C e n t u r y G o l d
L I M I T E D E D I T I O N
L O U D S P E A K E R S Y S T E M
A NEW STANDARD FOR A NEW CENTURY
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JBL is part of the Harman International family of audio companies, a group
with a common purpose: combining technology with a love of music to
manufacture audio products that provide new levels of satisfaction, perfor-
mance and value.
To promote diversity and creativity, JBL operates independently in research
and development. When it comes to translating the results of these efforts
into actual consumer and professional products, JBL draws on the full
combined strength of the Harman companies, including one of the world’s
most advanced manufacturing facilities. The result of this teamwork is that
JBL’s renowned excellence in engineering is successfully carried through to
each individual product, regardless of its application or price range.
As new audio concepts and technologies are pioneered, the partnership of
JBL and Harman International guarantees that consumer and professional
audio users everywhere will be able to enjoy their full benefits.
JBL continually engages in research related to product development and
improvement. Because of this, new materials, production methods and
design refinements may be introduced into existing products without notice.
For this reason, any current JBL product may differ in some respect from
its published description, but will always equal or exceed the original
design specifications unless otherwise stated.
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JBL wishes to thank you for selecting the Century Gold loudspeaker
system. While the Century Gold loudspeakers are a new development,
the ideas behind them go back to the earliest days of JBL. This system is a
definitive expression of JBL’s quality and craftsmanship. We have spared no
effort, overlooked no performance factor necessary to produce the most
accurate loudspeaker possible.
The attention to detail extends to the enclosure. The woodworking com-
plements the engineering. Carefully crafted in hardwood veneers, each
enclosure is finished by hand.
The Limited Edition Century Gold loudspeaker system will provide
many years of superb listening pleasure. Please take a moment to read this
owner’s manual completely before you begin. It is solely in the interest of
ensuring a perfect listening experience that we ask you to follow the setup
and hookup procedures outlined in this manual.
No.
2
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The Limited Edition Century Gold Bookshelf Loudspeakers set a new
standard for a new century. JBL combines the most advanced technology
with a classic JBL design. These speakers continue the longstanding
tradition of precise studio monitor sound for which JBL is famous. You
will enjoy the benefits of pure titanium dome high-frequency transducers,
cast-frame low-frequency transducers with vented pole pieces, and JBL’s
proprietary Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG™) magnet design, as well as
high-definition dividing networks incorporating the highest quality
electronic components available.
Low-Frequency Transducer
The Century Gold features an all-new 12" (300mm) low-frequency
transducer developed specifically for the Century Gold (Figure 1).
Derived from JBL’s legacy of highly powerful yet efficient bass drivers, this
woofer delivers full low-frequency performance with clarity and speed
unprecedented among 12" drivers. The voice coil is 3" (76mm) in diameter
and wound on edge from flat copper ribbon wire to a depth of 0.8" (20mm)
on a thermoset composite™ form.
No.
3
Figure 1 Century 1200
The cone is a rigid paper/fiberglass composite, treated with Aquaplas™ for
strength, speed, and damping. JBL’s Symmetrical Field Geometry is
employed in the form of an aluminum sleeve around the pole piece. This
sleeve reduces second-order distortion through induced flux control. Its
aluminum composition is also a more efficient conductor of heat, so it
assists in dissipating heat away from the voice coil to extend the power
capacity. Cooling of the voice coil is further enhanced by the use of a vented
pole piece. The rigid frame is cast from aluminum alloy, an excellent
thermal conductor, which further acts to efficiently draw heat away from
the voice coil and magnet assembly. This combination of advanced design
technology results in a bass driver that is remarkably free from dynamic
restriction due to heat buildup.
Low-Frequency Transducer
Matched spider
(to motor for high linearity)
Heavy aluminum sleeve for
reducing second-order
harmonic distortion due to
flux modulation distortion
Diecast aluminum
frame for high strength
Extended pole
for symmetrical
flux field
Foam
air filter
0.8" (20mm)
long, 3" (76mm)
diameter edgewound
copper voice coil
for high linearity and
power handling
Aquaplas-
treated
composite cone
Thick .28" (7mm)
top plate for good
heat sinking,
Thick magnet for high excursion
capability and high flux density
low magnetic leakage
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Figure 2 Century 500
Mid-Frequency Transducer
Mid-Frequency Transducer
0.4" (11mm) long,
2" (50mm)
The Century Gold also features an all-new 5" (127mm) mid-frequency
transducer developed specifically for the Century Gold (Figure 2). The
voice coil is 2" (50mm) in diameter and wound on edge from flat aluminum
ribbon wire to a depth of precisely .4" (11mm) on a thermoset composite™
form. The cone is made of Kevlar® with a composite rubber/vinyl surround.
