The L26 was
developed through the technology that made JBL the leading manufacturer of
loudspeaker system for professional use. It meets the same stringent
requirements as JBL studio monitors, providing clear, crisp reproduction,
freedom from distortion and lack of coloration - all reasons most major
recording groups insist on JBL professional loudspeakers for live performances
as well as studio recording.
The L26 achieves the
open, effortless performance that is characteristic of JBL loudspeaker systems.
It even approaches, within just a few decibels, the thunderous volume levels
required of JBL monitors in the recording studio. Each component of the L26 -
low frequency loudspeaker, high frequency direct radiator frequency dividing
network and enclosure - has been designed to function as part of the complete
system, optimizing performance and efficiency without sacrificing definition
orthe ability to accurately reproduce the fleeting bursts of sonic energy,
known as transients, so essential to realism.
Like all JBL
loudspeaker system, the L26 utilizes a ported enclosure to increase efficiency
and dynamic range rather than a sealed "acoustic suspension"
enclosure which achieves bass response at the expense of efficiency, dynamic
range and transient reproduction. Efficiency is important for two reasons; it
permits use of a relatively low power, moderately priced amplifier, and it
allows the amplifier to operate at a lower power level, providing the reserve
necessary to achieve full dynamic range and excellent transient reproduction.
Efficiency and outstanding reproduction make the L26 ideal for the music
listener wanting to combine superb performance with compact size.
Technical
Information
Each component of
every JBL loudspeaker system is designed and produced by JBL personnel to the
most rigorous standards in the industry. JBL loudspeaker frames are massive
cast structures, produced to exacting tolerances. Magnetic assemblies are
precisely manufactured of low-reluctance iron, energized by large, high grade
megnets. Voice coils are held to within one turn of design specifications.
Stamped frames and mass-produced voice coils would be less expensive; however,
the resultant loss of structural integrity, magnetic force and acoustic
efficiency would tend to degrade low-distortion performance and transient
response - qualities that have become JBL hallmarks.
The L26 Enclosure
The enclosure,
embodyying every concept of fine furniture design and construction that has
made JBL leader of the industry, complements the acoustic characteristics of the loudspeaker
system. It utilizes a ducted port extending through the baffle panel to provide
the proper resistive load on the loudspeaker cone for improved efficiency and
dynamic range. To achieve maximum strength and resistance to vibration, all
panels are constructed of 3/4-inch stock, side and back panels are lined with
acoustic padding, and all joints are hand-fitted, lock-mitered and wood-welded.
The search for
refreshing visual approach to loudspeaker enclosures led JBL to explore the use
of new finishes, in this case natural oak. The beauty of its grain structure is
brought out by a hand-rubbed oiled finish. The contrast of the contemporary grille
and natural finish reflects the most recent decorator trends, permitting use of
the L26 as an active design element in the listening room.
High Frequency -
The 1,4-inch direct
radiator contributes to the dramatic
presence of the loudspeaker system and provides accurate reproduction of
delicate overtones and harmonicas extending beyond the range of human
audibility. Presence creates the feeling that a performance is taking place in
front of the enclosure, rather than coming from within it.
As in the low
frequency loudspeaker, the high frequency direct radiator combines a large
voice coil interacting with a powerful magnetic potential for efficiency and
transient reproduction with definition and accuracy. The small diameter of the
cone and center dome provides a wide sound distribution pattern, assuring that
each listener hears the same tonal balance and blend of direct and reflected
sound, regardless of position withhin the listening area.
The entire dynamic
assembly is surrounded by a ring of dense foam damping material to absorb
unwanted radiation and reflections.
Low Frequency -
Solid, well-defined
reproduction is provided by a 10-inch, long excursion loudspeaker. Its massive
Alnico Vlow-loss magnetic assembly concentrates all the magnetic energy where
it contributes most to loudspeaker performance - the voice coil gap.
