Balboa 10, 30, Center OM

12/29/04

3:08 PM

Page 3

SPEAKER PLACEMENT

Proper placement of the speakers is an important step in obtaining the most realistic soundstage possible. These recommendations are for the optimal placement of the loudspeakers. Use these placement recommendations as a guide. Slight variations will not diminish your listening pleasure. All of the Balboa Series loudMODEL: BALBOA 10
speakers referred to in this guide are video-shielded

MODEL: BALBOA 30

and can safely be placed near a television.

As front speakers

As surround speakers
Placement for surround back speakers in 6.1/7.1 systems, or alternate placement for side surround speakers in 5.1 systems.

MODEL: BALBOA CENTER

The Balboa Center loudspeaker is designed to complement all of the Balboa Series loudspeakers. It is the ideal way to re-create the cinematic experience in your home.
BALBOA SERIES BALBOA 10, BALBOA 30 AND BALBOA CENTER

OWNERS GUIDE

Page 4
MODELS: BALBOA 10 AND BALBOA CENTER
(CONTINUED) CAUTION: Floorstanding (tower) loudspeakers have a high center of gravity and may become unstable and tip over during earthquakes, or if rocked, tipped or improperly positioned. If this is a concern, these speakers should be anchored to the wall behind them, using the same procedures and hardware customary for anchoring bookcases and wall units. The customer is responsible for proper installation and proper selection of hardware.
The supplied self-adhesive rubber feet may be attached to the bottom corners of your speakers to protect your furniture.

Place pads here

This model is shipped with four self-adhesive nonskid pads that are to be used when the loudspeaker is intended to be placed on a smoothsurfaced floor, such as tile or hardwood. Gently lay the speaker on its side (not its front or back) on a soft, nonabrasive surface. Attach each pad to the bottom of its foot in the widest portion of the recessed area. DO NOT attach the pads if the speaker will be placed on carpeting. NEVER drag the speaker to move it, as this will damage the pads, the feet and/or the wood cabinet itself. Always lift the speaker and carry it to its new location.

Without pad

With pad

SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

Speakers and electronics terminals have corresponding (+) and () terminals. It is important to connect both speakers identically: (+) on the speaker to (+) on the amplifier and () on the speaker to () on the amplifier. Wiring out of phase results in thin sound, weak bass and poor imaging. With the advent of multichannel surround sound systems, connecting all of the speakers in your system with the correct polarity remains equally important in order to preserve the proper ambience and directionality of the program material. To use the binding-post speaker terminals, unscrew the colored collar until the pass-through hole in the center post is visible. Insert the bare end of the wire through this hole; then screw the collar down until the connection is tight. The hole in the center of each collar is intended for use with banana-type connectors. To comply with European CE certification, these holes are blocked with plastic inserts at the point of manufacture. Use of bananatype connectors requires the removal of the inserts. Do not remove these inserts if you are using the product in an area covered by the European CE certification.

MODELS: BALBOA 10 AND BALBOA 30

RIGHT LEFT

Receivers Speaker Outputs

CENTER

CENTER Receiver Speaker Outputs

Page 5

TROUBLESHOOTING
If there is no sound from any of the speakers: If the system plays at low volumes but shuts off as volume is increased: If there is no sound from the surround speakers:
Check that receiver/amplifier is on and that a source is playing. Review proper operation of your receiver/amplifier.
If there is no sound coming from one speaker:
Check all wires and connections between receiver/ amplifier and speakers. Make sure all wires are connected. Make sure none of the speaker wires are frayed, cut or punctured. If more than one pair of main speakers is being used, check the minimum impedance requirements of your receiver/amplifier.
If there is no (or low) bass output:
Check all wires and connections between receiver/ amplifier and speakers. Make sure all wires are connected. Make sure none of the speaker wires are frayed, cut or punctured. Review proper operation of your receiver/amplifier and its surround sound features. Make sure the movie or TV show you are watching is recorded in a surround sound mode. If it is not, check to see whether your receiver/ amplifier has other surround modes you may use. In Dolby Digital or DTS modes, make sure your receiver/processor is configured so that the surround speakers are enabled. If you are using both side surround and back surround speakers, make sure that your receiver/processor is configured for 6.1/7.1 operation. Review the operation of your DVD player and the jacket of your DVD to make sure that the DVD features the desired Dolby Digital or DTS mode, and that you have properly selected that mode using both the DVD players menu and the DVD discs menu.
Check the Balance control on your receiver/ amplifier. Check all wires and connections between receiver/ amplifier and speakers. Make sure no wires are touching other wires or terminals and creating a short circuit. Make sure all wires are connected. Make sure none of the speaker wires are frayed, cut or punctured. In Dolby* Digital or DTS modes, make sure that the receiver/processor is configured so that the speaker in question is enabled. Turn off all electronics and switch the speaker in question with one of the other speakers that is working correctly. Turn everything back on, and determine whether the problem has followed the speaker, or has remained in the same channel. If the problem is in the same channel, the source of the problem is most likely with your receiver or amplifier, and you should consult the owners manual for that product for further information. If the problem has followed the speaker, consult your dealer for further assistance or, if that is not possible, visit www.jbl.com for further information.

