Project K2 low
frequency drivers, it utilizes forced air
cooling. The entire magnetic structure
is completely enclosed within a die-
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Figure 2
Figure 3
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cast aluminum alloy frame. This pro-
vides accurate, rigid support for the
motor and cone mounting points, as
well as doubling as a massive heat sink
by providing a huge surface area for
heat dissipation.
Instead of the conventional single pole
piece thermal vent, the 1500AL has
three separate gap cooling ducts which
more effectively cool the voice coil
and reduce the likelihood of hot spots.
By reducing the operating temperature
of the voice coil, power compression is
significantly reduced, which enables
the low frequency driver to operate in
a more linear fashion over a wider
sound pressure level (SPL) range.
The voice coil itself is constructed
from edge wound Aluminum wire on a
massive 4-inch in diameter Fiberglass
former. This configuration provides for
further cooling ability in conjunction
with the motor design.
The Aquaplas™-coated cone along
with EPDM Rubber Surround provides
excellent damping and transient
response characteristics.
435Be Beryllium diaphragm/
Neodymium magnet HighFrequency
Compression Driver
See Figure 4
The 435Be neodymium high frequency
compression driver is based on the pro-
fessional JBL2435 device. It incorpo-
rates a rare-earth neodymium magnet
structure, designed by extensive com-
puter modeling, including finite ele-
ment analysis, which combines the
attributes of efficiency, strength, low
mass and compact size. This motor
structure is coupled with a 3-inch
Beryllium diaphragm. Beryllium pro-
vides improved low distortion and flat
frequency response over Aluminum or
Titanium, thanks to its higher stiffness-
to-mass ratio. This diaphragm is dusted
with Aquaplas™, JBL's proven acousti-
cal damping material, to reduce
breakup and smooth out natural
response irregularities.
High temperature materials and adhe-
sives allow the driver to handle ex-
tremely high power levels over extend-
ed periods of time. The SonoGlass™
horn is acoustically inert and precision-
molded to exacting tolerances. It incor-
porates a unique tubular energy trans-
mission system.
045Be Beryllium diaphragm/
Neodymium magnet Ultra-High
Frequency Compression Driver
See Figure 5
The 045Be utilizes the same principles
and materials as the 435Be, in a smaller
footprint so that a frequency response
up to 50 kHz can be achieved. This
transducer was developed specifically
for theK2 S9800.
Internal Crossover Network
Each loudspeaker unit has three internal
dividing networks, one for each trans-
ducer. Ultra high frequency, high fre-
quency and low frequency signal paths
are completely independent to reduce
any possibility of crosstalk or interfer-
ence from the relatively large capaci-
tors and inductors.
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Figure 4
435Be
045Be
Figure 5
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The low frequency section interfaces
with the external main control panel for
input connections and switch functions.
They also employ massive air core
inductors for best possible sonic char-
acteristics and lowest possible col-
oration.
All internal connections are of propri-
etary Monster Cable®, and all critical
connections are gold plated for long
life. Capacitors are ultra high grade
mylar for extremely low loss, and are
bypassed with polypropylene for
improved transient behavior. Network
plates and the port bezels are metal to
eliminate vibration and help conduct
unwanted heat away from the network.
All switches and components are of the
highest quality for long life and
reduced distortion of all types.
The network also utilizes JBL’s propri-
etary Charge-Coupled topology, which
effectively "charges" the network at all
times so that all components are con-
stantly on and do not have to generate
distortion while switching between on
and off stages. This is accomplished by
a battery that biases the components in
the network.
The network also facilitates bi-amping
and bi-wiring as necessary, using con-
figuration switches and twisted pair
jumpers.
The HF level control allows fine tuning
of the high frequency output level to
the acoustics of the listening space as
well as to the listener’s liking.
ADamping (Q) Adjustment knob is
also provided to fine tune the interac-
tion of the low frequency section of the
K2 S9800 with the power amplifier in
use.
External Connections
The input connectors provide for both
bi-amplification and bi-wiring, which
are explained in detail later in this
guide.
Enclosures
The enclosure design of the Project K2
S9800 minimizes coloration by dramat-
ically reducing panel radiation. It is
constructed from 25 mm (1 inch) thick
MDF and SonoGlass™ panels.
The enclosure's unusual thickness,
along with the SonoGlass™ panels,
add up to the lowest vibration, most
acoustically inert loudspeaker enclosure
presently possible to construct.
