JBL Consumer Products, SIS Products Group, 8500 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA 91329 Part No. SYNFULL-LINE Printed in USA on recycled paper 9/04 Designed, edited and digitally produced by Harman Consumer Group Marketing & Design Center, Woodbury, NY.
THE ONE THING THE WORLDS PREMIER MOVIE THEATERS AND CONCERT HALLS HAVE OVER SYNTHESIS ? MORE SEATS. JBL Synthesis home theater and
music systems are designed and custom-installed to duplicate the electrifying performance characteristics of acclaimed venues like the Samuel Goldwyn Theater and the Sydney Opera House, but on a somewhat more intimate scale. Industrialgrade technologies, materials and engineering, from the most applauded professional brand, deliver systems of uncompromised power and authority for the homes of purists and enthusiasts, as well as film and music professionals, everywhere. As Synthesis owners and audio reviewers alike will tell you, more impressive and realistic residential sound systems cant be found anywhere, at any price.
Table of Contents: Inside the Synthesis Sound 04. Electronics Technologies 10. Processors, Equalizers, Amplifiers 12. Loudspeaker Technologies 18. Professional Heritage 20. Synthesis Systems 23. Electronics and Loudspeaker Specifications 48. A Brief History of JBL 54

WELCOME HOME

SOPHISTICATED

SYNTHESIS

ELECTRONICS
PRECISELY MATCH THE PROGRAM MATERIAL TO THE LISTENING SPACE. Synthesis electronic components employ the most advanced signal processors, equalizers and amplifiers to create the most realistic listening experience possible in rooms of any size. Intelligent THX -certified surround sound processors automatically configure themselves to optimize the impact of any CD, DVD or satellite signal. JBLs patented Logic 7
matrixing system uses proprietary digital algorithms to improve the accuracy and timing of the signals arriving at center channel and surround sound speakers, creating a larger, more nearly perfect 360-degree soundscape. SDEC digital equalization, tuned on site by an audio expert, precisely calibrates your systems frequency response for the acoustical realities of your listening area. And high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifiers ensure faithful reproduction of both explosive special effects and ethereal musical interludes.

WELCOME INSIDE

HOW SWEET IT IS. Logic 7 processing dramatically improves the balance and timing of loudspeaker signals to deliver the largest sweet spot of any home theater system.
AND, HOW SMOOTH. SDEC digital equalization, professionally tuned to the needs of your space, reduces unwanted room resonances to deliver far smoother frequency response.
Calibrated Room Response Noncalibrated Room Response
Logic 7s far larger sweet spot.
Small sweet spot without Logic 7.
Smooth response with SDEC digital equalization.
Uneven frequency response caused by room resonances.
MORE REALISTIC SOUND FROM ANY SOURCE: LOGIC 7 PROCESSING.
IN ADDITION TO THE LATEST INDUSTRY-STANDARD sound processing technologies, including Dolby Digital, DTS-ES and THX Surround EX all Synthesis systems include JBLs patented Logic 7 processing, which , offers two principal benefits. First, Logic 7 is capable of producing discrete 7.1- or 5.1-channel sound fields from the thousands of two-channel sources still in widespread use today, making them sound truer to life. Second, Logic 7 produces a larger, more precise 360-degree soundscape from multichannel sources, greatly increasing a listening rooms sweet spot. With both Cinema and Music modes, Logic 7 processing assures you of the fullest, most realistic sound possible, regardless of source.

PERFORMANCE FINE-TUNED TO YOUR SPACE: SDEC DIGITAL EQUALIZATION.
EVERY ROOM HAS DIFFERENT ACOUSTICS. And every room creates resonances that degrade frequency response. Synthesis systems use precise, distortion-free SDEC digital equalization to counteract unwanted resonances and improve system performance. Professionally calibrated by a JBL-certified technician at the time of installation, SDEC actually customizes your system to your room, for far smoother, more lifelike reproduction of any program material.
COMMANDING: HIGH-CURRENT CAPABILITY.
MANY OF TODAYS MOST POPULAR FILMS rely on hyperrealistic, multilayered soundtracks often spiked with unexpected bursts of over-the-top sound for much of their emotional energy. Reproducing the full experience at home places enormous demands on system electronics. JBL Synthesis systems are powerful, of course, but theyre also products of an overall design philosophy that emphasizes power handling. Called High-Current Capability, it means that everything from the design of the transformers to the size of the capacitors is engineered for muscle, even during program peaks at high listening levels. So go ahead, turn up the volume. Synthesis is built to handle it and is eager to do so.
CONSUMMATE: ULTRAWIDE BANDWIDTH.
THE HUMAN EAR IS CAPABLE of hearing sound in the range of 20Hz to 20kHz. But, of course, real-world sounds come in all frequencies, and reproducing them realistically requires systems with a far wider bandwidth. JBL Synthesis features amplifiers that operate in the ultrawide range of 10Hz to 100kHz. Bringing a new level of accuracy to both the lowest lows and the highest highs at any listening level Synthesis ensures that every nuance of the recorded sound reaches your ears.
S U R R O U N D P R O C E S S I N G, S Y S T E M C O N T R O L AND AMPLIFICATION

SURROUND PROCESSING

AND SYSTEM CONTROL.
SDP-40, POWER AND CAPABILITY, DEFINED. Designed for the largest Synthesis theater installations as well as multiroom applications, the SDP-40 digital surround processor/system controller offers eight analog audio inputs, six digital audio inputs and one 5.1-channel analog input, eight S-video, five composite and four component video inputs with 12 balanced and 12 unbalanced audio outputs, in addition to Zone 2 and Record Audio capabilities. Theres also an RS-232 port for connection to control systems, as well as future upgrades. SDP-5, POWERFUL, FLEXIBLE, EXPANDABLE. The SDP-5 digital surround processor/system controller offers eight analog audio inputs, four coaxial and four optical digital audio inputs, five S-video, five composite and three component video inputs with eight unbalanced audio outputs, plus both analog and digital Zone 2 outputs, for uncompromised performance in any Synthesis movie or music system. As on the SDP-40, the RS-232 port facilitates future upgrades.

JBL technicians use computerbased analysis instruments to fine-tune your system performance.

DIGITAL EQUALIZERS.

SDEC-2500A, OPTIMIZED SYSTEM PERFORMANCE. Offering 7-channel output and 83-band parametric EQ, the SDEC-2500A digital equalizer custom-fits the cinema and music output of your Synthesis system to the acoustic needs of your listening space. SDEC-1000A, CUSTOMIZING THE SYNTHESIS ONE SOUND. With fourth-order electronic crossover networks for use with the bi-amplified loudspeakers in Synthesis One systems, the SDEC-1000A digital equalizer offers 92-band parametric EQ across 10 channels of output with music/cinema mode switching.
Synthesis components have received the highest THX certification.

POWER AMPLIFIERS.

S800, STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. Used in arrays of as many as 10 (capable of flooding rooms as large as 75,000 cubic feet with thundering sound) the 1 x 800-watt (mono bridged)/2 x 200-watt (stereo) S800 power amplifier is the highest current ultrawide-bandwidth workhorse of the Synthesis Series. S5160, 5TH TO NTH POWER. Let us do the math for you. Two 5 x 160-watt (at 8 ohms) S5160 power amplifiers plus two 2 x 200-watt (at 8 ohms) S800 power amplifiers equals the breathtaking power of Synthesis One, designed for listening spaces of up to 27,000 cubic feet. S7150, THE SEVEN-CHANNEL SOLUTION. Delivering 7 x 160 watts of power, the S7150 power amplifier reproduces the full 360-degree imaging critical to enjoying the full impact of todays thrilling 7.1-channel THX Surround EX, Dolby Digital and DTS-ES soundtracks.
Note: All JBL Synthesis amplifiers are designed with forced-air cooling to allow them to be stacked in standard 19" racks.

LOUDSPEAKER

TECHNOLOGY
Massive 18" subwoofer guarantees soundtracks will come alive with movie theater-like impact.
Our pure-titanium tweeters produce a spacious, dramatic concert-like sound.
JBLs horn-loaded compression drivers.
State-of-the-art crossover technology.
INNOVATIVE SYNTHESIS LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS take control of your emotions and never let go. For nearly 60 years, JBL has been the leading manufacturer of professional loudspeakers for recording artists and touring musicians. And JBL collaborated closely with Lucasfilm Ltd. in developing the underlying technologies of THX, which set a new standard of realism in movie sound. JBL Synthesis loudspeaker systems represent, well, a synthesis of everything weve learned over the years about the precise reproduction of recorded sound. With horn-loaded compression drivers (an essential of cinema sound rarely heard in consumer systems), wide-dispersion titanium tweeters and high-definition crossover networks, Synthesis loudspeakers are among the most powerful and capable instruments ever to be used in home entertainment applications. COMPRESSION DRIVERS. The Concorde may be retired, but supersonic performance lives on. Synthesis uses advanced beryllium compression drivers capable of reproducing frequencies above 50kHz, delivering supersonic nuances that have gone unheard until now. HORNS. In Hollywood, everyone hopes to direct someday. Synthesis Bi-Radial horns (a patented JBL exclusive) achieve constant directivity, smoothly delivering midrange and high frequencies over a wider listening area, for an astonishingly clear, uncolored sound.

