JBL Control 5 (1987)
A compact, magnetically shielded bass reflex speaker system released in 1987, designed for flexible installation with optional mounting hardware.
Overview
The JBL Control 5 is a 2-way, bass reflex speaker system introduced in 1987 as part of JBL’s CONTROL series. Built for both residential and professional use, it features an anti-magnetic design that allows safe placement near video equipment, making it suitable for multi-speaker setups and early home theater environments. The system was marketed as a "setting-free type," meaning it was engineered to perform consistently across different orientations and mounting positions. It was sold as a pair, with original pricing listed at ¥85,000 for the set at launch, later dropping to ¥75,000 around 1989. A user report confirms compatibility with wall-mounting brackets, including JBL’s official MTC-series swivel brackets, enabling versatile placement on walls or ceilings.
Specifications
| Product type | Speaker system (2-way, 2-speaker, bass reflex system, setting-free type, magnetic protection design) |
| Low frequency unit | 16.5 cm cone type |
| High frequency unit | Dome Type |
| Frequency band | 55 Hz to 25 kHz |
| Crossover frequency | 5 kHz |
| Impedance | 5 Ω |
| Output sound pressure level | 92 dB/W/m |
| Allowable input | 180W maximum, 60W RMS |
| External dimensions | Width 244 x Height 381 x Depth 231 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg |
| Color variations | Black, gray, medium gray, white |
Design
The JBL Control 5 uses a 16.5 cm cone-type woofer with a vibration plate reinforced by laminating special film on SSP (super sulfite pulp), enhancing piston motion and durability. The voice coil is constructed from copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) wound on an aluminum bobbin, improving piston motion and allowable input. For high frequencies, it employs a dome tweeter with a pure titanium diaphragm. To minimize distortion, a urethane foam damper suppresses second harmonic resonance. The enclosure is made from polypropylene with a special foaming agent to reduce internal resonance, while a built-in protection circuit in the crossover network guards against high instantaneous input. Each driver includes a cancel magnet and shield cover to ensure full anti-magnetic performance.
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