JBL Speaker System Century Gold User Manual

C e n t u r y G o l d  
L I M I T E D E D I T I O N  
L O U D S P E A K E R S Y S T E M  
A NEW STANDARD FOR A NEW CENTURY  
 
JBL is part of the Harman International family of audio companies, a group  
with a common purpose: combining technology with a love of music to  
manufacture audio products that provide new levels of satisfaction, perfor-  
mance and value.  
To promote diversity and creativity, JBL operates independently in research  
and development. When it comes to translating the results of these efforts  
into actual consumer and professional products, JBL draws on the full  
combined strength of the Harman companies, including one of the world’s  
most advanced manufacturing facilities. The result of this teamwork is that  
JBL’s renowned excellence 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 and Harman International guarantees that consumer and professional  
audio users everywhere will be able to enjoy their full benefits.  
JBL continually engages 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.  
 
JBL wishes to thank you for selecting the Century Gold loudspeaker  
system. While the Century Gold loudspeakers are a new development,  
the ideas behind them go back to the earliest days of JBL. This system is a  
definitive expression of JBL’s quality and craftsmanship. We have spared no  
effort, overlooked no performance factor necessary to produce the most  
accurate loudspeaker possible.  
The attention to detail extends to the enclosure. The woodworking com-  
plements the engineering. Carefully crafted in hardwood veneers, each  
enclosure is finished by hand.  
The Limited Edition Century Gold loudspeaker system will provide  
many years of superb listening pleasure. Please take a moment to read this  
owner’s manual completely before you begin. It is solely in the interest of  
ensuring a perfect listening experience that we ask you to follow the setup  
and hookup procedures outlined in this manual.  
No.  
2
 
The Limited Edition Century Gold Bookshelf Loudspeakers set a new  
standard for a new century. JBL combines the most advanced technology  
with a classic JBL design. These speakers continue the longstanding  
tradition of precise studio monitor sound for which JBL is famous. You  
will enjoy the benefits of pure titanium dome high-frequency transducers,  
cast-frame low-frequency transducers with vented pole pieces, and JBL’s  
proprietary Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG) magnet design, as well as  
high-definition dividing networks incorporating the highest quality  
electronic components available.  
Low-Frequency Transducer  
The Century Gold features an all-new 12" (300mm) low-frequency  
transducer developed specifically for the Century Gold (Figure 1).  
Derived from JBL’s legacy of highly powerful yet efficient bass drivers, this  
woofer delivers full low-frequency performance with clarity and speed  
unprecedented among 12" drivers. The voice coil is 3" (76mm) in diameter  
and wound on edge from flat copper ribbon wire to a depth of 0.8" (20mm)  
on a thermoset compositeform.  
No.  
3
Figure 1 Century 1200  
The cone is a rigid paper/fiberglass composite, treated with Aquaplasfor  
strength, speed, and damping. JBL’s Symmetrical Field Geometry is  
employed in the form of an aluminum sleeve around the pole piece. This  
sleeve reduces second-order distortion through induced flux control. Its  
aluminum composition is also a more efficient conductor of heat, so it  
assists in dissipating heat away from the voice coil to extend the power  
capacity. Cooling of the voice coil is further enhanced by the use of a vented  
pole piece. The rigid frame is cast from aluminum alloy, an excellent  
thermal conductor, which further acts to efficiently draw heat away from  
the voice coil and magnet assembly. This combination of advanced design  
technology results in a bass driver that is remarkably free from dynamic  
restriction due to heat buildup.  
Low-Frequency Transducer  
Matched spider  
(to motor for high linearity)  
Heavy aluminum sleeve for  
reducing second-order  
harmonic distortion due to  
flux modulation distortion  
Diecast aluminum  
frame for high strength  
Extended pole  
for symmetrical  
flux field  
Foam  
air filter  
0.8" (20mm)  
long, 3" (76mm)  
diameter edgewound  
copper voice coil  
for high linearity and  
power handling  
Aquaplas-  
treated  
composite cone  
Thick .28" (7mm)  
top plate for good  
heat sinking,  
Thick magnet for high excursion  
capability and high flux density  
low magnetic leakage  
 
