JBL Arc Sub 8 Manual

							SERVICE MANUAL
JBL Consumer Products Inc.
250 Crossways Park Drive
Woodbury, N.Y. 11797
A Harman International Company
1112-ARCSUB8 Rev A 10/98
SERVICE MANUAL
ARC SUB 8
Discrete Output, High Current
8 Powered Subwoofer 
						

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Powered SubwooferARC SUB 8
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................1
WARRANTY ...................................................................2
SAFETY SYMBOLS .......................................................2
CONTROLS AND THEIR FUNCTION ...........................3
TEST PROCEDURES ....................................................4
TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................5
ARC SUB 8 AMPLIFIER BLOCK DIAGRAM ................7
CABINET EXPLODED VIEW.........................................8ARC SUB 8 ELECTRICAL PARTS LISTS ....................9
ARC SUB 8 MECHANICAL PARTS LISTS ................10
PACKAGING EXPLODED VIEW .................................11
INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DIAGRAM ............................12
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (TOP VIEW) ..................13
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM 1 ...........................................14
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM 2 ...........................................15
SPECIFICATIONS
Amplifier Power RMS...........80Watts @ 1% THD
Drivers................8with high-polymer-laminated cone
Inputs................Line level and High Level
Outputs*...............High level with High-Pass filter at 180Hz
Crossover Frequency...........50-150Hz
(continuosly variable)
Frequency Response...........45Hz to 150Hz
(determined by crossover setting)
Input Impedance.............20kohm
Input Sensitivity.............220mV
External Dimensions (Inches)
Height................9¼”
Width................14
Depth................12½”
Weight................18lbs
External Dimensions (mm)
Height................235mm
Width................356mm
Depth................318mm
Weight................8.1kg
* High-Level (speaker) outputs are active only if high-level input are used.
Occasional refinements may be made to existing products without notice, but will always meet or exceed
original specifications unless otherwise stated.
This Product is Part of the ARC CINEMA II SYSTEM 
						

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Powered SubwooferARC SUB 8
WARRANTY
This amplifier is warranted against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of 90 days from date of shipment,
when installed in accordance with the owner’s manual in a
clean, dry, interior home environment. THIS AMPLIFIER IS
NOT SUITABLE FOR OPERATION OUTSIDE OR IN HARSH
ENVIRONMENTS. During the warranty period, the
manufacturer will, at its option, either repair of replace products
which prove to be defective.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be properly
packed and returned to a service facility designated by the
manufacturer. Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to the
designated facility and the manufacturer shall pay shipping
charges to return the product to buyer. However, Buyer shall
pay all shipping charges, duties and taxes for products
returned to the manufacturer from another country.
The manufacturer does not warrant that the operation of the
product will be uninterrupted or error-free. The Buyer must
determine the suitability of the product for his or her purposes.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from
improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied
interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operationoutside of the environment specifications for the product
including inadequate ventilation, or improper site preparation,
installation, or maintenance.
NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. THE
MANUFACTURER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE
AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. THE MANUFACTURER
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER
LEGAL THEORY.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
The following symbols are used throughout this manual and in
the product. Familiarize yourself with each of the symbols and
its meaning before servicing this amplifier.
Instruction manual symbol. The product will be
marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the
user to refer to the instruction manual in order to
protect the unit against damage.
Indicates dangerous voltages are present. Be
extremely careful.
TheCAUTIONsign denoted a hazard. It calls
attention to a procedure which, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to or
destruction of the amplifier. Do not
proceed beyond aCAUTIONsign until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.
TheWARNINGsign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure which, if not correctly
performed or adhered to could result
in injury or loss of life. Do not
proceed beyond aWARNINGsign
until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
THIS UNIT DOES NOT HAVE A POWER SWITCH;
HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT WITHIN THE
UNIT WHENEVER IT IS PLUGGED IN.
There are voltages and hot components at many points in the
amplifier which can, if contacted, cause serious injury. Be
extremely careful. Any adjustments or service procedures that
require operation of the amplifier out of its enclosure should be
performed only by trained service personnel. 
						

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Powered SubwooferARC SUB 8
CONTROLS AND THEIR FUNCTION
1.Output Level- The Output Level adjustment
determines volume level strength.
2.Crossover Frequency- The Crossover Frequency
adjustment determines the highest frequency the
ARC SUB 8 will reproduce. It allows a seamless
transition from the subwoofer to the satellite
speakers.
3.On (LED)- This LED will light green when the unit is
plugged in and is receiving signal. When in
standby mode the LED is red.4.Low Level Input- These left and right Line Level
Inputs are normally used when the
receiver/processor has line-level “pre-amp out ”
or “subwoofer out” jacks.
5.High Level Inputs- These High Level Inputs are for
receivers that do not have line-level “pre-amp out”
or “subwoofer out” jacks. When a pair of main or
satellite speakers are attached to the OUTPUT
terminals, frequencies below 180 Hz are attenuated
by the high-pass filter. 
						

