XTI 80 - Pregnant JBL - Free user manual and instructions

Brand	JBL
Model	XTI 80
Product Type	Passive bookshelf speaker
Design	2-way (typical)
Connectivity	Double binding posts with removable bridges for bi-wiring
Wiring Options	Bi-wiring or bi-amping possible after removing bridges
Grille	Removable, post fixation, minimal acoustic interference
Spikes	Supplied, adjustable for mechanical decoupling
Positioning	Equilateral triangle with listening position; at least 75 cm from rear wall and 75 cm to 1 m from side walls
Break-in	8 to 12 hours of operation to reach maximum efficiency
Phase	Importance of polarity; both speakers must be in phase for good stereo imaging and proper bass
Polarity Test	Reverse the connections of both speakers if necessary: the correct orientation is the one giving the best audio result
Maintenance	Dust with a soft, dry cloth; stubborn stains with non-ammonia glass cleaner applied to the cloth; no solvents or abrasives
Grille Maintenance	Gentle brushing or vacuuming
Safety	Never connect two amplifiers to the same speaker without removing the bridges; do not insert a fuse between amplifier and speaker
Repairability	No maintenance necessary; if problem, check wiring; for major damage, contact a professional
Included Accessories	Wiring bridges, spikes
Power	Passive, requires external amplifier
General Information	Speakers designed to last; keep packaging for transport or maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions - XTI 80 JBL

How to connect JBL XTI 80 speakers to the amplifier?

Make sure the amplifier is turned off. Strip 8 to 10 mm of insulation from the cable ends. Connect the cables to the terminals respecting polarity: red terminal (+) and black terminal (-). Use cables with a minimum cross-section of 1mm² for distances less than 5 meters, and larger cross-section for longer distances. Then test the phase by listening to a stereo source: both speakers must be in phase for good sound imaging.

What is bi-wiring and how to do it on the XTI 80?

Bi-wiring consists of connecting the amplifier to the speaker using two separate cables for the bass and midrange/treble sections. On the XTI 80, remove the bridging bars between the terminals. Use two cables: one for the bass terminals and one for the midrange/treble. This reduces interference and improves clarity. Caution: never connect two amplifiers without first removing the bridges.

What amplifier power is recommended for JBL XTI 80?

Recommended power ratings are indicative. The continuous power handling is tested over 8 hours with broadband noise. Peak power can reach about 4 times continuous power. The best amplifier is one that allows you to reach the desired volume without distortion. Do not insert a fuse between amplifier and speaker as it degrades the sound.

How to install the spikes supplied with the speakers?

The decoupling spikes screw into the threads at the four corners of the base. Adjust each spike to be firmly in contact with the floor, then tighten the lock nuts. This ensures better mechanical coupling with the floor and stabilizes the speaker.

How to clean JBL XTI 80 speakers?

Dust occasionally with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn stains, use a non-ammonia glass cleaner: spray it on the cloth first, then wipe gently. Never use solvents or abrasives. The grille can be cleaned with gentle brushing or vacuuming.

How to remove the grille of XTI 80 speakers?

The grille is held by posts at the four corners. Grasp it by two corners and pull gently towards you. To reattach, align the posts with their sockets and press gently. Removing the grille improves treble response and stereo imaging.

What to do if a speaker is not working correctly?

First check all wiring. If the problem is one-sided, swap the connections between the two speakers. If the problem follows the speaker, it is defective; otherwise, the issue is with the amplifier or wiring. Do not return the product without prior authorization from JBL.

How to check speaker phase?

The XTI 80 speakers are designed so that the driver moves forward when a positive signal is applied to the red terminal. To check phase, listen to a stereo source: if the stereo image is blurred or bass is weak, reverse the connections on one speaker. The correct orientation is the one giving the best result. If you reverse, do it on both speakers to remain in phase.

Can I use two amplifiers with one XTI 80 speaker?

Yes, it is possible by removing the bridging bars (bi-amping). However, never connect two amplifiers without removing the bridges, otherwise you risk seriously damaging the speaker and voiding the warranty. Each amplifier powers one filter section (bass and midrange/treble).

What is the break-in period for XTI 80 speakers?

