JBL 066 Tweeter
1975
The 066 was JBL's first dome tweeter - a major milestone in the company's history. Used in the L166 Horizon, it marked JBL's transition from cone to dome high-frequency drivers, offering smoother response and wider dispersion than previous designs.
Specifications
| Type | Dome tweeter |
|---|---|
| Nominal Diameter | 1" (25mm) |
| Magnet Type | Alnico V |
| Diaphragm Material | Aluminum vapor-deposited |
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Frequency Response | 6 kHz - 30 kHz |
| Directivity | 150° at 20 kHz, 90° at 30 kHz |
| Crossover | 6 kHz (in L166) |
Key Features
- First JBL Dome: Revolutionary design for the company
- Aluminum Deposited Diaphragm: Vapor-deposited aluminum on resin base for optimal mass/stiffness
- Wide Dispersion: Excellent off-axis response to 30 kHz
- Extended Response: Reproduction beyond the audible range
Applications
- L166 Horizon (1975-1980)
Historical Context
The introduction of the 066 in 1975 marked a turning point for JBL. While the company had built its reputation on cone tweeters and compression drivers, the dome design offered advantages in smoothness and dispersion that were impossible to achieve with small cone radiators.
The aluminum vapor deposition process - applying a thin layer of aluminum to a resin diaphragm - allowed JBL to achieve the ideal combination of low mass and high stiffness. This technology would be refined in subsequent dome tweeters like the 044 and 033.
Documentation
- L166 Horizon Owner's Manual (PDF) - Contains 066 tweeter information
- JBL Loudspeaker Components 1979 Catalog - Contains tweeter specifications