Are these L400 prototypes?

[tom1356]

I know several prototypes were made is this one of them?

[hjames]

I know several prototypes were made is this one of them?

Wow - kinda looks related to this, but with blue paint ...

Of course your image seems more like a big 4315 (no mid-horn) -
this one is more like a 4341 in an L200 cabinet ...

[tom1356]

Wow - kinda looks related to this with blue paint ...

Of course your image seems more like a big 4315 (no mid-horn) -
this one is more like a 4341 in an L200 cabinet ...

Nice picture.
The fit and finish on the one I posted shows a high level of professionalism which leads me to believe it could be a prototype as claimed.

[BMWCCA]

Can you read the foil-cal?

[oldsoundz]

Those are very cool.

Any more pics?

Are they for sale near you?

[tom1356]

I should have more pics tomorrow.

[mech986]

I saw these in a posting on a CL a few days ago when they first came up and that's where I suspect the OP got the pics. I've emailed the CL poster but have not received any followup or feedback. If the OP has more information coming, that's great.

The speakers are stated as being made by JBL as a prototype and our assuming a L400 sort of connection is obvious, although I would have thought they would have used a slightly more upright cabinet.

But a very interesting speaker and one that bears further examination and hopefully some history will be revealed.

Bart

[BMWCCA]

I saw these in a posting on a CL a few days ago when they first came up and that's where I suspect the OP got the pics.

Well, I'll share, if no one else will: http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/ele/937553724.html

JBL HOME OR STUDIO 4 WAY MONITORS - $2400 (SLO)

Reply to: [email protected] [?]
Date: 2008-11-28, 7:51PM PST

One of a kind prototype system. 4 way 15" system designed and built into redesigned L200 cabinets. This was a JBL prototype that was never taken to production, only one set is in existence. If you like loud and clean, which JBL has always been know for, you will love these. I've had them in the living room for ever but my wife now says that they either go into the music room or out of the house...hmmm...since I love her more than these speakers, you have a chance at a collectors item. Price is negotiable.

[tom1356]

Well, I'll share, if no one else will: http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/ele/937553724.html

That's where I bought them.

[BMWCCA]

That's where I bought them.

Great piece of history you've got there. I'd be curious to see how they compare to something similar with horns. Keep in touch!

[tom1356]

Great piece of history you've got there. I'd be curious to see how they compare to something similar with horns. Keep in touch!

I will post more details when I get them.

[hjames]

I will post more details when I get them.

Very cool thread -thank you for sharing!

[speakerdave]

I bet if you pulled that woofer you would find a copy (original) of the 4315 crossover, model 3114. I 15" woofer has been substituted for the 2203.

David

[Robh3606]

I doubt it

L400
© Harman International, Courtesy Greg Timbers

Above is an excerpt from JBL's 1975 catalog illustrating a "mystery speaker" referred to as the L400. The only description says, "Coming soon. The L400, with the promise that it will be the most exciting fusion of art and technology yet presented by JBL." It never came.

Originally, the speaker was planned to be a domestic conversion of the 4340 monitor, similar to the L300 conversion of the 4333 monitor. It would be a four-way speaker using a 15" low frequency driver, 10" midbass, 1" throat compression driver midrange and slot tweeter. The main development work in converting this speaker for domestic use centered on network design changes, a revised midrange horn and aesthetics suitable for a home environment

There were three separate attempts to bring this speaker to market. All failed before a final decision was made to cancel the project. The primary difficulty was developing a system that could be sold at a reasonable cost. However, there were also technical issues and no one was satisfied with the ultimate sound of the prototypes.

Rob

[johnaec]

I bet if you pulled that woofer you would find a copy (original) of the 4315 crossover, model 3114. I 15" woofer has been substituted for the 2203.

David

I agree - it's looks like a beefed up 4315 with 15" or 18" LF.

John