1500al

[4313B]

For those of you who ordered these drivers I just received word that they are literally on the assembly line right now so it shouldn't be too much longer. The extremely gracious woman walking this through the system visited the line a few hours ago. She has bent over backwards to make this happen. If I'm not mistaken a few JBL engineers are also following the progress.

My understanding is that someone placed a very large order for the discontinued K2-S9800 and someone at JBL took the order. JBL Manufacturing was only able to finish half the order before they were closed down at the end of June. They had also run out of 1500AL's. So, some 1500AL's for the K2-S9800 order and some for us and that's the end of it.

[hjames]

For those of you who ordered these drivers I just received word that they are literally on the assembly line right now so it shouldn't be too much longer. The extremely gracious woman walking this through the system visited the line a few hours ago. She has bent over backwards to make this happen. If I'm not mistaken a few JBL engineers are also following the progress.

My understanding is that someone placed a very large order for the discontinued K2-S9800 and someone at JBL took the order. JBL Manufacturing was only able to finish half the order before they were closed down at the end of June. They had also run out of 1500AL's. So, some 1500AL's for the K2-S9800 order and some for us and that's the end of it.

Amazing!
Congratulations!

[richluvsound]

Please lret mr know if there are any etras ..

`rich

[moparfan]

Literally, some of the last items out of the factory.

[Aaron]

?!? I thought you just can't-no-way-no-how buy raw drivers from these people!
Is it still possible to put in an order? How?

[4313B]

HowWe had to place a large minimum order and then find some people internally to champion the cause. It's probably not the best way of doing business but we did the best we could. There's no doubt it was a one-time opportunity. All the other orders placed for various drivers that forum members wanted for their projects were initially accepted and then rejected. It hasn't been a very fun six months.
Why did you post this publicly?Because I'm tired of trying to answer PM's with sixty second wait times in between. I have no patience for it any longer.


I hope we see some posted projects from this endeavor...

[Mr. Widget]

There's no doubt it was a one-time opportunity. All the other orders placed for various drivers that forum members wanted for their projects were initially accepted and then rejected.:yes:

I tried ordering drivers through a variety of "normal" channels and got shut down regardless of who I spoke with. Congratulations on persevering and making this happen. I don't think there is a better woofer built... because of your efforts a few more people will be very happy.

Widget

[scott fitlin]

We had to place a large minimum order and then find some people internally to champion the cause. It's probably not the best way of doing business but we did the best we could. There's no doubt it was a one-time opportunity. All the other orders placed for various drivers that forum members wanted for their projects were initially accepted and then rejected. It hasn't been a very fun six months.Because I'm tired of trying to answer PM's with sixty second wait times in between. I have no patience for it any longer.


I hope we see some posted projects from this endeavor...Who's better than you? That you got it done, at all, is amazing!

I don't profess to know what the market for SUPREMIUM drivers such as the 1500AL will or will not support, especially in todays screwed up world economy. Yet, it seems as if there is a market for this high level of components, and people that are willing to pony up the price to have the ultimate expression of JBL sound. I assume that IF JBL so desired to manufacture and make available this driver on a limited yearly basis, they would be able to sell entire product runs.

Of course, I agree with Widget, because of YOU there will be some super happy end users out there and I also hope to hear about and see finished project reviews here on this forum. I also re-read the article on the development of the 1500AL and how they updated and modernized the tried and true Alnico motor and underhung coil topology, and at least I know JBL CAN IF THEY WANT TO!

:applaud:

[Valentin]

congrats
:applaud:

[spkrman57]

I hope we see some posted projects from this endeavor...


I can't afford a driver of that caliber and can't complain about my 2226's either, but I think the forum members who bought the 1500AL's should share their projects with us!

Ron

[1audiohack]

I also re-read the article on the development of the 1500AL and how they updated and modernized the tried and true Alnico motor and underhung coil topology,


I would very much like to read that, can you direct me to it please?

Many thanks,
Barry.

[scott fitlin]

I would very much like to read that, can you direct me to it please?