TWEETERS. Perfect (and perfectly legal) highs. Reproducing high frequencies accurately at high listening levels requires extremely light, extremely fast and extremely rigid transducer domes. Synthesis uses pure-titanium-dome tweeters for pure, distortion-free treble. MAGNETS. Rare earth and other uncommon magnets. Synthesis loudspeakers employ highly efficient magnetic circuits, built around neodymium and alnico magnets, to generate a high level of constant magnetic-flux density across the voice-coil gap of the transducers. (Subtitle: Synthesis drivers are quick enough to accurately reproduce any movie soundtrack or musical source in exquisite detail.) CROSSOVER NETWORKS. High-definition sound. Synthesis loudspeakers use JBLs unique low-distortion Charge-Coupled Linear Definition crossover networks to distribute specific frequencies to each driver, minimizing phase shifts for optimal system performance and imaging, and eliminating crossover distortion.

THE SYSTEMS

SK2-1000

K2 S9800

S1S -EX

SDP-40

SDEC-2500A

JBL SYNTHESIS HERCULES:

THE NAME IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.
AT THE CENTER, THE WHOLLY EXTRAORDINARY SK2-1000 four-way speaker system with dual 10-inch woofers, featuring beryllium midrange and ultrahigh-frequency compression drivers and a specially designed Bi-Radial combination horn. To the left and right, flagship K2 S9800 three-way loudspeakers, incorporating JBLs most advanced professional technologies. All around you, six S1A dipole ambient surround speakers, each with dual 2-inch high-frequency and dual 8-inch mid-bass drivers. And from everywhere and nowhere, gloriously rich, clean bass from four S1S-EX 18-inch, 800-watt subwoofers. In all, 13 exceptionally refined loudspeaker systems, driven by the SDP-40 processor/controller, an SDEC-2500A digital equalizer and no fewer than 10 S800 amplifiers. A no-expense-spared entertainment system for listening rooms of up to 75,000 cubic feet, Hercules delivers up to 8,000 watts of power and achieves sound-pressure levels as high as 105dBA without distortion, making it by far the highest power, highest performance, highest quality system ever developed for residential use. JBL SYNTHESIS HERCULES
8000 WATTS 94dB CINEMA HIGH FREQUENCY 94dB MUSIC HIGH FREQUENCY 97dB LOW FREQUENCY

75,000

cubic feet

2, 120

cubic meters

JBL SYNTHESIS ATLAS:

POWERFUL AUDIO IN A SUBTLE PACKAGE.
THE FRONT SOUNDSTAGE INCLUDES three SK2-1000 four-way speaker systems with dual 10-inch woofers, featuring beryllium midrange and ultrahigh-frequency compression drivers in a specially designed Bi-Radial combination horn, incorporating JBLs most advanced professional technologies. Enveloping the listener, and invisible to the naked eye, six S4A multipole in-wall ambient surround speakers, each with three 1" titanium high-frequency tweeters, two 4" mid-bass drivers and one 8" dual-coil woofer. Powerful, rich bass emanates from four S1S-EX 18" 800-watt subwoofers. The electronics package includes the SDP-40 processor/controller, SDEC-2500A digital equalizer, two S7150 (7 x 160-watt) and four S800 (1 x 800) power amplifiers. Designed for listening rooms of up to 45,000 cubic feet. JBL SYNTHESIS ATLAS

5440 WATTS 94dB CINEMA HIGH FREQUENCY 94dB MUSIC HIGH FREQUENCY 97dB LOW FREQUENCY

45,000

1,270 cubic meters

S1S-EX

SDEC-1000A

SYNTHESIS ONE:

OVER-THE-TOP PERFORMANCE.
BRINGING RAREFIED POWER AND UNEQUALED REALISM to listening areas of up to 27,000 cubic feet and surpassing the highest expectations of the worlds most demanding listeners the Synthesis One system pairs two mirror-image left and right S1M music and cinema loudspeakers with a vertical S1C-S center channel speaker, four S1A dipole ambient surrounds and two S1S-EX 18-inch, 800-watt subwoofers. With an electronics package that includes the SDP-40 processor/ controller, SDEC-1000A digital equalizer, two S5160 5-channel amplifiers and two S800 2-channel amplifiers, Synthesis One sets new standards of technological innovation and manufacturing quality, and delivers an unequaled listening experience.

SYNTHESIS ONE

3200 WATTS 91dB CINEMA HIGH FREQUENCY 95dB MUSIC HIGH FREQUENCY 97dB LOW FREQUENCY

27,000

760 cubic meters

SYNTHESIS TWO:

POWER BY THE CUBIC FOOT.
IN SYNTHESIS TWO SYSTEMS, THE MAIN LEFT AND RIGHT S2ML AND S2MR loudspeakers feature dual 6-inch mid-bass drivers and deliver high frequencies with either a 2-inch compression driver/Bi-Radial horn (cinema mode) or a 1-inch titanium-dome tweeter and 4-inch midrange driver (music mode). The S2C center channel speaker duplicates the cinema-mode driver array of the main speakers. Four S4A in-wall multipole ambient surround speakers, two S2S 15-inch 250-watt powered subwoofers and electronics that include an SDP-5 processor/controller, SDEC-2500A digital equalizer, S7150 7-channel amplifier and S800 2-channel amplifier round out the Synthesis Two system. It delivers all the realism of todays most sophisticated digital sources. And its all the sonic muscle 14,000-ft.3 rooms can handle.

SYNTHESIS TWO

1520 WATTS 91dB CINEMA HIGH FREQUENCY 92dB MUSIC HIGH FREQUENCY 94dB LOW FREQUENCY

14,000

400 cubic meters

S3M, S3SL

SYNTHESIS THREE:
SYNTHESIS CAN BE VERY FLEXIBLE.
SYNTHESIS THREE IS DESIGNED to give your architect or designer maximum leeway in creating your ideal listening space. The all-important center channel speaker, for example, is available in designs optimized for either vertical (S3VC) or horizontal (S3HC) installation. The main left and right S3M cinema and music speakers may be cabinet/custom-mounted, or configured as freestanding floor units atop left- and right-firing subwoofers (S3SL and S3SR). Four S4A in-wall multipole ambient surround speakers and electronics that include the SDP-5 processor/controller, SDEC-2500A digital equalizer, S7150 7-channel amplifier and S800 2-channel amplifier complete a package that will fill rooms of up to 5,500 cubic feet with edge-of-your-seat home entertainment.

SYNTHESIS HT

3120 WATTS 88dB HIGH FREQUENCY 91dB LOW FREQUENCY

80 cubic meters

LSR6325P

LSR6312PS

LSR6328P

SYNTHESIS LSR:

THE WORLDS MOST ADVANCED MONITOR COMES HOME.
SYNTHESIS LSR PUTS JBLS MOST POPULAR AND TECHNICALLY advanced line of professional monitors to work in the service of exceptional home entertainment. Three bi-amplified LSR6328P speakers, two LSR25P satellites and two 12-inch, 250-watt LSR6312PS powered subwoofers all system engineered to work together seamlessly deliver optimal performance in rooms of up to 6,000 cubic feet. Powered by an SDP-40 processor/controller, Synthesis LSR will surpass the expectations of even the most experienced studio professionals.

SYNTHESIS LSR

SELF-POWERED 96dB CINEMA HIGH FREQUENCY 96dB MUSIC HIGH FREQUENCY 96dB LOW FREQUENCY

170 cubic meters

1400 Array

880 Center Array

1500 Array

SYNTHESIS ARRAY:

A SECRET OF PROFESSIONAL SOUND, EXPOSED.
EXPOSED VERTICAL CONSTANT-DIRECTIVITY HORNS, for improved sonic accuracy at high listening levels, have long been a staple of JBL installations in concert venues around the world. The Synthesis Array system brings the concept home for the first time, with spectacular results. Two three-way floorstanding 1400 Array loudspeakers flank a three-way 880 Array center channel speaker and are supported by two 15-inch, 1,000-watt 1500 Array powered subwoofers and four S4A in-wall multipole surround speakers. Electronics include the SDP-5 processor/controller, SDEC-2500A digital equalizer and S7150 7-channel amplifier. Synthesis Array brings true concert-quality performance to rooms of up to 16,000 cubic feet.

