Harman Luxury Audio has announced new additions to its JBL brand — the JBL Stage Architectural Series loudspeakers and the JBL Stage XD Series all-weather speakers.
JBL Stage Architectural Series
The JBL Stage Architectural Series loudspeakers are crafted to be visually discreet, with Zero Bezel magnetic grilles and easy installation that allow the speakers to be heard and not seen. They feature high-performance design elements, including 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum acoustic lens tweeters, JBL’s patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguides, baffles with acoustic smoothing, and premium crossover components. A range of eight models is available in various configurations for both in-wall and in-ceiling installations.
Designed to provide high-performance sound at an affordable price, Stage Architectural Series loudspeakers include acoustic components typically found in many higher-priced products. At the heart of each model is an aluminum tweeter with an acoustic lens and waveguide that delivers crystal-clear high frequencies. In-wall models include larger waveguides with JBL’s patented HDI geometry for smooth dispersion and low distortion. Polycellulose cone woofers and premium air-core inductors and mylar cap capacitor crossover network components ensure that sound remains dynamic at all listening levels. Additional highlights include a rigid baffle design with acoustic smoothing for improved transducer integration as well as Harman’s target curve acoustic performance for accurate sound over a large listening area. The XL-2 Mounting System provides for quick installation and is compatible with up to 2-inch/50-millimeter material thickness. Paintable Zero Bezel magnetically attached grilles offer a contemporary appearance that blends easily into any décor.
In-Wall
The Stage 250WL in-wall loudspeaker features dual 5.25-inch/130-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofers, a 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum tweeter with an acoustic lens, and a HDI waveguide with optimized geometry for smooth dispersion and low distortion. The Stage 260W incorporates a 6.5-inch/165-millimeter woofer with a 1-inch aluminum tweeter and HDI waveguide, while the larger Stage 280W in-wall loudspeaker has an 8-inch/200-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofer along with a 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum tweeter and HDI waveguide. All three models incorporate nickel-plated, spring-loaded connectors and have mounting depths of under 4 inches/100 millimeters.
In-Ceiling
The Stage 260C in-ceiling loudspeaker incorporates a 6.5-inch/165-millimeter woofer with a 1-inch aluminum tweeter with an acoustic lens waveguide, while the larger Stage 280C in-ceiling loudspeaker features an 8-inch/200-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofer and a 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum dome tweeter with an acoustic lens waveguide. The Stage 260CDT in-ceiling loudspeaker features dual 3/4-inch/19-millimeter aluminum tweeters with acoustic lens waveguides and a dual voice coil 6.5-inch/165-millimeter woofer and delivers stereo sound from a single speaker. All three models incorporate nickel-plated, spring-loaded connectors and have mounting depths of under 4.5 inches/115 millimeters.
Two Ceiling Square Angled (CSA) models are available featuring a contemporary square footprint and a baffle with the transducers positioned at a 15-degree angle, allowing them to focus the sound toward the listening position. The Stage 260CSA in-ceiling loudspeaker features a 6.5-inch/165-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofer and 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum tweeter with an acoustic lens waveguide, while the larger Stage 280CSA in-ceiling loudspeaker features an 8-inch/200-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofer and a 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum dome tweeter with an acoustic lens waveguide. Both models incorporate nickel-plated, spring-loaded connectors and have mounting depths of under 5.5 inches/140 millimeters.
Preconstruction brackets are available for all models, and square grille accessory kits are available for the Stage 260C, Stage 280C, and Stage 260CDT round in-ceiling models.
Manufacturer suggested retail pricing is as follows:
- Stage 260W: $150 each
- Stage 280W: $225 each
- Stage 250WL: $250 each
- Stage 260C: $150 each
- Stage 280C: $225 each
- Stage 260CDT: $175 each
- Stage 260CSA: $150 each
- Stage 280CSA: $225 each
JBL Stage XD Indoor/Outdoor All-Weather Loudspeakers
The JBL Stage XD Series Loudspeakers use patented JBL acoustic technologies and featuring IP67-rated weatherized waterproof enclosures. Available in two sizes, the Stage Series comes in both black and white finishes and includes wall-mount brackets.
The Stage XD Series is designed to work in a wide variety of applications both indoors and outdoors. The speakers’ unique combination of features and patented acoustic technology provide extreme durability while delivering the highest level of audio.
“We’ve brought the high-performance sound of JBL to the great outdoors with resiliency and sustainability in mind,” says Jim Garrett, senior director, product strategy and planning, Harman Luxury Audio Group. “The IP67 rating of the Stage XD Series represents one of the highest levels of ingress protection certification. This level of weatherization provides protection against ingress of harmful dust and airborne particles, as well as protection against water and liquids, including immersion in water up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) for up to 30 minutes.”
Featuring sustainably designed packaging and product, the JBL Stage XD Series speakers are the first repairable IP67 outdoor loudspeakers available. Instead of throwing away the speakers should they ever fail, these speakers are designed to come apart and undergo repair in case of damage due to prolonged exposure to adverse conditions.
JBL Stage XD loudspeakers feature a 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum tweeter with an acoustic lens and High-Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide to deliver dynamic, crystal-clear sound over a wide listening area. The larger Stage XD-6 uses a 6.5-inch/165-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofer, while the smaller Stage XD-5 uses a 5.25-inch/130-millimeter woofer. Both all-weather speakers are designed for an outdoor location where protection from the weather is a requirement. Wall-mounts are included, and the Stage XD Series also features Zero Bezel magnetically attached grilles and a rotatable logo for horizontal and vertical applications.
Manufacturer Suggested Retail pricing is as follows:
- Stage XD-6: $599/pair
- Stage XD-5: $449/pair
For more information about both speaker lines, visit https://www.jbl.com/specialty-audio/.