Many thanks,
Barry.http://www.audioheritage.org/html/projectmay/technology/1500al.htm

Here it is, and it is good reading! The more you search through this forum, the more you always find something you never knew, THIS forum more than any other audio forum REALLY educated me on things I had heard of but never saw or heard. My uncle had always told me JBL once made folded horns like the HUGE Richard Long Levan Horns, made famous in the 70,s at NYC nightclubs like Studio54, and THE PARADISE GARAGE. And here in our library I found the articles and pictures about Shearer horns, and WOW, striking similarity of early bass horns from the 30,s and 40,s and I began to really understand how influential, and how long ago James B. Lansing pioneered what the master audio designers of the 70,s and 80,s were doing!

Not to mention the fact that this site also has a huge number of absolutely brilliant people and we are made up of hobbyists, DIY,ers, semi-pro and pro sound people, there is just so much knowledge available on audio here. EVERYTHING from A to Z, and soup to nuts. Driver restoration, cabinet refinishing, cabinet tuning and design, system design, system restoration, electronics, xovers, how to on just about anything audio, CUSTOM designed and built cabinets, even HORNS, and whatever else you could possibly think of.


:D

[allen mueller]

Well said Scott, I've learned so much from this site and have had may great projects because of this site.



http://www.audioheritage.org/html/projectmay/technology/1500al.htm

Here it is, and it is good reading! The more you search through this forum, the more you always find something you never knew, THIS forum more than any other audio forum REALLY educated me on things I had heard of but never saw or heard. My uncle had always told me JBL once made folded horns like the HUGE Richard Long Levan Horns, made famous in the 70,s at NYC nightclubs like Studio54, and THE PARADISE GARAGE. And here in our library I found the articles and pictures about Shearer horns, and WOW, striking similarity of early bass horns from the 30,s and 40,s and I began to really understand how influential, and how long ago James B. Lansing pioneered what the master audio designers of the 70,s and 80,s were doing!

Not to mention the fact that this site also has a huge number of absolutely brilliant people and we are made up of hobbyists, DIY,ers, semi-pro and pro sound people, there is just so much knowledge available on audio here. EVERYTHING from A to Z, and soup to nuts. Driver restoration, cabinet refinishing, cabinet tuning and design, system design, system restoration, electronics, xovers, how to on just about anything audio, CUSTOM designed and built cabinets, even HORNS, and whatever else you could possibly think of.



:D

[4313B]

If you have any extras I would be interested in a pair or two.I did order extras just in case some died during shipping. If they all survive I will answer the PM's in the order received. I wish we could have gotten more for those wanting these drivers but I was told this past Friday that this really and truly was the very end of the line for this kind of thing.

I suspect that if it wasn't for the guy who ordered ninety of the discontinued K2-S9800 (which is the only system that uses the 1500AL) this would never have happened. The order has been open since January. A seven month wait really isn't bad at all. I've waited up to two years for various driver and horn orders to be fulfilled but JBL always came through in the end. Those days are over though. :(

[Val]

Those days are over though. :(

Is it just that JBL does not see this type of transaction as profitable? Just curious. I mean, business is business, why not make a few bucks on nuts, I mean, enthusiasts like us?

[4313B]

Is it just that JBL does not see this type of transaction as profitable? Just curious. I mean, business is business, why not make a few bucks on nuts, I mean, enthusiasts like us?JBL (Consumer) officially left the loudspeaker component business in the early 80's with the discontinuation of the Loudspeaker Component Series. Their interest lies in selling complete systems.

One can get a very few JBL (Consumer) components over the counter here:

1500AL (http://www.harman-japan.co.jp/product/jblhome/1500al.html)

435BE (http://www.harman-japan.co.jp/product/jblhome/435be.html)

UT-045BE (http://www.harman-japan.co.jp/product/jblhome/ut045be.html)

And there are also a few JBL Pro loudspeaker components available here:

Full Line Catalog (http://www2.jblpro.com/catalog/support/getfile.aspx?docid=1203&doctype=3) pages 51-52

Transducer List.pdf (http://www.jblproservice.com/pdf/Transducer%20List/Transducer%20List.pdf)

JBL Automotive also sells components.

