JBL LE14C (1971–1978)

Name: JBL LE14C
Brand: JBL

The JBL LE14C is a 14-inch low-frequency transducer. JBL built it from 1971 to 1978, and it originally sold for $69.00 each. It was JBL's answer to fitting serious bass into tighter spaces. The 14-inch cast frame and 3-inch edge-wound ribbon voice coil sat on a substantial 14 lb ceramic magnet. The driver was designed to work in either an infinite baffle or a large vented enclosure.

The LE14C was rated at 100W power capacity, with a frequency response of 30-3,000 Hz and 93 dB efficiency (1W/1m). Nominal impedance was 8 ohms, and in system use it crossed over at 1.2 kHz. It weighed 20 lb (9.1 kg). The replacement diaphragm was the LE14-1. It was designed for use in either 2-way or 3-way configurations.

The driver's most notable applications were the JBL L212 and L222 systems. Period advertising in Audio (1962-05, p.43) emphasized that the LE14C could be mounted in enclosures that previously would only accept a 12-inch unit. The stepped frame design was the key trick that let the 14-inch cone fit there.

The LE14C is a known quantity among JBL collectors. The written record on it is mostly limited to those period advertisements and the basic spec sheet. No user reviews, subjective listening impressions, or failure-mode documentation have surfaced in the research materials.

Nominal diameter: 14"
Power capacity: 100W
Frequency response: 30–3,000 Hz
Efficiency: 93 dB SPL (1W/1m)
Voice coil: 3" edge-wound ribbon
Impedance: 8 ohms
Net weight: 20 lb (9.1 kg)
Original price: $69.00 each (1971)