JBL 475 (1972–1976)
The JBL 475 is a 2-way bookshelf loudspeaker made from roughly 1972 to 1976 (some sources extend that to 1977). The record on this model is thin. What survives says it was essentially a "poor man's L-100." It shares that model's 10-inch woofer and 1-inch dome tweeter, but it uses a simpler crossover and a ported, bass-reflex cabinet instead of the L-100's sealed enclosure. Collectors have called it a "parts-bin" L-100 - same drivers, simpler crossover, stiffer cabinet - that delivers much of the L-100's performance at a lower price.
The drivers are well documented. The woofer is a 10-inch 123A-1 (per the Audio Heritage forum), the tweeter is a 1-inch dome LE25, and the crossover point is 2500 Hz. The cabinet is vented and measures 540 x 330 x 275 mm (HxWxD). It weighs 20 kg. Sensitivity is rated at 88 dB, with 8-ohm impedance. Frequency response is generally listed as 50 Hz-20 kHz. One source cites 40 Hz-20 kHz (±3 dB), but that figure may belong to a different model in the same review. The 50 Hz-20 kHz figure shows up consistently across the spec databases, so it is the safer claim.
High Fidelity (September 1978, p.80) noted JBL’s broader move to make studio monitors available through retail channels around this era, which gives some context for how a model like the 475 — positioned between consumer and professional lines — fit into the company’s thinking.
No original price has turned up in the research. Current market values, common failure points and maintenance guidance are undocumented. If you own a 475 or have period literature that fills in the gaps, the Archive would welcome the details.
- Type: 2-way bookshelf, bass-reflex (ported)
- Woofer: 10" (123A-1)
- Tweeter: 1" dome (LE25)
- Crossover: 2500 Hz
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Sensitivity: 88 dB
- Frequency response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Dimensions: 540 x 330 x 275 mm (HxWxD)
- Weight: 20 kg
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