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See Figure 5.

The 045Ti utilizes the same princi-
ples as the 435Al, in a smaller foot-
print so that a frequency response
up to 40kHz can be achieved.

Each loudspeaker unit has two
internal dividing networks, one for
the LF transducers and one for the
combined HF and UHF transducers.

The low-frequency section inter-
faces with the external main con-
trol panel for input connections and
switch functions. They also employ
massive air core inductors for best
possible sonic characteristics and
lowest possible coloration.

All internal connections are of pro-
prietary Monster Cable

®

, and all

critical connections are gold-plated
for long life. Capacitors are ultra-
high-grade polypropylene for
extremely low loss. Network plates
and the port bezels are metal to
eliminate vibration and help con-
duct unwanted heat away from the
network. All switches and compo-
nents are of the highest quality for
long life and reduced distortion of
all types.

The network also utilizes JBL’s pro-
prietary Charge-Coupled Linear
Definition

™

topology, which effec-

tively “charges” the network at all
times so that all components are
constantly on and do not generate
distortion while switching between
the on and off stages. This is
accomplished by a battery that
biases the components in the net-
work. The network also facilitates
bi-amping and bi-wiring as neces-
sary, using a configuration switch
and shorting bars.

The HF level control allows fine-
tuning of the high-frequency output
level to the acoustics of the lis-
tening space as well as to the 
listener’s liking.

The all-metal, gold-plated, 5-way
binding-post input connectors pro-
vide for both bi-amplification and
bi-wiring, which are explained in
detail later in this guide.

The enclosure design of the
Project K2 S5800 minimizes col-
oration by dramatically reducing
panel radiation. It is constructed
from 1-inch (25mm)-thick MDF.

The enclosure’s unusual thickness,
along with the SonoGlass horn
assembly, add up to the lowest
vibration, most acoustically inert
loudspeaker enclosure presently
possible to construct. Enclosures
are finished with a high-gloss
polyurethane lacquer.

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Phase Plug

Aluminum-

Alloy Cover

Edge-Wound
Aluminum Voice Coil

Stainless-
Steel Mounting
Bracket

25mm
Pure-Titanium
Diaphragm

Neodymium

Magnet

Gold-Plated

Input Terminal

Figure 5. Cutaway view of 045Ti ultrahigh-frequency transducer.

CHAPTER 3 – UNPACKING THE PROJECT K2 S5800 SYSTEM

All components of the Project K2
system have been very carefully
packed for maximum protection
against damage. 

As with any superior audio product,
it is advisable to keep the original
packing materials in case it is 
necessary to transport the 
Project K2 S5800 system.

Because of the bulk and weight of
this loudspeaker, at least two peo-
ple are required to unpack it in the
following manner: Open the front as
well as the top of the carton. Slowly

and carefully “walk” the loud-
speaker in its Styrofoam

™

end 

pads out of the carton. Two people
may then lift the system out of the 
end pads.  

The four spiked feet are pre-
installed in the bottom of the 
K2 S5800 in four locations. Four
metal coasters are packed in the
end pad. These are to be placed
between the foot and the floor for
further protection of the floor 
coverings. See Figure 6.

Figure 6. Inserting
spiked feet.

Speaker wire and interconnecting
cables are an important compo-
nent in any audio system. With 
a system such as the Project
K2 S5800, they assume a new 
level of criticality.

The Project K2 S5800 loudspeakers
are internally wired with high-
quality copper Monster Cable, 
specially designed for JBL. The
same care that was given to the
selection of internal system wiring
should be afforded to the selection
and application of the cables that
will connect Project K2 S5800
loudspeakers to other system 
components.

It is advisable to use high-quality
wire, such as Monster Cable, and
to select the highest-grade wire
available from the manufacturer.
Many manufacturers produce
audiophile cables worth consider-
ing for Project K2 S5800. As with all
electronics and associated compo-
nents, however, every manufacturer
offers products of varying quality 
to suit a range of budgets and
applications.

We recommend using an audio-
phile-quality speaker wire of not
less than 16 gauge for connections
up to 15 feet (5 meters) as a 

mum requirement. If your connec-
tions will be longer, heavier-gauge
wire is recommended. Project K2
specialist dealers have the experi-
ence and knowledge to recom-
mend suitable speaker wire to best
complement a particular system.

The amount of speaker wire
required will depend on the dis-
tance between the loudspeakers
and amplifier(s), how many ampli-
fiers will be used, and the method
you select for connecting the
amplifier(s) and loudspeakers 
(passive, bi-wire, or bi-amp; see
Chapter 7). For maximum signal
purity, it is advisable to locate the
amplifier(s) as close as possible 
to the loudspeakers, even if this
means that a longer distance 
will be needed between the 
amplifier(s) and preamplifier.

Both the left and right speaker/
amplifier connections should be
the same length. If the distance
between one speaker and the
amplifier(s) is greater than the
other speaker and amplifier(s), 
use the longer length for both 
connections.