Kevlar was chosen for the cone material because it is extremely strong and
rigid while relatively low in mass. This allows the driver to move fast
enough to reproduce the dynamics of the critical midrange frequencies while
retaining the low distortion characteristics necessary for accurate musical
reproduction. Its very high power capability and freedom from breakup
make it an ideal midrange in a system that is designed to play at high levels
with absolutely no signs of distress. It makes the transition from the woofer
at 600Hz, providing good dispersion throughout the important vocal range.
Rubber/vinyl
surround
diameter edgewound
aluminum voice coil for
high linearity and
power handling
Kevlar
cone
Vented pole piece allows
driver to run cooler
Neodymium magnet provides
high flux density with low mass
Diecast aluminum frame
for high strength
High-Frequency Transducer
No.
Throughout the history of high-frequency transducer design, the goal of
extended frequency response has been at odds with the need for high
power handling. JBL has long chosen titanium as the material for its
highest quality high-frequency transducers and the Century Gold is
no exception (Figure 3). Titanium possesses the essential requirements for
a high-frequency transducer. First, titanium is extremely light yet rigid.
The goal is to maintain a piston-like action as high in frequency as possible.
If the material flexes easily, the diaphragm will break up into random
vibrations. Second, titanium is virtually free from fatigue. The material
is virtually immune from the cumulative effects of millions of flexures
over long operating periods. These factors, coupled with the higher power
handling that titanium affords, allow us to produce an extremely smooth
high-frequency transducer with extended frequency response that can handle
all the demands of today’s digital programs.
4
Figure 3 050 Gold
High-Frequency Transducer
Titanium dome
1
copper
"
Cast zinc faceplate
for less resonance
voice coil
provides
smooth
performance
and high
power
handling
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Dividing Networks
The job of the dividing network is to distribute the various frequencies to
their respective transducers. The network is also designed to complement
component location on the baffle. Slopes are chosen to match the exact
response of each driver in its respective frequency range, as well as to
ensure that the high-frequency transducers are adequately protected from
dangerous low-frequency components.
For the Century Gold system, we chose our Charge-Coupled Linear
Definition™ Dividing Network. The inductors are all designed for high-
current, low-distortion operation. All capacitors in the network are
series/parallel connected and operated with D.C. bias. This effectively
enables the capacitors to operate in “Class A” mode, which substantially
increases sonic detail, resolution, and dynamics. The low-frequency section
of the dividing network is mounted on a dedicated circuit board that
separates both electrical and magnetic properties from that of the
midrange and tweeter sections.
No.
5
Additionally, the Century Gold’s dividing network allows for passive,
bi-wire, passive bi-amp, and full active bi-amp operation. For the full active
bi-amp mode we recommend the use of a high-quality electronic crossover.
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Figure 4 Battery Installation
Battery Replacement
The battery should be replaced approximately every 2 years. This is
accomplished as follows:
BI-AMP
BATTERY
NORMAL/
BI-WIRE
•
Unscrew the two screws that hold the battery access cover in place. It
is located on the upper portion of the dividing network, on the rear of
the speaker enclosure (Figure 4).
JBL INCORPORATED
8500 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA USA
High Frequency
Low Frequency
•
•
Write today’s date, including the year, in this manual.
Install the battery by aligning the battery terminals with the mating
terminals in the network housing. Align male to female, female to
male terminals, then snap the connectors together, assuring a tight
connection.
•
Replace the battery access cover and install screws.
Battery Replacement Record
Date Installed:
No.
6
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Figure 5 Placement
Position Top View
Placement
Ideally the systems should be placed at least three feet from any walls. The
height, at the top of the midrange, should be at ear level. The two speakers
should be equidistant from your primary listening position; the distance
should be determined by the distance between the speakers. We recommend
that the angle between the speakers, at the listening position, be between
45° to 60°. For example, if the speakers are 8' apart, your listening position
should be 8'–12' from each speaker. To widen the area in which the best
stereo image will be perceived, turn the speaker to face the primary
listening position (Figure 5).
3'
3'
10 – 15
10 – 15
Position Front View
3'
3'
Ear level when
seated in listening
position
It is normally recommended that the Century Gold loudspeakers be
positioned so that the high-frequency transducers are towards the inside.
