JBL HLS 820 - User Manual

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Summary

Acoustic and Electrical Specifications

System Components

Aural Sweep Test Specifications

Physical Specifications

Packaging

Wiring Diagram

HLS 820 Schematic

Component Exploded View

Summary

Acoustic and Electrical Specifications

System Components

Aural Sweep Test Specifications

Physical Specifications

Packaging

Wiring Diagram

HLS 820 Schematic

Component Exploded View

The JBL HLS 820 is a loudspeaker system designed for home audio applications, offering a blend of acoustic performance and user-friendly features. This technical manual provides comprehensive details on its specifications, components, packaging, wiring, and assembly, making it suitable for both end-users and service technicians.

Function Description

The HLS 820 functions as a passive loudspeaker, meaning it requires an external amplifier to operate. It is designed to reproduce a wide range of audio frequencies, from deep bass to crisp highs, providing a full and immersive sound experience. The system incorporates a two-way design with dedicated transducers for low and high frequencies, managed by a sophisticated crossover network to ensure optimal sound distribution. Its robust construction and carefully selected components aim to deliver high-fidelity audio reproduction for various listening environments.

Important Technical Specifications

Acoustic & Electrical Specifications:

Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms, making it compatible with a wide range of amplifiers.
Max Amp Power: 250 watts, indicating its ability to handle significant power input for high-volume playback.
Frequency Response: 40Hz - 20kHz (±3dB), covering most of the audible spectrum and ensuring a balanced sound profile.
Sensitivity: 90 dB (1 watt @ 1 meter), suggesting good efficiency, meaning it can produce a relatively loud sound level with modest amplifier power.
Crossover Frequency: 2600 Hz, the point at which the audio signal is divided between the low-frequency and high-frequency transducers.

System Components:

Cabinet: The enclosure, identified as HLS 820 (Not For Sale), is a critical component for acoustic performance, designed to minimize unwanted resonances and enhance bass response.
Grille: Part number 332711-001, protects the drivers and contributes to the aesthetic appeal.
Low Frequency Transducer: Consists of two 8" polypropylene, shielded woofers (part number 332653-001). Polypropylene cones are known for their durability and good damping characteristics, contributing to clean bass reproduction. The shielded design prevents interference with nearby electronic devices.
- DC Resistance: 10.8 ohms ±10%.
High Frequency Transducer: A 10mm polycarbonate dome tweeter (part number TW010B17/101829B). Polycarbonate domes are often chosen for their smooth, extended high-frequency response.
- DC Resistance: 5.5 ohms ±10%.
Crossover Network: Part number 332715-002, an essential component that filters the audio signal, sending appropriate frequencies to the respective drivers.

Aural Sweep Test Specifications: These tests are performed to ensure the speaker's performance across its frequency range:

System Aural Sweep Test: 6.0V Input 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
L.F. Aural Sweep Test: 6.0V Input 30 Hz to 3 kHz.
H.F. Aural Sweep Test: 2.83V Input 2 kHz to 20 kHz.

Physical Specifications:

Enclosure Dimensions: 39 3/4 x 9 3/4 x 11 7/16" (H x W x D) or 1010 x 248 x 290mm. These dimensions indicate a floor-standing or large bookshelf speaker.
Weight: 39 lbs. (17.7kg) Each, suggesting a sturdy build.

Usage Features

The HLS 820 is designed for straightforward integration into a home audio system. Its 8-ohm nominal impedance ensures compatibility with most stereo receivers and amplifiers. The speaker's sensitivity of 90 dB means it can achieve respectable volume levels without requiring an excessively powerful amplifier, making it suitable for a variety of room sizes and listening preferences.

The inclusion of a grille (332711-001) serves both aesthetic and protective purposes. It can be left on to protect the drivers from dust and accidental damage, or removed for a more direct acoustic presentation, depending on user preference. The terminal cup (70442-01) provides secure connections for speaker wires, ensuring reliable signal transfer from the amplifier.

The "Component Exploded View" diagram illustrates the internal structure and assembly of the speaker, which can be useful for understanding its construction and for potential servicing. The "Wiring Diagram" provides a clear visual guide for connecting the internal components, detailing the crossover network, drivers, and input terminals. This diagram is crucial for technicians performing repairs or modifications.

Maintenance Features

The manual provides several features that aid in the maintenance and repair of the HLS 820:

Component Exploded View: This detailed diagram (page 2) shows all individual parts of the speaker, including the cabinet, drivers (woofer, tweeter), crossover network, port tube, terminal cup, and various screws and retainers. Each component is assigned a part number, facilitating easy identification and ordering of replacement parts. For example, the low-frequency transducer is 332653-001, and the high-frequency transducer is TW010B17/101829B.
Wiring Diagram: The "Wiring Diagram" (page 1) is essential for troubleshooting electrical issues. It clearly labels the high-frequency and low-frequency transducers, the crossover network (332715-002), and the connections between them using color-coded wires (e.g., Yellow, Green, Green/Black, Yellow/Black). This diagram helps in verifying correct wiring and identifying potential breaks or shorts.
Schematic Diagram: The "HLS 820 SCHEMATIC" (page 1) provides an electrical schematic of the crossover network, showing the inductors (L1, L2, L3), capacitors (C1, C2, C3), and resistors (R1) with their respective values. This is invaluable for diagnosing component failures within the crossover and for replacing faulty parts with correct specifications.
Part Numbers: The consistent use of part numbers throughout the manual (e.g., for foam inserts, owner's manual, survey card, warranty card, foilcal, port tube, plastic foot, grille retainer) simplifies the process of obtaining genuine JBL replacement parts.
Service Bulletin Reference: The note "* See JBL Service Bulletin #JBL9703 for details regarding the removal and installation of drivers." indicates that JBL provides specific instructions for common service procedures, which is a valuable resource for technicians. This suggests that JBL anticipates and supports user or professional maintenance.
Packaging Information: The "PACKAGING" section details the various packaging components, including upper foam (332712-001), lower foam (332713-001), and the outer carton (332714-001). While primarily for shipping, this information can be useful for safely repacking the speaker for transport or storage.
Warranty Information: The manual states, "Refer to Warranty Statement packed with each product." This directs users to the official warranty terms, which are crucial for understanding coverage and procedures for repairs under warranty. The inclusion of a "Warranty Card" (331994-001) in the packaging further supports this.

In summary, the JBL HLS 820 is a well-documented loudspeaker system, providing comprehensive information for its operation, technical understanding, and maintenance, catering to both the end-user's listening experience and a technician's service needs.