JBL 4312A / 4312ABK (1986)
The JBL 4312A is a three-way, three-driver bass-reflex bookshelf monitor introduced in 1986 as the successor to the well-known 4312. It came in two finishes, the walnut-veneered 4312A and the black 4312ABK. At launch in Japan they were priced at ¥128,000 and ¥115,000 per unit respectively.
The "A" revision was JBL's answer to the digital age. The low end is handled by the 2213H, a 30cm cone woofer with an SFG magnetic circuit for low distortion. JBL's proprietary coating on the cone paper gives effective damping. The frame is aluminum die-cast to reduce vibration of the magnetic circuit. Midrange comes from the 104H-3, a 13cm cone unit with a new voice coil and coated cone paper for smooth response and wide directivity. The highs come from the 035ti, a 25-micron pure titanium dome tweeter with diamond-edge patterns inspired by Japanese origami, plus reinforcing ribs. It replaces the paper tweeter of the earlier 4312 and gives improved frequency response up top.
Specifications as documented: frequency response of 45 Hz to 20 kHz, output sound pressure level of 93 dB/W/m, nominal impedance of 8 ohms, allowable input of 100W, and crossover points at 1.1 kHz and 4.2 kHz. The enclosure is 40 liters, measuring 362 x 597 x 298 mm (W x H x D), and weighs 20 kg. Some sellers list the weight at 52 lbs and recommend amplification from 10 to 300W. The 4312A is described as a passive monitor suitable for near-field or mid-field use. Owners generally report solid, dynamic sound with powerful bass and clear midrange. One owner on Audiocircle noted that pairing them with JBL L166s made an excellent four-speaker combination.
Documentation on this model is moderate. The Japanese sources (audio-heritage.jp and audio-database.com) provide the core specifications above. Period forum discussion questions whether the 4312A/4312ABK were budget-oriented models in the 4312 line, possibly of Mexican manufacture. Replacement diaphragms for the 035Ti tweeter are available aftermarket. No information survives on production end dates or common failure modes.
Known Specifications
- Type: 3-way, 3-speaker, bass-reflex bookshelf
- Low: 30cm cone (2213H)
- Mid: 13cm cone (104H-3)
- High: 25mm pure titanium dome (035ti)
- Frequency response: 45 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 93 dB/W/m
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Power handling: 100W
- Crossover: 1.1 kHz, 4.2 kHz
- Dimensions: 362 x 597 x 298 mm (W x H x D)
- Weight: 20 kg
Similar items on eBay
No exact JBL 4312A/4312ABK 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