JBL SCS178 User Manual

	X + 0 + Y 2	0 M H Z
O W N E R ’ S G U I D E
PRODUCT LINE:
	®
MODEL	SCS178 (230V)
NUMBER:

DESIGN GOAL: Bring the thrill of live performance and movie sound to the home environment by calling on JBL’s professional engineering leadership.

SATELLITE TYPE:Titanium-laminate-dome tweeter, reflex-loaded enclosure

SUBWOOFER TYPE: Bass-reflex enclosure

PORT DESIGN: FreeFlow™ flared

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE: Cinema Loudspeaker Series

R

E A D

T H I S !

Important Safety Precautions!

Active (Powered) Products:

9. Wall or Ceiling Mounting. The product

CAUTION

should be mounted on a wall or ceiling only

19. Ventilation. Slots and openings in the

when and as recommended by the manu-

cabinet are provided for ventilation and to

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

facturer.

ensure reliable operation of the product and

DO NOT OPEN

10. Cleaning. Unplug this product from the

to protect it from overheating, and these

wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid

openings must not be blocked or covered.

CAUTION: To prevent electric shock,

cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp

The openings should never be blocked by

do not remove the grounding plug

cloth for cleaning.

placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or

on the power cord, or use any plug

11. Attachments. Do not use attachments not

other similar surface. This product should not

or extension cord that does not have

recommended by the product manufacturer,

be placed in a built-in installation such

as a

a grounding plug provided.

Make certain that the

as they may cause hazards.

bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is

AC outlet is properly grounded.

12. Replacement Parts. When replacement

provided or the manufacturer’s instructions

have been adhered to.

Do not use an adapter plug

parts are required, be sure the service tech-

Make certain that the proper space (more

with this product.

nician has used replacement parts specified

The lightning flash with arrowhead

by the manufacturer or that have the same

than 10cm) is provided both above and below

symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is

characteristics as the original part.

the unit for ventilation. If the amplifier will be

intended to alert the user to the

presence of uninsulated “dangerous

Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,

installed in a cabinet or other enclosed area,

voltage” within the product’s enclosure

electric shock or other hazards.

make certain that there is sufficient air

that may be of sufficient magnitude to

constitute a risk of electric shock to

13. Safety Check. Upon completion of any

movement within the cabinet, with means

persons.

provided for hot air to exit and for cool air to

service or repairs to this product, ask the

The exclamation point within an

be brought in.

equilateral triangle is intended to alert

service technician to perform safety checks

Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the

the user to the presence of important

to determine that the product is in proper

operating and maintenance (servicing)

operating condition.

top of the unit or place objects directly over

instructions in the literature

accompanying the appliance.

14. Feet/Spikes. When positioning, or moving

them. Remember, power amplifiers generate

heat, and the heatsink fins and ventilation

this product ensure that is lifted rather than

slots that form part of the cabinet are spe-

General:

dragged across any floor/mounting surface.

cially designed to remove this heat. Placing

1. Unpacking: Check the product carefully. If

This will avoid any damage to the floor/-

other electronic equipment near these heat-

mounting surface. Attention! Products and/or

it has been damaged in transit, report the da-

dissipation systems may possibly affect the

product feet constructed of rubber or plastics

mage immediately by calling your dealer

long term reliability of both your amplifier and

may, in seldom cases, react chemically and

and/or the shipping company that delivered

the objects placed above it.

discolor treated or non-treated wooden sur-

it.

Do not place CDs, record jackets, owner’s

faces if positioned without protection.