Figure 2 Century 500  
Mid-Frequency Transducer  
Mid-Frequency Transducer  
0.4" (11mm) long,  
2" (50mm)  
The Century Gold also features an all-new 5" (127mm) mid-frequency  
transducer developed specifically for the Century Gold (Figure 2). The  
voice coil is 2" (50mm) in diameter and wound on edge from flat aluminum  
ribbon wire to a depth of precisely .4" (11mm) on a thermoset composite™  
form. The cone is made of Kevlar® with a composite rubber/vinyl surround.  
Kevlar was chosen for the cone material because it is extremely strong and  
rigid while relatively low in mass. This allows the driver to move fast  
enough to reproduce the dynamics of the critical midrange frequencies while  
retaining the low distortion characteristics necessary for accurate musical  
reproduction. Its very high power capability and freedom from breakup  
make it an ideal midrange in a system that is designed to play at high levels  
with absolutely no signs of distress. It makes the transition from the woofer  
at 600Hz, providing good dispersion throughout the important vocal range.  
Rubber/vinyl  
surround  
diameter edgewound  
aluminum voice coil for  
high linearity and  
power handling  
Kevlar  
cone  
Vented pole piece allows  
driver to run cooler  
Neodymium magnet provides  
high flux density with low mass  
Diecast aluminum frame  
for high strength  
High-Frequency Transducer  
No.  
Throughout the history of high-frequency transducer design, the goal of  
extended frequency response has been at odds with the need for high  
power handling. JBL has long chosen titanium as the material for its  
highest quality high-frequency transducers and the Century Gold is  
no exception (Figure 3). Titanium possesses the essential requirements for  
a high-frequency transducer. First, titanium is extremely light yet rigid.  
The goal is to maintain a piston-like action as high in frequency as possible.  
If the material flexes easily, the diaphragm will break up into random  
vibrations. Second, titanium is virtually free from fatigue. The material  
is virtually immune from the cumulative effects of millions of flexures  
over long operating periods. These factors, coupled with the higher power  
handling that titanium affords, allow us to produce an extremely smooth  
high-frequency transducer with extended frequency response that can handle  
all the demands of today’s digital programs.  
4
Figure 3 050 Gold  
High-Frequency Transducer  
Titanium dome  
1
copper  
"
Cast zinc faceplate  
for less resonance  
voice coil  
provides  
smooth  
performance  
and high  
power  
handling  
 
Dividing Networks  
The job of the dividing network is to distribute the various frequencies to  
their respective transducers. The network is also designed to complement  
component location on the baffle. Slopes are chosen to match the exact  
response of each driver in its respective frequency range, as well as to  
ensure that the high-frequency transducers are adequately protected from  
dangerous low-frequency components.  
For the Century Gold system, we chose our Charge-Coupled Linear  
DefinitionDividing Network. The inductors are all designed for high-  
current, low-distortion operation. All capacitors in the network are  
series/parallel connected and operated with D.C. bias. This effectively  
enables the capacitors to operate in “Class A” mode, which substantially  
increases sonic detail, resolution, and dynamics. The low-frequency section  
of the dividing network is mounted on a dedicated circuit board that  
separates both electrical and magnetic properties from that of the  
midrange and tweeter sections.  
No.  
5
Additionally, the Century Gold’s dividing network allows for passive,  
bi-wire, passive bi-amp, and full active bi-amp operation. For the full active  
bi-amp mode we recommend the use of a high-quality electronic crossover.  
 
Figure 4 Battery Installation  
Battery Replacement  
The battery should be replaced approximately every 2 years. This is  
accomplished as follows:  
BI-AMP  
BATTERY  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
Unscrew the two screws that hold the battery access cover in place. It  
is located on the upper portion of the dividing network, on the rear of  
the speaker enclosure (Figure 4).  
JBL INCORPORATED  
8500 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA USA  
High Frequency  
Low Frequency  
Write today’s date, including the year, in this manual.  
Install the battery by aligning the battery terminals with the mating  
terminals in the network housing. Align male to female, female to  
male terminals, then snap the connectors together, assuring a tight  
connection.  
Replace the battery access cover and install screws.  
Battery Replacement Record  
Date Installed:  
No.  
6
 
Figure 5 Placement  
Position Top View  
Placement  
Ideally the systems should be placed at least three feet from any walls. The  
height, at the top of the midrange, should be at ear level. The two speakers  
should be equidistant from your primary listening position; the distance  
should be determined by the distance between the speakers. We recommend  
that the angle between the speakers, at the listening position, be between  
45° to 60°. For example, if the speakers are 8' apart, your listening position  
should be 8'–12' from each speaker. To widen the area in which the best  
stereo image will be perceived, turn the speaker to face the primary  
listening position (Figure 5).  
3'  
3'  
10 – 15  
10 – 15  
Position Front View  
3'  
3'  
Ear level when  
seated in listening  
position  
It is normally recommended that the Century Gold loudspeakers be  
positioned so that the high-frequency transducers are towards the inside.  
In some listening environments, however, the imaging characteristics may  
be improved by positioning the high-frequency transducers towards the  
outside. We suggest you experiment with the positioning of your loud-  
speakers to determine the ideal placement in your listening room.  
No.  
7
 