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TEST PROCEDURES
General Function
UUT = Unit Under Test
1. Connect both right and left line level inputs (RCA) to signal generator and UUT. Use Y-cable if necessary from
mono source. VOLUME control should be full counterclockwise.
2. Turn on generator, adjust to50mV, 50 Hz.
3. Plug in UUT; red LED should be ON. Turn VOLUME control full clockwise.
4. LED should turn Green; immediate bass response should be heard and felt from port tube opening.
5. Turn off generator, turn VOLUME control fully counterclockwise, disconnect RCA cables.
6. Connect one pair of speaker cables to either high level input terminal on UUT. Cables should be connected to
an integrated amplifier fed by the signal generator.
7. Turn on generator and adjust so that speaker level output is 2.0V, 50 Hz. Turn VOLUME control full clockwise.
8. Green LED should light, immediate bass response should be heard and felt from the port tube opening.
Sweep Function
1. Follow steps 1-4 above, using a sweep generator as a signal source.
2. Sweep generator from 20Hz to 300Hz. Listen to the cabinet and drivers for any rattles, clicks, buzzes or any
other noises. If any unusual noises are heard, remove driver and test.
Driver Function
1. Remove driver from cabinet; detach + and - wire clips.
2. Check DC resistance of driver; it should be3.2ohms.
3. Connect a pair of speaker cables to driver terminals. Cables should be connected to an integrated amplifier fed by
a signal generator and adjust so that speaker level output is5.0V.
4. Sweep generator from 20Hz to 1kHz. Listen to driver for any rubbing, buzzing, or other unusual noises. 
						

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1. TROUBLE SHOOTING BEFORE OPENING
Check connections, control settings, driver and other possible
external problems. If there is Output, determine if all controls
and Inputs function properly. Rotate Pots over full range while
applying lateral and vertical oscillating forces to locate possible
intermittent function. High Level Inputs should be tested
individually both differentially (signal from - to + with normal
output) and in common mode (signal from low level ground to
both + and - shorted together, giving virtually no output).
While passing a signal, corner drop the enclosure a few inches
to expose possible intermittent problems. Check woofer for
rubbing of voice coil or tears in cone or surround. Check
cabinet for loose extraneous articles which may have been
pushed into front port.
2. REMOVING THE AMPLIFIER.
There are voltages and hot components at many points in the
amplifier which can, if contacted, cause personal injury. Be
extremely careful. Any adjustments or service procedures that
require operation of the amplifier out of its enclosure should be
performed only by trained service personnel. Refer to PCB
drawings for locations of hazards and familiarize yourself with
their locations before starting.
A.Remove the subwoofer grille.
B.Remove the (4) 1” Black PPH screws attaching the
woofer to the cabinet.
C.Remove the woofer, unplug the two connecting
wires.
D.Remove the (8) ¾” screws black pph screws
attaching the ampifier assembly to the cabinet.
E.Remove the ampifier assembly.
F.For access to the input panel, first remove the three
outer screws. Remove knob and nuts from
potentiometers. Cut away the sealant securing the
cover to the faceplate. The input PCB should now
pull out completely.
3. TROUBLE SHOOTING AFTER REMOVAL
Verify AC plug is disconnected. See WARNINGS in section 2.
To prevent loose hardware from reducing safety spacings, it is
essential that all hardware be replaced in the same manner as
it was removed, with lock washers under all nuts, proper torque
on screws and thread locking sealer on the transformer nuts.
If line core or strain relief are replaced, it is necessary to seal
them completely to panel with an approved conformal coating
to prevent air whistling through any openings from woofer
pressure.
To reduce the risk or electric shock and/or fire,
replace items as marked on schematic with the
safety marking only with the exact replacements
listed in the safety component list, section 4. If
exact replacements are not available, order them from the
factory or an authorized service center.
A.Check fuse F1. If blown visually check transformer
for discoloration, and large capacitors (C1, C2) for
bulges or venting. Check for shorts with an
Ohmmeter, (see schematic).
B.With ohmmeter, verify voice coil of woofer is
3.2 ohms, and windings of transformer are
continuous.
C.Examine board and wiring for obvious damage,
broken or poorly soldered connections, or
discoloration.
D.Repair or replace items identified above.
E.For live power testing, attach a 4 ohm 100 watt
resistor to the output wires.
F.If the LED is not on, check for fuse continuity and
then for cold solder joints on CMC1 and bridge
diode.
G.With a signal present at the input, the output to the
power amp is at pin #8 of U1. If the signal is not
present at pin 8, there is a problem with preamp
section. Most likely, a cold solder joint will be the
problem. Track back the signal path to locate
problem.
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
BEFORE THIS AMPLIFIER IS PLUGGED IN, make sure its rated voltage corresponds to the voltage of the AC power source
to be employed. Failure to use the correct voltage could cause damage to the amplifier when the AC power cable is
plugged in. Do not exceed the rated voltage by more than 10%; operation below 90% will degrade performance or cause the
unit to shut off. 
						