2. Connections: Whenever changing, con-

15. Warranty: The following conditions may

manuals or other paper on top of or beneath

necting or disconnecting signal or power

the unit or in between products containing

result in a void product warranty:

cables etc., always turn off all equipment.

amplifiers in a stack. This will block the air

a. the manufacturers serial number is remo-

This prevents transients from entering the

flow, causing degraded performance and a

equipment and prevents electrical energy

ved or forged.

possible fire hazard.

from reaching you. Keep all connections out

b. if repairs and/or modifications and/or other

20. Power Sources. This product should be

of the reach of children. Before moving the

treatments/tunings have been carried out

operated only from the type of power source

unit, be certain to disconnect any intercon-

by non-authorized personnel or

indicated on the marking label. If you are not

nection cords with

other components, and

accessories/supplements are attached,

sure of the type of power supply to your

make certain that

you disconnect any powe-

which are not approved by

home, consult your product dealer or local

red units from the

AC outlet.

manufacturer/importer.

power company. For products intended to

3. Read Instructions.

All the safety and

16. Warranty: The following items are not

operate from battery power, or other sources,

operating instructions should be read before

covered by the product warranty:

refer to the operating instructions.

the product is operated.

a. Damage caused by inappropriate handling

21. Grounding or Polarization. This product

4. Retain Instructions. The safety and ope-

despite clear instructions provided in the

may be equipped with a polarized alternating-

rating instructions should be retained for

owners manual.

current line plug (a plug having one blade

future reference.

b. Damage to mechanical parts (such as

wider than the other). This plug will fit into the

5. Heed Warnings. All warnings on the pro-

record-/playback heads, moving rubber

power outlet only one way. This is a safety

duct and in the operating instructions should

and plastic parts and fuses) as well as

feature. If you are unable to insert the plug

be adhered to.

results of normal wear and tear.

fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If

6. Follow Instructions. All operating and use

c. Damage caused by external action or

the plug should still fail to fit, contact your

instructions should be followed.

influence.

electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.

7. Water and Moisture. The product should

d. Damage caused by miss-use by user.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the

polarized plug.

not be used near water – for example, near a

e.

Damage

caused by excessive electrical

22. Power-Cord Protection. Power-supply

bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub,

mains supply voltage or lightning strike.

in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool,

cords should be routed so that they are not

f. Damage caused by fire, water or smoke.

and the like.

likely to be walked on or pinched by items

8. Accessories. To ensure proper operation

g. Damage known to buyer prior to purchase.

placed upon or against them, paying parti-

h. Damage caused by professional employ-

cular attention to cords at plugs, con-

and to avoid the potential for safety hazards,

place the unit on a firm and level surface.

ment of home entertainment products (e.g.

venience receptacles, and the point where

When placing the unit on a shelf, be certain

for catering trade, restaurants, public ad-

they exit from the product. To avoid safety

that the shelf and any mounting hardware

dress or infinite loop announcement use

hazards, use only the power cord supplied

can support the product’s weight. Do not

etc.)

with your unit. If a replacement cord is used,

place this product on an unstable cart, stand,

17. Specifications: All product specifica-

make certain that it is of a similar gauge. We

tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall,

tions/features are subject to change without

do not recommend using extension cords

with this product. As with all electrical

causing serious injury to a child or adult, and

notification.

devices, do not run power cords under rugs

serious damage to the product. Use only with

Passive Products:

or carpets or place heavy objects on power

a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recom-

18. Amplifiers: Amplifiers used to drive these

cords. Damaged power cords should be

mended by the manufacturer, or sold with the

units must deliver a sufficient output power. A

replaced immediately, by a qualified service

product. Any mounting of the product should

lack of output power may lead to amplifier-

technician, with cords meeting factory

follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and

clipping, which causes damage not covered

specifications. When disconnecting the

should use a mounting accessory recom-

by guarantee.

power cord from an AC outlet, always pull the

mended by the manufacturer.

plug; never pull the cord.

