English

®
JBL CINEMA SOUND
SPEAKERS
CS68 (230V)

OWNER’S GUIDE
READ FIRST! Important Safety Precautions!

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning 19. Do not overload wall outlets, extension
storms or when unused for long periods of cords, or integral convenience receptacles,
time. as this can result in a risk of fire or electric
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service shock.
personnel. Servicing is required when the 20. Never push objects of any kind into this
apparatus has been damaged in any way, product through openings, as they may
such as power-supply cord or plug is touch dangerous voltage points or short-out
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects parts, which could result in a fire or electric
have fallen into the apparatus, the shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or product.
moisture, does not operate normally, or has 21. The apparatus shall not be exposed to
been dropped. dripping or splashing, and no objects filled
15. Do not use attachments not with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed
recommended by the product manufacturer, on the apparatus.
as they may cause hazards. 22. Do not attempt to service this product
16. This product should be operated only yourself, as opening or removing covers
from the type of power source indicated on may expose you to dangerous voltage or
the marking label. If you are not sure of the other hazards. Refer all servicing to
type of power supply to your home, consult qualified service personnel.
your product dealer or local power 23. When replacement parts are required,
company. For products intended to operate be sure the service technician has used
from battery power or other sources, refer replacement parts specified by the
to the operating instructions. manufacturer or that have the same
17. If an outside antenna or cable system is characteristics as the original part.
1. Read these instructions.
connected to the product, be sure the Unauthorized substitutions may result in
2. Keep these instructions. antenna or cable system is grounded so as fire, electric shock or other hazards.
3. Heed all warnings. to provide some protection against voltage 24. Upon completion of any service or
4. Follow all instructions. surges and built-up static charges. Article repairs to this product, ask the service
810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/ technician to perform safety checks to
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
NFPA 70, provides information with regard determine that the product is in proper
6. Clean only with a dry cloth. to proper grounding of the mast and operating condition.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. supporting structure, grounding of the lead-
25. The product should be mounted to a wall
Install in accordance with the in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of
or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer’s instructions. grounding conductors, location of antenna-
manufacturer.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such discharge unit, connection to grounding
as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other electrodes, and requirements for the
apparatus (including amplifiers) that grounding electrode. See Figure A.
produce heat. 18. An outside antenna system should not
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the be located in the vicinity of overhead power
polarized or grounding-type plug. A lines or other electric light or power circuits,
polarized plug has two blades with one or where it can fall into such power lines or
wider than the other. A grounding-type plug circuits. When installing an outside antenna
has two blades and a third grounding prong. system, extreme care should be taken to
The wide blade or the third prong is keep from touching such power lines or
provided for your safety. If the provided plug circuits, as contact with them might be fatal.
does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being
Figure A.
walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, Example of Antenna Grounding as per
convenience receptacles and the point National ElectricalCode ANSI/NFPA 70

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.

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THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING JBL PLANNING YOUR SYSTEM

For more than 60 years, JBL has been involved in every aspect of Before deciding where to best place your speakers, survey your
music and film recording and reproduction, from live performances room and study Figure 1.
to the recordings you play in your home, car or office.

We’re confident that the JBL system you have chosen will provide Subwoofer
every note of enjoyment that you expected – and that when you think
about purchasing additional audio equipment for your home, car or Left Front Right Front
office, you will once again choose JBL. Channel Channel

Please take a moment to register your product on our Web site at

www.jbl.com
It enables us to keep you posted on our latest advance-ments, and
helps us to better understand our customers and build products that
meet their needs and expectations.

INCLUDED
Carefully unpack the system. If you suspect damage from transit,
report it immediately to your dealer and/or delivery service. Keep the Couch
shipping carton and packing materials for future use. Open the
package and verify the following contents:

Figure 1. In this overhead view of a typical installation, satellite

speakers are used to reproduce sound for the front channels.
The powered subwoofer provides bass for effects and music.

(1) Subwoofer

(2) Satellite speakers

(2) Adjustable wall brackets for satellites with tightening bar

(2) Wall brackets for satellites

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PLACEMENT

Left and Right Satellites

For left and right front channels, place one satellite to the left
and another to the right of the television, as shown in Figure 1.
Since the speakers are magnetically shielded, you can place
them very close to the TV without worrying about the magnetic
field distorting the picture.

The CS68 satellites are designed to be mounted on the wall. There is

a fixed-mount wall bracket and an adjustable wall bracket provided
for each satellite. Each speaker bracket will require up to four
1-1/2" #10 wood screws; each screw should be fastened to a wall
stud. If a wall stud is unavailable, install an anchor appropriate for a
1-1/2" #10 screw.

The performance of the subwoofer is directly related to its

placement in the listening room and how the subwoofer is aligned
with the satellite speakers. Setting the volume of the subwoofer in
relation to the left and right speakers is also of critical importance
because it’s essential that the subwoofer integrate smoothly with the
entire system. Setting the subwoofer’s volume level too high will
result in an overpowering, boomy bass. Setting the 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 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 (for example, whether or not
your room permits placement of the subwoofer near either satellite)
and the amount and quality of bass required.

