JBL MR838 (c. 1992)
The JBL MR838 is a large, floor-standing 3-way bass reflex speaker system from JBL's MR series. It was introduced around 1992 at ¥200,000 per unit. It's big: 714 mm wide, 1,035 mm tall, 457 mm deep, and 45.4 kg. It's rated for 250W continuous pink noise input and has a sensitivity of 100 dB/W/m.
The low end comes from a newly developed 46 cm cone woofer (model 2042H). A 25 cm cone midrange (MI10-1) sits above it. High frequencies come from a horn-type unit that pairs a flat-front biradial horn (2373) with a compression driver (2416H-1) using a pure titanium diaphragm. Crossover points are 600 Hz and 2 kHz. Rated frequency response is 38 Hz to 20 kHz at -10 dB, and nominal impedance is 8 Ω. The enclosure is bass reflex with corner protectors, and the MR series input connectors are two standard 6.3 mm jacks.
Documentation on the MR838 is thin. Beyond the spec sheet, there's little recorded history, no period reviews, and no confirmed production year range - only the 1992 price listing. What survives in the marketplace suggests these were used as PA or installation speakers. One used pair sold for $479.99 in good condition, with sellers noting they're "heavy and large." Replacement titanium diaphragms for the tweeter driver have appeared on eBay, so the 2416H-1 driver can at least be serviced.
- Type: 3-way, 3-speaker, bass reflex, floor type
- Low: 46 cm cone (2042H) · Mid: 25 cm cone (MI10-1) · High: horn (2416H-1 + 2373)
- Frequency response: 38 Hz – 20 kHz (-10 dB)
- Crossover: 600 Hz, 2 kHz
- Impedance: 8 Ω · Sensitivity: 100 dB/W/m · Power handling: 250W continuous pink noise
- Dimensions: 714 × 1,035 × 457 mm · Weight: 45.4 kg
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