2

	23. Non-use Periods. The power cord of		26. Damage Requiring Service. Unplug this	27. Servicing. Do not attempt to service
	the product should be unplugged from the		product from the wall outlet and refer	this product yourself, as opening or
	outlet when left unused for long periods of		servicing to qualified service personnel	removing covers may expose you to
	time.		under the following conditions:	dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer
	24. Lightning. For added protection for this		a. The power-supply cord or the plug has	all servicing to qualified service personnel.
	product during a lightning storm, or when it		been damaged; or	28. Object and Liquid Entry. Never push
	is left unattended and unused for long		b. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been	objects of any kind into this product
	periods of time, unplug it from the wall		spilled into, the product; or	through openings, as they may touch
	outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable		c. The product has been exposed to rain or	dangerous voltage points or short-out
	system. This will prevent damage to the			parts that could result in a fire or	electric
			water; or
	product due to lightning and power-line			shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the
			d. The product does not operate normally
	surges.			product. The apparatus shall not be
			when following the operating
	25. Overloading. Do not overload wall out-			exposed to dripping or splashing and no
			instructions. Adjust only those controls
	lets, extension cords, or integral conven-			objects filled with liquids, such as vases,
			that are covered by the operating
	ience receptacles, as this can result in a			shall be placed on the apparatus.
			instructions, as an improper adjustment
	risk of fire or electric shock.			29. Heat. The product should be situated
			of other controls may result in damage
				away from heat sources such as radiators,
			and will often require extensive work by
				heat registers, stoves or other products
			a qualified technician to restore the
				(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
			product to its normal operation; or
				Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold
			e. The product has been dropped, or the
				locations, in an area that is exposed	to
			enclosure damaged; or
				direct sunlight or near heating equipment.
			f. The product does not appear to operate
				When positioning the product in its final
			normally or exhibits a marked change in	location, make certain that it has adequate
			performance.	ventilation on all sides, as well as on the
				top and bottom.

T H A N K Y O U F O R C H O O S I N G J B L

	For more than 50 years, JBL	We’re confident that the JBL	or office, you will once again
	has been involved in every	system you have chosen will	choose JBL.
	aspect of music and film	provide every note of enjoment
	recording and reproduction,	that you expected – and that	JBL Consumer Products
	from live performances to the	when you think about
	recordings you play in your	purchasing additional audio
	home, car or office.	equipment for your home, car

I N C L U D E D

Four satellites for left/right	One center channel speaker.	Powered subwoofer.
front and surrounds.
	Two 6.1-meter (20-foot) speaker	Three 12.2-meter (40-foot)
	cables for connection from	speaker cables for connection
	receiver to subwoofer.	from receiver to left and right
		rear satellites and center
	Two 4.6-meter (15-foot) speaker	speaker.
	cables for connection from
	subwoofer to front speakers.	3

S P E A K E R P L A C E M E N T
Front Speakers	Center Channel Speaker	Subwoofer
	0 – 0.6m (0 – 2 ft.)
Surround Speakers
	150-180 cm

The front speakers should be	The two surround speakers		room. However, the best
placed the same distance from	should be placed slightly		reproduction of bass will be
each other as they are from the	behind the listening position		heard when the subwoofer is
listening position. They should	and, ideally, should face each		placed in a corner along the
be placed at about the same	other and be at a level higher		same wall as the front
height from the floor as the	than the listeners’ ears. If that		speakers. Experiment with
listeners’ ears will be, or they	is not possible, they may be		subwoofer placement by
may be angled toward the	placed on a wall behind the		temporarily placing the
listeners.	listening position, facing for-		subwoofer in the listening
	ward. The surround speakers		position and moving around the
The center channel speaker	should not call attention to		room until the bass
should be placed slightly	themselves. Experiment with		reproduction is best. Place the
behind the front left and right	their placement until you hear a		subwoofer in that location.
speakers, and no more than	diffuse,	ambient sound
two feet above or below the	accompanying the main
tweeters of the left and right	program material heard in the
speakers. It is often convenient	front speakers.
to set the center speaker on top	The low-frequency material
of the television set, as shown	reproduced by the subwoofer is
in the drawing.	mostly omnidirectional, and this
	speaker may be placed in a
	convenient location in the

4

M O U N T I N G O P T I O N S

Satellites and Surrounds

On shelves.	On the wall. Wall brackets	On optional stands.
	are included.

Wall-Mounting

The customer is responsible for proper selection and use of mounting hardware, available through hardware stores, to properly and safely wall-mount the speakers.

5

S

P E A K E R C O N N E C T I O N S

Connection Tips

Separate and strip the ends of

the amplifier. Wiring “out of

the speaker wire as shown.

phase” results in thin sound,

Speakers and electronics

weak bass and a poor stereo

terminals have corresponding

image.