Figure 6 Connections  
Speaker Connections  
Bare Wire  
Connecting Method  
The Century Gold loudspeakers can be connected by one of several  
methods. The binding posts on the rear panel of the Century Gold  
will accept most types of audio cable and connectors, including banana  
plugs and bare wire (Figure 6). Follow the hookup method that best  
describes your system.  
ATED  
BLVD. NOR  
JBL INCORPOR  
A
C
USA  
THRIDGE,  
A
8500 BALBO  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
Standard Connections (Figure 7)  
Banana/Spade  
Connecting Method  
1. For each channel, connect the red (+) terminal on the  
Century Gold to the red (+) terminal on your amplifier.  
ATED  
BLVD. NOR  
JBL INCORPOR  
A
C
USA  
THRIDGE,  
A
8500 BALBO  
2. For each channel, connect the black (-) terminal on the  
Century Gold to the black (-) terminal on the amplifier.  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
Connecting the systems in this manner ensures that they will operate in  
phase; that is, they will work together rather than in opposition.  
Connecting the speaker system out of phase will not cause damage but  
will adversely affect the speaker’s sound.  
No.  
8
Figure 7 Standard  
Connecting Method  
ATED  
BLVD. NOR  
JBL INCORPOR  
A
C
USA  
THRIDGE,  
A
8500 BALBO  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
 
Bi-Wiring  
The Century Gold’s 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 can  
provide several sonic advantages and considerably more flexibility in  
power amplifier selection. The advantages of bi-wiring are as follows:  
Reduction of Intermodulation  
The majority of current flowing between an amplifier and speaker is devoted  
to bass reproduction. In fact, 60% or more of an amplifier’s output is des-  
tined for the woofers. When current flows through a wire, it produces an  
electro-magnetic field (EMF) that expands and collapses at a rate equal to  
that of the music’s complex frequency components. If a single speaker  
wire must conduct the full musical frequency, the preponderance of low-  
frequency information can interact with or modulate high frequencies.  
The resulting intermodulation can create audible changes to the high  
frequencies even before they reach the loudspeakers.  
No.  
9
By using separate cables for high and low frequencies, unwanted high-  
frequency modulation is avoided. Low-frequency information flows  
through one cable while high frequencies flow through another.  
Frequency-optimized Cables  
Having the opportunity to use separate low- and high-frequency cables  
allows you to use cables best suited to each frequency range. Optimally,  
you should use high-quality, audiophile-grade speaker cables for both low-  
and high-frequency conductors. However, let your ears guide you to the  
cables that best match the Century Gold loudspeakers to your amplifier.  
Amplifier Flexibility  
Bi-wiring also allows you the option of using separate stereo power  
amplifiers for left and right speakers, or even four mono amplifiers.  
Whether you use two or four amplifiers, it is important to use the same  
brand and model to power like connections on the Century Gold.  
 
Figure 8 Bi-Wire Connecting Method  
Bi-Wiring Connections  
Figures 8 through 10 show two bi-wiring options, single stereo amplifier  
and dual stereo amplifier modes. For passive and bi-wire connections, set  
the switch to the Normal/Bi-Wire position (Figure 8a).  
AMP  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
ATED  
BLVD. NOR  
JBL INCORPOR  
A
C
USA  
THRIDGE,  
A
8500 BALBO  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
Important  
1. The external “strapping bars” that normally connect the Century  
Gold’s low-frequency and high-frequency terminals must be removed before  
bi-wiring. To remove the shorting straps, simply loosen and slide the bars  
off to the side (Figure 11).  
Figure 8a Normal/Bi-Wire Position  
Bi-AMP  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
Figure 9 One-Amp Bi-Wire  
2. Never connect two amplifiers to the same loudspeaker without first removing the  
strapping bars. Operating two amplifier channels without removing the  
strapping bars can seriously damage your amplifiers!  
Preamp  
HF  
LF  
HF  
LF  
Stereo amp  
3. If you have hooked up your Century Gold loudspeakers in any of  
the bi-wire configurations indicated, it is not advisable to use additional  
speakers separately or simultaneously.  
No.  
10  
Figure 10 Two-Amp Bi-Wire  
4. As with conventional one-amplifier connections, make sure that all  
speaker cables are the same length.  
Preamp w/Y-corded output  
HF  
LF  
HF  
LF  
Stereo amps  
Figure 11 Removal of Shorting Straps  
AMP  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
ATED  
BLVD. NOR  
JBL INCORPOR  
A
C
USA  
THRIDGE,  
A
8500 BALBO  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
 
