JBL L88-1 Cortina (1967–c.1973)

Name: JBL L88
Brand: JBL

A 2-way bookshelf speaker system with bass reflex design, released in Japan at ¥104,000.

Overview

The JBL L88-1 Cortina is also known as the JBL L88 Nova and the JBL L88. It is a 2-way, 2-speaker bass reflex system built for a shelf or a stand. It came out in 1967 and was revised around 1973. The cabinet is wood grain with black Saran geometric patterns. The woofer is a 30 cm cone (model 123A). The tweeter was originally a 5 cm cone (LE20), later swapped for a 3.6 cm unit (LE25-1). Allowable input is 50W continuous program power, and impedance is 8 Ω.

Specifications

Product type	2-Way, 2-Speaker, Bass Reflex System, Bookshelf Type
Impedance	8 Ω
Allowable input	50W (continuous program)
External dimensions (1967 catalog)	Width 360 x Height 570 x Depth 340 mm
External dimensions (1973 catalog)	Width 360 x Height 600 x Depth 300 mm
Weight	21 kg
Low band unit	30 cm Cone Type (123A)
High range unit (early stage)	5 cm Cone Type (LE20)
High range unit (later stage)	3.6 cm Cone Type (LE25-1)
Driver details for woofer (123A)	long travel cone assembly, 8 cm diameter edgewise rolled copper ribbon voice coil, and 2.7 kg magnet
Original price	¥104,000 at launch (1967); ¥106,100 around 1973

Design

The L88-1 Cortina is a bass reflex bookshelf enclosure with an unusual front grille that mixes circular and rectangular elements. The wood grain surfaces are accented by black Saran geometric paneling. The 123A woofer has a long travel cone assembly, an 8 cm diameter edgewise rolled copper ribbon voice coil, and a 2.7 kg magnet. That gives it strong low-frequency output.

Context

The name comes from the Cortina d'Ampezzo region in the Italian Dolomites. The L88-1 Cortina was released in 1967. By 1973 it had a minor revision, with updated dimensions and a slight price increase. It was marketed as a precision loudspeaker system.

Market

Used pairs are listed from $30 to $600 depending on condition, and some units are described as fully tested and optimized. One Facebook Marketplace listing offered a pair in excellent condition for $600. A Reddit user noted rough cabinets available for $30.