New speakers require a break-in period of 8 to 12 hours of operation to reach maximum efficiency. The duration depends on the type of music and listening volume.

USER MANUAL XTI 80 JBL

JBL craftsmen have been involved in the art of sound for more than two generations – signal and source, wood and fabric, transducers and acoustics – all of it.

JBL loudspeakers are carefully engineered instruments, painstakingly crafted and assembled to watchmaker standards. JBL transducers and electronics offer what has been characterized by devoted music listeners as "the incomparable JBL sound".

By following the few simple suggestions contained in this booklet, you can look forward to superb high fidelity reproduction that will retain its clarity and realism year after year.

We strongly suggest that you keep the packing material for future purposes, in case you are moving or your loud-speakers should require service.

PLACEMENT

Your JBL XTi-Series speakers offer satisfying sound in a great variety of listening rooms when set up in an equilateral triangle with respect to the listener. However, careful setup will always be rewarded, and for best results we recommend placement well away from the boundaries of the room with preferably minimum 0.75 m (30 in) distance to the wall behind the speakers, and 0.75-1.0 m (30-40 in) distance to the side walls.

Your authorized JBL dealer will be happy to help you obtain the best possible performance from your JBL speakers.

NOTE: New loudspeakers require a certain amount of "exercise" before they perform their best. A steady level of performance is achieved after 8-12 hours of operation, depending on the nature of the music and the level.

CONNECTIONS

IMPORTANT: When connecting or disconnecting loudspeakers from an amplifier, the amplifier must be turned off. Making connections while the amplifier is operating could seriously damage the loudspeaker system and void the warranty. The amplifier must also be turned off before connecting or disconnecting cables, at the amplifier or pre-amplifier inputs.

1mm^2 (18 AWG) insulated wire is the minimum size recommended for loudspeaker connection up to 5 meters (16 ft). Beyond this distance, heavier gauge wire is recommended.

Speaker wire and interconnect cables are important components in an audio system. With all other factors at an appropriate level of quality the speaker cable and the interconnect cable can make significant contributions to the perceived sound quality. Careful selection of cable and interconnect can add or subtract marked shadings in the tonal character. Likewise, different cables can have quite a dramatic impact on the dynamic contrasts experienced by listeners.

Your JBL dealer has the experience and knowledge to recommend suitable interconnects and speaker wire to best complement your system.

Connections to the loudspeaker system are made at the terminals located on the back of the enclosure. These terminals permit a variety of connection methods.

The most straightforward connection is made by directly connecting clean bare wire. This connection is made by stripping 8 - 10mm of insulation off the loudspeaker wire and passing the bare wire through the hole in the binding post. The knob can now be tightened securely, and any excess wire that is not in contact with the binding post surfaces should be trimmed to avoid short circuits.

A very convenient way of connection is the use of 4 mm banana connectors, which are then, in turn, connected to the binding posts. Bear in mind, however, that the number of contact points should be kept to a minimum, and at the same time each contact should be as tight as possible.

For the same reason, we recommend the use of the highest quality spade connectors, expertly connected to the selected cables. Spade lugs will make the best possible connection between the speaker wire and the loudspeaker system, minimizing any contact resistance that might degrade the sound ever so slightly.

It is essential that both loudspeakers in a stereo system have the same polarity with respect to the input signal (are in "phase"). JBL XTi-Series are designed to produce a positive pulse when a positive signal is applied to the red input terminal.

If the driver cones of the two loudspeakers do not move in the same direction for a given voltage at the input terminals, there will be a lack of stereo definition and a loss of deep bass.

We recommend experimenting with the polarity of the speakers, since recordings, program sources or power amplifiers can invert the polarity of the signal. The "correct" connection is the one that yields the best audible results. Be sure to reverse both left and right connections to keep the systems in polarity.

BIWIRING

JBL XTI-Series loudspeakers may be connected to the amplifier using two lengths of wire for each speaker. The "biwire" connection method offers several options and advantages.

