Stage 2 Architectural Loudspeakers
Installation Guide
Overview
Supported Products
The following products are supported within this document.
In-Wall Models
| Stage 250WL | 2-way Dual 5.25″ In-Wall |
| Stage 260W | 2-way 6.25″ In-Wall |
| Stage 280W | 2-way 8″ In-Wall |
In-Ceiling Models
| Stage 260C | 2-way 6.25″ In-Ceiling |
| Stage 260CDT | 2-way 6.25″ Dual Tweeter In-Ceiling |
| Stage 260CSA | 2-way 6.25″ Angled In-Ceiling |
| Stage 280C | 2-way 8″ In-Ceiling |
| Stage 280CSA | 2-way 8″ Angled In-Ceiling |
Associated Accessories
There are several accessories available for new construction installations as well as square grille kits to change the appearance of the in-ceiling speakers.
Preconstruction Brackets
| WB81 | Pre-Construction Bracket for 8″ In-Wall |
| WB61 | Pre-Construction Bracket for 6″ In-Wall |
| CB6SA | Pre-Construction Bracket for 6″ Angled In-Ceiling |
| CB8SA | Pre-Construction Bracket for 8″ Angled In-Ceiling |
Square Grille Kits
| SGK6 | Square Grille Kit for 6″ In-Ceiling |
| SGK8 | Square Grille Kit for 8″ In-Ceiling |
Box Contents
1x Stage Architectural Loudspeaker
1x Zero Bezel Grille
1x Cutout Template
1x Quick Start Guide (This Document)
Safety Warnings
IMPORTANT! HARMAN International assumes no responsibility for improper installation of hardware or for any personal injuries or product damages resulting from improper installation or a fallen loudspeaker.
Read through this document in its entirety and heed all warning before proceeding with the installation of these product(s).IMPORTANT! Installation Precautions
Due to the nature of this product, there are several precautions to follow before installation can begin.
- Allow sufficient clearance between the speaker and any insulation that may be in the wall cavity to avoid ignition should overheating occur.
1″ (26mm) for Non-Flammable Materials
3″ (78mm) for Flammable Materials - Ensure that all wire run inside of walls and ceiling meets or exceeds local fire codes for hidden wiring.
- Determine wire lengths and select the proper gauge speaker wire to use based on the table under Wire Gauge by Distance.
- Do NOT overtighten the dog legs when securing the speaker to surfaces as this may cause the speaker to come loose. If using a power screwdriver set it to the lowest settings.
- Do NOT connect the speakers to an amplifier rated above the recommended amplifier power. Overdriving the speaker can cause an overheating condition increasing the risk of injury.
- Do NOT connect the amplifier end of the wire until all speakers are wired and installed.
- Determine and purchase any accessories such as preconstruction brackets before beginning the installation process. Refer to Associated Accessories for a list of available brackets.
- Ensure that wall and ceiling board material is between ½” (13mm) and 2″ (51mm) thick and capable of supporting the weight of the speaker.
Installation
Before proceeding with the installation be sure and read through these instructions carefully and in full to ensure that the installation will be complete and accurate. Should at any time these instructions seem unclear, contact your dealer or customer support for assistance.
Preinstallation Preparations
While these architectural speakers have been designed to perform in a variety of environments, there are some guidelines to follow to ensure that you will be getting the best out of the speakers.
- Read through the IMPORTANT! Installation Precautions before proceeding to ensure that all safety precautions have been met.
- Determine a location for the speakers within the room and position on the wall and/or ceiling. Note that positioning them near boundaries such as other walls, ceilings, or floors with increase reflection that may have an adverse affect on the sound.
- Determine wire lengths and select the proper gauge speaker wire to use based on the table under Wire Gauge by Distance.
- Run all wires from the amplifier location to the speaker location so that they are available when the speaker is installed. Ensure that wires are not connected at the amplifier at this time.
- For new construction ensure that all brackets are on hand and installed in the walls before installing the speakers. Install Pre-Construction brackets per instructions included with the brackets.
- For existing walls and ceilings position the included cutout template onto the wall or ceiling and trace an outline onto the wall. Ensure that the template is equal distance from studs to allow for the XL-2 legs to fully extend. Use a stud finder if needed.
- Using a Drywall saw, cutout a section of the wall/ceiling in the confines of the trace for the cutout.
Wire Gauge by Distance
| Distance/Length | Wire Gauge |
| < 50ft (15m) | 16-gauge |
| 50ft (15m) ~ 100ft (30m) | 12-gauge |
| > 100ft (30m) | 10-gauge |
Installing the Speakers
- Follow the steps under Preinstallation Preparations that apply to the installation.
- Set the XL-2 legs on the speaker to the installation position. Must be inside the frame of the speaker in order to install speaker into cutout.
- Attach the included safety wire to a stud inside the wall/ ceiling near the side of the speaker with the safety ring eyelet.
- Pull wire through pre-construction bracket or hole in wall/ ceiling.
- Strip ¼” (6.5mm) of insulation off each wire.
- Starting with the negative terminal (black), gently press down on each terminal, insert the wire, and release.
Repeat for the positive (red) terminal. - Install the speaker into the cutout/bracket, hold firmly to wall, and tighten the screws for the XL-2 legs.
CAUTION! Do NOT over tighten the screws as this can strip the legs and cause the speaker to come loose from the wall/ceiling. - Install the grille onto the speaker by gently placing it over the speaker until the magnets click and pull the grille onto speaker.