Figure 12 Bi-Amp Connecting Method  
Bi-Amping Connections  
AMP  
The optimal method of powering the Century Gold system is with  
two amplifiers, one for low frequencies and one for the mid/high frequencies.  
It is necessary to use a high-quality active crossover module. Since each  
amplifier only drives a limited frequency range, this method allows the  
user to select amplifiers with the desired sonic character for low and  
high frequencies.  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
ATED  
BLVD. NOR  
JBL INCORPOR  
A
C
USA  
THRIDGE,  
A
8500 BALBO  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
Make sure that the input sensitivity of each of the amplifiers is the same,  
or that input level controls are provided to maintain the proper low-to-  
mid/high balance. If two identical stereo amplifiers are used, one may be  
located near each loudspeaker to drive low and mid/high frequency  
sections through short wire runs.  
Figure 12a Bi-Amp Switch Setting  
BI-AMP  
BATTERY  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
The external “strapping bars” that normally connect the Century  
Gold’s low-frequency and high-frequency terminals must be removed  
before bi-amping.  
No.  
11  
To remove the shorting straps, simply loosen and slide the bars off to the  
side (Figure 11).  
If the system is wired in the bi-amp method, set the Bi-Amp/Normal  
switch to the Bi-Amp position (Figure 12 and Figure 12a).  
 
Maintenance and Service  
The Century Gold loudspeaker systems have an oiled finish. Cleaning  
should be done with an untreated dust cloth. Do not use conventional  
furniture waxes and polishes, which are not designed for oiled finishes. If  
touch-up is necessary or the finish appears to be drying out, the surface  
may be re-oiled with a commercially available oil-finishing preparation.  
Do not use any solvents on the finish.  
The grille may be gently vacuumed. Stains may be removed with an aerosol  
cleaner, following its instructions. Do not use any solvents on the grille.  
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, but once per  
year is the minimum. The battery should be replaced approximately every  
three years. Consult your JBL dealer for specific recommendations.  
No.  
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 system. If the problem remains in the same speaker, then  
the fault is with the loudspeaker. If the problem appears in the opposite  
speaker, the cause is in another component or cable. In the event that your  
Century Gold loudspeaker system ever needs service, contact your  
local JBL dealer.  
12  
 
System Specifications  
Frequency Response:  
50Hz – 20kHz ±1.5dB  
38Hz – 22kHz – 6dB  
Sensitivity:  
90dB for 2.83V @ 1 meter  
Recommended Maximum  
Power Handling:  
200 watts continuous  
800 watts peak  
Nominal Impedance:  
6 ohms  
Crossover Frequencies:  
Low-Frequency Transducer:  
Mid-Frequency Transducer:  
High-Frequency Transducer:  
Internal Volume:  
600Hz, 2800Hz  
Century 1200  
Century 500  
050 Gold  
No.  
13  
1.8 cubic feet  
32Hz  
Tuning Frequency:  
Dimensions (HxWxD):  
26-1/2 x 15 x 11-7/8"  
673 x 381 x 302 mm  
Weight:  
60 lbs  
27.22 kg  
 
Table of Contents  
Introduction  
2
3
Low-Frequency Transducer  
Mid-Frequency Transducer  
High-Frequency Transducer  
Dividing Networks  
Battery Replacement  
Placement  
4
4
5
6
7
Speaker Connections  
Maintenance and Service  
System Specifications  
8
12  
13  
Declaration of Conformity  
We, JBL Europe A/S  
Kongevejen 194B  
DK-3460 Birkerød  
DENMARK  
declare in own responsibility, that the loudspeakers  
described in this owner’s manual are in compliance with  
technical standards:  
JBL Consumer Products  
80 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797  
8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329  
1-800-336-4JBL (4525) (USA only)  
EN 50 081-1/1992  
EN 50 082-1/3.1995  
©1996 JBL, Incorporated. JBL is a registered  
trademark of JBL, Incorporated.  
Steen Michaelsen  
JBL Europe A/S  
Birkerød. DENMARK. 5/96  
Printed in USA 5/96  
A Harman International Company  
Part No. CGOM96  
 

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