The system's internal dividing networks are electrically separated at the low frequency to midrange/tweeter transition. External strapping bars connect the two parts of the network when a single wire connection is used. The system is shipped from the factory with the strapping bars in place. By removing the bars, connections may be made to the individual network sections using two wires (four conductors) as shown in Figure 1. The wires used may be of the same type for both low frequency and high frequency sections. The advantages are that wire effect (resistance, inductance, etc.) are reduced and intermodulation of low and high frequencies in the cable are avoided.

CAUTION: Never connect two amplifiers to the same loudspeaker without first removing the strapping bars. Operating two amplifier channels with the bars in place may seriously damage the amplifiers and void the warranty.

Fig. 1: XTi input

AMPLIFIER POWER

RECOMMENDATIONS

The JBL XTi-Series speakers are capable of handling peak power far exceeding the continuous rating specified for the individual speakers.

The continuous ratings are based on an eight hour test using broadband noise shaped to simulate the power distribution of music. The peak rating of approximately 4 times the continuous rating indicates the system's ability to handle transient peaks well above the average power levels.

Amplifier power ratings are an INDICATION of how loud the system will play without distortion. Amplifier power is generally measured with steady state test signals and perhaps, in addition, dynamic measurements into resistive loads. Unfortunately none of these are firm indications of how loud the system will sound in a given listening room.

For these reasons, an amplifier should only be chosen after careful listening. If it is possible to achieve the desired volume level without distortion, then the amplifier has sufficient power regardless of the rating.

Fuses or circuit breakers of any kind should not be used between the amplifier and loudspeakers. All such devices will seriously degrade the sound quality and do not ensure protection from loudspeaker damage. The key to safe operation is adequate amplifier power to avoid distortion at the highest sound levels required.

SPIKES

The JBL XTi-speaker can be fitted with "spikes" for the best possible mechanical contact to the floor. In each corner of the bottom of the speaker is a threaded insert that allows insertion of the spikes supplied with each speaker. When mounting the spikes please make sure that each spike has good contact to the floor beneath the speaker before tightening the nuts on each spike.

GENERAL CARE

JBL XTi-Series loudspeaker systems are finished in materials that will retain its finish for many years to come. Occasional cleaning with a clean, soft cloth will maintain the original beauty of the finish. Only lint-free cotton cloths should be used for dusting. To remove fingerprints and smudges, an ammonia-free window cleaner may be used. Apply a small amount to a lint-free cotton cloth and gently clean the surface. Never use any abrasive cleaners or strong chemical to clean the enclosure. In case of deep

scratches or damage, please consult a qualified furniture repair shop.

GRILLE

The grille is held in place by a pin located at each corner. To remove the grille, grasp two corners and gently pull the grille away from the enclosure. To replace the grille, position the mounting pins on the cups and gently press until the grille meets the enclosure. Although the grille has been engineered to minimize acoustical interference, high frequency response and stereo imaging will be improved by removing the grille.

Any dust on the grille should be removed using a cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner.

SERVICE

JBL loudspeakers are designed to give years of trouble-free service. No periodic maintenance is required. If a problem is suspected, first make sure all connections are properly made. If a problem exists in one loudspeaker, reverse the speaker wires to the left and right system. If the problem remains in the same system, then the fault is in the loudspeaker. If the problem appears in the opposite system, the cause is in another component or cable.

Do not return products to the JBL factory without prior authorization.

Address correspondence to:

JBL Customer Service, 2, route du Tours,

72500 Château-du-Loir, France

or your local JBL dealer

JBL Customer Service,

2, route du Tours,

72500 Château-du-Loir, France

JBL Customer Service,

2, route de Tours,

72500 Château-du-Loir (Francia),

Harman Consumer Belgium

Bosdellestraat 120

1933 Sterrebeek

INTRODUKTION

JBL Customer Service

2 Route du Tours

72500 Château-du-Loir, France

JBL Consumer Products

250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY

A Harman International Company

Design: Rasmussen, G

Photography: Graae & Bangsbo Fotografi

Printed in Denmark by From & Co.

JBL constantly strives to improve our products. New materials,

production methods and design refinements are introduced into existing models without notice as a routine expression of our design philosophy. For this reason, the XTI Series loudspeakers

may differ in some respects from the published specifications and descriptions, but will always equal or exceed the original specifications unless otherwise stated.