Make sure the polarities (+ and ) of the left and right Speaker Inputs are connected properly. If your system includes a powered subwoofer, make sure it is connected correctly, plugged into an active AC outlet and turned on. See the owner's guide for your subwoofer for more information. If your system does not include a powered subwoofer, consider adding one for use with digital.1 surround formats.
Declaration of Conformity
We, Harman Consumer Group International 2, route de Tours 72500 Chateau-du-Loir France declare in own responsibility that the products described in this owners manual are in compliance with technical standards: EN 61000-6-3:2001 EN 61000-6-1:2001 Gary Mardell Harman Consumer Group International Chateau-du-Loir, France 1/05

Page 2

SPECIFICATIONS
BALBOA 10 Description 2-Way 130mm (5") bookshelf Maximum Recommended Amplifier Power** 125W Power Handling (Continuous/Peak) 60W/240W Nominal Impedance 8 Ohms Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 86dB Frequency Response (3dB) 68Hz 20kHz Crossover Frequency 3000Hz High-Frequency Transducer 19mm (3/4") Titanium-laminate dome Low-Frequency Transducer 130mm (5") Pure-cellulose fiber cone, shielded Baffle Low diffraction, IsoPower Port FreeFlow flared Network Straight-Line Signal Path (SSP) Terminal 5-Way binding posts Dimensions (H x W x D) (With grille) 259mm x 165mm x 210mm 10-13/16" x 6-1/2" x 8-1/4" Weight per Speaker 3.9kg/8.5 lb BALBOA 30 Description 3-Way 170mm (6") floorstanding Maximum Recommended Amplifier Power** 150W Power Handling (Continuous/Peak) 80W/320W Nominal Impedance 8 Ohms Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 90dB Frequency Response (3dB) 47Hz 20kHz Crossover Frequencies 600Hz, 3500Hz High-Frequency Transducer 19mm (3/4") Titanium-laminate dome Midrange Transducer 100mm (4") Pure-cellulose-fiber cone, shielded Low-Frequency Transducer 170mm (6") Pure-cellulose-fiber cone, shielded Baffle Low diffraction, IsoPower Port FreeFlow flared Network Straight-Line Signal Path (SSP) Terminals 5-Way binding posts Dimensions (H x W x D) (With grille and feet) 889mm x 229mm x 321mm 35" x 9" x 12-5/8" Weight per Speaker 14.5kg/32 lb BALBOA CENTER Description 2-Way dual 130mm (5") center Maximum Recommended Amplifier Power** 150W Power Handling (Continuous/Peak) 75W/300W Nominal Impedance 8 Ohms Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 90dB Frequency Response (3dB) 80Hz 20kHz Crossover Frequency 3500Hz High-Frequency Transducer 19mm (3/4") Titanium-laminate dome, shielded Low-Frequency Transducer Dual 130mm (5") pure-cellulose fiber cone, shielded Baffle Low diffraction, IsoPower Port FreeFlow flared Network Straight-Line Signal Path (SSP) Terminals 5-Way binding posts Dimensions (H x W x D) (With grille) 170mm x 479mm x 260mm 6-11/16" x 18-7/8" x 10-1/4" Weight per Speaker 6.9kg/15.2 lb

PRO SOUND COMES HOME

JBL Consumer Products, 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329 2, route de Tours, 72500 Chateau-du-Loir, France 516.255.4JBL (4525) www.jbl.com 2005 Harman International Industries, Incorporated JBL is a registered trademark, and IsoPower, FreeFlow and Straight-Line Signal Path are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Part No. 406-000-05179
* Trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. DTS is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. ** The maximum recommended amplifier power rating will ensure proper system headroom to allow for occasional peaks. We do not recommend sustained operation at these maximum power levels. All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. All dimensions include grilles and feet, but not spikes.