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H.If signal present at pin 8, but still no sound, check
for cold solder joints on all power resistors, R4a and
R4b and the the power amp module. If C24 is
blown, C6 is not soldered or is defective. Check the
signal at R2. On the down signal side, the voltage
signal should be very small. If signal is similar on
both sides of R2, the amp module is likely defective.
I.If you hear a mechanical clicking noise from the amp
module, this indicates that the short circuit protection
has been engaged. Check that Q3, Q4 and Q5 are
soldered correctly. Also check that Q3 is not shorted
to power amp case.
J.If you have to replace the power module, be very,
very patient with the solder removal from this single
sided PCB.COMPLETELY REMOVE SOLDER
BEFORE TRYING TO REMOVE THE MODULE!
K.Assembly notes. Top side soldering as below:
J5: solder both ends
J3: solder both ends
J1: solder both ends
R48: solder GND end
At junction of C7a/C7b: Pin to GND
Crossover pot Gnd wire from PDB pad to POT
barrel. (Only physical contact required between
pot body and faceplate).
After repair, inspect for possible safety hazards, including
loose hardware, missing lock washers, correct fuse and lead
dress of primary wires (these must be held in position with
cable ties so that they cannot touch secondary components).
With ohmmeter, check that panel is connected to signal
ground.
It is essential that the following safety insulation test be
performed prior to returning the Power Sub-Woofer to the
customer, using one of the following methods.
A) Insulation Resistance Test
With a 500VDC Insulation Tester, Check
insulation from the outer metal contact of the
RCA jack (chassis) to the line neutral of AC
cord. Resistance should be >100MW.
B) Hi-Pot Test
If a UL approved Hi-Pot tester is available, test
line & neutral of AC cord to outer shell of RCA
jack (chassis) at 1100VAC for 2 seconds.Observe all of instrument manufacturers
instructions and safety warnings in performing
this test.
Connect sub-woofer system to a music source. Play at high
level while checking for air leaks around panel edge, driver,
panel jacks and controls, and voice coil problems such as
rubbing or loose turns. With the crossover frequency set to
50Hz, very little of the voice content should be heard.
4. REASSEMBLY
Follow all disassembly instructions in reverse order. If the
input plate has been removed, it must be re-sealed with a small
bead of silicon seal or air leaks may result.
5. LIST OF SAFETY COMPONENTS
REQUIRING EXACT REPLACEMENTS
F1 Fuse SLOW BLO 0.5A 250v T type
UL approved
CMC1 mc4438 Neosid 28-52, 2x 2.2mH
#23 awg @ 2x 24
L1 mc4436 Neosid 32-19 200uH
#18SNSR @36
T1 Transformer #4300, Use only factory
replacement
PWR CORD SPT-2 better with polarized plug,
UL appoved wired with the hot side
to fused side. Use with UL approved
panel strain relief only.
BDR Bridge Rect. 200V 4A Use only factory
replacement.
C1, 2 3300uF, 50V Electrolitic Radial.
Be sure replacement part is at least the
same working voltage and capacitance
rating. Also the lead spacing is
important. Incorrect spacing may
cause premature failure due to internal
cabinet pressures and vibration.
C6 10u 50V Electrolytic Radial.
R29 470W0.25 +-1% Metal
S53AMI Power Amp Module 
						

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ARC SUB 8 AMPLIFIER BLOCK DIAGRAM 
						

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Powered SubwooferARC SUB 8
CABINET EXPLODED VIEW 
						

