JBL Caprice (1964–1966)
The JBL Caprice is a little-documented model from the mid-1960s. What survives in the record is a mix of solid fact and one unresolved conflict. It was a two-way bookshelf loudspeaker in JBL's C-series line, produced from 1964 to 1966. JBL introduced it as a budget-friendly addition to that series, aimed at bringing JBL quality to a wider audience at a more accessible price. It was positioned for the home consumer market as an affordable alternative to JBL's higher-end models.
The Caprice used an 8-inch woofer paired with a cone tweeter. The sealed acoustic suspension enclosure was finished in oiled walnut veneer with contemporary styling. The crossover network was set at 3,500 Hz. One source lists the tweeter as 3 inches and another says 2 inches. The record doesn't offer a way to settle it, so the exact size stays out. The known specs are a frequency response of 40 Hz to 15 kHz, impedance of 8 ohms, maximum power handling of 30 watts, dimensions of 13 inches wide by 24 inches tall by 11.5 inches deep, and a weight of 26 pounds.
Period reception was modest but positive. The Caprice was praised for its "big sound" despite its small size, with a warm, smooth midrange and surprisingly punchy bass for its footprint. Some reviewers noted the high-frequency output could get a bit harsh at higher volume levels. It found a natural audience in small listening rooms and as rear-channel speakers in early stereo setups. Period JBL advertising emphasized that its loudspeaker enclosures were designed as decorative assets compatible with fine furniture HiFi-Stereo (August 1968, p.13).
No original price, sensitivity figures, or detailed crossover component information have surfaced. The production years come from a single source - Nostalgia Avenue - though SoCal Retro Audio independently confirms a mid-1960s timeframe. No information has surfaced about where the Caprice sat in the JBL lineup relative to other specific models, such as the L-series or Century.
- Type: Two-way bookshelf loudspeaker, sealed acoustic suspension
- Drivers: 8" woofer, cone tweeter (size disputed in sources)
- Crossover: 3,500 Hz
- Frequency response: 40 Hz – 15 kHz
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Power handling: 30 watts maximum
- Dimensions: 13" W × 24" H × 11.5" D
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Finish: Oiled walnut veneer
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