Crown will not sell any JBL loudspeaker components without a valid JBL loudspeaker system serial number. Crown handles JBL Synthesis, K2 and Everest.

Harman Consumer Group isn't quite as consistent depending on who you happen to get on the phone. Components are occasionally available on their website.

http://www.harmanaudio.com/ (http://www.harmanaudio.com/)

Visit the Harman Audio Store to purchase accessories & replacement parts for your products or call 1.800.336.4525 9:00am – 6:30pm EST Monday – Friday.

http://www.jbl.com/EN-US/Support/Pages/SupportOverView.aspx (http://www.jbl.com/EN-US/Support/Pages/SupportOverView.aspx)

For example:

[4313B]

The drivers are arriving today and I'm fairly anxious to see how many survived the UPS trip. There are no replacements available so any that died in transit end up as claims.

[caladois]

Is there any chance you get an other line of 1500al ?

[Fangio]

http://www.improvresourcecenter.com/mb/images/smilies/popcorn.gif

Are you going to keep a few? If so, what for?

[Robh3606]

This is the end of an era and oh what fun it was! :cheers:

Well even though I am not part of this buy I was fortunate to get my 045be's and Array Horns right before the doors slammed shut. It was one of several time that you were able to get me drivers, or did recones or just helped me out. I am sitting here enjoying my Arrays that would not have been possible without your help. Thanks again for what you have done for me personaly but also for getiing this done.

Regards Rob:)

[4313B]

Is there any chance you get an other line of 1500al ?No, it's been discontinued. And it was known going in that this was a one time deal. I know it is probably hard to understand but JBL just doesn't want to sell raw drivers anymore (I certainly don't understand it, especially when people are willing to give you money for your products but whatever). I get the impression that alot of people are surprised that this actually happened.
Thanks again for what you have done for me personally but also for getiing this done.My pleasure.
Are you going to keep a few?No. JBL was unable to fill the entire order so there were no extras.



I'll figure out next week how many, if any, were damaged in shipping. I'll double box them and try and get them all out by the end of next week.

[4313B]

I'll figure out next week how many, if any, were damaged in shipping.Three of the 1500AL's had their dust caps dinged due to the excess plastic the drivers are wrapped in being laid on top of the cones. Otherwise they all ended up making the trip in excellent shape and they all passed a sweep test. JBL is sending out replacement dust caps.

[mech986]

Three of the 1500AL's had their dust caps dinged due to the excess plastic the drivers are wrapped in being laid on top of the cones. Otherwise they all ended up making the trip in excellent shape and they all passed a sweep test. JBL is sending out replacement dust caps.

A question for the future: Does the 1500AL take the regular 15 inch narrow roll surround (like the 2235) or is it a more customized surround. Just thinking about the future when the foam eventually wears out.

Bart

[pos]

It has a rubber surround, supposed to last much longer than foam surround.
I don't know of any source for 15" rubber surrounds though

[hlaari]

I am looking for a pair of JBL 1500AL drivers:bouncy:
if someone have this drivers for sale please let me know
this is my email [email protected]





Thanks
Ari

[4313B]

I have two pairs of 1500AL's for sale. Please send me a PM if you want a pair or two.

[JuniorJBL]

I would sure like a pair..........

But, I am saving for 3 sam1hf's for the top end of the 1200FE's!!:D

[4313B]

A worthy endeavor.

The SAM1HF's can pair up with a variety of low frequency solutions. The 1200FE is quite a bit better than the Synthesis 8 in the SAM2LF. I'd like to have seen a single 8-inch of that build quality with 3 dB more efficiency, but JBL evidently needed the power handling capacity of the dual eights.

[1audiohack]

Oh your killing me!

That's the only 15 of interest I don't have, and of course the one I want the most! It's a race to raise some money now!

[4313B]

I have two sales pending. Thank you for the interest.

[1audiohack]

I know it's been a while and I have been wondering if anyone who bought a pair of these, or has a loose pair and hasn't used them yet would rather have the money back.

I wish to buy a pair, if anyone would consider selling a pair or perhaps knows of someone who may be so inclined to sell a pair, please contact me.

Thank you all,
Barry.

Happy Holidays!