SYNTHESIS ARRAY

3120 WATTS 90dB SYSTEM SENSITIVITY

16,000

450 cubic meters
SYNTHESIS ELECTRONICS PACKAGE 1:
THE ULTIMATE ELECTRONICS PACKAGE.
BUILT AROUND THE UPGRADEABLE SDP-40 processor/controller, which accommodates up to eight analog and/or 12 digital devices and offers Zone 2 and Record Audio capabilities, the Synthesis Electronics Package 1 includes the SDEC-2500A digital equalizer, 7 x 160-watt S7150 amplifier and 2 x 200-watt S800 amplifier. Together, theyre capable of powering todays largest and most advanced movie and music systems.

SYNTHESIS ELECTRONICS 1

1520 WATTS SDP-40 SDEC-2500A S800 S7150

PACKAGE one

SYNTHESIS ELECTRONICS PACKAGE 2:
SYNTHESIS ELECTRONICS, TO GO.
INDIVIDUALLY, THEYRE AMONG THE MOST SOPHISTICATED electronics products available. The flexible, expandable SDP-5 processor/controller. The essential SDEC-2500A digital equalizer. The S7150 7-channel cinema amplifier. The S800 2-channel music amplifier. As a group in the Synthesis Electronics Package 2, theyre the basis for complete systems that are unequaled in quality and performance.

SYNTHESIS ELECTRONICS 2

1520 WATTS SDP-5 SDEC-2500A S800 S7150

PACKAGE two

SPECIFICATIONS.

DESCRIPTION

S1M Main Left and Right Cinema/ Music Loudspeakers Cinema: 80Hz17kHz Music: 80Hz22kHz Cinema: HF (1) 2" compression driver/Bi-Radial horn; LF (2) 8" mid-bass drivers Music: HF (1) 1" titaniumdome tweeter; MF (2) 5" midrange drivers; LF (2) 8" mid-bass drivers Cinema: HF 200W/LF 200W Music: HF 200W/LF 200W Cinema: HF 91dB, LF 95dB Music: HF 91dB, LF 95dB Cinema: HF 4 ohms, LF 8 ohms Music: HF 6 ohms, LF 8 ohms 27" x 21" x 9" 686mm x 533mm x 299mm 74 lb/33.6kg
S1C-S Vertical Center Channel Loudspeaker 80Hz17kHz
S1A Dipole Ambient Surround Speaker 80Hz17kHz

S1S-EX Subwoofer

S2ML & S2MR Main Left and Right Cinema/ Music Loudspeakers Cinema: 80Hz17kHz Music: 80Hz22kHz Cinema: HF (1) 2" compression driver/Bi-Radial horn; LF (2) 6" mid-bass drivers Music: HF (1) 1" titaniumdome tweeter; MF (1) 1" midrange driver; LF (2) 6" mid-bass drivers Cinema: 150 watts Music: 150 watts Cinema: 91dB Music: 92dB 8 ohms
S2C Direct-Radiating Side Surround Speakers 80Hz17kHz
S2A Dipole Ambient Surround Speaker

S2S Subwoofer

S3M Main Left and Right Cinema/ Music Loudspeakers
S3VC/S3HC Vertical/Horizontal Center Channel Loudspeaker
S3SL and S3SR Left and Right Subwoofers
FREQUENCY RESPONSE SPEAKER CONFIGURATION

20Hz200Hz

S4A 2-Way/3-Way 8" Multipurpose Configurable-Array Flush-Mount Surround Loudspeaker Dipole, Bipole and Direct-Radiating Modes 80Hz20kHz
HF (1) 2" compression driver/Bi-Radial horn LF (2) 8" mid-bass drivers
HF (2) 2" compression driver/Bi-Radial horn LF (2) 8" mid-bass drivers
LF (1) 18" shielded transducer
HF (1) 2" compression driver with Bi-Radial horn LF (2) 6" mid-bass cone drivers

100Hz18kHz

35Hz80Hz
Cinema: 70Hz18kHz Music: 70Hz24kHz Cinema: HF (1) 1" compression driver; LF (2) 6" shielded mid-bass drivers Music: HF (1) 1" shielded titanium tweeter; LF (1) 6" shielded mid-bass drivers

70Hz18kHz

32Hz1kHz
HF (2) 1" compression driver/Bi-Radial horn MF (2) 5" full-range drivers
LF (1) 15" shielded subwoofer
HF (1) 1" shielded compression driver LF (2) 6" shielded mid-bass drivers
LF (1) 12" shielded subwoofer
POWER HANDLING SENSITIVITY 1W @ 1m NOMINAL IMPEDANCE DIMENSIONS HxWxD WEIGHT
HF 200 watts LF 200 watts HF 91dB LF 95dB HF 4 ohms LF 8 ohms 27" x 14" x 9" 686mm x 356mm x 229mm 50 lb/22.7kg

200 watts

800 watts

150 watts

Triple 1" pure-titanium domes with rubber surrounds, shielded, with EOS waveguide; Dual 4" neodymium full-range with rubber surrounds and cast-aluminum baskets; 8" Dual-voice-coil, inverteddome with rubber surround and cast basket 200 watts

4 ohms

8 ohms

250 watts

Cinema: 150 watts Music: 100 watts 87dB
24-5/8" x 13-5/8" x 11-1/4" 626mm x 345mm x 286mm 70 lb/31.8kg
34-1/2" x 21" x 22" 876mm x 533mm x 559mm 129 lb/58.6kg
26" x 17-1/2" x 9-3/4" 660mm x 444mm x 248mm 67 lb/30.5kg
3-1/2" x 15" x 10-3/4" 597mm x 381mm x 274mm 60 lb/27.3kg

6 ohms

16" x 11-9/16" x 6-9/16" 406mm x 294mm x 166mm 28 lb/12.7kg
27-1/2" x 21" x 15-13/16" 699mm x 533mm x 401mm 110 lb/50kg
13-13/16" x 10-13/16" x 12-5/8" 808mm x 259mm x 321mm 41 lb/18.6kg
27-3/8" x 10-3/16" x 12-5/8" 695mm x 259mm x 321mm 28 lb/12.7kg
19-3/8" x 20-5/16" x 22-1/4" 492mm x 516mm x 565mm 56 lb/25.5kg
23-7/8" x 14" x 3-3/4" 606mm x 356mm x 95mm 23 lb/10.45kg
S4HC 3-Way Dual 6-1/2" Horizontal Flush-Mount Speaker 65Hz20kHz
S4VC 3-Way 8" Vertical Flush-Mount Speaker 65Hz20kHz
HT4H Horizontal L, C, R Speaker 55Hz20kHz (6dB)
HT4V THX Vertical L, C, R Speaker 42Hz20kHz (6dB)
HTPS-400 12" 1kW THX Powered Subwoofer 25Hz250Hz (+ 3dB) LF (1) 12" Aluminum cone with rubber surrounds, video-shielded
PC600 3-Way Center Speaker
PT800 3-Way, On-Wall, Corner-Mount or Stand-Mount Satellite Speaker (PCM800 kit sold separately) 80Hz22kHz
PS1400 14" 400W Powered Subwoofer
SK2-1000 3-Way, Dual 10" Hercules Center Speaker
K2 S9800 3-Way, 15" Floorstanding Speaker
LSR6325P 2-Way, 5-1/4" 150W Compact , Bi-Amplified Monitor
LSR6312SP 12" 250W Powered Subwoofer
80Hz22kHz FREQUENCY RESPONSE 28Hz130Hz 60Hz50kHz (6dB) 45Hz50kHz (6dB) 70Hz20kHz (+1, 2dB) 28Hz80Hz (6dB)
1" Pure-titanium dome with rubber surround, shielded, with EOSTM waveguide; 4" Titanium inverted dome with rubber surround and cast-aluminum basket, shielded; 6-1/2" Titanium-alloy inverted dome with rubber surround and cast basket, shielded 250 watts

1" Pure-titanium dome with rubber surround, shielded, with EOSTM waveguide; 4" Titanium inverted dome with rubber surround and cast-aluminum basket, shielded; 8" Titanium-alloy inverted dome with rubber surround and cast basket, shielded 250 watts
5-1/4" Low-frequency driver; 1" Titanium-dome high-frequency driver with Bi-Radial horn
1" Pure-titanium dome with rubber surround, shielded, with EOSTM waveguide; 4" Titanium inverted dome with rubber surround and castaluminum basket, shielded; Dual 6" titanium-alloy inverted domes with rubber surrounds and cast-aluminum baskets, shielded

