JBL L166 Horizon
1975 - 1980
The L166 Horizon was a significant milestone for JBL as their first speaker system equipped with a dome tweeter. This 3-way design improved upon the L100 platform with refined drivers and JBL's first dome radiator high-frequency unit.
Specifications
| Type | 3-way, 3-speaker, Bass Reflex, Bookshelf |
|---|---|
| Drivers | Woofer: 12" 122A, Midrange: 5" LE5-8, Tweeter: 066 Dome |
| Crossover Frequencies | 1 kHz, 6 kHz |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Power Handling | 75W (continuous program) |
| Sensitivity | 89 dB (New JIS) |
| Dimensions | 362 x 597 x 330 mm (W x H x D) |
| Weight | 25 kg (packed) |
Drivers Used
- Woofer: 122A / 122A-1 - 12" (30cm) cone woofer with Alnico V magnet and mass control ring
- Midrange: LE5-8 - 5" (13cm) cone midrange
- Tweeter: 066 - 1" (2.5cm) dome tweeter with aluminum deposited diaphragm
Innovations
The L166 introduced several improvements over the L100:
- First Dome Tweeter: The 066 was JBL's first dome radiator, using a diaphragm with special vapor deposition of aluminum and resin for reduced distortion and extended high-frequency response beyond the audible band.
- Improved Woofer: The 122A incorporated a mass control ring for enhanced low-frequency reproduction and was an improved version of the L65 woofer.
- Extended Response: Directional characteristics of 150° at 20 kHz and 90° at 30 kHz.
Historical Context
Launched in 1975 at ¥180,000 per unit in Japan, the L166 represented JBL's transition from cone tweeters to dome designs. The price was later reduced to ¥160,000 around 1978. The woofer designation changed from 122A to 122A-1 in later catalogs, indicating minor revisions during the production run.
The geometric design panel on the front grille became a distinctive visual element of this era's JBL designs.
Related Models
The L166 Horizon shared its 122A woofer with the L65A floor-standing speaker. It was succeeded by the L96 and L112 in the early 1980s.