JBL SVA CENTER User manual

thank you for choosing JBL. For over 50 years, JBL
has been involved in every aspect of musical and film recording
and reproduction, from live performances to monitoring the
recordings you play in your home, car, or office.
We’re confident that the JBL loudspeakers you have
chosen will provide every note of enjoyment that you expected –
and that when you think about purchasing additional audio
equipment for your home, car, or office, you will once again
choose JBL.
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It enables us to keep you posted on our latest advancements,
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JBL Consumer Products
SVA1500
SVA1600
SVA1800
SVA2100
SVA Center
simple
set-up guide
SVA1800/SVA2100 OM 7/20/98 12:15 PM Page 1

one. Speaker Placement
JBL’s SVA Series takes advan-
tage of our latest technology
to deliver incredibly clean,
detailed sound. Incorporating
JBL’s Symmetrical Vertical
Array™ and exclusive
Bi-Radial® horn, these loud-
speakers deliver sound that is
distributed over a wide sound-
stage with pinpoint imaging.
Because the horn should be
directed at ear level in order
to maximize the imaging
characteristics, JBL developed
an exclusive cast-aluminum
adjustable spike foot that can
be adjusted while the speaker
is in position. The Bi-Radial
horn design – which greatly
reduces room reverberation –
along with video-shielding,
allows greater placement flex-
ibility within the room. Ultra-
wide frequency response and
high power handling combine
to give you clear, powerful
sound that you get only
from genuine JBL. The SVA
loudspeakers are perfect
for today’s Dolby* Digital
recordings.
The SVA Center is designed
to complement any of the
SVA Series loudspeakers.
It is the perfect addition for
re-creating the cinematic
experience in your home.
Introduction
Proper placement of the
speakers is an important step
in obtaining the most realistic
soundstage possible. These
recommendations are for the
optimum placement of the
loudspeakers. Use these
placement recommendations
as a guide. Slight variations
will not diminish your
listening pleasure.
1' 1'
40–60
oo
SVA2100, SVA1800, SVA1600
As Front Speakers As Surround Speakers
5–6 ft.
SVA Center
0–2 ft.
SVA1500
For optimum performance, use
the SVA Center with the grille
attached.
SVA1800/SVA2100 OM 7/20/98 12:15 PM Page 2

Preparing the Speaker Cable
1. Determine the length of
wire necessary to connect
your amplifier to the speaker
that is farthest away.
Remember to allow for extra
cable to be able to conceal it
under baseboards, or run it
around corners.
2. Keep both cable lengths
the same in order to help
maintain proper signal
balance and imaging.
3. Separate about one inch of
the two conductors that make
up each cable. Then strip off
about 3/8" of insulation.
4. Twist each conductor’s thin
wires into a tightly bunched
spiral.
5. Identify a difference
between the two conductors.
This may be done in various
ways, depending upon the
type and brand of cable you
are using.
•Different color wire
•A strand of thread in one
conductor
•A colored line on one con-
ductor’s outer insulation
•Raised ribs on one conduc-
tor’s outer insulation
•A printed (+) marking on
one of the insulators
Some of the More Common Differentiating Marks for Conductors Are:
The terminals on the SVA Series
loudspeakers can accept several
types of speaker cable connections.
Remember to connect the red (+)
terminal on the receiver/amplifier
to the red (+) terminal on the
speaker and the black (–) terminal
on the receiver/amplifier to the
black (–) terminal on the speaker.
– +
– +
+2dB
0dB
High Frequency
HF
LF
– +
– +
+2dB
0dB
High Frequency
HF
LF
Bare wire connecting method. Banana/spade connecting method.
Wire Length Recommended Speaker Cable Size
Up to 20 ft. 16 gauge
Up to 30 ft. 14 gauge
Greater than 30 ft. 12 gauge or heavier
two. Hookup
Connection Tips
SVA1800/SVA2100 OM 7/20/98 12:15 PM Page 3

+ – + –
Right Left
Right
Speaker Left
Speaker
Receiver/
Amplifier
– +
– +
+2dB
0dB
High Frequency
HF
LF – +
– +
+2dB
0dB
High Frequency
HF
LF
The SVA2100, SVA1800 and
SVA1600 outer connection
panel and internal dividing
network are designed so
that separate sets of speaker
cable can be attached to the
low-frequency transducer and
midrange/high-frequency
transducer portions of the
dividing network. This is
called bi-wiring. Bi-wiring
provides several sonic
advantages and considerably
more flexibility in power
amplifier selection.
Standard
SVA2100, SVA1800, SVA1600
Single-Stereo Amplifier
+ – + –
Right Left
Right Speaker Left SpeakerReceiver/Amplifier
– +
– +
+2dB
0dB
High Frequency
HF
LF – +
– +
+2dB
0dB
High Frequency
HF
LF
Bi-Wiring
– +
– +
+2dB
0dB
High Frequency
HF
LF
Remove strapping bars.
+ – + –
Right Left
Right
Speaker Left
Speaker
Receiver/
Amplifier
– + – +
SVA1500, SVA Center
SVA1800/SVA2100 OM 7/20/98 12:15 PM Page 4

