JBL L150 (1979)
A floor-standing 3-way passive radiator speaker system developed for high-volume, live-performance sound reproduction.
Overview
The JBL L150 is a floor-standing loudspeaker system released in 1979 by JBL (James B. Lansing Sound, Incorporated). Designed to deliver high-volume sound reminiscent of live performances, it features a 3-way configuration with a passive radiator for extended low-frequency response. It belongs to JBL’s consumer speaker lineup from the 1970s and 1980s, alongside models like the L65 Jubal, L112, and L300 Summit. The system uses a dedicated 3-way network with continuously variable level controls for mid- and high-frequency ranges.
Specifications
| Product type | 3-way, 3-speaker, passive radiator system, floor type speaker |
| Low frequency unit | 30 cm Cone Type (128H) |
| Mid-range unit | 13 cm Cone Type (LE5-10) |
| High frequency unit | 2.5 cm Dome Type (033) |
| Passive radiator | 30 cm cone type passive radiator (PR300) |
| Network | Dedicated 3-way network |
| Allowable input | 200W (continuous program) |
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Crossover frequency | 1 kHz, 4 kHz |
| Output sound pressure level | 88 db (New JIS) |
| External dimensions | Width 432 x Height 1,054 x Depth 330 mm |
| Weight | 36.4kg |
| Original price (Japan) | 210,000 ¥ (1 unit, released in 1979) |
Design
The L150 uses a 30 cm cone-type woofer (128H) with a 4.7 kg ferrite magnetic circuit based on JBL’s symmetrical field geometry (SFG), designed for balanced magnetic flux and reduced second harmonic distortion via a Faraday loop. The woofer features a 7.5 cm diameter copper ribbon edgewise wound voice coil and a hard cone paper diaphragm. A newly developed 30 cm passive radiator (PR300) extends low-frequency response. The mid-range (LE5-10) uses a 13 cm hard cone with a 2.2 cm copper ribbon voice coil and 14,000 Gauss magnetic circuit, housed in an independent sub-chamber to isolate rear wave interference. The 2.5 cm dome tweeter (033) has a resin-impregnated linen diaphragm and an aluminum ribbon voice coil within a 14,000 Gauss magnetic circuit. The crossover includes phase and impedance correction circuits on a printed board with adjustable mid- and high-frequency level controls. The enclosure is constructed from 1.9 cm thick rigid particle board, and the net grill comes in camel, red, or brown.
Context
The JBL L150 is part of JBL's consumer speaker lineup from the 1970s and 1980s, sharing design philosophies and component technologies with contemporary models such as the L65 Jubal, L112, and L300 Summit. It was developed with the goal of high-volume sound reproduction akin to live performances, emphasizing dynamic range and clarity.
Market
One listed pair was offered for $1500,
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