BALBOA Sub10.OM.qxd

8/2/06

3:22 PM

Page 2

JBL BALBOA

BALBOA SUB10 (120V)

OWNERS GUIDE

Page 3
READ FIRST! Important Safety Precautions!
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 15. Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer, as they may cause hazards. 16. This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from battery power or other sources, refer to the operating instructions. 17. If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/ NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See Figure A. 18. An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be fatal. 19. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. 20. Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts, which could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product. 21. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. 22. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 23. When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or that have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards. 24. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition. 25. The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with a dry cloth. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Figure A. Example of Antenna Grounding as per National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70

Page 4

INTRODUCTION
JBL Balboa SUB10 Powered Subwoofer For more than 60 years, JBL has been providing audio equipment to concert halls, recording studios and movie theaters around the world, and has become the hands-down choice of leading recording artists and sound engineers. With the JBL Balboa Series, innovative technologies such as titanium-laminate-dome tweeters, EOS waveguides and highperformance transducers are available to you. Enjoy! Unpacking the Subwoofer If you suspect damage from transit, report it immediately to your dealer. Keep the shipping carton and packing materials for future use. with its satellite speakers. Setting the volume of the subwoofer in relation to the left and right speakers is also of critical importance because it is essential that the subwoofer integrate smoothly with the entire system. Setting the subwoofers volume level too high will result in an overpowering, boomy bass. Settingthe volume level too low will negate the benefits of the subwoofer. Here are several additional facts on installation that may prove useful. It is generally believed by most audio authorities that low frequencies (below 125Hz) are nondirectional and, therefore, placement of a subwoofer within any listening room is not critical. While in theory it is true that the larger wavelengths of extremely low frequencies are basically nondirectional, the fact is that, when installing a subwoofer within the limited confines of a room, reflections, standing waves and absorptions generated within the room will strongly influence the performance of any subwoofer system. As a result, specific location of the subwoofer becomes important, and we strongly recommend that you experiment with placement before choosing a final location. Placement will depend upon your room and the amount and quality of bass required (for example, whether or not your room permits placement of the subwoofer near either satellite). Be sure to leave a minimum of six inches between the wall and the port on the subwoofer.

PLACEMENT

Since the installation of a subwoofer can be somewhat more complicated than installing full-range speakers, it is essential that you read this section very carefully prior to connecting the subwoofer to your system. Should you have questions relating to your installation, it is advisable to contact either your dealer or distributor, or visit www.jbl.com, for advice. The performance of the subwoofer is directly related to its placement in the listening room and how you align the subwoofer

SUB RIGHTCHANNEL SPEAKER

PRIMARY LISTENING AREA
Figure 1. This example shows the subwoofer positioned in the corner to maximize bass output.

Page 5

CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS

Rear Panel

A Harman International Company
0 Subwoofer-Level Control 1 Crossover Adjustment 2 Phase Switch 3 LFE Input 4 Line-Level Inputs 5 Power Indicator LED 6 Power Switch

FUSE T 2.5A L 250V TYPE

AC~ 120V 60HZ 200 Watts

Page 6

SUBWOOFER CONNECTIONS
Choose the Subwoofer Connection That Is Most Suitable for Your Receiver/Processor If you have a Dolby Digital or DTS receiver/processor with a low-frequency-effects (LFE) or subwoofer output: If your receiver/processor does not contain a Dolby Digital or DTS processor but has a subwoofer output:

SUBWOOFER OR LFE OUTPUT

NOTE: Some receivers have one subwoofer output. In that case, it is recommended that you use a Y connector (not included) to maximize performance.

