Project K2 S9900
Product Commentaries
and User Guide
Thank you for purchasing the JBL® Project K2 S9900 loudspeaker system.
Before using the system, please take the time to read through this user guide
to understand this product well and also to use it properly.
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Project K2 S9900
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Table of Contents
Preface…5
Chapter 1
Legacy…7
Chapter 2
Project K2 S9900…11
Chapter 3
Unpacking…21
Chapter 4
Selecting Cable…23
Chapter 5
Amplifier Recommendations…25
Chapter 6
Placement and Setup Considerations…27
Chapter 7
Switch Operations…29
Chapter 8
Connections…33
Chapter 9
Care and Maintenance…37
Chapter 10
Troubleshooting and Service Guide…39
Project K2 S9900 Specifications…41
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Project K2 S9900
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PREFACE
Thank you for selecting the Project K2 S9900 loudspeaker system. It represents
the culmination of extensive research and development in sound reproduction
over the last half century. JBL engineers have labored to create a loudspeaker
system with no acoustical or electrical limitations whatsoever. While the
Project K2 S9900 is itself a new development, the goal that it achieves goes
back to the earliest days of the original James B. Lansing Sound Company.
However, it is the level of your listening pleasure that ultimately determines
how successful this endeavor is. To ensure a perfect listening experience, you
are asked to carefully follow the setup and operation procedures outlined in
this Project K2 S9900 user guide.
This manual serves several purposes. It contains all necessary background
information and detailed instructions for setting up your Project K2 S9900
loudspeaker system, including unpacking the loudspeaker, selecting the correct
location, speaker wire, wiring method and amplification, and connecting it to its
associated electronics. This information will be found in Chapters 3 through 8.
In addition, a detailed description of your Project K2 S9900 loudspeakers is
included (Chapter 2) so that you may become thoroughly acquainted with the
unique design and technical features.
Despite the formidable nature of the Project K2 S9900, the setup procedure for
this loudspeaker system is relatively simple. Again, you are strongly urged to
read this manual thoroughly before you begin, and then consult it frequently
throughout the process. Certain considerations must be made in placing the
speakers; their physical characteristics make it imperative that you become
familiar with the entire setup process in advance.
Also, the historical and technical information included will add immeasurably
to the complete enjoyment of your system. Project K2 S9900 is unparalleled in
the field of sound reproduction. The story and principles behind it are an
interesting, informative and fitting start to a lifetime of musical enjoyment.
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Project K2 S9900
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CHAPTER 1
Legacy – the Historical Development of the JBL Project Loudspeakers
Of those who have sought perfection in sound reproduction, only a few have
actually come close. For one thing, it is a costly process. It is rare indeed when
an individual or group is able to triumph over the constraints of economic and
technological realities even once.
At JBL, Inc., this has happened eight times. In each case, JBL 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 search
for new frontiers in sound reproduction, beginning in the mid-1950s and
continuing to the present day.
The results of this venture are now known as the JBL Project loudspeakers.
Each model represents the absolute peak of every technological, material and
engineering innovation available at the time, combined into a single system.
They are the Hartsfield, Paragon, Project Everest DD55000, K2 S9500/7500,
K2 S5500, K2 S9800, K2 S5800 and, most recently, Project Everest DD66000.
Although differing in performance details and physical attributes, all of the
Project loudspeakers have shared a common objective – to elevate sound
reproduction to levels defined only by the limitations of existing materials and
technology. The fact that all Project speakers have many common features –
despite a spread of nearly 60 years – is a testimony to the excellence of the
technology and manufacturing techniques upon which the JBL brand was built.
The K2 S9900 continues this trend.
Defining the Project Concept
The Hartsfield began a JBL tradition that continues today. First, engineer a product
as close to perfection as possible. When it reaches that level, make it better.
In 1954, the Hartsfield was significant in representing not new technology,
but rather a new level of technical manufacturing, in the spirit of the approach
pioneered by James B. Lansing some 20 years before. Like its Project series
successors, it was a high-efficiency system incorporating compression driver
technology and combining the qualities of high-output, low-distortion,
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exceptional stereo imaging and fatigue-free listening. Most important, it was the
first loudspeaker system available to consumers to do all this.
Project K2 S9900, one of the most advanced and sophisticated loudspeakers in
the world today, is the latest expression in technology that is deeply rooted in more
than 60 years of tradition. William Thomas, JBL president in 1954, described the
Hartsfield as the “speaker system we have always wanted to build [with] the finest
components ever made available to serious listeners.”
He went on to describe the process behind the creation of the Hartsfield:
“Most people who own and appreciate fine sound reproduction 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 the basic
principles available to all for achieving precision reproduction. It is only a matter
of incorporating these methods into a system design, and then taking every bit of
trouble necessary to build a system precisely to the design.”
He added, “It isn’t easy, but that’s the way it is done.”
The Ranger-Paragon, the second JBL Project system, was the first serious attempt
at a reflecting speaker system, and broke ground in the new concept of stereo
imaging. Basically two independent full-range speaker systems installed in a
handsome, curved cabinet nearly 9 feet (2.7 meters) long, the Paragon’s enclosure
was treated as an extension of its transducers. In essence, the system had its
own “built-in acoustics.” In many respects, the Paragon anticipated loudspeaker
developments that would occur years, and even decades, later. This “built-in
acoustics” concept is present in the Project K2 S9900.
