JBL HB1500 (c. 2000)
The JBL HB1500 is a passive subwoofer built for home theater. The period sources describe it as designed for "real theater systems." It's a 1-way, 1-speaker bass reflex design with a single 38 cm cone woofer. The diaphragm is high-rigidity pulp mixed with Kevlar fiber. The cabinet is heavy: 25 mm side panels combined with 38 mm MDF, which helps explain the 72.5 kg total mass. It was priced at ¥295,000 per unit around 2000, though another source lists ¥340,725 (tax included).
The HB1500 is rated for a frequency characteristic of 25 Hz to 500 Hz (−6 dB), with a recommended crossover range of 60-120 Hz. Impedance is 4 Ω. Maximum allowable input is 1000W, and output sound pressure level is listed at 91 dB/2.83V/1m. External dimensions are 720 mm wide, 654 mm high, and 432 mm deep.
Surviving documentation on this model is thin. No production years, lineup placement, or formal review coverage has surfaced. What exists beyond the spec sheet is mostly enthusiast chatter. One owner on a JBL forum noted their HB1500 was arriving to join three other subs, admitting, "Not sure if I'll actually feel the difference, but it sure feels good anyway." Another reported picking one up used for around $300 including shipping, far below the original price. A Japanese listing shows one with its grille cloth replaced with genuine JBL fabric, described as in good condition with checked performance.
- Type: 1-way, 1-speaker, bass reflex, floor type
- Driver: 38 cm cone woofer (Kevlar-reinforced pulp diaphragm)
- Frequency response: 25 Hz – 500 Hz (−6 dB)
- Impedance: 4 Ω
- Max input: 1000W
- Sensitivity: 91 dB / 2.83V / 1m
- Recommended crossover: 60 – 120 Hz
- Dimensions: 720 × 654 × 432 mm (W×H×D)
- Weight: 72.5 kg
- Original price: ¥295,000 (c. 2000) / ¥340,725 (tax incl.)
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