Specifications
In-Walls
| Stage 250WL | Stage 260W | Stage 280W | |
 |  |  | |
| High Frequency Transducer | 1″ (25mm) Aluminum dome with High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) horn | 1″ (25mm) Aluminum dome with High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) horn | 1″ (25mm) Aluminum dome with High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) horn |
| Low Frequency Transducer | Dual 5.25″ (130mm) Polycellulose cone woofer | 6.5″ (165mm) Polycellulose cone woofer | 8″ (200mm) Polycellulose cone woofer |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20-120W RMS | 20-100W RMS | 20-120W RMS |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-25kHz (-6dB on-axis) | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB on-axis) | 42Hz-25kHz (-6dB on-axis) |
| Sensitivity (2.83V@1m) | 90dB | 87dB | 90dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 8ohm | 8ohm | 8ohm |
| Crossover Frequency | 2100Hz | 1900Hz | 1700Hz |
| Inputs | Nickel-plated spring-loaded connectors | Nickel-plated spring-loaded connectors | Nickel-plated spring-loaded connectors |
| Grille Dimensions | H: 19.5in (496mm) x W 7.6in (194mm) | H: 13.3in (339mm) x W 8.5in (217mm) | H: 15.7in (400mm) x W 10.5in (266mm) |
| Cutout Dimensions | H: 18.1in (460mm) x W: 6.4in (162mm) | H: 12.2in (311mm) x W: 7.2in (184mm) | H: 14.6in (372mm) x W: 9.4in (238mm) |
| Mounting Depth | 3.8in (96mm) | 3.6in (92mm) | 3.9in (98mm) |
In-Ceiling (Standard)
| Stage 260C | Stage 280C | |
 |  | |
| High Frequency Transducer | 1″ (25mm) Aluminum dome with Acoustic Lens | 1″ (25mm) Aluminum dome with Acoustic Lens |
| Low Frequency Transducer | 6.5″ (165mm) Polycellulose cone woofer | 8″ (200mm) Polycellulose cone woofer |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20-100W RMS | 20-120W RMS |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB on-axis) | 42Hz-25kHz (-6dB on-axis) |
| Sensitivity (2.83V@1m) | 87dB | 90dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 8ohm | 8ohm |
| Crossover Frequency | 3000Hz | 3400Hz |
| Inputs | Nickel-plated spring-loaded connectors | Nickel-plated spring-loaded connectors |
| Grille Dimensions | Dia: 9.2in (233mm) | Dia: 10.8in (275mm) |
| Cutout Dimensions | Dia: 8in (203mm) | Dia: 9.6in (244mm) |
| Mounting Depth | 3.9in (100mm) | 4.3in (108mm) |
In-Ceiling (Special Use)
| Stage 260CDT | Stage 280CSA | Stage 250CSA | |
 |  |  | |
| High Frequency Transducer | Dual 3/4″ (20mm) Aluminum dome with Acoustic Lens | 1″ (25mm) Aluminum dome with Acoustic Lens | 1″ (25mm) Aluminum dome with Acoustic Lens |
| Low Frequency Transducer | Dual VC 6.5″ (165mm) Polycellulose cone woofer | 6.5″ (165mm) Polycellulose cone woofer | 8″ (200mm) Polycellulose cone woofer |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20-75W RMS | 20-100W RMS | 20-120W RMS |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB on-axis) | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB on-axis) | 42Hz-25kHz (-6dB on-axis) |
| Sensitivity (2.83V@1m) | 90dB | 87dB | 90dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 8ohm | 8ohm | 8ohm |
| Crossover Frequency | 2900Hz | 2800Hz | 2900Hz |
| Inputs | Nickel-plated spring-loaded connectors | Nickel-plated spring-loaded connectors | Nickel-plated spring-loaded connectors |
| Grille Dimensions | Dia: 9.2in (233mm) | H: 9.8in (248mm) x W 9.8in (248mm) | H: 11.4in (289mm) x W 11.4in (289mm) |
| Cutout Dimensions | Dia: 8in (203mm) | H: 8.6in (219mm) x W: 8.6in (219mm) | H: 10.2in (260mm) x W: 10.2in (260mm) |
| Mounting Depth | 4.2in (106mm) | 5in (127mm) | 5.4in (138mm) |
Installation Tools
Pre-Construction Brackets
| JBLWB52 | JBLWB61 (New) | JBLWB81 (New) | JBLCB6SA | JBLCB8SA | |
 |  | ||||
| Description | Rough-In Bracket for 5″ In-Wall | Rough-In Bracket for 6″ In-Wall | Rough-In Bracket for 8″ In-Wall | Rough-In Bracket for Angled 6″ In- Ceiling | Rough-In Bracket for Angled 8″ In- Ceiling |
| Products Supported | 250WL | 260W | 280W | 260CSA | 280CSA |
Square Grille Kits
| JBLSGK6 | JBLSGK8 | |
 | ||
| Description | Square White Paintable Grille for 6″ In-Ceiling | Square White Paintable Grille for 8″ In-Ceiling |
| Products Supported | 260C / 260CDT | 280C |
Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
8500 Balboa Blvd, Northridge CA 91329 United States.
European Representative: Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
EMEA Liaison Office, Danzigerkade 16G, 1013 AP Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
UK Business Address: Ground Floor, Westside 2, London Road, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 9TD, United Kingdom.
© 2022 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.
JBL is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated registered in the United States and other countries.
Features, Specifications, and Appearance subject to change without notice.
Part No. 950-0618-001
1.1 | 20220829
©2022 Harman International