For nearly 30 years, the Paragon, along with the Hartsfield, remained among the
most sought-after speakers in the world. In 1986, a new Project system was
introduced that retained the Paragon’s overall sense of musicality while upgrading
its character by incorporating three decades’ worth of continuous development in
every facet of its design. Its name – Project Everest – reflected the pinnacle of
achievement it represented. This was the original Project Everest DD55000.
Project K2 S9900
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For the first time, the rest of the sound reproduction chain – and not the
loudspeaker or its transducers – would impose limits on overall system
performance. Like the Paragon and Hartsfield, the K2 S9900 was built around
compression driver technology and addressed a more refined stereo image
than was previously considered technically feasible.
Since the original Project Everest was introduced, sound recording and
playback technology has undergone a revolution of its own. With the advent
of the CD, extremely demanding recorded signals became the rule rather than
the exception; the typical source material used by the average audio enthusiast
was superior to the best demonstration material of even just a few years prior.
In overall dynamics and transient response, transducers became once again a
potentially weak link in the high-end audio reproduction chain.
It was in this environment that JBL engineers set out to create the fourth and
fifth Project loudspeakers, K2 S9500 and K2 S5500. As with the Hartsfield,
the simplicity of a two-way system was considered the most promising design
track. Advances in transducer design and low-frequency alignment would make
possible the construction of a two-way system of unprecedented physical and
acoustical scale. JBL 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 transient response.
In the years following the introduction of the K2 S9500 and K2 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™) media. Frequency responses to 50kHz, as well as
three-digit dynamic 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 technologies.
The K2 S9800 employed a three-way design, incorporating an ultrahighfrequency (UHF) compression driver and horn to reproduce high frequencies
up to 50kHz. With the UHF driver handling the higher frequencies, the highfrequency (HF) transducer could then be upgraded to a new design using a
3-inch (75mm) diaphragm for better reproduction of lower frequencies and
to blend better with the woofer than the older-generation 2-inch (50mm)
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diaphragm did. Both compression drivers utilized newly developed beryllium
diaphragms to provide the lowest distortion and flattest frequency response
possible.
In order to re-create the extremely high dynamic range provided by today’s audio
sources, a brand-new low-frequency transducer was developed from the ground
up, utilizing an alnico magnet, a 4-inch (100mm) edge-wound voice coil, and a
15-inch (380mm) cone. Extensive computer-aided engineering and design effort
were necessary to develop the optimized port tuning used in Project K2 S9800,
and has resulted in a significant advance in the concept of state-of-the-art
acoustic reproduction. As a result of the K2® efforts, a speaker system with
higher sensitivity and a wider dynamic range became a reality without power
compression or distortion, even at extremely high drive levels.
The K2 S9900 continues the tradition of the K2 S9800 and also incorporates
key design elements from the DD66000. Despite its 21st century power and
sophistication, Project K2 S9900 is a synthesis of tradition and technology.
It reflects the design, material, engineering and manufacturing expertise
developed and refined through nearly six decades of experience that are
the exclusive legacy of one loudspeaker brand – JBL.
Project K2 S9900
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CHAPTER 2
The Project K2 S9900 Loudspeaker – a Triumph in Acoustics and
Technology
The following sections describe the primary features and components of the
Project K2 S9900 loudspeaker system.
The basic system configuration is what has been referred to historically as an
augmented two-way. In the 1950s and 1960s, JBL engineers primarily built
two-way systems with a 12- or 15-inch (300mm or 380mm) woofer crossed over
to a large-format compression driver/horn combination. Some of the systems
would be “augmented” by a UHF device, usually the 075 ring radiator which
would operate above 8kHz. These systems would have only a single crossover
point in the middle of the audio range, to minimize any sonic degradation
caused by the dividing network. The K2 S9900 has a single midrange crossover
at 900Hz, blending one 1500AL-1 woofer to the 476Mg compression driver and
horn combination. The 045Be-1 UHF driver is brought in at 15kHz to cover 2
octaves of ultrasonic frequencies. Above 900Hz, the HF compression driver and
horn combination operates unassisted, all the way to 20kHz (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. On-axis response of the K2 S9900 system and of each of the
transducers through its crossover network (2.83V @ 1m).
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The transducers, horns and crossover networks are housed in a visually stunning
enclosure that is reminiscent of both the DD66000 and K2 S9800 systems. The
specially curved baffle provides the sidewalls for the main horn. The top and
bottom horn flares are accomplished by the attachment of precision-molded
SonoGlass® horn “lips” to the upper enclosure surface. The UHF driver is
mounted to a SonoGlass horn which is itself mounted to the back of the
die-cast aluminum housing.
The entire enclosure is constructed with 1-inch (25mm) MDF. The complex
bracing is used to precisely hold the curved panels in exactly the correct shape,
allowing exceptional fit and consistency.
