JBL 4311A/4311WXA (1976)
The JBL 4311A, sold in some markets as the 4311WXA, is a three-way bookshelf monitor introduced in 1976. It was developed for recording studios, editing rooms and adjustment rooms, and for outdoor recording work. The front baffle has the woofer at the top and an attenuator at the bottom, a layout meant for hanging use.
The drivers are a 30 cm cone woofer (model 2213) for the low band, a 13 cm cone midrange (LE5-2) and a 3.6 cm direct-radiator tweeter (LE25). It's a bass-reflex design with an internal enclosure volume of 42.5 liters. Impedance is rated at 8 ohms, allowable input at 40W RMS, and output sound pressure level at 91 dB (New JIS). Frequency response is specified at 45 Hz to 15 kHz ± 3 dB, with crossover points at 1.5 kHz and 6 kHz. Horizontal and vertical dispersion is rated at 90°. External dimensions are 362 × 597 × 298 mm (W × H × D), and each speaker weighs 19 kg. Finish options were gray and walnut.
Period pricing in Japan was ¥155,000 for the 4311A and ¥165,000 for the 4311WXA, per unit, around 1979. Collectors understand the "A" suffix to mean Alnico magnets, which sets these apart from the later ceramic-magnet "B" versions. The 4311A is still a sought-after vintage monitor. A 2020 YouTube comment noted Japanese market pricing of up to 40 million VND (roughly $1,700 USD at the time) for a pair, and serviced, reconed pairs keep turning up on the used market.
Some things are not well documented. No period reviews from major hi-fi publications appear in the archive, and no source found clearly explains the difference between the 4311A and 4311WXA designations. The two model numbers are typically treated as a combined listing. A Gearspace forum user recalled first hearing 4311s in the late 1970s at a local recording studio and developing "a real respect and love for them," which matches the general reputation these monitors carry among studio veterans.
Known Specs
- Type: 3-way, 3-speaker, bass-reflex bookshelf monitor
- Low band: 30 cm cone (2213)
- Midrange: 13 cm cone (LE5-2)
- High range: 3.6 cm cone (LE25)
- Frequency response: 45 Hz – 15 kHz ± 3 dB
- Allowable input: 40W (RMS)
- Impedance: 8 Ω
- Crossover frequencies: 1.5 kHz, 6 kHz
- Output SPL: 91 dB (New JIS)
- Enclosure volume: 42.5 L
- Dimensions: 362 × 597 × 298 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight: 19 kg
Similar items on eBay
No exact JBL 4311A/4311WXA listings are live right now — these searches show current JBL and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- JBL 075
- JBL 077
- JBL 120Ti
- JBL 124A
- JBL 124H
- Braun AUDIO-1 (1965)
- Braun AUDIO-250 (1965)
- Magnavox Component Systems (1972)
- Acoustic Research AR (1967-1976)
- Acoustic Research 11