							Ref # Part # Description Qty.
Capacitors
C1, 2 30701 3300mF 50V +/-20% 2
ELECTROLYTIC RADIAL
C3 30501 .1mF 50V +/-20% 1
MONO-CERAMIC AXIAL
C4, 5, 9, 17, 24 30502 .1mF 50V +/-20% BIPOLAR 5
MONO-CERAMIC
C6 30705 10mF 50V +/-20% BIPOLAR 1
ELECTROLYTIC RADIAL
C7, 25 30503 .0022mF 50V +/-10% 2
MONO-CERAMIC
C7A, 7B 30505 .1mF 100V +/-20% 2
METAL POLYESTER RADIAL
C8, 10, 14, 18, 30504 .1mF 50V +/-10% 6
19, 20 MONO-CERAMIC
C11 30702 100mF 35V +/-20% 1
ELECTROLYTIC RADIAL
C12 30703 4.7mF 35V +/-20% 1
ELECTROLYTIC RADIAL
C13 30506 .001mF 50V +/-10% 1
MONO-CERAMIC
C15, 16 30704 200.mF 50V +/-20% 2
ELECTROLYTIC RADIAL
BIPOLAR
C21 30508 .01mF 50V +/-10% 1
MONO-CERAMIC
C28 30507 .01mF 50V +/-20% 1
MONO-CERAMIC
Diodes
DBR 50100 BRIDGE RECT 200W 4A 1
D1 50101 1N5256B 30V +/-5% 1/2W 1
D3 50102 1N4749A 24V +/-5% 1W 1
D6 50103 1N5234B 6.2V +/-5% 1/2W 1
D7, 8 50104 1N4148 100V +/-5% 0.1A 2
D9, 10 50105 1N4744A 15V +/-5% 1W 2
Resistors
R1 40403 2.2 Meg ohm 1/4W +/-5% 1
CARBON FILM
R2 40408 8.45KW1/4W +/-1% 1
METAL FILM
R3 40412 33.2KW1/4W +/-1% 1
METAL FILM
R4A, 4B 40105 0.1W1/2W +/-5% 2
R5, 6, 19 40420 1KW1/4W +/-5% 3
CARBON FILM
R7, 21, 44, 45 40409 10KW1/4w +/-5% 4
CARBON FILM
R8, 15, 34, 36, 40406 100KW1/4W +/-5% 8
38, 42, 43, 57 CARBON FILM
R9 40421 3.9KW5W +/-5% 1
3W CAN BE USED
R11, 12 40100 330W1/2W +/-5% 2
CARBON FILM
R10, 13 40404 1KW2W +/-5% 2
CARBON FILMRef # Part # Description Qty.
R14, 20 40405 4.7KW1/4W +/-5% 2
CARBON FILM
R16, 17 40101 820W2W +/-5% 2
CARBON FILM
R18 40407 220KW1/4W +/-5% 1
CARBON FILM
R22 40410 3.3K 1/4W +/-5% 1
CARBON FILM
R26, 49 40701 1 Meg ohm 1/4W +/-5% 2
CARBON FILM
R27 40411 24.9KW1/4W +/-1% 1
METAL FILM
R29 40103 470KW1/4W +/-1% 1
METAL
R30 40413 274KW1/4W +/-1% 1
METAL FILM
R31 40414 49.9KW1/4W +/-1% 1
METAL FILM
R32 40415 470KW1/4W +/-5% 1
CARBON FILM
R35 40416 221KW1/4W +/-1% 1
METAL FILM
R37 40417 47KW1/4W +/-5% 1
CARBON FILM
R39 40418 22KW1/4W +/-5% 1
CARBON FILM
R40 1-114-154-24 150KW1/4W +/-5% 1
R46 40104 4.7W1/4W +/-5% 1
CARBON FILM
R48 40419 6.04KW1/4W +/-1% 1
METAL FILM
R53, 54, 55, 56 40106 100W2W +/-5% 4
CARBON FILM
VR1 40401 100KW1/4W +/-10% 1
SINGLE LOG POT, FRQ POT
VR2 40402 5KW1/4W +/-10% 1
SINGLE LINEAR POT,
VOL LEVEL POT
Integrated Circuit
U1 60100 LM324 QUAD OP-AMP +/-15 1
Transistors
Q1 60151 MPS A13 30 NPN(Darl) 1
Q2 60152 2N3906 40 PNP 1
Q3 60153 2N3904 40 NPN 1
Q4, 5 60154 MPS A56 80 PNP 2
Miscellaneous
CMC1 80100 mc4438 Neosid 28-52, 1
2x2.2mH #23awg @ 2X 24
L1 80101 mc4436 Neosid 32-19 1
200uH #18SNSR @ 36
L2 80102 BL02RN2-R62 FERRITE BEAD 2
LED1 50106 DUAL CIR LED (2 LEGGED) 1
T1 80104 TRANSFORMER #4300 1
U2 60301 S53AMI POWER AMP 1
MODULE
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Powered SubwooferARC SUB 8
ARC SUB 8 ELECTRICAL PARTS LISTS