The JBL L26 refresh project is complete.
These speakers turned out great, when they were first dropped off we hooked them up and had a hard time getting my thick speaker wire to attach to the original spring post. Also the L Pad pots were sounding pretty scratchy with sound coming out intermittently in one tweeter. These classics would have to wait to be properly auditioned.
After breaking down the speakers, one woofer surround needed to be reattached in one spot.
I started off with sanding the first speaker with 220 grit sandpaper and then using extra fine steal wool. This speaker had a water ring mark on it from a pot. I got most of the ring out but the ghost of it is there to stay. Once sanded the first coat of Minwax was applied.
While the one speaker was curing it was time to do the crossovers. I left the old cap in place and made up a 8.1uf out of 2 poly caps that had a +/-5% tolerance and soldered them in place. I replaced the lead wires with thicker copper replacements. Trying to get into the inductors with all that glue attached was not worth the effort. It is best to leave that sleeping dog lie. The original ALPS L pads are really good and got a thorough cleaning .
The top crossover is finished, the bottom one is original.
I added a gasket to the backside of the crossover to seal any airflow from around the L pad adjuster knob.
The left speaker has had two coats of Minwax and it was time to get started on the right speaker. This speaker had a bit of water damage to it that caused little ripples in the wood grain.
The left speaker has been sanded and is ready for Minwax.
Before reassembly I needed to install proper 5 way binding post.
Re assembled and ready to rock
In good company with other fine classics, Mission 770's and Energy 22's.
So how do they sound? Classic JBL, these are an amazing speaker for their vintage. The bass is full and warm, almost thunderous. JBL always prided their speakers on being loud and clear and these are no exception. They drove my family members out of the room listening to Van Halen's Jump at half volume.
There is a hump around the 2000hz which is clearly audible and brings the vocals forward. It has a resonance sound and it can be a bit brash on some tracks. This characteristic has been referenced on this JBL site. Below is a screen shot from Troels Gravesen site documenting the frequency response.
These speakers turned out great, when they were first dropped off we hooked them up and had a hard time getting my thick speaker wire to attach to the original spring post. Also the L Pad pots were sounding pretty scratchy with sound coming out intermittently in one tweeter. These classics would have to wait to be properly auditioned.
After breaking down the speakers, one woofer surround needed to be reattached in one spot.
I started off with sanding the first speaker with 220 grit sandpaper and then using extra fine steal wool. This speaker had a water ring mark on it from a pot. I got most of the ring out but the ghost of it is there to stay. Once sanded the first coat of Minwax was applied.
While the one speaker was curing it was time to do the crossovers. I left the old cap in place and made up a 8.1uf out of 2 poly caps that had a +/-5% tolerance and soldered them in place. I replaced the lead wires with thicker copper replacements. Trying to get into the inductors with all that glue attached was not worth the effort. It is best to leave that sleeping dog lie. The original ALPS L pads are really good and got a thorough cleaning .
The top crossover is finished, the bottom one is original.
I added a gasket to the backside of the crossover to seal any airflow from around the L pad adjuster knob.
The left speaker has had two coats of Minwax and it was time to get started on the right speaker. This speaker had a bit of water damage to it that caused little ripples in the wood grain.
The left speaker has been sanded and is ready for Minwax.
Before reassembly I needed to install proper 5 way binding post.
Re assembled and ready to rock
In good company with other fine classics, Mission 770's and Energy 22's.
So how do they sound? Classic JBL, these are an amazing speaker for their vintage. The bass is full and warm, almost thunderous. JBL always prided their speakers on being loud and clear and these are no exception. They drove my family members out of the room listening to Van Halen's Jump at half volume.
There is a hump around the 2000hz which is clearly audible and brings the vocals forward. It has a resonance sound and it can be a bit brash on some tracks. This characteristic has been referenced on this JBL site. Below is a screen shot from Troels Gravesen site documenting the frequency response.
These speakers are classics in both finish and sound, I can understand the premium they command to today's vintage collector. I will miss their classic sound when they are gone, next JBL's on the list is sourcing a pair of L19's or L16's.
