CS396 - Car hands-free kit JBL - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	6" x 9" Three-Way Speaker
Brand	JBL
Model	CS396
Impedance	4 ohms
Peak Power Handling	210W
RMS Power Handling	70W
Sensitivity	91dB (2.38V, 1m)
Frequency Response	50Hz - 20kHz
Mounting Depth	3" (77mm)
Cut-Out Dimensions	8-13/16" x 6" (224mm x 153mm)
Woofer Size	6" x 9"
Speaker Configuration	Three-Way (woofer, tweeter, super tweeter)
Grille Included	Yes
Installation Difficulty	Moderate; professional recommended
Care Instructions	Clean grilles with damp cloth; no solvents
Safety Warnings	Hearing damage risk; rear deck fuel tank clearance
Compliance	CE, EN 50081-1, EN 50082-1
Warranty	Valid serial number required
Country of Design	USA

Frequently Asked Questions - CS396 JBL

How do I install the JBL CS396 speakers?

First, disconnect the negative battery terminal. Check clearance on both sides of the mounting surface. Use the supplied grilles unless your vehicle has factory grilles (like for CS264). For detailed steps, refer to the installation diagrams in the manual. Professional installation is recommended if you lack experience.

What is the power handling of the CS396?

The CS396 handles 210W peak and 70W RMS. Ensure your amplifier or head unit does not exceed these limits to avoid damage.

What are the cutout dimensions required?

The required cutout is 8-13/16 inches by 6 inches (224mm x 153mm). Verify the depth clearance: mounting depth is 3 inches (77mm).

Can I install the CS396 in car doors?

Yes, but you must check window clearance throughout the window's travel. Ensure the speaker does not interfere with the window crank or power mechanism. Also verify that the speaker does not get wet.

Are grilles included with the CS396?

Yes, the CS396 comes with supplied grilles for mounting. However, if your vehicle has factory grilles (like for CS264), you may choose not to use them.

What is the impedance of the CS396?

The speaker impedance is 4 ohms. This is standard for most car audio systems, ensuring compatibility with typical head units and amplifiers.

How do I clean the CS396 speakers?

Use a damp cloth to clean the grilles. Do not use any cleaners or solvents on the grilles or the speaker cones, as they may damage the material.

Is professional installation necessary?

While not strictly necessary, JBL recommends professional installation if you lack mechanical and electrical experience. Improper installation can lead to damage or safety hazards.

What tools are needed for installation?

Common tools include a utility knife for cutting fabric/vinyl, drill, screwdriver, and protective eyewear. Always disconnect the battery before starting.

Will the CS396 work with my factory radio?

Yes, the CS396 is compatible with most factory radios due to its 4-ohm impedance. However, to achieve full power handling, an external amplifier is recommended.

USER MANUAL CS396 JBL

multielements owner's manual

THANK YOU

for purchasing JBL CS Series

automotive speakers. We've organized

this manual to make your installation

as simple and trouble-free as possible.

Please read it thoroughly before proceeding.

Remember to keep your sales receipt and this manual

in a safe place so both are available for future reference.

JBL

Designed and Engineered in the USA

INSTALLATION WARNINGS AND TIPS

ABOUT THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Installation of automotive stereo components can require extensive experience with a variety of mechanical and electrical procedures. Although these instructions explain how to install CS Series multielement speakers in a general sense, they do not show the exact installation methods for your particular vehicle. If you do not feel you have the experience, do not attempt the installation yourself, but instead ask your authorized JBL car audio dealer about professional installation options.

LOUD MUSIC AND HEARING

Playing loud music in an automobile can hinder your ability to hear traffic as well as permanently damage your hearing. The maximum volume levels achievable with JBL speakers, combined with high power amplification, may exceed safe levels for extended listening. We recommend using low volume levels when driving. JBL accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury, or property damage as a result of use or misuse of this product.

REAR DECK PRECAUTION

In some cars, fuel tanks may be located directly beneath the rear deck. Before installation, make sure there is adequate speaker basket clearance before considering this location!

