Rubber composite surrounds on 118h

[Rusnzha]

I'm looking at getting some L56s. The seller believes that they have the original surrounds and they are made of a rubber composite instead of foam. I am not aware of JBLs of this generation to have anything other than foam surrounds. Can anyone clarify this for me?

Thanks!!!

[Charlie4350]

If I remember correctly, atleast the L46 and L56 had butyl surrounds (I think that's what they called it). Long time ago, but the wife's L46's in the closet are that way too.

[dblaxter]

hope this info/pics helps

[dblaxter]

last pic, you can almost see the 118H

[brutal]

I can't say if they're butyl, as they seem different - less dense - than other butyl surrounds I've seen and have on other speakers, but they are "rubbery" and still 100% intact and pliable.

[Rusnzha]

Thanks, I guess this was one of those improvements JBL made without notice. I've had L112s and L46s and they both had the foam surrounds so I guess my timing was off to see these. It's good news that they came out with something more durable.

[SMKSoundPro]

I have L56's in the living room that I gave Lisa when we first started dating 15 years ago. The rubber surround started to disintegrate, and I used a foam surround with great success.

There are no recone kits available from JBL, so keep them in good shape, and when they start to go, consider using a foam surround. They work just fine!

They are a very enjoyable little box for our small living room, and are loved by her! Even though we have L100's, 4311's, 4312's and many professional speakers that we use in our businesses, Lisa still loves "her" L56's!

Keep it simple!

When you find some extra 034 tweeters available, snag them and put in cupboard for later down the road. It couldn't hurt to have a couple of spares!

Scott.