JBL L166 Horizon (1975)
Compact bookshelf speaker system featuring JBL’s first dome tweeter and L-pad controls for mid and high frequencies
Overview
The JBL L166 Horizon is a 3-way, 3-driver bookshelf speaker system released in 1975 by James B. Lansing Sound, Incorporated. Designed as a compact bass reflex system, it was one of JBL's most respected bookshelf models, praised for its balanced sound and performance across music genres. The system was manufactured in Spain for certain markets and featured a distinctive geometric front grille with an elegant walnut veneer cabinet and glass-black baffle.
Specifications
| Woofer | 30 cm Cone Type (122A or 122A-1) |
| Midrange | 13 cm Cone Type (LE5-8) |
| Tweeter | 2.5 cm Dome Type (066) |
| Crossover frequency | 1 kHz, 6 kHz |
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 89 dB (New JIS) |
| Allowable input | 75W (continuous program) |
| Dimensions | 362 mm (W) × 597 mm (H) × 330 mm (D) |
| Weight | 25 kg (packed) |
Design
The L166 Horizon was JBL’s first speaker system to feature the 066 dome tweeter, which used a diaphragm with a special aluminum-resin vapor deposition and offered wide dispersion of 150° at 20 kHz. The woofer (122A) was an improved version of the L65 driver, incorporating a powerful Alnico V magnet and a voice coil with a mass control ring. The bass reflex enclosure enhanced low-frequency response, while L-pad controls allowed fine-tuning of mid and high driver levels. The front grille featured JBL’s unique geometric "egg-carton" design, noted for its distinctiveness and irreplaceable nature.
Market
The L166 Horizon had an original price of ¥180,000 per unit in 1975. Common issues include deteriorating woofer foam surrounds, which require professional refoaming to maintain value, and potential damage to the tweeter’s delicate metallic coating from improper cleaning. Replacement parts are available from JBL, but modifications with non-genuine components reduce collector value. Grilles are not replaceable or easily repairable, and original badges may be missing, with reproductions offered by Huntley Audio. A used pair in good condition was noted as reasonably priced at $700, while a listed unit appeared for $1,699.
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Related Models
- JBL 4310 (1970)
- JBL 4315 Control Monitor (1977)
- JBL L110A (1975)
- JBL 4311B (1975)
- JBL 4408 (1975)
- Akai AM-2850 (1975)
- Akai AP-206 (1975)
- Nakamichi BX-1 (1985)
- Acoustic Research research-ar-17 (1978)
- Acoustic Research AR-19 (1994)