The woofer baffle is 1-inch thick and is tied into perimeter bracing, constituting
an extremely rigid and secure structure. A painted outer baffle is then applied,
surrounding the woofer frame, giving the total combined woofer baffle a
thickness of 1-3/4 inch (45mm). The outer baffle is removable to enable repair
or replacement of the painted surface, should that ever be necessary.
The system is ported on the rear with a tuning frequency of 35Hz. A large
4-inch (100mm)-diameter flared port is combined with the input connections
on a massive die-cast aluminum structure. The entire enclosure rests on four
stainless-steel foot assemblies. Stainless-steel coasters are included to protect
wood and tile floors from damage from the spike feet. The grille assembly is
constructed of fiberglass-reinforced ABS to provide the curved shape. The
grille is securely attached to the enclosure with metal pins and rubber cups.
Project K2 S9900
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045Be-1 UHF Driver
HF Network
Spiked Foot Assembly
LF Network
Die-Cast Aluminum Input
Plate/Port Assembly
1500AL-1 (380mm) LF Driver
UHF Network
476Mg 4" (100mm) HF Driver
SonoGlass HF Horn
Die-Cast Aluminum Housing
SonoGlass UHF Horn
Figure 2.
The 1500AL-1 and 476Mg are both designed to be absolute-minimum-distortion
drive units. Although they are capable of tremendous acoustic output, they are
designed to be completely linear in every way, up to a reasonable drive level.
This enables the system to sound the same, regardless of playback level.
Tr a n s d u c e r s
The 1500AL-1 Low-Frequency Driver
The 1500AL-1 low-frequency driver is very similar to the 1500AL used in
the K2 S9800 system. The voice coil length has been increased to 25.4mm
(from 20.3mm) and its milling width has been reduced slightly. This was done
to allow greater clearance from the outer diameter of the coil to the laminated
top plate and to provide a larger surface area of coil surface for heat dissipation.
The coil former perforations have been eliminated to allow greater forced
convection cooling from the pumping action of the diaphragm assembly. These
coil improvements allow the 1500AL-1 to handle up to 25 percent more power
than the 1500AL (Fig. 3).
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High-Current and
Fatigue-Resistant
Pigtail Leads
Extruded-Aluminum
Spider Spacer
Dual Inverted
Nomex Spiders
Cone Body:
Special PaperPulp Composite
VGC – Vented Gap
Cooling Channels
Voice Coil:
Aluminum Ribbon Wire on
High-Temp Fiberglass Former
Dust Dome:
Paper-Pulp Composite
EPDM-Foamed
Rubber Surround
Glass-Filled ABS
Terminal Base
5-Way Gold-Plated
Terminal Posts
Conductive Ring:
Extruded 6063
Aluminum
Magnet:
Alnico 5DG
Pot:
SAE-1008
Polepiece:
SAE-1008 Steel
Gap Sleeve:
SAE-1008 Steel
Rear Cover:
Cast 380 Aluminum
Copper and Steel
Gap Ring Laminations
Frame:
Cast 380 Aluminum
Figure 3. 1500AL-1 section view.
The 1500AL-1 low-frequency driver is a 15-inch (380mm)-diameter device with
a 4-inch (100mm) voice coil completely immersed in a radial field generated by
an alnico 5DG magnet. Alnico was chosen because of its stable operating point.
This material is insensitive to temperature changes and back EMF from the coil.
JBL engineers have overcome the tendency of alnico to demagnetize with high
drive, by utilizing a massive shorting ring at the base of the motor assembly. The
top plate is constructed of alternating copper-steel laminations. The presence of
the copper rings linearizes the magnetic properties of the gap to all but eliminate
eddy current distortion.
The outer suspension is made of EPDM-foamed rubber, which has the longevity
and frequency response characteristics of traditional rubber surrounds, but with
a low density very close to that of foam surrounds. Low-loss EPDM material
was chosen so that the transient detail of musical signals could be preserved.
Dual inverted Nomex® spiders are employed for the cancellation of even-order
distortion components. All suspension elements are tailored for maximum
mechanical displacement linearity.
The cone consists of a special layered paper-pulp matrix with proprietary
Aquaplas damping, which offers more pistonic behavior throughout the
woofer’s operating bandwidth, and controlled cone breakup beyond it.
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Back Plate
Neodymium Magnet
Copper-Sleeved Pole
100mm Aluminum
Edge-Wound Coil
Gap: Acoustic Seal and
Resonance Tuning Ring
Die-Cast Aluminum
Front Cover
Coherent-Wave, 4-Slot
Phase Plug
Top Plate
Die-Cast Aluminum
Back Cover
5-Way, Gold-Plated
Terminals
Diamond Surround
Foam Damping Pad
Magnesium-Alloy
Diaphragm Assembly
A thick-wall, cast-aluminum frame is used to rigidly support the motor
structure. This fully vented frame and motor design also serves to minimize
the back pressure under the dome and spider, helping to reduce harmonic
distortion to even lower levels. Proprietary JBL Vented Gap Cooling™ (VGC) is
incorporated within the motor structure, and lowers the operating temperature
of the coil during moments of high-power operation.
