JBL 2439 (c. 1980)

The JBL 2439 (listed in some sources as the 2439H) was a professional two-way studio monitor loudspeaker system. Stereo Review announced it in its "New and Notable" column in April 1980. The documentation is thin, but the few records that survive agree on the essentials.

It paired a 12-inch woofer with a 2430H compression driver on a 2342 constant-directivity horn, in a full-size cabinet intended for studio use. As Stereo Review summarized it at the time, the design goals centered on flat response across a wide range. JBL's objective was to make "every note a perfect quote" (Hi-Fi-Music-at-Home, November 1956, p.10). The company's precision loudspeakers were built around four-inch voice coils (Audio, June 1956, p.33). Rated frequency response runs from 50 Hz up to roughly 16-18 kHz, depending on the source (hifi-wiki cites 50 Hz-16 kHz ±4 dB; Stereo Review cited 50 Hz-18 kHz). Sensitivity is high at 95 dB/W/m, which suits high-power amplification. Impedance is 8 ohms and the power rating is 150 watts.

The crossover networks (3104 and 3105) were available through the 5234A/5235A external crossovers. Typical crossover points were 800 Hz, 1200 Hz, or 1600 Hz. Those are characteristics of the crossover units themselves, not a fixed internal crossover for the 2439.

Several things are unknown: production years, original price, dimensions, weight, and any subjective listening impressions. No owner reviews or durability notes surfaced in the research. The relationship between the "2439" and "2439H" designations is also unverified, and they may be the same product or a variant. The archive would welcome documentation on this one.

Known specs: