JBL Architectural Series Custom Install loudspeakers

JBL Synthesis symbolizes the non-plus-ultra in film and music experience with loudspeaker systems specially developed for built-in applications. Technically optimized for wall or ceiling integration to enjoy immersive sound without visible speakers. Of course, that product category is far from unique and almost every manufacturer calls out to have the best built-in speakers in the range, but JBL Synthesis is different. Not sexier to look at, more flashy on the market or easier to install, but better engineered for that built-in application. Custom Install loudspeakers with JBL’s professional origins and HDI technology as the common thread through every concept. Of course, this technology comes with a price. With four new Architectural series, however, JBL is now introducing its qualities in a much lower price range, starting far below the Synthesis line.

Every sound source reacts to its environment. The sound result is therefore the sum of the direct sound and its reflections. JBL knows that better than anyone. When the loudspeaker slides from its position in front of the wall into the wall, you immediately exclude a part of the reflections. Or rather, you prevent some irregularities in his acoustic coupling with the wall behind him. So off the shelf and into the wall isn’t such a bad idea at all, as long as the speakers are designed for that location. JBL’s Architectural series have been specifically developed and acoustically tuned for infinite baffle applications, so built into the wall or ceiling. Where many built-in loudspeakers seem to have a bit of a hit or miss in the low end, a JBL Architectural model – assuming a solid built-in wall – always sounds rich, balanced and tight in the low end.

Because this category of speakers are usually built into the wall or ceiling, it is a little more difficult to tow-in, as we can do with free-standing speakers. That is why a balanced sound development right in front of but certainly right next to the axis of the speaker is extremely important. An aim on which JBL has based almost its entire research facility in Northridge. 75 measurements around the axis of the speaker and advanced, proprietary simulation software form the basis for a speaker that sounds good, no matter from which angle you listen to it.

With four new series, the choice is huge. We are therefore happy to introduce the lines, their key skills and applications to you:

The Studio 6 series has the most similarities with the superior JBL Synthesis line. Developed for Cinema and premium sound from the wall. With the Studio 6 you can build extremely energetic sound systems with big dynamics. Like the JBL Synthesis models, all Studio 6 speakers are equipped with a compression driver with HDI Waveguide. No ordinary tweeter, as almost all other manufacturers use, but a special tweeter with super high efficiency combined with a specifically shaped High Definition horn. With that JBL typical approach, the Studio 6 loudspeakers achieve a very wide and balanced radiation behavior and enormously powerful sound. It makes the Studio 6 a series of high-efficiency loudspeakers. The Studio 6 makes great music, even with a less powerful amplifier, the. The smallest Studio 6IW with a 6.5” woofer and a suggested retail price of € 489,- already has a SPL of 91dB@1watt 1meter. The largest Studio 6 Theater with a suggested retail price of € 1.199, – even 96dB. Thanks to the sophisticated filter, the models also form a simple load for the amplifier. An aspiration that can be found in every JBL Architectural loudspeaker.

With the Studio 6 series, movie playback gets an unprecedented expression with crystal-clear precision. Special switches on the front allow fine tuning of treble and bass response. This gives the Studio 6 the option to tailor the sound to taste and acoustic environment or compensate for less fortunate positioning.

Just like the Studio 6 Series, the Stage Series is also different from the average built-in loudspeaker. Although the Stage models are equipped with a standard dome tweeter instead of the more complex compression drivers, the JBL engineers have linked them to an HDI Waveguide. This specially shaped horn for the tweeter provides here again for an improved radiation behavior, a higher efficiency and less distortion. So easy to control, so that they achieve more than sufficient output even with a modest amplifier power. The Studio 6 series has three wall models. Stage 260W with 6.5” woofer, Stage 280W with 8” woofer and a version with the tweeter sandwiched between two 5.25” woofers, the Stage 255WL. The minimalist magnetic grills also allow them to blend in tightly with the wall.

For ceiling applications, JBL uses the same tweeter but with an acoustic lens instead of HDI Waveguide. In addition to the 6.5” version, an 8” version and a 6.5” model with double tweeter, the Stage series also has two super interesting models where tweeter and woofer are placed at an angle of approximately 20 degrees. Perfect for getting the sound image focused on the desired listening position. Think, for example, of Atmos speakers in a surround configuration, but also, for example, a living kitchen where the sound is projected towards the dining table.

In view of the quality offered, the prices are particularly attractive in our opinion. With a starting price of € 179,- for the smallest Stage 260W, this series is simply unbeatable in terms of energy and joy of playing!

The Studio 2 Series includes the proven technology as we also know it from Revel Inwall speakers, but in a JBL jacket. With a waveguide around the tweeter instead of an HDI horn, the treble reproduction is slightly less energetic but still optimized for a smooth frequency response. Also far off the speaker axis. High-quality filter components and drivers also ensure a particularly refined sound reproduction. Special switches on the front allow to fine tune the treble to taste. With seven models, three of which are ceiling-specific, the Studio 2 offers a wide range of solutions. Of these, the mighty Studio 2 88IW with a double 8” woofer is the most impressive. Perfect for applications where maximum sound quality, full bass reproduction and impressive detail are high on the priority list.

JBL’s new B Series form the Basic line of the JBL Architectural series. Perfect for multi-room, multi-zone situations and corporate locations where the sound needs to be good but the Studio and Stage series become too expensive. Especially interesting for projects where numerous units are placed throughout the building for smooth background music. Thanks to the use of less expensive materials, the B series starts at a low price point while the acoustic tuning is still above average. The line has five models, two for installation in the wall and three for the ceiling. In addition to the 6.5” and 8” standard round ceiling models, there is also a 6.5” ceiling model with double tweeter for ‘stereo’ application from one loudspeaker. The 6.5” models of the B series have a suggested retail price of € 139,- (version with double tweeter € 179,- ) the 8” versions have a suggested retail price of € 169,-