(+) and (–) terminals. Most

With the advent of multichannel

manu-facturers of speakers

surround-sound systems,

and electronics, including JBL,

connecting all of the speakers

use red to denote the (+)

in your system with the correct

terminal and black for the (–)

polarity remains equally

terminal.

important in order to preserve

The (+) lead of the speaker wire

the proper ambience and

is noted with a stripe. It is

directionality of the program

important to connect all

material.

speakers identically: (+) on the

speaker to (+) on the amplifier

and (–) on the speaker to (–) on

6

Dolby* Pro Logic* (Non-Digital) – Speaker Level
Use this installation method for								Right Front
Dolby Pro Logic applications	Left Front				Center
(not Dolby Digital, DTS® or	+	–						+	–
					+	–
other digital processing),
where the receiver/processor
does not have a subwoofer
output, or a volume-controlled
preamp (line-) level output:					Subwoofer
Connect your receiver or
amplifier’s front left and right					HIGH LEVEL
speaker terminals to the left				L			R
			+		–	–		+
and right terminals on the
		OUT
subwoofer that are marked
“High Level In.” Connect the
left and right terminals on the		IN
subwoofer that are marked
“High Level Out” to the cor-
responding terminals on the					Receiver
back of your front left and right
speakers.		Left Front			Center			Right Front
Connect your receiver or
		+	–		+	–		+	–
amplifier’s center, left and right
surround-speaker terminals to
the corresponding terminals on
the back of your center, left and
right surround speakers.		Left Surround						Right Surround
		+	–					+	–

Left Surround

Right Surround

+

–

+

–

7

Dolby Pro Logic (Non-Digital) – Line Level
Use this installation method for					preamp (line-) level output:				LFE input on the subwoofer
Dolby Pro Logic appli-cations					Use RCA-type patch cords				with Dolby Pro Logic
(not Dolby Digital, DTS® or					to connect the line-level				processors. Note: If your
other digital processing), where					subwoofer outputs on your				receiver or amplifier only has
the receiver/processor is					receiver or amplifier to the line-				one subwoofer output jack,
equipped with a subwoofer					level inputs on the subwoofer.				then you will need to use a Y-
output, or a volume-controlled					IMPORTANT: Do not use the				connector (not included). Plug
									the male end of the Y-
Left Front			Center				Right Front		connector into your receiver or
			+	–					amplifier’s subwoofer output
+	–						+	–	jack, and connect each of the
									two female ends to separate
			Subwoofer						RCA-type patch cords. Finally,
									plug the RCA-type patch cords
			Line-
									into the line-level inputs on the
			Level
			In						subwoofer.
			L
									Connect each speaker to the
			R						corresponding speaker
			Receiver						terminals on your receiver or
	Left		Subwoofer			Right			amplifier.
	Front		Out			Front
	+	–				+	–
			R	L
	Left		Center			Right
	Rear					Rear
	+	–	+	–		+	–
Left Surround							Right Surround
+	–						+	–

Dolby Digital or DTS® (or Other Digital Surround Mode) Connection

		RECEIVER			SUBWOOFER				output or subwoofer output	Note:
					LINE LEVEL IN				on your receiver or amplifier.	When using the LFE input, the
							L		Connect each speaker to the	subwoofer's Crossover control
		LFE OUT			LFE INPUT
									corresponding speaker	is NOT active, because this
							R
									terminals on your receiver or	function is controlled by your
									amplifier.	surround processor.
		Use this installation method for
									Make sure that you have	When using the LFE input, set
		Dolby Digital, DTS® or other							configured your surround-	the subwoofer's Volume control
		digital surround processors:							sound processor for	to "Max" and calibrate the
		Use the line-level input jack							“Subwoofer On.” The front left,	subwoofer level along with the
		marked “LFE” for the Low-							front right, center and rear	other speakers according to
		Frequency Effects channel.							speakers should all be set to	the set-up instructions in the
		Connect this jack to the LFE							“Small.”	owner's manual for your
										surround receiver/amplifier.

