Originally Posted by
jmchris01
Reader for a couple years (just getting into vintage HiFi to relive my youth!), but first time posting.
I recently (finally) acquired a pair of JBL L166 A speakers, in their original boxes. Speakers are mint condition with refoamed woofers. However, the woofers looked slightly different. When I opened up the cabinets, one of the woofers is marked "122A", and the other is "126A". it seems obvious that the 126A woofer is not original. Which lead me to question whether or not the 122A is original, given that the speakers are "L166 A", which I thought would contain the 122A-1 drivers.
One Foilcal reads "Model L166" with Serial Number: 35088A
Other Foilcal reads "Horizon" with Serial Number: 32111A
The original boxes have the serial numbers listed with "A" in a circle next to the serial numbers. See the pics for confirmation.
I have read up on how the L166 A speakers with the 122A-1 drivers have an additional "inductor", which I presume, based on other posts, is the large electronic device mounted on the floor of the insider speaker box (see pics).
So here is my dilema... Assuming that both speakers have the inductor, should I replace both drivers with 122A-1 or 128H-1? Or should I simply replace the single 126A woofer with a 122A driver and call it a day? If I do the later, should I (is it recommended) that I bypass the inductor (assuming it is the device located on the floor of the speakers)?
Thanks in advance for your help!