JBL L88-1 Cortina (1967–c.1973)
A 2-way bookshelf speaker system with bass reflex design, released in Japan at ¥104,000.
Overview
The JBL L88-1 Cortina, also known as the JBL L88 Nova and JBL L88, is a 2-way, 2-speaker bass reflex system designed for shelf or stand mounting. Introduced in 1967 and revised around 1973, it features a distinctive cabinet finished in wood grain with black Saran geometric patterns. The system uses a 30 cm cone woofer (model 123A) and was originally equipped with a 5 cm cone tweeter (LE20), later updated to a 3.6 cm unit (LE25-1). It carries an allowable input of 50W continuous program power and operates at 8 Ω impedance.
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 features a bass reflex bookshelf enclosure with a unique front grille combining circular and rectangular elements. It was designed with wood grain surfaces accented by black Saran geometric paneling. The 123A woofer includes a long travel cone assembly, an 8 cm diameter edgewise rolled copper ribbon voice coil, and a 2.7 kg magnet, contributing to its robust low-frequency performance.
Context
Named after the Cortina d'Ampezzo region in the Italian Dolomites, the L88-1 Cortina was released in 1967 and saw a minor revision by 1973, including updated dimensions and a slight price increase. It was marketed as a precision loudspeaker system, reflecting JBL’s focus on high-fidelity performance during this era.
Market
Listings show used pairs priced from $30 to $600 depending on condition, with some units described as fully tested and optimized. One Facebook Marketplace listing offered a pair in excellent condition for $600, while a Reddit user noted rough cabinets available for $30.
eBay Listings
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