SPEAKER CONFIGURATION

1" Pure-titanium dome with rubber surround, shielded, with EOSTM waveguide; 4" Titanium inverted dome with rubber surround and castaluminum basket, shielded; 8" Titanium-alloy inverted dome with rubber surround and cast-aluminum basket, shielded
LE14H-3 14" Aquaplas cone woofer with rubber surround; 4" Edge-wound copper voice coil and cast-aluminum basket
(2) 10" Neodymium Differential Drive (NDD)TM Aquaplas-coated woofers (2251J-2); 3" Pure-beryllium compression driver (435Be) and 1"-throat Bi-Radial horn (100 vert. x 50 horiz.); 1" Pure-beryllium compression driver (045Be)

1,000 watts

15" Pulp-cone woofer (1500AL); 3" Pure-beryllium compression driver (435Be) and 1"-throat Bi-Radial horn; 1" Pure-beryllium compression driver (045Be) and 1/2"-throat Bi-Radial horn and 1/2"-throat Bi-Radial horn (65 vert. x 35 horiz.)
LF (1) 5-1/4" Temperedpaper cone with butyl rubber surrounds, shielded; HF (1) 1" Titaniumcomposite dome in EOS waveguide
LF (1) 12" Cone with patented Neodymium Differential Drive (NDD) technology

400 watts

300 watts peak

400 watts peak

94dB (2.83V/1m)
14" x 23-7/8" x 5-1/2" 356mm x 606mm x 140mm 32 lb/14.5kg
23-7/8" x 14" x 5-1/2" 606mm x 356mm x 140mm 26 lb/11.8kg
6-13/16" x 20" x 12-1/2" 173mm x 508mm x 318mm 25 lb/11.4kg
20" x 6-13/16" x 12-1/2" 508mm x 173mm x 318mm 25 lb/11.4kg
14-5/8" x 14-5/8" x 14-5/8" 372mm x 372mm x 372mm 62 lb/28kg
11-5/8" x 26-7/16" x 7-1/4" 295mm x 672mm x 184mm 32 lb/15kg
24" x 13-1/2" x 6" 610mm x 343mm x 152mm 37 lb/17kg

<110dBA

>116dBA

>100dBA

108dB minimum, 111dB typical 22kHz bandwidth
108dB minimum 22kHz bandwidth

100dB, ref. max output

HARMONIC/ IM DISTORTION DIMENSIONS HxWxD
20Hz20kHz <0.02% 7" x 19" x 17-1/2" 178mm x 483mm x 445mm
20Hz20kHz <0.02% 7" x 19" x 19-1/2" 178mm x 483mm x 495mm
20Hz20kHz <0.03% 7" x 19" x 19-1/2" 178mm x 483mm x 495mm
<0.008% at 1kHz maximum output level 6-5/8" x 17-5/16" x 14-7/8" 169mm x 440mm x 377mm
<0.008% at 1kHz maximum output level 5" (w/feet) x 17-5/16" x 14-7/8" 128mm x 440mm x 377mm
3-1/2" x 19" x 18-1/2" 89mm x 483mm x 470mm
WEIGHT MAX RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER POWER SENSITIVITY 1W @ 1m NOMINAL IMPEDANCE DIMENSIONS HxWxD WEIGHT N/A 200 watts N/A

70 lb/31.8kg

88 lb/40kg

97 lb/44kg

45 lb/20.5kg

24 lb/10.7kg

22 lb/10kg

96dB N/A

90dB 8 ohms

89dB 8 ohms

N/A N/A Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice. Refinements may be made on occasion to existing products but will always meet or exceed original specifications unless otherwise stated. JBL, JBL Synthesis, Synthesis, Bi-Radial, Differential Drive and Logic 7 are registered trademarks, and Array, Boardroom, Charge-Coupled Linear Definition, VerTec, EOS, JBL Synthesis Atlas, JBL Synthesis Hercules, Neodymium Differential Drive (NDD), SoundEffects, Vented Gap Cooling and SonoGlass are trademarks, of Harman International Industries Incorporated. Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. DTS and DTS-ES are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. Grammy Award is a registered trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. THX is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. THX Ultra2 is a trademark of THX Limited. All rights reserved.
13" x 16" x 12-4/5" 330mm x 406mm x 325mm 39 lb/17.7kg
46-3/4" x 15-1/4" x 19" 1187mm x 387mm x 483mm 100 lb/45kg
12" x 25-3/4" x 10-1/2" 305mm x 654mm x 267mm 50 lb/23kg

22" x 16-1/4" x 19" 559mm x 413mm x 483mm 100 lb/45kg

A BRIEF HISTORY OF JBL.

Harman International acquires JBL from William Thomas, and JBL embarks on a period of accelerated international growth through the Harman distribution companies. JBL is the loudspeaker powering the historic Woodstock music festival. JBL unveils the first four-way studio monitor series, the 4300s. The K2 loudspeaker system is chosen by Japans Stereo Sound as Product of the Year. JBL Synthesis is released the industrys first completely equalized, processed, powered THX Home Media System.
The JBL VerTec system is used for the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., for a crowd of 300,000 people. The JBL S2600 receives the highly coveted Golden Award and Stereo Sound COTY Award for its advanced technological execution and superior sonic performance. JBL powers the Woodstock music festival again. JBL releases the K2 S9800, employing the 435Be and 045Be pure-cast-beryllium compression drivers. Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Japan bestow their top awards on this, the latest in the K2 series of advanced loudspeakers.

JBL Pro

Paragon

Olympus

Lansing and Hilliard redefine the state of the art for motion picture theaters with the A-4, dubbed the Voice of the Theatre.
JBL produces the D-130 15" loudspeaker, which was the first known use of a 4" flat-wire voice coil in a cone transducer.
The cylindrical reflecting principle is present in the Paragon stereophonic loudspeaker system.
JBL introduces the T-circuit output for high-output solidstate amplification.
JBL uses the first Bi-Radial horns, which are built on the concept of flat power response.
JBL is selected by Lucasfilm to develop the first commercial THX-licensed cinema speaker system.
Harman International continues to take JBLs growth to greater heights and new markets.
JBL develops Vented Gap Cooling for raising the thermal power limits of low-frequency transducers.
JBL introduces its new lower-midrange compression driver with matching horns.
The L-100, a consumer version of the popular 4310 studio monitor, is released. During the Seventies, sales volume of this product reaches in excess of 125,000 pairs.

1981 1983

Titanium-dome tweeters are introduced into consumer products, providing superlative response to 27kHz. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences selects JBL components for the new sound system in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
JBLs Synthesis SDEC-1000 brings digital technology to its highest level for the benefit of the consumer.
JBL systems are installed for the third Woodstock music festival.
The JBL Synthesis S4A is the worlds first THX Ultra2 in-wall, flush-mount, multipole surround loudspeaker.
JBL sponsors The Who world tour.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards JBL engineers the Scientific and Engineering Award and the Technical Achievement Award.
JBL SYNTHESIS IS THE LATEST HIGH POINT IN A LONG,
SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH MOVIES AND MUSIC.
Flat-wire milling and high-speed winding of ribbon-wire voice coils developed.
James B. Lansing Sound, Inc. is formed.
JBL introduces the model 375 high-frequency compression driver. This is the first commercially available 4" diaphragm driver, producing flat response to 9kHz. JBL manufactures a family of acoustic lenses. The 075 high-efficiency, high-frequency ring radiator is developed. This incredible device is still used in JBL product lines today.
Leo Fender of musical instrument fame incorporates the D-130 into his famous guitar amplifiers, signaling JBLs entry into the music reinforcement field. JBL Sounds Hartsfield System is called the ultimate dream speaker by LIFE magazine.
JBL produces the first two-way studio monitor to use a high-frequency compression driver with acoustic lens.
JBL monitors are ranked number one in the U.S. recording industry, in a survey conducted by Billboard.
Titanium is first used as a diaphragm material in compression drivers. JBL 4675 directradiator systems, with constant directivity, set the performance standard for cinema loudspeakers.
The Directors Guild of America chooses JBL components for its headquarters building.
JBL introduces the first Pro Audio neodymium woofer, debuting in the JBL Array Series.
JBL SoundEffects provides CD-quality wireless solutions for home media applications.
JBL announces its VerTec Line Array System, which debuts at the Democratic National Convention.
JBLs VerTec system is used for major special events, including the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards and the World Cup opening ceremony in Seoul, S. Korea. The JBL Synthesis Hercules system reigns as the worlds most powerful home theater, offering more than 8,000 watts of power and the new SDP-40 digital processor.