All together, these design factors provide reduced harmonic distortions at
very low and very high acoustic output, improved power handling, reduced
power compression and more consistent spectral balance, with varying input
drive level.
476Mg High-Frequency Compression Driver and Bi-Radial® Horn
The 476Mg high-frequency compression driver makes use of a 4-inch
(100mm)-diameter, magnesium-alloy diaphragm with a 4-inch (100mm)
aluminum edge-wound coil, operating into the JBL existing rapid-flare-type,
coherent-wave phasing plug. The use of an efficient neodymium rare-earth
motor structure with a new copper-sleeved polepiece maintains maximum gap
flux and reduced coil inductance at a minimal size and weight. The combination
of these features has resulted in a driver that can deliver superior sound quality,
regardless of acoustic power output, with very little distortion and power
compression (Fig. 4).
Figure 4. 476Mg section view.
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A high-purity copper sleeve is used for the polepiece. This greatly improves
the electrical conductivity of the copper sleeve for lower coil inductance and
thus greater high-frequency output at 15kHz and above. The copper-sleeved
pole quickly wicks away heat generated by the coil, thereby contributing to
a reduction in dynamic power compression. To compensate for the higher
resistance caused by the use of a copper-sleeved polepiece, a large magnet
area has been used, in conjunction with special high-grade and high-temperaturegrade neodymium.
The phasing plug is a traditional JBL rapid-flare, coherent-wave four-slot design.
This coherent-wave design shapes the wave output, producing a truly coincident
wave front as the sound enters the Bi-Radial horn. The diaphragm is formed
of magnesium-alloy foil and is the first JBL large-format 100mm compression
driver to use this special material. Magnesium alloy is essentially 95 percent
pure magnesium with small percentages of aluminum, zinc and other alloys
added to improve characteristics such as diaphragm forming, fatigue strength,
corrosive and acoustic properties. A proprietary thermal process is used to
form the thin sheets of magnesium alloy into the 100mm diaphragm shape
of exacting dimensions. This new process even enables the integrated JBL
Diamond surround to be formed as one piece with the dome. Forming the
diaphragms out of sheets of this magnesium-alloy foil yields greater reliability
and resistance against fatigue and corrosive failures than diaphragms formed
with 100 percent pure magnesium or aluminum.
Magnesium has very low density, slightly lower than even that of beryllium.
With such a low density, the thickness of the magnesium-alloy diaphragm could
be greatly increased while still maintaining an equivalent diaphragm mass of
approximately 3.4 grams, similar to previous designs using aluminum and
titanium. Based on this, the new magnesium-alloy diaphragm was increased
to 130 micron, about 1.7 times thicker than the standard 76-micron-thick
aluminum diaphragm. When compared to the titanium diaphragm used in the
original K2 S9500 and M9500 systems, this new magnesium-alloy diaphragm is
2.5 times thicker. This is beneficial because a thicker diaphragm creates a much
stiffer diaphragm, which pushes pistonic behavior to higher frequencies than
current aluminum or titanium diaphragms (given the same moving mass).
Better pistonic behavior means less diaphragm modal breakup at the critical
mid-band frequencies, and so the upper frequency response will be smoother
with minimal distortion spikes. The effects of this will be less distortion, and
improved and extended frequency response (Fig. 5).
Project K2 S9900
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Another benefit of the magnesium alloy is the greater internal loss, or damping,
when compared to titanium or even aluminum. This greater internal loss
quickly minimizes the amplitude of resonances when the diaphragm is asked
to reproduce frequencies beyond its pistonic limit. To further augment this
damping, a very light application of JBL Aquaplas is also used. Combining the
greater internal loss with the stiffer characteristics of the thicker, low-density
material, this new 100mm magnesium-alloy dome sonically performs close
to the beryllium diaphragm used in the 476Be high-frequency Project Everest
drive unit, but at a fraction of the cost. In the end, careful optimization of this
new magnesium-alloy diaphragm’s characteristics, along with the application
of Aquaplas damping, has maintained the enhanced detail of musical transients
and microdynamic nuances to which JBL listeners have become accustomed.
Figure 5. Terminated tube measurement of 476Mg with distortion products. The
measurement was made with 7.5V applied to the driver. This equates to about
120dB @ 1m when mounted in the system.
045Be-1 Ultrahigh-Frequency Compression Driver and Bi-Radial Horn
Like the original 045Be, the 045Be-1 uses a 1-inch (25mm) beryllium
diaphragm and 2-inch (50mm) neodymium magnetic structure. The pureberyllium diaphragm is less than 0.04mm thick and has a mass of only 0.1 gram.
The single-layer aluminum-ribbon voice coil is wound without a former and is
attached directly to the diaphragm. The driver employs the smallest annular-slit
phasing plug that JBL engineers have ever designed. The 045Be-1 has been
designed to improve manufacturing yield and consistency. Small changes have
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been made to the top plate, and some significant improvements were made to the
AluminumAlloy Cover
Aluminum
Edge-Wound
Voice Coil
1" (25mm)
Pure-Beryllium
Diaphragm
StainlessSteel
Mounting
Bracket
Phase Plug
Neodymium
Magnet
Gold-Plated
Input Terminal
surround shape and clamping methodology. As a result, the driver has picked up
nearly 5dB of increased output above 30kHz. A section view of the 045Be-1
driver is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. 045Be-1 section view.