A massive die cast
aluminum frame maintains the precise alignment of the voice coil within the gap
to a tolerance of ane thousandth of an inch. An ordinary stamped frame cannot
insure the structural rigidity necessary for long term, low-distortion performance.
The copper voice coil, two inches in diameter, drives an integrally stiffened
cone. This large coil, interacting with the magnetic force, provides the
physical drive necessary for instantaneous transient reproduction; the mass and
stifness of the cone have been carefully researched to provide optimum low
frequency performance and definition. The cone is suspended at its outer edge
by a highly flexible ring to absorb extraneous sound waves within the cone
material and allow the long excursion necessary to achieve dynamic range and
extend bass response through the lowest registers of the audio spectrum.
Dividing Network -
The function of a
properly designed frequency dividing network is much more complex than simply
directing low and high frequency information to the appropriate reproducer.
Vitally important to the sound of a loudspeaker system is precise control of
the drivers through the transition frequencies. To accomplish this, the
tolerances of JBL network components are much more stringent than normal
industry practices. The network,installed in the l26 has a continuously
variable control permitting adjustment of the relative loudness of the high
frequency direct rdiator to satisfy individual preferences and the acoustic
properties of the listening room.
Power Capacity
The specified power
capacity indicates the continuous program power level that can be accepted by a
JBL loudspeaker system without damage.
Its peak power capacity is considerably greater than the continuous rated value,
as indicated by the remarkable transient response of JBL loudspeaker system
components. The L26 will reproduce clean sound at comfortable listening levels
when driven by an amplifier having an output of as little as 10 Watts RMS per
channel. However, for reproduction of the full dynamic range of contemporary
recordings at high volume, a quality amplifier delivering up to 60 Watts RMS
per channel will provide optimum performance. Such an amplifier has the reserve
power necessary for accurate reproduction of transients, which can reach
momentary peaks equivalent to ten times the average power level. In almost all
cases, the volume level generated by a JBL loudspeaker will become noticeably
discomforting to the ear before the loudspeaker can be damaged by excessive
power from the amplifier.
Specifications
JBL attributes major
importance to the validity of published information. Rather than repeat the ambiguity of most
technical specifications, JBL has traditionally refrained from listing data for which no widely-accepted test procedure
has been established. In the absence of such standards any wellequipped
laboratory can legitimately produce a variety of frequency response curves for
a loudspeaker, depending on the conditions selected. At JBL the final analyses
are comprised of extensive listening sessions. Although laboratory data are an
integral part of the process, the trained ear is the ultimate criterion. The success of this philosophy is reflected
in the enthusiastic acceptance of JBL systems by recording studio engineers,
producers and performers - professionals whose artistic achievements are
closely related to the equipment they use. In every critical listening
situation - wherever the sound of the loudspeaker must be depended upon - JBL
is the overwhelming professional choice.
Specifications
Power Capacity: 35 Watts continuous program
Nominal
Impedance: 8 ohms
Dispersion: 90° horizontal and vertical
Crossover
Frequency: 2000 Hz
Efficiency: 76 dB (1 Watt at a distance of 15 feet)
Low Frequency
Loudspeaker
Nominal Diameter :
10 inches (250 mm)
Voice Coil : 2 inch
(50 mm) copper
Magnetic Assembly
Weight : 2,5 pounds (1,1 kg)
Flux Density : 8500
gauss
Sensitivity : 40 dB
High Frequency
Direct Radiator
Nominal Diameter :
1,4 inches (36 mm)
Voice Coil : 5/8
inch (16 mm) copper
Magnetic Assembly
Weight : 1,6 pounds (0,7 kg)
Flux Density :
15,000 gauss
Sensitivity : 47 dB
Finish: Natural Oak
Grille: Stretch fabric
Grille Color
Options: orange, Blue, White or Brown
Dimensions: 12-3/4 x 24 x 13-1/4 inch (320 x 610 x 34 mm)
Weight: 41 lbs (19 kg) shipping