JBL D123 (1955)
A 12-inch full-range cone driver built for high efficiency and wide dispersion, released by JBL in 1955.
Overview
The JBL D123 is a 30 cm (12-inch) full-range cone speaker unit made by JBL and introduced in 1955. It was built as an extended-range driver with strong output and broad coverage, and it works for both public address and high-fidelity use. It is a single full-range driver, not a multi-way system, so it drops into an enclosure without any crossover fuss and keeps a wide directional pattern of 90 degrees. Nominal impedance is 8 Ω. Sound pressure level is 98 dB at 1 kHz (measured under new JIS standards), which made it highly efficient for its era. Continuous program power handling is 50 watts.
Specifications
| Size | 12 inch (300 mm) / 30 cm |
| Allowable input | 50W (continuous program) |
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Directional | 90 ° |
| Sound pressure level (new JIS) | 98dB(1kHz) |
| Voice Coil Diameter | 7.6cm |
| Magnet Assembly Weight | 3.1kg |
| Magnetic flux density | 10,400gauss |
| Recommended enclosure volume | 56L ~ 141L |
| Depth | 102mm |
Market
The JBL D123 was priced at ¥40,100 per unit around 1974 in the Japanese market, nearly two decades after its 1955 release. That price and the model's long production run point to sustained demand. It was used in professional and high-end audio setups.
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