The extremely low mass of the moving system, high magnetic-flux density and
high rigidity of beryllium produce response that is very smooth from below
8kHz to beyond 50kHz.
The response curve has a slight downhill tilt, due to the constant-directivity
nature of the horn used in this system. The Bi-Radial horn is properly scaled to
maintain a coverage angle of 60 degrees in the horizontal plane and 30 degrees
in the vertical plane over the frequency interval from 10kHz to 50kHz.
Project K2 S9900
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Internal Crossover Network
The circuit topology, combined with the acoustic behavior of the 1500AL-1 and
476Mg, provides a 24dB-per-octave transition at 900Hz. This is the primary
crossover point of the system. Additionally, the 045Be-1 is turned on above
15kHz to provide extended response to beyond 50kHz.
All of the electrical components are of the highest quality and exhibit the
lowest internal loss. The inductors used are “air core” so as not to introduce
nonlinear hysteresis effects. Capacitors are constructed using polypropylene foil,
which is known for having minimal distortion caused by dielectric absorption
nonlinearities. The low-, high- and ultrahigh-frequency networks employ battery
bias to operate the capacitors effectively in a Class A mode. Every attempt
is made to present as smooth a system impedance as possible to the driving
amplifier. This design element is often overlooked in many loudspeaker
systems, yet amplifiers work their best when they are given smooth, level
load impedance in which to deliver current (Fig. 7).
Figure 7. K2 S9900 system impedance.
The aggregate of these attributes allows the K2 S9900 system to translate
the electrical signal from source material into an accurate and unencumbered
three-dimensional sound field. The system can do this at any desired listening
level, from whisper-quiet to big-band loud, while at the same time maintaining
unchanged acoustic characteristics.
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Project K2 S9900
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CHAPTER 3
Unpacking the Project K2 S9900 System
All components of the K2 S9900 system have been very carefully packed
for maximum protection against damage. As with any superior audio product,
it is advisable to keep the original packing materials, in case it is necessary
to transport the Project K2 S9900 system. Because of the bulk and weight of
this loudspeaker, it is recommended that at least two people unpack it in the
following manner. Stainless-steel round feet are installed on the bottom of the
speaker cabinet. In order to avoid damage to the floor, unpacking on a wellprotected surface, such as a thick carpet or cardboard, is strongly advised.
(Your loudspeaker system is packed with protective wrapping, but this is
omitted in drawings below.)
I. With a knife, carefully cut the tape securing the carton. Tape cutting is
required on only three of the four sides of the front flap.
II. Open the flaps and remove the two side filler sleeves by pulling them straight
forward.
III. Step on the lower flap and carefully rock the system and packing back and
forth. Pull outward while doing this, and the system and packing can be “walked”
out of the carton. It helps to have a second person hold the carton steady from
the back side.
I. II. III.
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IV. Once out of the carton, remove the upper and middle pads. Accessories are
packed on the top side of the upper end pad, so be careful not to discard them.
V. Carefully remove the cloth bag covering the enclosure.
VI. Lift the enclosure out of the bottom pad. It helps to remove the grille and use
the port opening and top edge of the baffle recess as holding points. DO NOT
LIFT THE SYSTEM BY THE HORN LIP.
IV. V. VI.
Products are shipped with round-tipped spikes on the bottom of the cabinet. If
you would like to use pinpoint spikes, remove round-tipped spikes and replace
them with pinpoint spikes. In case they are difficult to loosen, please use an
11/16-inch (18mm) wrench.
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.
Project K2 S9900
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CHAPTER 4
Selecting Cable
Speaker wire and interconnecting cables are important components in any
audio system. With a system such as the K2 S9900, they assume a new level
of importance.
The K2 S9900 loudspeakers are internally wired with high-quality oxygen-free
copper cables. The same care that was given to the selection of the internal
system wiring should be afforded to the selection and application of the cables
that will connect the K2 S9900 loudspeakers to other system components.
It is advisable to use high-quality wire and to select the highest grade wire
available from the manufacturer. Many manufacturers produce audiophile cables
which are worth considering for the K2 S9900. As with all electronics and
associated components, however, every manufacturer offers products of varying
quality to suit a range of budgets and applications. Using an audiophile-quality
speaker wire of not less than 16-gauge for connections of up to 15 feet
(5 meters) is recommended as a minimum requirement. K2 S9900 specialist
dealers have the experience and knowledge to recommend suitable speaker
wire to best complement a particular system. For maximum signal purity, it
is advisable to place 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.
The left and right speaker/amplifier 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 of wire for both
connections. For bi-wire connections, the same type of wires may be used
for both low-frequency and high-frequency sections to reduce wire effects
(resistance, inductance, etc.) and to avoid intermodulation of low and high
frequencies in the wires. Specialized wires for low-frequency and highfrequency sections may yield excellent results. Whatever wires are used,
be sure that the low-frequency wires are as short as possible, and the left
and right wires for each section are the same length.