In some listening environments, however, the imaging characteristics may
be improved by positioning the high-frequency transducers towards the
outside. We suggest you experiment with the positioning of your loud-
speakers to determine the ideal placement in your listening room.
No.
7
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Figure 6 Connections
Speaker Connections
Bare Wire
Connecting Method
The Century Gold loudspeakers can be connected by one of several
methods. The binding posts on the rear panel of the Century Gold
will accept most types of audio cable and connectors, including banana
plugs and bare wire (Figure 6). Follow the hookup method that best
describes your system.
ATED
BLVD. NOR
JBL INCORPOR
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USA
THRIDGE,
A
8500 BALBO
HIGH FREQUENCY
LOW FREQUENCY
Standard Connections (Figure 7)
Banana/Spade
Connecting Method
1. For each channel, connect the red (+) terminal on the
Century Gold to the red (+) terminal on your amplifier.
ATED
BLVD. NOR
JBL INCORPOR
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USA
THRIDGE,
A
8500 BALBO
2. For each channel, connect the black (-) terminal on the
Century Gold to the black (-) terminal on the amplifier.
HIGH FREQUENCY
LOW FREQUENCY
Connecting the systems in this manner ensures that they will operate in
phase; that is, they will work together rather than in opposition.
Connecting the speaker system out of phase will not cause damage but
will adversely affect the speaker’s sound.
No.
8
Figure 7 Standard
Connecting Method
ATED
BLVD. NOR
JBL INCORPOR
A
C
USA
THRIDGE,
A
8500 BALBO
HIGH FREQUENCY
LOW FREQUENCY
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Bi-Wiring
The Century Gold’s outer connection panel and internal dividing
network are designed so that separate sets of speaker cable can be attached
to the low-frequency transducer and midrange/high-frequency transducer
portions of the dividing network. This is called bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can
provide several sonic advantages and considerably more flexibility in
power amplifier selection. The advantages of bi-wiring are as follows:
Reduction of Intermodulation
The majority of current flowing between an amplifier and speaker is devoted
to bass reproduction. In fact, 60% or more of an amplifier’s output is des-
tined for the woofers. When current flows through a wire, it produces an
electro-magnetic field (EMF) that expands and collapses at a rate equal to
that of the music’s complex frequency components. If a single speaker
wire must conduct the full musical frequency, the preponderance of low-
frequency information can interact with or modulate high frequencies.
The resulting intermodulation can create audible changes to the high
frequencies even before they reach the loudspeakers.
No.
9
By using separate cables for high and low frequencies, unwanted high-
frequency modulation is avoided. Low-frequency information flows
through one cable while high frequencies flow through another.
Frequency-optimized Cables
Having the opportunity to use separate low- and high-frequency cables
allows you to use cables best suited to each frequency range. Optimally,
you should use high-quality, audiophile-grade speaker cables for both low-
and high-frequency conductors. However, let your ears guide you to the
cables that best match the Century Gold loudspeakers to your amplifier.
Amplifier Flexibility
Bi-wiring also allows you the option of using separate stereo power
amplifiers for left and right speakers, or even four mono amplifiers.
Whether you use two or four amplifiers, it is important to use the same
brand and model to power like connections on the Century Gold.
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Figure 8 Bi-Wire Connecting Method
Bi-Wiring Connections
Figures 8 through 10 show two bi-wiring options, single stereo amplifier
and dual stereo amplifier modes. For passive and bi-wire connections, set
the switch to the Normal/Bi-Wire position (Figure 8a).
AMP
NORMAL/
BI-WIRE
ATED
BLVD. NOR
JBL INCORPOR
A
C
USA
THRIDGE,
A
8500 BALBO
HIGH FREQUENCY
LOW FREQUENCY
Important
1. The external “strapping bars” that normally connect the Century
Gold’s low-frequency and high-frequency terminals must be removed before
bi-wiring. To remove the shorting straps, simply loosen and slide the bars
off to the side (Figure 11).
Figure 8a Normal/Bi-Wire Position
Bi-AMP
NORMAL/
BI-WIRE
Figure 9 One-Amp Bi-Wire
2. Never connect two amplifiers to the same loudspeaker without first removing the
strapping bars. Operating two amplifier channels without removing the
strapping bars can seriously damage your amplifiers!
Preamp
HF
LF
HF
LF
Stereo amp
3. If you have hooked up your Century Gold loudspeakers in any of
the bi-wire configurations indicated, it is not advisable to use additional
speakers separately or simultaneously.