8

O P E R A T I O N								P H A S E
Press the Master Power					not sense a signal after			The Phase Control ™ determines
Switch (marked Power ¡) to					approximately twenty minutes,			whether the subwoofer’s piston-
the ON position to use the					it will automatically go into			like action moves in and out in
subwoofer. When your receiver					standby mode. If you will be			phase with the main speakers or
or amplifier is off, or is not					away from home for an			opposite the main speakers. This is
sending program material to					extended period of time, or if			adjusted by pressing the button to
the subwoofer, the subwoofer					the subwoofer will not be used,			the 0°, or 180° position. The 0°
will be in standby mode. When					switch the Master Power			position of the phase button plays
the subwoofer senses an audio					switch ¡ to the "OFF" position.			the bass signal in phase with the
signal, it will automatically turn								main speakers. The 180° position
itself on. If the subwoofer does								plays the bass signal 180º, or out of
								phase with the main speakers.
				¢		¡	£	Proper phase adjustment depends
								on several variables such as
								subwoofer placement and listener
								position. Adjust the phase switch to
								optimize bass output at the
							™	listening position.
								Every system, room and listener is
								different. There are no right or
								wrong settings. This switch offers
	HIGH LEVEL							the added flexibility to adjust your
				LINE LEVEL IN				subwoofer for optimum
+	L –	–	R +
								performance for your specific
OUT				LFE	L	0° PHASE
							180°	listening conditions without having
IN					R
								to move your speakers. If at some
IMPORTANT: CONNECT STRIPED WIRE TO RED (+ ) SPEAKER TERMINAL.								time in the future you happen to
								rearrange your listening room, and
								move your speakers, you should
								experiment with the phase switch
								in both positions, and leave it in the
						AC 230V~50Hz		position that optimizes bass
		CAUTION						performance for your taste.
							200 Watts
		DO NOT OPEN
	RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
Volume					Crossover
Volume can be adjusted using					The crossover filter between			optimum setting for the
the Subwoofer Volume Control					the subwoofer and satellites			SCS178 system is with the
£, as shown.					can be adjusted using the			Crossover Control ¢ set to
					Crossover Control ¢. The			the "Min" position.
Subwoofer							Subwoofer
Level							Level
MIN	MAX						MIN MAX
								9

T

R

O U B L E S H O O T I N G

• If your receiver/processor is

If

there is no sound from any of

If there is no sound from the

the speakers:

set in Dolby Pro Logic mode,

surround speakers:

• Check that receiver/amplifier

make sure the center speaker

• Check all wires and

is on and a source is playing.

is not in phantom mode.

connections between

• Check that the powered

• If your receiver/processor

receiver/ amplifier and

subwoofer is plugged in, its

is set in Dolby Digital or DTS®

speakers. Make sure all wires

Power switch ¡ is switched

mode, make sure the

are connected. Make sure

on to the “ON•” position.

receiver/processor is con-

none of the speaker wires are

• Check all wires and

figured so that the center

frayed, cut or punctured.

connections between

speaker is enabled.

• Review proper operation of

receiver/ amplifier and

your receiver/amplifier and its

speakers. Make sure all wires

If the system plays at low

surround-sound features.

are connected. Make sure

volumes but shuts off as

• Make sure the movie or TV

none of the speaker wires are

volume is increased:

show you are watching is

frayed, cut or punctured.

• Check all wires and connecti-

recorded in a surround-sound

• Review proper operation of

ons between receiver/

mode. If it is not, check to see

your receiver/amplifier.

amplifier and speakers. Make

if your receiver/ amplifier has

sure all wires are connected.

other surround modes you

If there is no sound coming

Make sure none of the

may use.

from one speaker:

speaker wires are frayed, cut

• In Dolby Digital or DTS®

• Check the “Balance” control

or punctured.

modes, make sure your

on your receiver/amplifier.

• If more than one pair of main

receiver/processor is

• Check all wires and con-

speakers is being used, check

configured so that the

nections between receiver/

the minimum impedance

surround speakers are

amplifier and speakers. Make

requirements of your

enabled.

sure all wires

are connected.

receiver/amplifier.