Harman Consumer Group, Inc., 8500 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA 91329 www.jblsynthesis.com 516.496.3400/818.893.8411 Designed, edited and digitally produced by Harman Consumer Group Marketing & Design Center, Woodbury, NY. Part No. SYNLIT3/07 Printed in USA 3/Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice. Refinements may be made on occasion to existing products but will always meet or exceed original specifications unless otherwise stated. JBL, JBL Synthesis, Bi-Radial, K2, Logic 7, Neodymium Differential Drive (NDD), SonoGlass, Synthesis and VerTec are registered trademarks, and Array, Atlas, Charge-Coupled Linear Definition, Performance Series, Project Array, SoundEffects and Vented Gap Cooling are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. CES is a registered trademark of the Consumer Electronics Association. Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. DTS-ES is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc. GRAMMY and GRAMMY Awards are registered trademarks of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. Lucasfilm is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. THX is a registered trademark, and THX Surround EX and THX Ultra2 are trademarks, of THX Ltd. All rights reserved.
THE ONE THING THE WORLDS PREMIER MOVIE THEATERS AND CONCERT HALLS HAVE OVER SYNTHESIS? MORE SEATS. JBL Synthesis home theater and music systems are designed and custom-installed to duplicate the electrifying performance characteristics of acclaimed venues like the Samuel Goldwyn Theater and the Sydney Opera House, but on a somewhat more intimate scale. Industrialgrade technologies, materials and engineering, from the most applauded professional brand, deliver systems of uncompromised power and authority for the homes of purists and enthusiasts, as well as film and music professionals, everywhere. As Synthesis owners and audio reviewers alike will tell you, more impressive and realistic residential sound systems cant be found anywhere, at any price.
Table of Contents: Inside the Synthesis Sound 04 Electronics Technologies 10 Processors, Equalizers, Amplifiers 12 Loudspeaker Technology Professional Heritage Synthesis Systems 22 A Brief History of JBL Electronics and Loudspeaker Specifications 40 42

WELCOME HOME

SOPHISTICATED

SYNTHESIS

ELECTRONICS
PRECISELY MATCH THE PROGRAM MATERIAL TO THE LISTENING SPACE. Synthesis electronic components employ the most advanced signal processors, equalizers and amplifiers to create the most realistic listening experience possible in rooms of any size. Intelligent THX-certified surround sound processors automatically configure themselves to optimize the impact of any CD, DVD or satellite signal. JBLs patented Logic 7 matrixing system uses proprietary digital algorithms to improve the accuracy and timing of the signals arriving at center channel and surround sound speakers, creating a larger, more nearly perfect 360-degree soundscape. SDEC digital equalization, tuned on-site by an audio expert, precisely calibrates your systems frequency response for the acoustical realities of your listening area. And high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifiers ensure faithful reproduction of both explosive special effects and ethereal musical interludes.

CONSUMMATE: ULTRAWIDE BANDWIDTH.
THE HUMAN EAR IS CAPABLE of hearing sound in the range of 20Hz to 20kHz. But, of course, real-world sounds come in all frequencies, and reproducing them realistically requires systems with a far wider bandwidth. JBL Synthesis features amplifiers that operate in the ultrawide range of 10Hz to 100kHz. Bringing a new level of accuracy to both the lowest lows and the highest highs at any listening level Synthesis ensures that every nuance of the recorded sound reaches your ears.
S U R R O U N D P R O C E S S I N G, S Y S T E M C O N T R O L AND AMPLIFICATION

SURROUND PROCESSING

AND SYSTEM CONTROL.
SDP-40HD: POWER AND CAPABILITY, DEFINED. Designed for the largest Synthesis theater installations as well as multiroom applications, the SDP-40HD digital surround processor/system controller offers eight analog audio inputs, six digital audio inputs, one 5.1-channel analog input, six HDMI inputs, three component inputs, three S-video inputs and two composite video inputs with 12 balanced and 12 unbalanced audio outputs, in addition to Zone 2 and Record Audio capabilities. Theres also an RS-232 port for connection to control systems, as well as future upgrades. SDP-5: POWERFUL, FLEXIBLE, EXPANDABLE. The SDP-5 digital surround processor/system controller offers eight analog audio inputs, four coaxial and four optical digital audio inputs, five S-video, five composite and three component video inputs with eight unbalanced audio outputs, plus both analog and digital Zone 2 outputs, for uncompromised performance in any Synthesis movie or music system. As on the SDP-40HD, the RS-232 port facilitates future upgrades.
JBL technicians use computer-based analysis instruments to fine-tune your system performance.

DIGITAL EQUALIZERS.

SDEC-3000: OPTIMIZED SYSTEM PERFORMANCE. Offering 8-channel input and 8-channel output with up to 120 bands of parametric EQ running at 24-bit and 96kHz, the SDEC-3000 digital equalizer custom-fits the acoustic needs of your listening space and takes the 7.1 surround sound experience of your Synthesis system to new levels of performance, turning any home theater into theater for your home. SDEC-4000: CUSTOMIZING THE SYNTHESIS SOUND. With 4th-order electronic crossover networks for use with the bi-amplified speaker in the Synthesis One Array system or running full-range for the largest Everest, K2 and Atlas systems, the SDEC-4000 offers up to 12 channels of input and 20 channels of output with up to 120 bands of parametric EQ running at 24-bit and 96kHz, making this system better than anything youve ever heard at the cinema or theater. Custom configurations for special needs can be created by JBL Synthesis Engineering to suit any installation you can imagine.

Synthesis components have received the highest THX certification.

POWER AMPLIFIERS.

S820: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. Used in arrays of as many as 11 (capable of flooding rooms as large as 100,000 cubic feet with thundering sound), the 1 x 800-watt (mono-bridged)/2 x 200-watt (stereo) S820 power amplifier is the highest-current ultrawide-bandwidth workhorse of the Synthesis Series. Both balanced and RCA inputs allow use with any Synthesis processor. S5165: 5TH TO NTH POWER. Let us do the math for you. Two 5 x 160-watt (at 8 ohms) S5165 power amplifiers, plus two 2 x 200-watt (at 8 ohms) S820 power amplifiers equals the breathtaking power of Synthesis One Array, designed for listening spaces of up to 25,000 cubic feet. Balanced and RCA inputs. S7160: THE SEVEN-CHANNEL SOLUTION. Delivering 7 x 160 watts of power, the S7160 power amplifier reproduces the full 360-degree imaging critical to enjoying the full impact of todays thrilling 7.1-channel THX Surround EX, Dolby Digital and DTS-ES soundtracks. Balanced and RCA inputs. Note: All JBL Synthesis amplifiers are designed with forced-air cooling to allow them to be stacked in standard 19" racks.

LOUDSPEAKER

TECHNOLOGY
Massive 18" subwoofer guarantees that soundtracks will come alive with movie theater-like impact.
Our pure-titanium tweeters produce a spacious, dramatic, concert-like sound.
JBLs horn-loaded compression drivers.
State-of-the-art crossover technology.
INNOVATIVE SYNTHESIS LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS take control of your emotions and never let go. For 60 years, JBL has been the leading manufacturer of professional loudspeakers for recording artists and touring musicians. And JBL collaborated closely with Lucasfilm Ltd. in developing the underlying technologies of THX, which set a new standard of realism in movie sound. JBL Synthesis loudspeaker systems represent, well, a synthesis of everything weve learned over the years about the precise reproduction of recorded sound. With horn-loaded compression drivers (an essential of cinema sound rarely heard in consumer systems), wide-dispersion titanium tweeters and high-definition crossover networks, Synthesis loudspeakers are among the most powerful and capable instruments ever to be used in home entertainment applications. COMPRESSION DRIVERS. The Concorde may be retired, but supersonic performance lives on. Synthesis uses advanced beryllium compression drivers capable of reproducing frequencies above 50kHz, delivering supersonic nuances that have gone unheard until now. HORNS. In Hollywood, everyone hopes to direct someday. Synthesis Bi-Radial horns (a patented JBL exclusive) achieve constant directivity, smoothly delivering midrange and high frequencies over a wider listening area, for an astonishingly clear, uncolored sound.

TWEETERS. Perfect (and perfectly legal) highs. Reproducing high frequencies accurately at high listening levels requires extremely light, extremely fast and extremely rigid transducer domes. Synthesis uses pure-titanium-dome tweeters for pure, distortion-free treble. MAGNETS. Rare-earth and other uncommon magnets. Synthesis loudspeakers employ highly efficient magnetic circuits, built around neodymium and alnico magnets, to generate a high level of constant magnetic-flux density across the voice-coil gap of the transducers. (Subtitle: Synthesis drivers are quick enough to accurately reproduce any movie soundtrack or musical source in exquisite detail.) CROSSOVER NETWORKS. High-definition sound. Synthesis loudspeakers use JBLs unique low-distortion Charge-Coupled Linear Definition crossover networks to distribute specific frequencies to each driver, minimizing phase shifts for optimal system performance and imaging, and eliminating crossover distortion.

