JBL 2307 Horn
The JBL 2307 is a short exponential horn designed specifically for home hi-fi applications, most notably paired with the legendary LE85 compression driver in the iconic L200 Studio Master and L300 Summit speakers. While more compact than professional cinema horns, the 2307 delivers classic horn-loaded performance with wide, even dispersion.
Specifications
| Type | Short exponential horn |
|---|---|
| Throat Diameter | 1 inch (25mm) |
| Mouth Dimensions | Approximately 7" x 7" |
| Coverage Pattern | 100° x 100° (wide, even dispersion) |
| Recommended Crossover | 800 Hz |
| Construction | Compression-molded fiberglass |
| Compatible Drivers | LE85, 375, and other 1-inch throat drivers |
| Weight | Approximately 2 lbs |
Design Philosophy
The 2307 was designed to bring professional horn-loaded performance to home environments where large cinema-style horns would be impractical. Unlike the massive sectoral horns used in theater systems, the 2307 uses a radial exponential flare that provides wide, even dispersion in a compact package.
Key design features:
- Short Length: Compact enough for bookshelf and floor-standing speakers
- Wide Dispersion: 100° x 100° pattern fills rooms evenly
- Exponential Flare: Maintains acoustic loading efficiency
- Fiberglass Construction: Rigid, non-resonant, and lightweight
- 1-Inch Throat: Designed specifically for LE85 and similar drivers
In the L200 and L300
The 2307's most famous application was in JBL's flagship home speakers of the 1970s:
- L200 Studio Master: The 2307/LE85 combination topped the 12-inch 3-way system
- L300 Summit: Same HF section in the larger 15-inch flagship
In both speakers, the 2307 horn provided the immediacy, dynamics, and clarity that defined the "West Coast Sound"—a presentation emphasizing transient response and wide dynamic range.
Performance Characteristics
The 2307 delivered several sonic benefits:
- High Efficiency: Horn loading provided 108 dB sensitivity with the LE85
- Fast Transients: Immediate response to musical signals
- Wide Sweet Spot: 100° dispersion meant good sound throughout the room
- Low Distortion: Reduced driver excursion minimized compression
- Dynamic Range: Handled everything from subtle detail to powerful peaks
Comparison to Professional Horns
Unlike JBL's professional cinema horns (like the 2307/2308 bi-radial or the large-format 2390 series), the 2307 was optimized for home listening:
| Feature | 2307 | Professional Cinema Horns |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact | Large |
| Dispersion | 100° x 100° (wide) | Controlled (e.g., 90° x 40°) |
| Application | Home hi-fi | Cinema, studios |
| Construction | Fiberglass | Metal, wood |
Modern Availability
Original JBL 2307 horns are sought after by vintage JBL enthusiasts and DIY speaker builders. The compact size and classic performance make them ideal for:
- Restoring vintage L200/L300 speakers
- Building custom horn-loaded systems
- Upgrading existing speakers to horn-loaded HF
- Vintage audio collections
Compatible Systems
Besides the L200 and L300, the 2307 was used in various JBL systems:
- Various custom installations
- Professional nearfield monitors
- DIY speaker projects
Related Horns
- JBL 2307/2308 - Bi-radial professional horn system
- JBL 2390 - Large folded-plate lens
- JBL 2395 - Wide-coverage slant-plate lens
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Documentation
- Lansing Heritage - Comprehensive JBL specifications, photos, and historical documents
- HiFi Engine - JBL manuals, service documents, and brochures
- Audio Karma JBL Forum - Community discussions and restoration guides
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