Enclosures are finished with a high-
gloss polyurethane lacquer.
Base and Feet
Project K2 S9800 terminates in a mas-
sive base consisting of 3 layers of dif-
ferent panels along with specially
designed stainless steel spiked feet.
All unwanted mechanical vibration is
channeled down via the point-to-point
energy transmission system and dissi-
pated into the base, which is massive
enough to couple acoustically to the
floor and therefore the dwelling sub-
structure.
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CHAPTER 4
Unpacking the Project K2 S9800
System
All components of the Project K2 sys-
tem have been very carefully packed
for maximum protection against dam-
age.
As with any superior audio product, it
is advisable to keep the original pack-
ing materials in case it is necessary to
transport the Project K2 S9800 system.
Because of the bulk and weight of this
loudspeaker, at least two people are
required to unpack it in the following
manner: open the box, push back the
flaps, and then slowly and carefully roll
the loudspeaker and its contents over
onto a well protected surface such as a
thick carpet; lift off the box.
Two choices of feet, spiked and round-
ed are provided. Please see Figure 6,
and thread either type of foot onto the
bottom of the K2 S9800 in four loca-
tions.
Four metal coasters are also provided.
These are to be placed between the foot
and the floor should further protection
of the floor coverings be required.
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Figure 6
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CHAPTER 5
Selecting Cable
Speaker wire and interconnecting
cables are an important component in
any audio system. With a system such
as theProject K2 S9800, they assume a
new level of criticality.
The Project K2 S9800 loudspeakers
are internally wired with proprietary
high quality copper Monster Cable®,
specially designed for JBL. The same
care that was given to the selection of
internal system wiring should be
afforded to the selection and applica-
tion of the cables that will connect
Project K2 S9800 loudspeakers to
other system components.
It is advisable to use high quality wire,
such as Monster Cable®, and to select
the highest grade wire available from
the manufacturer. Many manufacturers
produce audiophile cables worth con-
sidering for Project K2 S9800. As with
all electronics and associated compo-
nents, however, every manufacturer
offers products of varying quality to
suit a range of budgets and applica-
tions.
We recommend using an audiophile
quality speaker wire of not less than 16
gauge for connections up to 5 meters
(15 feet) as a minimum requirement.
If your connections will be longer,
heavier gauge wire is recommended.
Project K2 specialist dealers have the
experience and knowledge to recom-
mend suitable speaker wire to best
complement a particular system.
The amount of speaker wire required
will depend on the distance between
the loudspeakers and amplifier(s), how
many amplifiers will be used, and the
method you select for connecting the
amplifier(s) and loudspeakers (passive,
bi-wire, or bi-amp; see Chapter 8). For
maximum signal purity, it is advisable
to locate the amplifier(s) as close as
possible to the loudspeakers, even if
this means that a longer distance will
be needed between the amplifier(s) and
preamplifier.
Both the left and right speaker/ampli-
fier connections should be the same
length. If the distance between one
speaker and the amplifier(s) is greater
than the other speaker and amplifier(s),
use the longer length for both connec-
tions.
For bi-wire connections, the same type
of wires may be used for both low fre-
quency and high frequency sections to
reduce wire effects (resistance, induc-
tance, etc.) and to avoid intermodula-
tion of low and high frequencies in the
wires. Specialized wires for low fre-
quency and high frequency sections
may yield excellent results. Whatever
wires are used, be sure that the low fre-
quency wires are as short as possible
and the left and right wires for each
section are the same length.
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CHAPTER 6
Amplifier Recommendations
No single type of amplifier is specified
for use with the Project K2 S9800 sys-
tem. The speakers are highly efficient
and will operate adequately with an
amplifier or receiver of 70-100 watts.
However, the transient response and
audio definition of a high-end system
such as Project K2 S9800 will pick up
all inefficiencies and distortion in an
amplifier system. For full-range opera-
tion, the Project K2 S9800 system
should not be used with an
amplifier/receiver of less than 100
watts. Amplifiers/receivers of 100-500
watts will ensure optimum system per-
formance.
There is no effective limit to the power
handling capabilities of the Project K2
S9800 loudspeakers when driven by
consumer audio amplifiers. No damage
will occur when used with high pow-
ered components. Source impedance is
an important criteria in selecting an
appropriate unit; the selected amplifi-
er(s) should have a very high current
capacity and must be capable of driving
a low-impedance load.