THE SYSTEMS

PROJECT EVEREST DD66000

SK2-1000

S1S-EX

SDP-40HD

SDEC-4000

SYNTHESIS EVEREST:

THE HIGHEST PEAK IN AUDIO REDEFINED. Of those who seek perfection in sound reproduction, only a handful have actually achieved it. It is a rare occurrence when an individual or group is able to triumph over the constraints of technological reality just once. At JBL, this has happened eight times. In each case, our engineers were told to build the speaker system they had always wanted to build. Whatever resources were required would be available. Thus began an ongoing investigation into new frontiers of sound reproduction, beginning in 1950 and continuing to the present day. The products that have resulted from this venture are now known as the JBL Project loudspeakers. Each represents the absolute peak of every technological, material and engineering innovation available at that time, combined into a single system. They are Hartsfield, Paragon, Project Everest DD55000, K2 S9500/7500, K2 S5500, K2 S9800 and K2 S5800. The newest is Project Everest DD66000. Three Project Everest DD66000 speakers in front of you, eight SK2-1000 surrounds and four 18-inch S1S-EX subwoofers, powered by no fewer than eleven S820 amplifiers, create the most realistic and inspiring system JBL Synthesis has ever designed. Hearing is believing.
THE NAME IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.
8800 WATTS 96dB HIGH FREQUENCY 96dB LOW FREQUENCY

FROM TO

3,500 100,000

CUBIC FEET

99 2,832

CUBIC METERS

JBL SYNTHESIS EVEREST

K2 S9800

SYNTHESIS K2:
FRONT AND CENTER, THE INTERNATIONALLY AWARD-WINNING K2 S9800 is one of the most refined and spectacular speakers ever created by JBL. Featuring beryllium high-frequency and ultrahigh-frequency compression drivers, and a specially designed Bi-Radial horn, high frequencies are reproduced to beyond 40kHz, while a massive 15-inch woofer thunders down to below 40Hz. In short, the K2 S9800 is designed to produce extraordinary sonic accuracy. All around you, six S1A dipole ambient surround speakers, each with dual 2-inch high-frequency and dual 8-inch mid-bass drivers. And from everywhere and nowhere, gloriously rich, clean bass from four S1S-EX 18-inch, 800-watt subwoofers. In all, 13 exceptionally refined loudspeaker systems, driven by the SDP-40HD processor/controller, an SDEC-4000 digital equalizer and no fewer than ten S820 amplifiers. A no-expense-spared entertainment system for listening rooms of up to 75,000 cubic feet, Synthesis K2 delivers up to 8,000 watts of power and achieves sound-pressure levels as high as 105dBA without distortion, making it by far the highest-power, highest-performance, highest-quality system ever developed for residential use.

NO, YOURE NOT DREAMING.

8000 WATTS 94dB HIGH FREQUENCY 97dB LOW FREQUENCY

2,500 75,000

71 2,124

JBL SYNTHESIS K2

The S4Ai in-wall dipole/bipole ambient speaker can be used in place of the S1A for installations where an in-wall speaker is needed.

SYNTHESIS ATLAS:

THE FRONT SOUNDSTAGE INCLUDES three SK2-1000 four-way speaker systems with dual 10-inch woofers, featuring beryllium midrange and ultrahigh-frequency compression drivers in a specially designed Bi-Radial combination horn, incorporating JBLs most advanced professional technologies. Enveloping the listener, and invisible to the naked eye, six S4Ai multipole in-wall ambient surround speakers, each with three 1-inch titanium high-frequency tweeters, two 4-inch mid-bass drivers and one 8-inch dual-coil woofer. Powerful, rich bass emanates from two S1S-EX 18-inch 800-watt subwoofers. The electronics package includes the SDP-40HD processor/controller, SDEC-4000 digital equalizer, two S7160 (7 x 160-watt) and two S820 (1 x 800-watt) power amplifiers. Designed for listening rooms of up to 30,000 cubic feet.
POWERFUL AUDIO IN A SUBTLE PACKAGE.
3840 WATTS 94dB HIGH FREQUENCY 94dB LOW FREQUENCY

2,000 30,000

57 850

JBL SYNTHESIS ATLAS

SAM1HF/SAM2LF

SYNTHESIS ONE ARRAY:

BRINGING RAREFIED POWER AND UNEQUALED REALISM to listening areas of up to 25,000 cubic feet and surpassing the highest expectations of the worlds most demanding listeners the Synthesis One Array system pairs the dual 8-inch SAM2LF with the 3-inch compression driver/constant directivity horn of the SAM1HF for a bi-amplified speaker system capable of frequencies from 80Hz to 40kHz from the front left, center or right, four S1A dipole ambient surrounds and two S1S-EX 18-inch, 800-watt subwoofers. With an electronics package that includes the SDP-40HD processor/controller, the SDEC-4000 active-crossover digital equalizer, two S5165 5-channel amplifiers and two S820 2-channel amplifiers, Synthesis One Array sets new standards of technological innovation and manufacturing quality, and delivers an unequaled listening experience.
OVER-THE-TOP BI-AMPED PERFORMANCE.
3200 WATTS 98dB HIGH FREQUENCY 92dB LOW FREQUENCY

1,500 25,000

43 708

JBL SYNTHESIS ONE ARRAY

SAM1HF and SAM2LF can be configured in these ways to create the perfect speaker for your room.

SDEC-3000

SYNTHESIS TWO ARRAY:
IN SYNTHESIS TWO ARRAY SYSTEMS, THE MAIN LEFT, RIGHT AND CENTER SAM1HF AND SAM2LF loudspeakers feature dual 8-inch mid-bass drivers and reproduce high frequencies with a 3-inch Aquaplas-treated aluminum compression driver mounted in a vertical SonoGlass constant-directivity horn and ultrahigh frequencies with a 1-inch pure-titanium compression driver. Meanwhile, the SAM12X passive crossover manages all the power the S7160 can supply. Four S4Ai in-wall multipole ambient surround speakers, two S2S 15-inch subwoofers and electronics that include an SDP-5 processor/controller, SDEC-3000 digital equalizer, S7160 7-channel amplifier and S820 2-channel amplifier round out the Synthesis Two Array system. It delivers all the realism of todays most sophisticated digital sources. And its all the sonic muscle 16,000-ft.3 rooms can handle.
PASSIVE CROSSOVER DESIGN. ACTION!
1520 WATTS 98dB HIGH FREQUENCY 92dB LOW FREQUENCY

1,500 16,000

43 453

JBL SYNTHESIS TWO ARRAY

Upgrade your system by adding a second S820 and a second pair of S2S subwoofers or move up to the ultimate in low-frequency with the Synthesis Two Array Plus, using a pair of S1S-EX subs for rooms of up to 18,500 ft.3

S2S S1S-EX S820

SAM3HA

SAM3VA

SYNTHESIS THREE ARRAY:
SYNTHESIS THREE ARRAY IS DESIGNED to give your architect or designer maximum leeway in creating your ideal listening space. The all-important center channel speaker, for example, is available in designs optimized for either vertical (SAM3VA) or horizontal (SAM3HA) installation. The main left and right SAM3VA speakers may be cabinet-/custom-mounted, or configured as freestanding floor units with two S2S powered subwoofers. Four S4Ai in-wall multipole ambient surround speakers and electronics that include the SDP-5 processor/controller, SDEC-3000 digital equalizer, S7160 7-channel amplifier and S820 amplifier complete a package that will fill rooms of up to 10,000 cubic feet with edge-of-your-seat home entertainment.

SMALL PACKAGE, BIG SOUND.
1520 WATTS 87dB HIGH FREQUENCY 87dB LOW FREQUENCY

1,500 10,000

43 283
JBL SYNTHESIS THREE ARRAY
Alternatively, you can substitute the 1,000-watt powered HTPS-400 for the S2S subwoofer and fill rooms of up to 7,500 ft.3 (The 110-volt HTPS-400 is replaced by the 14" PS1400 powered subwoofer in 230-volt markets.)
HTPS-400 PS1400 (alternate sub)

SYNTHESIS FOUR:

SYNTHESIS FOUR SYSTEMS OFFER YOU A CHOICE of ways to fill 7,500 cubic feet of space with dramatic, full-spectrum sound from compact system components. Begin with three-way in-wall main loudspeakers (one S4HC and two S4VCs). Back them up with two S4S subwoofers and S820 amplifiers for an all-in-wall solution and four S4Ai in-wall dipole surrounds. Add the power of an SDP-5 processor/controller, SDEC-3000 digital equalizer and S7160 7-channel amplifier.