Page 7

OPERATION
Power On Plug your subwoofers AC cord into a wall outlet. Do not use the outlets on the back of the receiver. Initially set the Subwoofer-Level Control to the min position. Turn on your sub by pressing the Power Switch on the rear panel. Turn on your entire audio system and start a CD or movie soundtrack at a moderate level. Auto On/Standby With the Power Switch in the ON position, the LED on the rear panel will remain lit in red or green to indicate the On/Standby mode of the subwoofer. RED = STANDBY (no signal detected, amp off) GREEN = ON (signal detected, amp on) The subwoofer will automatically enter the Standby mode after approximately 10 minutes when no signal is detected from your system. The subwoofer will then power ON instantly when a signal is detected. During periods of normal use, the Power Switch can be left on. You may turn off the Power Switch for extended periods of nonoperation, e.g., when you are away on vacation. Adjust Level Turn your Subwoofer-Level Control up to the 5 position (halfway). If no sound emanates from the subwoofer, check the AC-line cord and input cables. Are the connectors on the cables making proper contact? Is the AC plug connected to a live receptacle? Has the Power Switch been pressed to the On position? Once you have confirmed that the subwoofer is active, proceed by playing a CD, record or cassette. Use a selection that has ample bass information. Set the overall volume control of the preamplifier or stereo to a comfortable level. Adjust the Subwoofer-Level Control until you obtain a pleasing blend of bass. Bass response should not overpower the room but rather be adjusted so there is a harmonious blend across the entire musical range. Many users have a tendency to set the subwoofer volume too loud, adhering to the belief that a subwoofer is there to produce lots of bass. This is not entirely true. A subwoofer is there to enhance bass, extending the response of the entire system so the bass can be felt as well as heard. However, overall balance must be maintained or the music will not sound natural. An experienced listener will set the volume of the subwoofer so its impact on bass response is always there but never obtrusive. Phase Control The Phase Switch determines whether the subwoofer speakers piston-like action moves in and out with the main speakers (0), or opposite the main speakers (180). Proper phase adjustment depends on several variables such as room size, subwoofer placement and listener position. Adjust the phase switch to maximize bass output at the listening position. Crossover Adjustments The Crossover Adjustment Control determines the highest frequency at which the subwoofer reproduces sounds. If your main speakers can comfortably reproduce some low-frequency sounds, set this control to a lower frequency setting, between 50Hz and 100Hz. This will concentrate the subwoofers efforts on the ultradeep bass sounds required by todays films and music. If you are using smaller bookshelf speakers that do not extend to the lower bass frequencies, set the Crossover Adjustment Control to a higher setting, between 120Hz and 150Hz. NOTE: This control will have no effect if the LFE Input is used. If you have a Dolby Digital or DTS processor/receiver, the Low-Pass Frequency is set by the processor/receiver. Consult your owners manual to learn how to view or change this setting.

Page 8

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
The enclosure may be cleaned using a soft cloth to remove fingerprints or to wipe off dust. 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. If a problem occurs, make sure that all connections are properly made and clean. If a problem exists in one loudspeaker, reverse the connection wires to the left and right system. If the problem remains in the same speaker, then the fault is with the loud-speaker. If the problem appears in the opposite speaker, the cause is in another component or cable. In the event that your subwoofer ever needs service, contact your local JBL dealer or distributor or www.jbl.com for a service center near you.

Page 1

SPECIFICATIONS
Balboa SUB10 Frequency Response: Amplifier Output: (20Hz 150Hz, with no more than 0.1% THD) Peak Dynamic Power*: Crossover Frequency: Driver: Dimensions (H x W x D): Weight: 30Hz 150Hz (6dB) 100 watts RMS
225 watts 50Hz 150Hz, 24dB/octave, continuously variable 10" (250mm) 20-1/4" x 14-1/16" x 15-13/16" (514mm x 357mm x 402mm) 35 lb (16kg)
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. All dimensions include grilles and feet. JBL and Harman International are registered trademarks, and Balboa Series and Pro Sound Comes Home are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc. * The Peak Dynamic Power is measured by recording the highest center-to-peak voltage measured across the output of a resistive load equal to minimum impedance of the transducer, using a 50Hz sine wave burst, 3 cycles on, 17 cycles off.

PRO SOUND COMES HOME

Harman Consumer Group, Inc., 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 USA 8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329 USA 2, route de Tours, 72500 Chteau du Loir, France www.jbl.com 516.255.4JBL (4525) (USA only) 2006 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Part No. 406-000-05480-E