To ensure a secure connection, Y- or U-type plugs are recommended.
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Project K2 S9900
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CHAPTER 5
Amplifier Recommendations
No single type of amplifier is specified for use with the Project K2 S9900
system. 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 the K2 S9900 will pick up all the inefficiencies and distortion in an amplifier
system. For full-range operation, the Project K2 S9900 system should not be
used with an amplifier/receiver of less than 100 watts. High-quality amplifiers/
receivers of 100–500 watts will ensure optimal system performance. There is
no effective limit to the power handling capabilities of the Project K2 S9900
loudspeakers when driven by consumer audio amplifiers. No damage will occur
when used with high-powered components. Source impedance is an important
criterion in selecting an appropriate unit; the selected amplifier(s) should have a
very high current capacity and must be capable of driving a low-impedance load.
For bi-wiring or bi-amplification applications, 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 6dB 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 S9900 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 loudspeaker and drive low-frequency and high-frequency sections through
short wire runs.
A separate crossover network (not included) can be connected directly to the low-
and high-frequency amplifiers driving this system, and is required if the system is
to be bi-amplified, although this is not recommended for the K2 S9900 system.
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Project K2 S9900
27
CHAPTER 6
Placement and Setup Considerations
The Project K2 S9900 loudspeaker system is designed to be less affected by
room acoustics than conventional imaging systems. However, it is still sensitive
to overall symmetry and proximity to walls, ceilings and corners.
Ideally, any listening room should contain a combination of live surfaces (e.g.,
walls and windows) and absorbent surfaces (e.g., drapes, carpets, upholstery).
If the distance between the floor and ceiling is minimal, it is preferable that one
surface has an absorbent covering. With Project K2 S9900, it is very important
to be able to accommodate the optimal listening area that is defined by the
100-degree horizontal/60-degree vertical coverage pattern of the horn.
In order to obtain the best stereo effect, the speakers should be placed at an
equal distance from the listening position.
• Thedistancestotherightandleftspeakersaredeterminedbytherelationship
between the distance from the listening position to the speakers and the angles
of the speakers. The imaging qualities enable the speakers to be placed
relatively far apart from each other, but this weakens center imaging, such as
vocals. Increasing the inward angle of the speakers toward the listener will
improve the center imaging.
• Thelistenershouldbecenteredinfrontofthespeakers,andfurnitureshould
be of an appropriate height so that when the listener is sitting, the ear level is
about the same height as the high-frequency horn (approximately 36-inch/90cm),
as illustrated below.
Figure 8.
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• Thesurroundingenvironmentforthespeakersaffectsbassquality.Placingthe
speakers closer to the wall behind them or to the side walls will result in an
abundance of bass, but placing them too close will result in dull bass. On the
other hand, too much distance will reduce the bass output but result in fast and
sharp bass. The low-frequency alignment feature enables placing the speakers
near (or even in) a corner without producing an overabundance of bass. This
corner placement allows optimal performance, even in small rooms. Find the
most suitable location by using various source materials.
• TheooratthelocationselectedforsettingtheK2S9900speakersmustbe
capable of supporting a load of 180 pounds. 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 loudspeakers’ coupling system, along
with the speakers’ substantial weight, should result in excellent performance
on any surface, even on carpets. To prevent indentations on wood or linoleum
floors caused by the weight of the loudspeakers, always utilize the enclosed
coasters. Be sure to use the coasters on tile surfaces to prevent cracking.
Project K2 S9900
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CHAPTER 7
Project K2 S9900 Switch Operations
In addition to the input binding posts and connecting straps on the die-cast input
plate, the K2 S9900 has two level-adjustment controls, a bi-amp switch and a 9V
battery for biasing the signal capacitors. The battery is mounted under an access
cover which is held in place by two Phillips-head screws.
Figure 9.
HF Level
This switch adjusts the attenuation applied to the 476Mg (high-frequency unit)
by approximately 0.5dB over the range of 1,000Hz to about 15,000Hz. Midrange
and high-frequency sounds become softer by reducing the level and stronger by
increasing the level. This action is accomplished by trimming the main attenuation resistors. No additional parts are inserted in the signal path and there is no
sonic deterioration caused by use of the control (Fig. 10).
Figure 10. Adjustment range of the high-frequency level control. Upper band
indicates +0.5dB and lower band indicates –0.5dB.
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Presence Level
This switch adjusts the attenuation applied to the 476Mg driver by approximately
0.3dB over the range of 1,500Hz to 3,000Hz. The vocal presence range is made
softer by reducing the level and stronger by increasing the level. This action is
accomplished by trimming attenuation resistors. No additional parts are inserted
in the signal path and there is no sonic deterioration caused by use of the control
(Fig. 11).
Figure 11. Adjustment range of the presence-level control. Upper band indicates
+0.5dB and lower band indicates –0.5dB.
Bi-Amp Switch
The bi-amp switch is located under the battery access cover and allows the
system to be set up for the use of an external low-level crossover. This switch
removes the passive components in the low- and high-frequency networks that
have to do with the actual crossover blending of the low-frequency and highfrequency transducers. Level attenuation and equalization circuits remain active.