• Review the operation of your

Make sure none of the

DVD player and the jacket of

speaker wires are frayed, cut

If there is low (or no) bass

your DVD to make sure that

or punctured.

output:

the DVD features the desired

• In Dolby Digital or DTS®

• Make sure the connections to

Dolby Digital or DTS® mode,

modes, make sure that the

the left and right “Speaker

and that you have properly

receiver/processor is

Inputs” have the correct

selected that mode using both

configured so that the

polarity (+ and –).

the DVD player’s menu and

speaker in question is

• Make sure the subwoofer is

the DVD disc’s menu.

enabled.

plugged into an active

electrical

outlet.

If there is no sound from the

• Make sure

the powered

center speaker:

subwoofer

is plugged in and

• Check all wires and

switched on.

connections between

• In Dolby Digital or DTS®

receiver/

modes, make sure your

amplifier and speaker. Make

receiver/processor is

sure all wires are connected.

configured so that the

Make sure none of the

subwoofer and LFE output are

speaker wires are frayed, cut

enabled.

or punctured.

10

Declaration of Conformity

We, Harman Consumer International

2, route de Tours

72500 Château-du-Loir

France

declare in own responsibility, that the product described in this owner’s manual is in compliance with technical standards:

EN 60065:1998

EN 55013/A14:1999

EN 55020/A14:1999

EN 61000-3-2/A14:2000

EN 61000-3-3/1.1995

EN 50081-1:1992

EN 50082-1:1992

Luc

JBL,

Harman Consumer International

France, 08/01

11

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
SCS178 Satellite
Frequency Response (-6dB):	90Hz – 22kHz
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m):	86dB
Nominal Impedance:	4 Ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power	25 – 100 Watts RMS per Channel
Drive Units:	12mm Polyamide/Titanium Laminate Video-shielded HF
	100mm Paper Cone Video-shielded Mid/Bass
Dimensions (H x W x D):	235mm x 140mm x 179mm (9.3" x 5.5" x 7")
Weight:	2.8kg (6.2lb)
SCS178 Center
Frequency Response (-6dB):	100Hz – 22kHz
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m):	88dB
Nominal Impedance:	4 Ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power	25 – 100 Watts RMS per Channel
Drive Units:	12mm Polyamide/Titanium Laminate Video-shielded HF
	Dual 100mm Paper Cone Video-shielded Mid/Bass
Dimensions (H x W x D):	145mm x 402mm x 155mm (5.7" x 15.8" x 6.1")
Weight:	4.5kg (9.9lb)
SCS178 Active Subwoofer
Low Frequency Cut-off:	35Hz
High Frequency Cut-off:	40 Hz - 160Hz Variable
Built-in Power Amplifier:	100 Watts RMS
Drive Unit:	200mm Paper Cone Long Throw Driver. Bass Reflex Enclosure
Dimensions (H x W x D):	450mm x 250mm x 360mm (17.7" x 9.8" x 14.2")
Weight:	13.6kg (30lb)
SCS178 System
Frequency Response (-6dB):	35Hz – 20kHz

Refinements may be made on occasion to existing products without notice, but will always meet or exceed original specifications unless otherwise stated. Simply Cinema is a registered trademark of JBL, Incorporated.

*Dolby and Pro Logic are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. DTS® is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

O W N E R ’ S G U I D E

PRODUCT LINE:

®

MODEL SCS178 (230V)

NUMBER:

DESIGN GOAL: Bring the thrill of live performance and movie sound to the home environment by calling on JBL’s professional engineering leadership.

SATELLITE TYPE:Titanium-laminate-dome tweeter, reflex-loaded enclosure

SUBWOOFER TYPE: Bass-reflex enclosure

PORT DESIGN: FreeFlow™ flared

P R O S O U N D

C O M E S H O M E ™

JBL Consumer Products

250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 Europe: 2. Route de Tours, 72500 Château du Loir, France

www.jbl.com

©2001 JBL, Incorporated.

JBL is a registered trademark of JBL, Incorporated.

Part No.1111-SCS178

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE: Cinema Loudspeaker Series