JBL Project K2 S9800 User Manual

CHAPTER 1
P re f a c e
J B L wishes to thank you for selecting a
P roject K2 S9800 loudspeaker system.
It represents the sum total of our re-
search and developmental efforts in
sound reproduction over the last half
c e n t u r y. We have labored to create a
loudspeaker system with no acoustical
or electrical limitations whatsoever.
While the P roject K2 S9800 l o u d-
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 P ro j e c t
K2 S9800 Owner’s Refere n c e.
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 P roject K2 S9800 l o u d s p e a k e r
system, including unpacking the loud-
s p e a k e r, 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
P roject K2 S9800 l o u d s p e a k e r s
(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
P roject 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-
s p e a k e r, P roject 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
e n j o y m e n t .
1
Project K2 S9800
K2 manual v11 approved 12/4/01 12:10 PM Page 1

JBL Project K2 S9800 Specifications

General

Type	Floorstanding
Nominal Impedance	8 ohms
Enclosure Type	Bass-reflex
LF Driver	15 inch
MF Driver	5 inch
HF Driver	1 inch

Summary

Chapter 1: Preface

Manual Content Overview

Details the manual's sections on setup, operation, and system features.

Design Philosophy and History

Explains the historical goals and design philosophy of the Project K2.

Chapter 2: Historical Development of JBL Project Loudspeakers

Defining the Project Concept

Outlines the guiding principles behind JBL's Project loudspeaker series.

Evolution of Project Loudspeakers

Traces the lineage from Hartsfield, Paragon, Everest to K2 models.

Chapter 3: Project K2 S9800 Acoustics and Technology

Enclosure Design and Materials

Details the SonoGlass™ enclosure for minimizing coloration and vibration.

Acoustic Coverage and Imaging

Explains the coverage pattern and stereo imaging qualities of the system.

Key Transducer Technology

Details the LF, HF, and UHF drivers, including Beryllium diaphragms.

Internal Crossover Network

Explains the independent dividing networks for each transducer.

Network Features and Base Design

Details network topology, connections, and the speaker base/feet.

Chapter 4: Unpacking the Project K2 S9800 System

Packaging and Handling

Advises on keeping original packaging and requiring two people for unpacking.

Foot and Coaster Installation

Guides on attaching spiked or rounded feet and using protective coasters.

Chapter 5: Selecting Speaker Cables

Cable Quality and Selection

Emphasizes using high-quality speaker wire, like Monster Cable, for optimal performance.

Wire Gauge and Bi-Wire Considerations

Recommends wire gauge and discusses bi-wire connection specifics.

Chapter 6: Amplifier Recommendations

Amplifier Power and Efficiency

Recommends 100-500 watt amplifiers, emphasizing high current capacity.

Bi-Amplification and Crossover

Explains bi-amplification and the use of the JBL DX1 Electronic Crossover.

Chapter 7: Placement and Set-up Considerations

Room Acoustics and Symmetry

Advises on room symmetry, wall proximity, and listener positioning for optimal imaging.

Speaker Placement and Angling

Guides on speaker spacing, angling towards the listener, and clearance.

Floor Requirements and Protection

Details floor support needs and protection measures for setup.

Chapter 8: Switch Operations

Bi-Amp and LF Damping Switches

Explains the Bi-Amp and LF Damping switches for system tuning.

HF Level Switch and Tuning

Describes the HF Level switch for adjusting high-frequency output and overall tone.

Chapter 9: Care and Maintenance

Cleaning and Surface Care

Advises on cleaning the lacquered surface and horns carefully.

Wiring Connection Maintenance

Recommends periodic inspection and cleaning of wiring connections.

Chapter 10: Troubleshooting and Service Guide

Troubleshooting Procedure

Guides on checking connections and isolating faults to speaker or other components.

Chapter 11: Project K2 S9800 Register

Owner Registration Program

Explains the register for ongoing communication with owners.

Chapter 12: Specifications

Technical Specifications

Provides detailed specifications including power handling, frequency response, and dimensions.

JBL and Harman International

Company Overview

Details JBL's position within Harman International and its approach to product development.