For bi-wiring or bi-amplification appli-
cations, four identical amplifiers or two
dual-channel units may be used,
although specialized low frequency and
high frequency amplifiers offer clear
advantages. (If four amplifier channels
are used, the high frequency amplifier
may be up to 6 dB less powerful than
the low frequency amplifier. Due to the
power versus frequency distribution of
the music, the low frequency section
requires approximately four times the
power of the high frequency section.)
Project K2 S9800 specialist dealers can
recommend amplification to best suit
individual needs. In all cases, the left
and right amplifiers for each section
must be identical. Make sure that the
input sensitivity of the two amplifiers is
equal or that input level controls are
provided to maintain the proper low to
mid/high balance. If two identical
stereo amplifiers are chosen, each
amplifier may be located near a loud-
speaker and drive low frequency and
high frequency sections through short
wire runs.
The addition of a crossover network
such as the JBLDX1 Electronic
Crossover will allow the direct connec-
tion of the low and high frequency
components of the Project K2 system
to frequency dedicated amplifiers, and
is required if the system is to be bi-
amplified. The DX1 crossover is
specifically matched to the response
characteristics of Project K2 S9800
and will ensure optimum performance.
The DX1 may be purchased from
Project K2 S9800 specialist dealers.
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CHAPTER 7
Placement and Set-up
Considerations
The Project K2 S9800 loudspeaker
system is designed to be less affected
by room acoustics than conventional
imaging systems. However, it is very
sensitive to overall symmetry, proximi-
ty to walls, ceilings and corners.
Ideally, any listening room should con-
tain a combination of live surfaces
(e.g., walls and windows) and
absorbent surfaces (e.g., drapes, car-
pets, upholstery). If the distance
between floor to ceiling is low, it is
preferable that one surface has an
absorbent covering. With Project K2
S9800, it is most important to be able
to accommodate the optimum listening
area that is defined by the 60° horizon-
tal/30° vertical coverage pattern of the
horn.
The listener should be centered in front
of the speakers and furniture should be
of an appropriate height so that when
the listener is sitting, the ear level is on
a vertical plane with the horn (approxi-
mately 110 cm/43 in) as illustrated in
Figure 2.
CAUTION: Project K2 S9800 is a mas-
sive system comprised of materials cho-
sen for their density, with its weight
concentrated in a relatively narrow area.
Verify the integrity of the floor surface
before placing and setting up the speak-
ers.See Floor Requirements.
If possible, the distance between the
speakers should be the same as the dis-
tance between each speaker and the lis-
tening area. Angle the speaker in
toward the listener so that when seated,
the listener could look straight into the
center of the speaker (Figure 7). As the
distance increases between the speak-
ers, increase the inward angle of the
speaker.
The imaging qualities enable the
speakers to be placed relatively far
apart from each other. In addition, the
low frequency alignment feature
enables placing the speakers near or
even in a corner without producing an
over abundance of bass. This corner
placement ability allows optimum per-
formance even in small rooms.
The Project K2 S9800 system can
operate fairly closely to the wall.
Allow enough clearance between the
back of each speaker and the wall to
allow making the connections on the
back of the speaker (approximately 45
cm/18 in). Remember that these speak-
ers weigh close to 90 kg (198 lbs) each
and cannot be easily moved.
Floor Requirements
The floor in the location selected for
setting up the Project K2 S9800 speak-
ers must be capable of supporting a
load of 90 kg (198 lbs). Because of the
coupling effect of the stainless steel
feet, a flat, hard surface such as wood
or linoleum is preferable. However, the
design of the loudspeaker's coupling
system, along with the speaker's
extreme weight, should result in excel-
lent perfomance on any surface, even
on carpets.
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To prevent indentations on wood or
linoleum floors caused by the weight
of the loudspeaker, always utilize the
enclosed coasters. Do not set up the
Project K2 S9800 system directly on a
ceramic tile floor; the concentrated
weight might cause the tiles to crack.
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Figure 7
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CHAPTER 8
Project K2 S9800 Switch Operations
See Figure 8.
The K2 S9800 has 3 switches mounted
on the network panel on the rear of the
enclosure. The switches are covered by
an access plate which is easily removed
by unscrewing the 2 knurled mounting
screws. The access panel has holes in it
which line up with two of the adjust-
ment switches. This allows for trim-
ming of the system response without
removing the panel. Panel removal is
necessary to operate the Bi-Amp switch
and for installation/changing of the bat-
tery.