For bi-wire connections, the same
type of wires may be used for both
the low-frequency and high-fre-
quency sections to reduce wire
effects (resistance, inductance,
etc.) and to avoid intermodulation
of low and high frequencies in the
wires. Specialized wires for low-
frequency and high-frequency sec-
tions may yield excellent results.
Whatever wires are used, be sure
that the low-frequency wires are
as short as possible, and the left
and right wires for each section
are the same length.

10

No single type of amplifier is 
specified for use with the Project
K2 S5800 system. The speakers are
highly efficient and will operate
adequately with an amplifier or
receiver of 70–100 watts.

However, the transient response
and audio definition of a high-end
system such as Project K2 S5800
will pick up all inefficiencies and
distortion in an amplifier system.
For full-range operation, the
Project K2 S5800 system can be
used with an amplifier/receiver of
as little as 30 watts. Amplifiers/
receivers of 100–300 watts 
will ensure optimum system 
performance.

There is no effective limit to the
power handling capabilities of the
Project K2 S5800 loudspeakers
when driven by consumer audio
amplifiers. No damage will occur
when used with high-powered
components. Source impedance is
an important criterion in selecting 
an appropriate unit; the selected
amplifier(s) should have a very 
high current capacity and must 
be capable of driving a low 
impedance load.

For bi-wiring or bi-amplification
applications, four identical ampli-
fiers or two dual-channel units may
be used, although specialized low-
frequency and high-frequency
amplifiers offer clear advantages.
(If four amplifier channels are used,
the high-frequency amplifier may
be up to 6dB less powerful than 
the low-frequency amplifier. Due 
to the power versus frequency
distribution of the music, the low-
frequency section requires approxi-
mately four times the power of the
high-frequency section.)

Project K2 S5800 specialist dealers
can recommend amplification to
best suit individual needs. In all
cases, the left and right amplifiers
for each section must be identical.
Make sure that the input sensitivity
of the two amplifiers is equal or that
input level controls are provided to
maintain the proper low to mid/high
balance. If two identical stereo
amplifiers are chosen, each amplifier
may be located near a loudspeaker
and drive low-frequency and high-
frequency sections through short
wire runs.

11

The Project K2 S5800 loudspeaker
system is designed to be less
affected by room acoustics than
conventional imaging systems.
However, it is very sensitive to
overall symmetry, and proximity 
to walls, ceilings and corners.

Ideally, any listening room should
contain a combination of live sur-
faces (e.g., walls and windows)
and absorbent surfaces (e.g.,
drapes, carpets, upholstery). If the
distance from floor to ceiling is
short, it is preferable that one sur-
face has an absorbent covering.
With Project K2 S5800, it is most
important to be able to accommo-
date the optimum listening area that
is defined by the 60° horizontal/
30° vertical coverage pattern of 
the horn.

The listener should be centered in
front of the speakers and furniture
should be of an appropriate height
so that when the listener is sitting,
the ear level is on a vertical plane
with the horn (approximately 32 in/
80cm) as illustrated in Figure 2.

CAUTION: Project K2 S5800 is a
massive system comprising materials
chosen for their density, with its
weight concentrated in a relatively
narrow area. Verify the integrity of

the floor surface before placing and
setting up the speakers. See 

If possible, the distance between
the speakers should be the same
as the distance between each
speaker and the listening area.
Angle the speaker in toward the
listener so that when seated, the
listener could look straight into the
center of the speaker (Figure 7). As
the distance increases between
the speakers, increase the inward
angle of the speaker.

The imaging qualities enable the
speakers to be placed relatively far
apart from each other. In addition,
the low-frequency alignment fea-
ture enables placing the speakers
near or even in a corner without
producing an overabundance of
bass. This corner placement ability
allows optimum performance even
in small rooms.

The Project K2 S5800 system can
operate fairly close to the wall.
Allow enough clearance between
the back of each speaker and the
wall to allow making the connec-
tions on the back of the speaker
(approximately 2"–3" is sufficient),
and to avoid interference with the
performance of the tuned port.

Remember that these speakers
weigh close to 185 lb (84kg) each
and cannot be easily moved.

The floor in the location selected
for setting up the Project K2 S5800
speakers must be capable of sup-
porting a load of 185 lb (84kg).
Because of the coupling effect of
the stainless steel feet, a flat, hard
surface such as wood or linoleum
is preferable. However, the design
of the loudspeaker’s coupling sys-
tem, along with the speaker’s
extreme weight, should result in
excellent performance on any 
surface, even on carpets.

To prevent indentations on wood 
or linoleum floors caused by the
weight of the loudspeaker, always
utilize the enclosed coasters. Do
not set up the Project K2 S5800
system directly on a ceramic tile
floor; the concentrated weight
might cause the tiles to crack.

Figure 7. Room placement of K2 S5800 speaker system.

12