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WALL-MOUNTING THE SATELLITES

The CS68 satellites are designed to be mounted on the wall. There is Step 4. Unscrew round collar (C) from bracket (A).
a fixed-mount wall bracket and an adjustable wall bracket provided
for each satellite. Each speaker bracket will require up to four A
1-1/2" #10 wood screws; each screw should be fastened to a wall
C
stud. If a wall stud is unavailable, install an anchor appropriate for a B
1-1/2" #10 screw.

NOTE: The customer is responsible for the correct selection and use
of mounting hardware (available through hardware stores) that will
ensure the proper and safe wall-mounting of the speakers.

Fixed-Mount Wall Bracket Step 5. Screw the ball and shaft assembly (B) to the 1/4"-20 insert on
Step 1. Mark the positions on the wall where you would like to the back of the satellite (do not use the bottom insert). Back out 1/2
place the mounting screws. of a turn and tighten the nut against the speaker. If the ball and shaft
assembly is not backed out before tightening the nut, performing
Step 2. Attach the bracket to the wall using two screws Step 8 below may dislodge the threaded insert in the speaker
(not included). housing and permanently damage the speaker.

Step 3. Remove the rubber ring on the bottom of the satellite and sit
the satellite speaker onto the back bracket.

Step 4. Attach 1/4-20" screw into insert on bottom of speaker

and tighten.

Step 6. Attach speaker wire as shown on page 6.

Step 7. Drop round collar (C) over ball and shaft assembly (B) that is
mounted to the speaker with the finished side of the collar facing the
rear of the speaker.

Step 8. Carefully push the ball straight into the socket mounted on
the wall, angle the speaker as desired and tighten the collar using
the enclosed metal bar.

Adjustable Wall Bracket Metal bar

Step 1. Remove cap over threaded insert on rear of speaker.

Step 2. Mark the positions on the wall where you would like to place
the mounting screws.

Step 3. Place bracket against the wall and fasten four 1-1/2" #10
wood screws through the bracket’s screw holes into the wall. If a
wall stud is not available, use an appropriate anchor. Figure 2. Bracket on wall.

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SATELLITE SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

Turn Off All Power Important!

After placing the speakers, you are ready to connect your system. Do not reverse polarities (i.e., + to –, or – to +) when making con-
First, turn off all audio-system power. Use high-quality speaker wire nections. Doing so will cause poor imaging and diminished bass
to make your connections. #18-gauge speaker wire with polarity response. Be certain that positive and negative wire strands are
coding is included. For longer distances, #16-gauge or heavier wire completely isolated to avoid short circuits that may damage your
is recommended. The side of the wire with a ridge or other coding is equipment.
usually considered positive polarity (i.e., +). Also, consult the
owner’s manuals that were included with your amplifier or receiver NOTE: On certain models using hexagonal terminal nuts, a small
to confirm connection procedures. socket wrench is provided to help in properly tightening the
terminals. Hand-tighten only and do not overtighten.
Satellites
Observe polarities when making speaker connections, as shown in
Figure 3. Connect each + terminal on the back of the amplifier or
receiver to the respective + (red) terminal on each speaker. Connect
the – (black) terminals in the same way.

Figure 3. Wiring diagram shows polarity connections for one

channel of a home theater system.

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SUBWOOFER CONTROLS

Rear Panel Subwoofer Connections

If you have a Dolby® Digital or DTS® receiver/processor with a
low-frequency-effects (LFE) or subwoofer output:

RECEIVER/PROCESSOR
¡
SUBWOOFER OR
LFE OUTPUT

PHASE

™
4.5m (15')
Subwoofer
£ ¢ cable included

∞ If your receiver/processor does not contain a Dolby Digital or DTS

processor but has a subwoofer output:
CS80SUB/230 §
RECEIVER/PROCESSOR
AC 220V-230V
50Hz-60Hz
220 Watts

4.5m (15')
Subwoofer cable
included

Subwoofer-Level Control

 Phase Switch
NOTE: If your receiver/processor has only one sub out, you may use
 LFE Input either the L or R input.

 Line-Level Inputs
Important!
 Power Indicator LED
Whenever changing cables, pulling plugs, etc., ALWAYS TURN OFF
 Power Switch ALL EQUIPMENT, including the subwoofer.