INSTALLATION TIPS

• A lways wear protective eyewear when using any tools.
• T urn off all audio components and other electrical devices before you start. Disconnect the (−) negative lead from your vehicle's battery.
• Keep speakers in their package until final installation. When moving a speaker, always rest it with the cone or dome facing up. Never use force to install any speaker.
• Check clearances on both sides of a planned mounting surface before drilling any holes or installing any screws. Remember that the screws can extend behind the surface.
• A t the installation sites, locate and make a note of all fuel lines, hydraulic brake lines, vacuum lines and electrical wiring. Use extreme caution when cutting or drilling in and around these areas.
• B efore drilling or cutting holes, use a utility knife to remove unwanted fabric or vinyl, to keep material from snagging in a drill bit or saw.
• For door installations, check the clearance with the windows throughout the range of the window's travel, and verify that a mounted speaker will not interfere with the window crank or power window mechanism.
• If mounting speakers elsewhere, check for clearance around rear deck torsion bars, glove box or other structural elements.
• Do not mount speakers where they will get wet.

INSTALLATION

Figure 1. Mounting the speaker (except CS264) using the supplied grilles.

Figure 2. Mounting the CS264.
NOTE: The CS264 is designed to be installed under a factory grille. Consequently, no grilles are packaged with this model.

Figure 3. Mounting the CS206 using the supplied grille.

Figure 4. Mounting the CS206 in a 165mm speaker location.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with no visible text or symbols

Figure 5. Mounting the CS206 in a standard speaker location.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with no visible text or symbols

NOTE: The CS206 uses an adapter to fit a variety of different 6" openings. Select an appropriate adapter ring and secure it to the vehicle using the sheet-metal screws provided, then attach the speaker to the ring with the machine screws.

JBL

SPECIFICATIONS

	CS205	CS206	CS264	CS265	CS308		CS310	CS396	CS496
Type:	5-1/4" two-way	6-1/2" two-way	4" x 6" two-way	165mm two-way	8" three-way	10" three-way	6" x 9" three-way	6" x 9" four-way
Speaker Impedance:	4 ohms	4 ohms	4 ohms	4 ohms	4 ohms	4 ohms	4 ohms	4 ohms
Power Handling	90W Peak, 30W RMS	120W Peak, 40W RMS	90W Peak, 30W RMS	120W Peak, 40W RMS	210W Peak, 70W RMS	270W Peak, 90W RMS	210W Peak, 70W RMS	210W Peak, 70W RMS
Sensitivity (2.83V, 1m):	91dB	91dB	90dB	91dB	91dB	92dB	91dB	91dB
Frequency Response:	70Hz – 20kHz	55Hz – 20kHz	75Hz – 20kHz	55Hz – 20kHz	50Hz – 20kHz	45Hz – 20kHz	50Hz – 20kHz	50Hz – 21kHz
Mounting Depth:	2-1/4" (58mm)	2" (51mm)	1-11/16" (43mm)	2-3/8" (61mm)	3" (77mm)	4-3/16" (107mm)	3" (77mm)	3" (77mm)
Cut-Out Diameter:	4-11/16" (120mm)	5-1/8" (131mm)	5-3/4" x 3-5/16" (147mm x 85mm)	5-11/16" (145mm)	7-3/16" (183mm)	9-3/16" (234mm)	8-13/16" x 6" (224mm x 153mm)	8-13/16" x 6" (224mm x 153mm)

GENERAL CARE

The loudspeaker grilles may be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not use any cleaners or solvents on the grilles or the speaker cones.

A valid serial number is required for warranty coverage.

Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

Declaration of Conformity

CE

We, H arman Consumer International

2, route de Tours

72500 Chateau-du-Loir

France

declare in own responsibility that the products

described in this owner's manual are in compliance

with technical standards:

EN 50081-1:1992

EN 50082-1:1997

Emmanuel Millot

Harman Consumer International

Chateau-du-Loir, France. 2/03

JBL Consumer Products

250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 USA

1.800.336.4JBL (4525) • FAX [phone] • www.jbl.com

© 2003 Harman International Industries, Incorporated

JBL is a registered trademark of

Harman International Industries, Incorporated.

Part No. CSMEOM2/03

H A Harman International Company

JBL