JBL HLS610 (1995–1997)

The JBL HLS610 is a two-way bookshelf loudspeaker from the mid-1990s, part of JBL's HLS series. It was the compact bookshelf model in that line. It pairs a bass-reflex enclosure with a horn-loaded tweeter, a configuration JBL was exploring at the time in a series of two-way systems combining polypropylene woofers with horn tweeters. The HLS610 was originally priced at $299.00.

The speaker uses a 6-1/2 inch low-frequency driver and a 25mm (1") ferrofluid-cooled high-frequency driver, with the crossover set at 3 kHz. Sensitivity is rated at 90 dB, impedance at 8 ohms, and frequency response at 45 Hz - 20 kHz (one source lists 46 Hz - 20 kHz ±3 dB). The baffle is made of "SonoGlass," a material JBL used in this era. The cabinet is described as fairly solid at 14 pounds.

Audio (November 1998, p.80) reviewed the HLS610 favorably, finding that it filled a large listening room with impressively clean, loud music and noting that removing the grilles was mandatory for best sound. The reviewer described the midrange as extremely natural and uncolored, with imaging that gave recorded vocals and instruments a very real sense of size and depth. The bass was noted as a strength at the price, rivaling far more expensive speakers. A separate review in HiFI-Stereo (September 1998, p.73) praised the imaging, with an excellent left/right soundstage and images extending appropriately beyond the physical speaker positions.

Not much else is documented about the HLS610. No dimensions, power handling figures or detailed crossover information have surfaced in the available record. The production timeline is also a little fuzzy - one source gives 1995-1997, another simply lists 1995. It was a well-regarded budget-to-midrange bookshelf speaker from JBL's 1990s lineup, and reviewers liked its imaging and clean output.

- Type: 2-way bass reflex bookshelf

- Drivers: 6-1/2" woofer, 1" ferrofluid-cooled tweeter

- Crossover: 3 kHz

- Impedance: 8 ohms

- Sensitivity: 90 dB

- Frequency response: 45 Hz - 20 kHz

- Original price: $299.00