JBL L96
1978 - 1982
The L96 was part of JBL's late-1970s refresh of the L-series lineup, featuring the new ceramic magnet woofers and improved tweeter designs that would define the company's sound through the 1980s.
Specifications
| Type | 3-way, 3-speaker, Bass Reflex, Bookshelf |
|---|---|
| Drivers | Woofer: 10" 128H-1, Midrange: 4" LE5-10, Tweeter: 044 |
| Crossover Frequencies | 1.2 kHz, 4 kHz |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Power Handling | 75W (continuous program) |
| Sensitivity | 89 dB/W/m |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Dimensions | 340 x 580 x 300 mm (W x H x D) |
| Weight | 18 kg (per speaker) |
Drivers Used
- Woofer: 128H-1 - 10" (25cm) cone woofer with SFG magnetic circuit
- Midrange: LE5-10 - 4" (10cm) cone midrange
- Tweeter: 044 - 1" (2.5cm) dome tweeter with aluminum deposited phenol diaphragm
Design Features
- Ceramic Magnet Woofer: The 128H-1 used a ferrite magnet instead of Alnico, offering consistent performance over time
- Aluminum-Deposition Tweeter: The 044 dome tweeter featured an aluminum deposited phenol resin diaphragm for smooth extended response
- Symmetrical Driver Layout: Mirror-image pair configuration for improved imaging
- Level Controls: Adjustable midrange and treble levels to match room acoustics
Historical Context
The L96 was introduced alongside the L15, L46, L56, L86, L112, L150, and flagship L250 as part of JBL's comprehensive update to the L-series. These models bridged the gap between the classic Alnico-era designs and the modern titanium-tweeter models of the mid-1980s.
The use of ferrite (ceramic) magnets instead of Alnico was driven by the rising cost and supply uncertainty of cobalt. JBL's SFG (Symmetrical Field Geometry) design ensured that the new magnetic circuits performed as well or better than their Alnico predecessors while offering better long-term stability.
Related Models
The L96 was part of JBL's late-1970s lineup that included the L112, L150, and flagship L250. It shared its 128H woofer with the L166 Horizon and its 044 tweeter with the L150 and L250. The LE5-10 midrange was also used in the L50.
Documentation
No specific datasheet available in archive. See JBL Loudspeaker Components 1979 Catalog for related information.