ULTIMATE IN-WALL DESIGN.

1520 WATTS 91dB HIGH FREQUENCY 92dB LOW FREQUENCY

1,500 7,500

43 212

JBL SYNTHESIS FOUR

For rooms where the in-wall S4S is not used, the HTPS-400 can be substituted. (The HTPS-400 is replaced by the 14" PS1400 active subwoofer in 230-volt markets.)

1400 ARRAY

880 ARRAY

1500 ARRAY

SYNTHESIS PROJECT ARRAY:
EXPOSED VERTICAL CONSTANT-DIRECTIVITY HORNS, for improved sonic accuracy at high listening levels, have long been a staple of JBL installations in concert venues around the world. The Synthesis Project Array system brings the concept home for the first time, with spectacular results. Two three-way floorstanding 1400 Array loudspeakers flank a three-way 880 Array center channel speaker and are supported by two 15-inch, 1,000-watt 1500 Array powered subwoofers and four S4Ai in-wall multipole surround speakers. Electronics include the SDP-5 processor/controller, SDEC-3000 digital equalizer and S7160 7-channel amplifier. Synthesis Project Array brings true concert-quality performance to rooms of up to 16,000 cubic feet.
SYNTHESIS, FRONT AND CENTER.
3120 WATTS 90dB HIGH FREQUENCY 90dB LOW FREQUENCY
JBL SYNTHESIS PROJECT ARRAY

A BRIEF HISTORY OF JBL

SPECIFICATIONS.

DESCRIPTION

SAM1HF Synthesis Array THX Horn Module
SAM2LF Synthesis Array THX Dual 8" Low-Frequency Module
S1A Dipole Ambient Surround Speaker

S1S-EX THX 18" Subwoofer
S2A Dipole Ambient Surround Speaker
S2S THX 15" Subwoofer
SAM3VA THX Vertical Center Channel Loudspeaker
SAM3HA THX Horizontal Center Channel Loudspeaker
S4Ai THX 2-Way/3-Way 8" Multipurpose Configurable-Array Flush-Mount Surround Loudspeaker Dipole, Bipole and Direct-Radiating Modes 80Hz 20kHz Triple 1" pure-titanium domes with rubber surrounds, shielded, with EOS waveguide; dual 4" neodymium full-range with rubber surrounds and cast-aluminum baskets; 8" dual-voice-coil, inverted dome with rubber surround and cast basket 200 Watts 90dB 6 Ohms 23-7/8" x 14" x 3-3/4" 606mm x 356mm x 95mm 23 lb/10.45kg
S4HC 3-Way Dual 6-1/2" Horizontal Flush-Mount Speaker
S4VC 3-Way 8" Vertical Flush-Mount Speaker
S4S In-Wall Flush-Mount Dual 10" THX Ultra2-Certified Passive Subwoofer
HT4H Vertical L/C/R Speaker
FREQUENCY RESPONSE SPEAKER CONFIGURATION
36Hz 40kHz* 435AL-1 3" Aquaplas-treated aluminum-dome compression drive, mounted in a vertical SonoGlass constantdirectivity horn; 045Ti 1" pure-titanium compression mounted in a SonoGlass constant-directivity horn
36Hz 40kHz* Dual 8" deep-anodized aluminum cone and dome material with dual-insideneodymium magnets, shielded motor structure and 2" voice coils
80Hz 17kHz HF (2) 2" compression driver/Bi-Radial horn; LF (2) 8" mid-bass drivers
20Hz 200Hz LF (1) 18" shielded transducer
100Hz 18kHz HF (2) 1" compression driver/Bi-Radial horn; MF (2) 5" full-range drivers
35Hz 80Hz FREQUENCY RESPONSE LF (1) 15" shielded subwoofer SPEAKER CONFIGURATION 48Hz 40kHz Mid-bass transducer: dual 6-1/2" cones, shielded; high-frequency transducer: 175ND-3 1-3/4" compression driver; ultrahigh-frequency transducer: 045Ti 1" compression driver 48Hz 40kHz Mid-bass transducer: dual 6-1/2" cones, shielded; high-frequency transducer: 175ND-3 1-3/4" compression driver; ultrahigh-frequency transducer: 045Ti 1" compression driver 65Hz 20kHz 1" Pure-titanium dome with rubber surround, shielded, with EOS waveguide; 4" titanium inverted dome with rubber surround and cast-aluminum basket, shielded; 6-1/2" titanium-alloy inverted dome with rubber surround and cast basket, shielded 250 Watts 91dB 6 Ohms 14" x 23-7/8" x 5-1/2" 356mm x 606mm x 140mm 32 lb/14.5kg 65Hz 20kHz 1" Pure-titanium dome with rubber surround, shielded, with EOS waveguide; 4" titanium inverted dome with rubber surround and cast-aluminum basket, shielded; 8" titaniumalloy inverted dome with rubber surround and cast basket, shielded 250 Watts 91dB 6 Ohms 23-7/8" x 14" x 5-1/2" 606mm x 356mm x 140mm 26 lb/11.8kg 20Hz 150kHz (6dB) (THX/LFE mode) Dual 10" polymer-coated aluminum cones with rubber surrounds 42Hz 20kHz (6dB) 5-1/4" Low-frequency driver; 1" titanium-dome high-frequency driver with Bi-Radial horn

POWER HANDLING SENSITIVITY 1W @ 1m NOMINAL IMPEDANCE DIMENSIONS HxWxD WEIGHT
300 Watts 98dB 6 Ohms 17-1/4" x 8" x 11-1/2" 438mm x 200mm x 292mm 25 lb/11kg
300 Watts 92dB 6 Ohms 20" x 10" x 10-3/4" 508mm x 254mm x 273mm 25 lb/11kg
200 Watts 95dB 4 Ohms 24-5/8" x 13-5/8" x 11-1/4" 626mm x 345mm x 286mm 70 lb/31.8kg
800 Watts 97dB 8 Ohms 34-1/2" x 21" x 22" 876mm x 533mm x 559mm 129 lb/58.6kg
150 Watts 87dB 6 Ohms 16" x 11-9/16" x 6-9/16" 406mm x 294mm x 166mm 28 lb/12.7kg
250 Watts 94dB 8 Ohms 27-1/2" x 21" x 15-13/16" 699mm x 533mm x 401mm 110 lb/50kg
200 Watts 89dB 6 Ohms 27-3/8" x 10-3/16" x 12-5/8" 695mm x 259mm x 321mm 28 lb/12.7kg
200 Watts 89dB 6 Ohms 9-5/8" x 28-5/8" x 9-1/6" 245mm x 727mm x 233mm 28 lb/12.7kg
500 Watts per channel 88dB 4 Ohms 64" x 14" x 5" 1626mm x 356mm x 130mm 24 lb/10.9kg
150 Watts 88dB 8 Ohms 20" x 6-13/16" x 12-1/2" 508mm x 173mm x 318mm 25 lb/11.4kg
*For the complete speaker module, SAM1HF/SAM2LF together Dimensions do not include mounting hardware or feet. Add 3" (75mm) depth for mounting hardware, and 1" (25mm) height for feet.
Flat-wire milling and high-speed winding of ribbon-wire voice coils developed. Lansing and Hilliard redefine the state of the art for motion picture theaters with the A4, dubbed the Voice of the Theatre.
JBL produces the D-130 15" loudspeaker, which was the first known use of a 4" flat-wire voice coil in a cone transducer.
James B. Lansing Sound, Inc., is formed
JBL introduces the model 375 high-frequency compression driver. This is the first commercially available 4" diaphragm driver, producing flat response to 9kHz. JBL manufactures a family of acoustic lenses. The 075 high-efficiency, high-frequency ring radiator is developed. This incredible device is still used in JBL product lines today.
Leo Fender of musical instrument fame incorporates the D-130 into his famous guitar amplifiers, signaling JBLs entry into the music reinforcement field. JBL Sounds Hartsfield System is called the ultimate dream speaker by LIFE magazine.

Olympus

Hartsfield
The cylindrical reflecting principle is present in the Paragon stereophonic loudspeaker system.
JBL produces the first two-way studio monitor to use a high-frequency compression driver with acoustic lens.
JBL introduces the T-circuit output, for high-ouput, solid-state amplification.
Harman International acquires JBL from William Thomas, and JBL embarks on a period of accelerated international growth through the Harman distribution companies. JBL is the loudspeaker powering the historic Woodstock musical festival. The L100, a consumer version of the popular 4310 studio monitor, is released. During the 70s, sales volume of this product reaches more than 125,00 pairs.