No.
10
Figure 10 Two-Amp Bi-Wire
4. As with conventional one-amplifier connections, make sure that all
speaker cables are the same length.
Preamp w/Y-corded output
HF
LF
HF
LF
Stereo amps
Figure 11 Removal of Shorting Straps
AMP
NORMAL/
BI-WIRE
ATED
BLVD. NOR
JBL INCORPOR
A
C
USA
THRIDGE,
A
8500 BALBO
HIGH FREQUENCY
LOW FREQUENCY
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Figure 12 Bi-Amp Connecting Method
Bi-Amping Connections
AMP
The optimal method of powering the Century Gold system is with
two amplifiers, one for low frequencies and one for the mid/high frequencies.
It is necessary to use a high-quality active crossover module. Since each
amplifier only drives a limited frequency range, this method allows the
user to select amplifiers with the desired sonic character for low and
high frequencies.
NORMAL/
BI-WIRE
ATED
BLVD. NOR
JBL INCORPOR
A
C
USA
THRIDGE,
A
8500 BALBO
HIGH FREQUENCY
LOW FREQUENCY
Make sure that the input sensitivity of each of the amplifiers is the same,
or that input level controls are provided to maintain the proper low-to-
mid/high balance. If two identical stereo amplifiers are used, one may be
located near each loudspeaker to drive low and mid/high frequency
sections through short wire runs.
Figure 12a Bi-Amp Switch Setting
BI-AMP
BATTERY
NORMAL/
BI-WIRE
The external “strapping bars” that normally connect the Century
Gold’s low-frequency and high-frequency terminals must be removed
before bi-amping.
No.
11
To remove the shorting straps, simply loosen and slide the bars off to the
side (Figure 11).
If the system is wired in the bi-amp method, set the Bi-Amp/Normal
switch to the Bi-Amp position (Figure 12 and Figure 12a).
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Maintenance and Service
The Century Gold loudspeaker systems have an oiled finish. Cleaning
should be done with an untreated dust cloth. Do not use conventional
furniture waxes and polishes, which are not designed for oiled finishes. If
touch-up is necessary or the finish appears to be drying out, the surface
may be re-oiled with a commercially available oil-finishing preparation.
Do not use any solvents on the finish.
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. The battery should be replaced approximately every
three years. Consult your JBL dealer for specific recommendations.
No.
If a problem occurs, make sure that all connections are properly made and
clean. If a problem exists in one loudspeaker, reverse the speaker wires to
the left and right system. If the problem remains in the same speaker, then
the fault is with the loudspeaker. If the problem appears in the opposite
speaker, the cause is in another component or cable. In the event that your
Century Gold loudspeaker system ever needs service, contact your
local JBL dealer.
12
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System Specifications
Frequency Response:
50Hz – 20kHz ±1.5dB
38Hz – 22kHz – 6dB
Sensitivity:
90dB for 2.83V @ 1 meter
Recommended Maximum
Power Handling:
200 watts continuous
800 watts peak
Nominal Impedance:
6 ohms
Crossover Frequencies:
Low-Frequency Transducer:
Mid-Frequency Transducer:
High-Frequency Transducer:
Internal Volume:
600Hz, 2800Hz
Century 1200
Century 500
050 Gold
No.
13
1.8 cubic feet
32Hz
Tuning Frequency:
Dimensions (HxWxD):
26-1/2 x 15 x 11-7/8"
673 x 381 x 302 mm
Weight:
60 lbs
27.22 kg
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Table of Contents
Introduction
2
3
Low-Frequency Transducer
Mid-Frequency Transducer
High-Frequency Transducer
Dividing Networks
Battery Replacement
Placement
4
4
5
6
7
Speaker Connections
Maintenance and Service
System Specifications
8
12
13
Declaration of Conformity
We, JBL Europe A/S
Kongevejen 194B
DK-3460 Birkerød
DENMARK
declare in own responsibility, that the loudspeakers
described in this owner’s manual are in compliance with
technical standards:
JBL Consumer Products
80 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797
8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329
1-800-336-4JBL (4525) (USA only)
EN 50 081-1/1992
EN 50 082-1/3.1995
©1996 JBL, Incorporated. JBL is a registered
trademark of JBL, Incorporated.
Steen Michaelsen
JBL Europe A/S
Birkerød. DENMARK. 5/96
Printed in USA 5/96
A Harman International Company
Part No. CGOM96
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