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OPERATION

Surround Modes Phase Control

If using the CS68 in a Dolby Digital or DTS home theater system, The Phase Switch  determines whether the subwoofer speaker’s
make sure all speakers are set to “Small”. pistonlike action moves in and out with the main speakers (0˚) or
opposite the main speakers (180˚). Proper phase adjustment
Some Dolby Digital-equipped receivers/processors offer different depends on several variables such as room size, subwoofer
setup options for each source or surround mode (e.g., CD-stereo, placement and listener position. Adjust the phase switch to
videotape, Dolby, Pro Logic). In each case, follow your equipment’s maximize bass output at the listening position.
instructions to ensure that the subwoofer output is turned on and
that the speakers are set to “Small” in each mode. Final Positioning
After correctly connecting the CS68 system and verifying that both
Power On the subwoofer and all satellite speakers are playing, it is time to
Plug your subwoofer’s AC cord into a wall outlet. Do not use the optimize the system for your particular listening room. Earlier, you
outlets on the back of the receiver. placed the subwoofer in its general location. Finding the exact
location for optimum performance sometimes only involves moving
Initially set the Subwoofer-Level Control
to the“MIN” position. the speakers up to a few inches in any direction. We urge you,
therefore, to experiment with placement, if possible, until your
Turn on the subwoofer by pressing the Power Switch  on the speakers deliver their full potential.
rear panel.
A Few Suggestions
Turn on your entire audio system and start a CD or movie soundtrack We recommend that you do not operate your speakers or subwoofer
at a moderate level. with the bass, treble and loudness controls set to full boost. This will
place undue strain on your electronics and speakers and could
Auto On/Standby damage them.
With the Power Switch  in the ON position, the LED on the rear
panel  will remain lit in green or red to indicate the On or Standby The volume control setting on your processor/preamp or receiver is
mode of the subwoofer. not a specific indication of the overall loudness level of the
speakers. The only important consideration is the loudness level at
RED = STANDBY (No signal detected, Amp Off) which the system can be played, regardless of where the volume
control is set.
GREEN = ON (Signal detected, Amp On)
Always turn down the volume control setting on your
The subwoofer will automatically enter the Standby mode after processor/preamp or receiver when changing sources, or switching
approximately 10 minutes when no signal is detected from your inputs to AM or FM operation. Excessively loud transients (clicks or
system. The subwoofer will then power on instantly when a signal is popping sounds) can damage the satellite speakers and possibly the
detected. During periods of normal use, the Power Switch  can be subwoofer.
left on. You may turn off the Power Switch  for extended periods of
nonoperation, e.g., when you are away on vacation. Maintenance and Service
The satellite and subwoofer enclosures may be cleaned using a soft
Adjust Level cloth to remove fingerprints or to wipe off dust.
Turn the Subwoofer-Level Control
up about halfway. If no sound
emanates from the subwoofer, check the AC-line cord and input All wiring connections should be inspected and cleaned or remade
cables. Are the connectors on the cables making proper contact? Is periodically. The frequency of maintenance depends on the metals
the AC plug connected to a “live” receptacle? Has the Power Switch involved in the connections, atmospheric conditions and other
 been pressed to the ON position? Once you have confirmed that factors, but once per year is the minimum.
the subwoofer is active, proceed by playing a CD or DVD. Use a
selection that has ample bass information. In the event that your system ever needs service, contact your local
JBL dealer or distributor, or visit www.jbl.com for a service center
Set the overall volume control of the receiver/processor to a near you.
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.

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SPECIFICATIONS

CS68
SATELLITES
Frequency Response (– 6dB): 100Hz – 20kHz
Recommended Amplifier Power Range: 10 – 100 Watts
Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1 meter): 88dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
Crossover Frequency: 3.0kHz; 12dB/Octave
High-Frequency Driver: 13mm (1/2") Titanium-laminate dome, magnetically-shielded
Midrange Driver: Dual 89mm (3-1/2"), magnetically shielded
Dimensions (H x W x D): 289mm x 131mm x 86mm (11-3/8" x 5-1/8" x 3-3/8" )
Weight: 1.5kg (3.2 lb)

SUBWOOFER
Frequency Response (– 6dB): 35Hz – 160Hz
Amplifier: 125W RMS/250W Peak†
Driver: 200mm (8")
Dimensions (H x W x D, including feet): 412mm x 305mm x 346mm (16-1/4" x 12" x 13-5/8")
Weight: 13.2kg (29 lb)

† 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.

Declaration of Conformity Declaration of Conformity

We, Harman Consumer Group, Inc. We, Harman Consumer Group, Inc.
2, route de Tours 2, route de Tours
72500 Chateau du Loir 72500 Chateau du Loir
France France
declare in own responsibility that the products described declare in own responsibility that the product described
in this owner’s manual are in compliance with technical in this owner’s manual is in compliance with technical
standards: standards:
EN 61000-6-3:2001 EN 55013:2001+A1:2003
EN 61000-6-1:2001 EN 55020:2002+A1:2003
EN 61000-3-2:2000
EN 61000-3-3:1995+A1:2001
EN 60065:2002

Laurent Rault Laurent Rault

Harman Consumer Group, Inc. Harman Consumer Group, Inc.
Chateau du Loir, France 11/06 Chateau du Loir, France 11/06

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All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
JBL is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, registered
in the United States and/or other countries. Pro Sound Comes Home is a trademark
of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Dolby and Pro Logic are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.

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 Château du Loir, France
516.255.4JBL (4525) (USA only) www.jbl.com
© 2006 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Part No. 406-000-05543-E