JBL unveils the first four-way studio monitor series, the 4300s.

Paragon

HT4V THX Vertical L/C/R Speaker
HTPS-400 12" 1kW THX Powered Subwoofer
PC600 3-Way Center Speaker
PT800 3-Way, On-Wall, Corner-Mount or Stand-Mount Satellite Speaker (PCM800 kit sold separately)
PS1400 14" 400W Powered Subwoofer
SK2-1000 3-Way, Dual 10" Center Speaker
K2 S9800 3-Way, 15" Floorstanding Speaker 45Hz 50kHz (6dB) 15" Pulp-cone woofer (1500AL); 3" pure-beryllium compression driver (435Be) and 1"-throat Bi-Radial horn; 1" pure-beryllium compression driver (045Be) and 1/2"-throat Bi-Radial horn (65 vert. x 35 horiz.)
DD66000 3-Way, Dual 15" Floorstanding Speaker 45Hz 50kHz 15" Pulp-cone woofer (1501AL) x 2; 4" beryllium compression driver (476Be); 1" beryllium compression driver (045Be-1)
1400 ARRAY 3-Way, 14" Floorstanding Speaker 32Hz 40kHz LE14H-3 14" Aquaplas-treated pulp-cone woofer; 435AL-1 3" Aquaplas-treated aluminumdome compression driver, mounted in a vertical SonoGlass constant-directivity horn; 045Ti 1" pure-titanium compression driver mounted in a SonoGlass constant-directivity horn
1000 ARRAY 3-Way, 10" Floorstanding Speaker 35Hz 40kHz 10" Polymer-treated pulp-cone driver; 175Nd-3 1-3/4" Aquaplas-treated titanium-dome compression driver mounted in a vertical SonoGlass constant-directivity horn; 045Ti 1" pure-titanium compression driver mounted in a SonoGlass constantdirectivity horn
800 ARRAY 3-Way, 8" Bookshelf Speaker 55Hz 40kHz 8" Polymer-treated pulpcone driver; 175Nd-3 1-3/4" Aquaplas-treated titanium-dome compression driver mounted in a vertical SonoGlass constant-directivity horn; 045Ti 1" pure-titanium compression driver mounted in a SonoGlass constantdirectivity horn
880 ARRAY 3-Way, Dual 8" Center Channel Speaker 70Hz 40kHz Dual 8 Aquaplas-treated pulp-cone woofer; 435AL-1 3" Aquaplas-treated aluminumdome compression drive, mounted in a vertical horn; 045Ti 1" puretitanium compression mounted in a SonoGlass constantdirectivity horn
1500 ARRAY 15" 1000-Watt Front-Firing Subwoofer 25Hz 400Hz, variable W1500H 15" pulp-cone driver with rubber surround and massive ferrite motor assembly with 4" copper edge-wound voice coil, mounted in a trapezoidal enclosure

Titanium-dome tweeters are introduced into consumer products, providing superlative response to 27kHz. Titanium-Dome Tweeter The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences selects JBL components for the new sound system in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
The Project Everest DD55000 system is named Product of the Year by Japans Stereo Sound.
The Directors Guild of America chooses JBL components for its headquarters.
JBL introduces the first Pro Audio neodymium woofer, debuting in the JBL Array Series.
The K2 loudspeaker system is chosen by Japans Stereo Sound as Product of the Year. JBL Synthesis is released the industrys first completely equalized, processed, powered THX home media system. JBL introduces its new lower-midrange compression driver with matching horns.
JBL develops Vented Gap for raising the thermal power limits of low-frequency transducers.

Cooling

JBL SoundEffects provides CD-quality wireless solutions for home media applications. JBL develops new rapid flare low-distortion compression drivers and a matching family of horns.
S820 Stereo/Mono THX Power Amplifier 2 x 200 Watts into 8 ohms stereo, 800 watts mono into 8 ohms <10Hz 70kHz (+0, 1dB), 0.75dB at 40kHz, reference 1kHz
S5165 THX Multichannel Power Amplifier 5 x 160 Watts into 8 ohms stereo
S7160 THX Multichannel Power Amplifier 7 x 160 Watts into 8 ohms
SDP-40HD Synthesis THX Processor/Controller N/A
SDP-5 Synthesis THX Processor/Controller N/A
SDEC-4000P/4000X Digital Crossover/Equalizer N/A
SDEC-3000 Digital Equalizer N/A
AV1 THX Ultra2 Surround Processor N/A
AVAx 125-Watt Power Amplifier 7 x 125W @ 8 ohms, 20Hz 20kHz, all channels driven 20Hz 20kHz, 0.25dB

POWER OUTPUT

FREQUENCY RESPONSE
<10Hz 100kHz (+0, 1dB), 0.5dB at 40kHz, reference 1kHz

<5Hz 100kHz (+0, 3dB)

10Hz 20kHz (+0.1dB, 0.25dB)
10Hz 20kHz (+0.5dB, 0.1dB)

20Hz 20kHz (+.5,.5)

10Hz 20kHz, +0.05dB/0.1dB, 0.5dB at 40kHz, reference 1kHz
S/N RATIO WEIGHTED AT RATED POWER HARMONIC/IM DISTORTION DIMENSIONS HxWxD WEIGHT

<110dBA

>116dBA

>100dBA

108dB minimum, 111dB typical, 22kHz bandwidth <0.008% at 1kHz, maximum output level 6-5/8" x 17-5/16" x 14-7/8" 169mm x 440mm x 377mm 45 lb/20.5kg
108dB minimum, 22kHz bandwidth <0.008% at 1kHz, maximum output level 5" (w/feet) x 17-5/16" x 14-7/8" 128mm (w/feet) x 440mm x 377mm 24 lb/10.7kg
108dB minimum, 22kHz bandwidth 0.01% 3-1/2" x 19" x 18-1/2" 89mm x 483mm x 470mm 13 lb/6kg
108dB minimum, 22kHz bandwidth 0.01% 1-3/4" x 19" x 18-1/2" 44mm x 483mm x 470mm 6.5 lb/3kg
<108dB minimum, 22kHz bandwidth Below 0.008% at 1kHz, maximum output level 3-13/16" x 17-5/16" x 14-7/8" 97mm x 440mm x 377mm 17 lb/7.7kg

>100dB at rated power

20Hz 20kHz, <0.02% 7" x 19" x 17-1/2" 178mm x 483mm x 445mm 70 lb/31.8kg
20Hz 20kHz, <0.02% 7" x 19" x 19-1/2" 178mm x 483mm x 495mm 88 lb/40kg
20Hz 20kHz, <0.03% 7" x 19" x 19-1/2" 178mm x 483mm x 495mm 97 lb/44kg
At rated output, all frequencies <0.01% 5-1/2" x 17-5/16" x 16-1/4" 140mm x 440mm x 413mm 55 lb/25kg
1996 JBLs Synthesis SDEC-1000 brings
digital technology to its highest level for the benefit of the consumer. The JBL S2600 receives the highly coveted Golden Award and Stereo Sound COTY Award for its advanced technological execution and superior sonic performance. JBL powers the Woodstock music festival again.

SDEC-1000

JBL is the official Sound of Woodstock. The third time is the charm.
JBL announces its VerTec Line Array System, which debuts at the Democratic National Convention. The JBL Synthesis S7150 is the first consumer 7-channel power amplifier. At 6,500 watts, Synthesis Ultra is the most powerful home theater system available, at any price.
The JBL VerTec system is used for the presidential inauguration in Washington D.C., in front of 300,000 people. JBL releases the K2 S9800, employing the 435Be and 045Be pure-cast-beryllium compression drivers. Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Japan bestow their top awards on this, the latest in the K2 series of advanced loudspeakers. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards JBL engineers the Scientific and Engineering Award and the Technical Achievement Award.
The VerTec system is used for major events, including the Super Bowl, the GRAMMY Awards and the World Cup opening ceremony in Seoul. A JBL Synthesis system reigns as the worlds most powerful home theater, offering more than 8,000 watts of power and the SDP-40 digital processor.

The JBL Synthesis S4A is the worlds first THX Ultra2 in-wall, flush-mount, mutiple surround loudspeaker. JBL sponsors The Whos world tour.
JBL sponsors the Eric Clapton world tour. S4A is awarded the International CES Innovations Award.
JBL Pro receives a Technical GRAMMY from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.
The new reference in JBL home audio performance Project Everest. JBL celebrates 60 years as the worldwide leader in audio reproduction.

Project Everest DD66000