The Bi-Amp switch (center) should be
left in the Normal position except when
bi-amplification with an external elec-
tronic crossover is to be employed. The
necessary crossover slopes for the K2
S9800 are very specific and Bi-Amping
the system should only be done using
factory approved electronics.
The LF Damping switch (left most)
serves two functions. Operating the
switch changes the "Q" of the LF
crossover as it transitions into the High
Frequency driver. High damping (H)
yields the flattest woofer response. This
is the most clockwise position.
Medium damping (M) allows the
woofer response to rise by about 0.5 dB
over the range of 200 Hz to 600 Hz for
a somewhat "warmer" sound.
Low damping (L) causes the woofer
response to rise by an additional 0.5 dB
over the same range. The Damping
switch also controls the interaction
between the woofer and the driving
amplifier at low frequencies (approxi-
mately 30 Hz to 80 Hz) by changing
the reactive load presented to the
amplifier. The High setting gives the
tightest damping with Medium and
Low each giving slightly less firmness.
The HF Level switch (right most)
adjusts the High Frequency level over
the range of approximately 1000 Hz to
10 kHz. Position "3" (most clockwise)
gives the highest HF output and mea-
sures the most level. Position "2"
reduces the HF level by 0.75 dB and
position "1" reduces the HF level by an
additional 0.75 dB.
Although the range of these controls is
rather small, each of them operate over
a reasonably wide frequency range and
thus have a noticeable affect on the
overall tonal balance of the system. It is
recommended that the system first be
played with the switches in the full
clockwise position ("H" & "3"). These
settings give the most uniform mea-
surements in a controlled environment.
Of course, we are interested in produc-
ing the most pleasing sound in your
environment with your choice of pro-
gram material. It is, therefore, recom-
mended that each of the controls be
tested in their various settings on a vari-
ety of program material. Once you
become familiar with their individual
character, you should have no difficulty
determining the settings which produce
the most pleasing, natural sound in
your room with your equipment.
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Figure 8
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Jumper Connections
The K2 S9800 is shipped with Twisted
Pair Wire Jumpers installed between its
low frequency and high frequency ter-
minals. Please see Figure 9. To prepare
the K2 S9800 for bi-wire or bi-amp
operation, these jumpers must be
removed by completely unscrewing
each binding post, removing the
jumpers, and replacing the binding
posts. Wires can then be connected to
each set of terminals (see Figure 10).
Amplifier Connections
Important: Turn all amplifiers off
before connecting or disconnecting
Project K2 S9800 loudspeakers.
Making connections while an amplifier
is operating could seriously damage
the loudspeaker system and void the
warranty. All amplifiers must also be
turned off before connecting or discon-
necting cables at the amplifier or pre-
amplifier inputs.
All connections between the amplifi-
er(s) and the Project K2 S9800 1oud-
speaker system are made at the termi-
nals located on the back of the enclo-
sure (Figure 9 and 10). The left-hand
terminals (black stripe) are negative,
and the right-hand terminals (red
stripe) are positive. These correspond
to the negative and positive conductors
in the speaker wire. Each speaker wire
contains two conductors, one of which
will have a stripe, color markings, or a
ridge.
Assign one of the two conductors as
the negative conductor and the other as
the positive conductor. Use these same
designations for all system wiring.
Always connect the conductors of the
speaker wire appropriately to the corre-
sponding negative and positive termi-
nals on all system components. This
will ensure that all components will
work together ("in phase"). Connecting
the speakers out of phase will not dam-
age them but will result in reduced low
frequency output and impaired stereo
effect.
Speaker wires may be fastened to the
terminals by several methods. The
most positive connection is made by
directly connecting clean, bare connec-
tors (exposed by stripping the ends of
the wire) to the terminal posts.
For this type of connection, loosen the
knobs on the terminals and insert the
exposed (bare) ends of each speaker
wire into the hole exposed on the ter-
minal shaft ( + to +, – to – ) (see
Figure 11). Retighten the knob on each
terminal so that a snug positive con-
nection is achieved. Do not apply
excessive force and do not overtighten.
To avoid a short circuit, trim off any
excess wire that is not in contact with
the binding post contact surfaces.
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