In the case of the K2 S9900, the voltage drive required from an external
crossover network is very unusual and, in most cases, is not likely to be achievable with standard crossover networks. It is for this reason that active bi-amplification of the K2 S9900 is not advised (Fig. 12).
Project K2 S9900
31
Figure 12. Required voltage drive function from an external electronic crossover
for bi-amplification of a K2 S9900 system.
Battery Installation
The network of this system utilizes the proprietary JBL “charge-couple method”
to activate capacitors by applying DC bias using battery power; this eliminates
unwanted distortions. Please refer to procedures below and install the supplied
battery in the battery holder.
Battery Installation Procedures:
1. Remove the battery access cover that is located above the input binding posts.
Use a small- or medium-tip Phillips screwdriver. Refer to Figure 9.
2. Remove the packaging film from the battery, and place the battery into the
holder. The connector is the snap type and has polarities. Snap the battery
down after making sure that the polarity orientation is correct.
3. Reinstall the access cover. Only 006P rectangular 9V alkaline batteries may
be used. This battery can be easily found at electronic/appliance stores and
convenience stores.
Please Note:
• Biasisappliedtoreducedistortionfromthecomponents.Intheeventofaat
battery, there is no effect on the network circuitry, and there is no symptom
(e.g., no sound or intermittent sound from the system). However, you will
notice an effect on the level of distortion reduction in the bias network
circuitry after new batteries are installed. The batteries provide a voltage bias
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to each of the capacitor positions in the various networks. The biasing of the
capacitors is done through a large value resistor (2.2 megohm) and thus draws
no appreciable current. The expiration date printed on the battery generally
coincides with the need to replace the batteries. Each capacitor position is
actually made up of two capacitors connected in series. The battery voltage
is applied to the center connection of the two capacitors. This produces a
voltage potential between the two plates within the capacitor. When the two
parts are taken as a whole, there is no DC voltage that appears across them,
but individually they are each biased. The sonic result of the biasing is an
increase in detail, increased smoothness and considerably more natural
resolution of sounds within the music.
Project K2 S9900
33
CHAPTER 8
Project K2 S9900 Connections
Caution: Turn all amplifiers off before connecting or disconnecting the
K2 S9900 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 disconnecting cables
at the amplifier or preamplifier inputs. All connections between the amplifier(s)
and the K2 S9900 loudspeaker system are made at the terminals located on the
back of the enclosure. The left-hand terminals (black insulator) are negative,
and the right-hand terminals (red insulator) are positive. These correspond to
the negative and positive conductors in the speaker wire.
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 corresponding
negative and positive terminals on all system components. This will ensure that
all components will work together (“in phase”). Connecting the speakers out of
phase will not damage 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 often made by directly connecting clean, bare connectors
(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) end of each speaker wire into the hole exposed on the terminal
shaft (+ to +, – to –). Retighten the knob on each terminal so that a snug positive
connection 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.
K2 S9900 terminals are also designed to accept spade- or banana-type connectors, which are fastened to the ends of the wires and, in turn, are attached to the
terminal posts.
Two sets of input terminals on the K2 S9900 are designed for use with bi-wire and
bi-amp connections. Read the following explanations and use the suitable method.
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I. Passive Connection Method
The passive method requires one amplifier and one set of wires. Connections are
made to either the upper terminals or the lower terminals. Do not remove the
shorting straps.
II. Bi-Wire Connection Method
The bi-wire connection method requires one amplifier and two sets of speaker
wires. By removing the shorting straps, connections may be made to the
individual network sections using four connectors, high-frequency wires to the
upper terminals and low-frequency wires to the lower terminals.
III. Active Bi-Wire Connection Method
This connection method uses two amplifier channels and two sets of speaker
wires. Each amplifier input is fed from the same preamplifier output. In this
case, the shorting straps must be removed and separate speaker cables are run
from each amplifier channel, one to the high-frequency posts and the other to the
low-frequency posts.
IV. Bi-Amp Connection Method
The bi-amp connection method requires two amplifiers, one for the low-frequency
unit and one for the high-frequency unit, and an external electronic crossover
network. By removing the shorting straps, connections may be made in the
following way. Wires from the high-frequency amplifier are connected to the
upper terminals, and wires from the low-frequency amplifiers are connected to
the lower terminals. The bi-amp switch must be set to the bi-amp position to
disable the internal crossover function. Internal level adjustment and highfrequency equalization circuitry remain active.
The amplifiers are fed from the output of an electronic crossover unit (not
included). This crossover must be configured to produce the electrical drive
illustrated in Figure 8. These curves are very unusual and will be difficult for a
commercially available crossover unit to properly emulate. It is for this reason
that bi-amplification of the K2 S9900 is not recommended.
Project K2 S9900
35
K2 S9900 is shipped with a twisted pair of shorting straps installed. In case the
bi-wire or bi-amp connection method is to be employed, remove the straps from
the terminals (referring to Figure 13) and retighten the terminals. If the amplifiers are connected to the K2 S9900 loudspeakers in the bi-wire or bi-amp mode
with the shorting straps still on, the amplifier outputs will be shorted, which
could result in costly amplifier damage when power is switched on.