Dual-Stereo Amplifier
+ – + –
Right Left
Right Speaker Left SpeakerAmplifier 1
+ – + –
Right Left
Amplifier 2
– +
– +
+2dB
0dB
High Frequency
HF
LF – +
– +
+2dB
0dB
High Frequency
HF
LF
three. Speaker Angle Adjustment
SVA2100, SVA1800, SVA1600
four. Response Contour Adjustment
SVA2100, SVA1800, SVA1600
20– + 20k
0dB
Frequency
+2dB
0dB
20 20k
0dB
Frequency
– +
+2dB
0dB
SVA Center
The SVA Center terminal cup has an adjustable foot to
angle the speaker towards the listening position.
Loosen thumbscrew. Slide rod down the desired
amount.
Tighten thumbscrew.
SVA1800/SVA2100 OM 7/20/98 12:15 PM Page 5

If there is no sound from
any of the speakers, check
the following:
• Receiver/amplifier is on and
a source is playing.
• Review proper operation of
your receiver/amplifier.
If there is no sound coming
from one speaker, check the
following:
• Check the “Balance” control
on your receiver/amplifier.
• Check all wires and con-
nections between receiver/
amplifier and speakers.
• Make sure all wires are con-
nected. Make sure none of the
speaker wires are frayed, cut,
or punctured.
If the system plays at low
volumes but shuts off as
volume is increased, check
the following:
• Check all wires and con-
nections between receiver/
amplifier and speakers. Make
sure all wires are connected.
Make sure none of the
speaker wires are frayed, cut,
or punctured.
• If more than one pair of
main speakers is being used,
check the minimum imped-
ance requirements of your
receiver/amplifier.
If there is low bass output,
check the following:
• Make sure the polarity
(+ and –) of the left and
right “Speaker Inputs” are
connected properly.
If you are not bi-wiring your
system, and there is no out-
put from either the low- or
high-frequency drivers,
check the following:
• Make sure the shorting
straps are properly attached
to the terminals.
• Check all connections
between processor/amplifier
and each of the speakers.
If you are bi-wiring your
system, and there is no out-
put from either the low- or
high-frequency drivers,
check the following:
• Make sure the amplifier is
hooked up to both the low
and high terminals on each
speaker.
• Check all connections
between processor/amplifier
and each of the speakers.
Troubleshooting
SVA1800/SVA2100 OM 7/20/98 12:15 PM Page 6

SVA2100
Frequency Response
40Hz – 18kHz (±2dB)
30Hz – 20kHz (–6dB)
Sensitivity
93dB @ 2.83 volts/1 meter
Recommended Maximum
Amplifier Power**
300 watts
Impedance
8 ohms nominal
Crossover Frequency
1200Hz
Dimensions (HxWxD)
43 x 14-1/2 x 20-1/4 inches
1092 x 368 x 514mm
Weight
95 lbs/43 kg
SVA1800
Frequency Response
50Hz – 18kHz (±2dB)
35Hz – 20kHz (–6dB)
Sensitivity
92dB @ 2.83 volts/1 meter
Recommended Maximum
Amplifier Power**
250 watts
Impedance
8 ohms nominal
Crossover Frequency
1600Hz
Dimensions (HxWxD)
38 x 12-1/2 x 16-1/4 inches
965 x 318 x 413mm
Weight
75 lbs/34 kg
SVA1600
Frequency Response
50Hz – 18kHz (±2dB)
38Hz – 18kHz (–6dB)
Sensitivity
89dB @ 2.83 volts/1 meter
Recommended Maximum
Amplifier Power**
200 watts
Impedance
8 ohms nominal
Crossover Frequency
1750Hz
Dimensions (HxWxD)
35-3/4 x 11 x 13-1/2 inches
908 x 279 x 343mm
Weight
60 lbs/27 kg
Specifications
Occasional refinements may
be made to existing products
without notice, but will always
meet or exceed original speci-
fications unless otherwise
stated.
**The maximum recommended
amplifier power rating will
ensure proper system head-
room to allow for occasional
peaks. We do not recommend
sustained operation at these
maximum power levels.
SVA1500
Frequency Response
80Hz – 18kHz (±2dB)
45Hz – 20kHz (–6dB)
Sensitivity
88dB @ 2.83 volts/1 meter
Recommended Maximum
Amplifier Power**
150 watts
Impedance
8 ohms nominal
Crossover Frequency
2500Hz
Dimensions (HxWxD)
20 x 6-13/16 x 11-1/8 inches
508 x 173 x 283mm
Weight
25 lbs/11.4 kg
SVA Center
Frequency Response
80Hz – 18kHz (±2dB)
45Hz – 20kHz (–6dB)
Sensitivity
88dB @ 2.83 volts/1 meter
Recommended Maximum
Amplifier Power**
150 watts
Impedance
8 ohms nominal
Crossover Frequency
2500Hz
Dimensions (HxWxD)
6-13/16 x 20 x 11-1/8 inches
173 x 508 x 283mm
Weight
25 lbs/11.4 kg
SVA1800/SVA2100 OM 7/20/98 12:15 PM Page 7

declare in own resopsibility, that the looudspeakers
described in this owner‘s manual are in compliance with
technical standards:
EN 50 081-1/1992
EN 50 082-1/3.1995
Steen Michaelsen
JBL Europe A/S
Birkerød, DENMARK 1/97
Declaration of Conformity
We, JBL Europe A/S
Kongevejen 194B
DK-3460 Birkerød
DENMARK
C
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JBL Consumer Products
80 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797
8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329
1-800-336-4JBL (4525) (USA only)
http://www.jbl.com
©1996 JBL, Incorporated. JBL is a registered trademark
of JBL, Incorporated.
*Trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
Printed in USA 01/97 Part No. 332382-001
A Harman International Company
SVA1800/SVA2100 OM 7/20/98 12:15 PM Page 8