Final Checklist:
• Connectandpluginallothersystemelectronics.
• Checkallconnections.Incaseofbi-ampingorbi-wiring,makesureboth
shorting straps are removed.
• MakesurethesystemorientationandHF/LFdriveswitchinginthecontrol
panel are correctly set.
The system is now ready for use. The K2 S9900 loudspeaker system is fully
functional as soon as it is set up. There may be subtle tonal changes in bass
output over the first week to 10 days of operation. These are caused as the
movement of the low-frequency drivers becomes more fluid and the parts settle
in. This process is completely normal and natural with transducers of this
caliber. Even during this initial period, there is no restriction on the amount of
amplification that may be applied. Enjoy!
Figure 13.
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Project K2 S9900
37
CHAPTER 9
K2 S9900 Care and Maintenance
The Project K2 S9900 loudspeaker system requires no maintenance other than
occasional dusting with a soft, dry, lint-free cotton cloth. The horns may also be
wiped with a soft cloth. Treat the lacquered surface very carefully to avoid
scratching the finish. To remove fingerprints and smudges, apply a small amount
of diluted ammonia-free or alcohol-free neutral detergent to the cloth and gently
clean the surface.
Never use any abrasive cleaners or chemicals to clean the enclosure. If the
enclosure becomes noticeably scratched or otherwise damaged, consult a
qualified furniture repair shop.
All wiring connections should be inspected and cleaned or remade periodically.
The frequency of maintenance depends on the metals involved in the connections, atmospheric conditions and other factors. Consult your K2 S9900 dealer
for specific recommendations.
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Project K2 S9900
39
CHAPTER 10
Troubleshooting and Service Guide
Project K2 S9900 loudspeakers are designed to provide years of trouble-free
service. No maintenance, aside from occasional battery replacement, is required.
If a problem occurs, make sure that all connections are properly made and clean.
If a problem exists in one loudspeaker, reverse the speaker wires to the left and
right speakers. If the problem appears in the opposite speaker, the cause is in
another component or cable. If the problem remains in the same speaker, then
the fault is in the loudspeaker. In this event, consult your K2 S9900 dealer for
assistance.
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22.00
47.25
17.75
18.50
9.00
7.36
3.51
12.02
13.75
13.00
7.76
R 11.38
R 10.51
1.04
Figure 14.
Project K2 S9900
41
Project K2 S9900 System Specifications
Low-Frequency Driver: 15" (380mm) Pulp-cone woofer
(1500AL-1)
High-Frequency Driver: 4" (100mm) Magnesium compression
driver (476Mg)
Ultrahigh-Frequency Driver: 1" (25mm) Magnesium compression
driver (045Be-1)
Sensitivity (2.83V at 1m) 93dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms, 7 ohms minimum at 100Hz,
4 ohms minimum at 40kHz
Maximum Recommended 500 Watts
Amplifier Power:
Frequency Response (– 6dB): 48Hz – 50kHz
Low-Frequency Extension (–10dB): 33Hz
High-Frequency Coverage: 100º Horizontal by 60º vertical
Ultrahigh-Frequency Coverage: 60º Horizontal by 30º vertical
Crossover Frequencies: 900Hz (24dB/octave)
15kHz (24dB/octave, high-pass only)
HF-Level Control: – 0.5dB, 0dB, +0.5dB
Presence-Level Control: – 0.5dB, 0dB, +0.5dB
LF/HF Drive Mode Switch: Normal, bi-amp
Dimensions (W x H x D): 22" x 47-5/16" x 13-13/16"
(560mm x 1200mm x 350mm)
plus 0.8" (20mm) for feet
Weight: 182 lb (82.7kg)
Package Weight: 192 lb (87kg)
JBL and Harman International
JBL, Inc., is a unit of Harman International, an audio company with a single
purpose: combining technology with a love of music to manufacture audio
products that provide new levels of satisfaction, performance and value.
To promote variety and creativity, JBL, Inc., operates independently in research
and development. When it comes to translating the results of these efforts into
actual consumer and professional products, JBL, Inc., draws on the full combined strength of Harman International’s resources, which include one of the
world’s most advanced manufacturing facilities. The result of this teamwork is
that the renowned excellence of JBL, Inc., in engineering is successfully carried
through to each individual product, regardless of its application or price range.
As new audio concepts and technologies are pioneered, the partnership of JBL,
Inc., and Harman International guarantees that consumer and professional audio
users everywhere will be able to enjoy their full range of benefits. JBL engineers
continually engage in research related to product development and improvement.
Because of this, new materials, production methods and design refinements may
be introduced into existing products without notice. For this reason, any current
JBL product may differ in some respect from its published description, but will
always equal or exceed the original design specifications unless otherwise stated.
© 2009 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Part No. 441102-001
JBL, K2, SonoGlass and Bi-Radial are trademarks of Harman International Industries,
Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. Vented Gap Cooling
is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
Nomex is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.
SACD is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Edited and digitally produced by the Harman Consumer Marketing & Design Center.
Harman Consumer Group, Inc.
Northridge, CA 91329 USA
www.jbl.com
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