Lately, with the help of my friend Joe ( :D ) I've been on a bit of a Vintage JBL nostalgia roll. Last night, I got looking again at the beautiful L212, which came out in 1977. This three piece system came out when nobody really even knew what a subwoofer was. JBL called the powered sub that was part of the system the “ultrabass” module. To this day, I still admire the L212 and wish there was some way I could own one. It’s very difficult to find a pristine set that has both a working ultrabass sub, and which does not have the walnut veneer on the satellites damaged or chipped.

But what a thing of beauty:

http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/w...kres1/l212.jpg

There is a set for sale on eBay right now, and another on AudioGon, this one even comes with an extra Ultrabass module.


I never had much of a chance to listen to these beauties "back in the day". Does anyone here own a pair (set) of these, or has anyone had any experience with them? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.


I always thought this was a really beautiful creation by JBL.


Pete

Pete... that was my JBL era, but I was too happy with my L300's :)

Oh definitely, Ivan....and I have to admit it's the visual allure of these that fascinates me. Also, it does have a nice driver complement, using an 8" mid-bass, I believe an LE5 series upper mid, and the 066 tweeter (which is used in my 4313B's). Also, it was ahead of its time with the powered sub-that was not something that was common back then.

I'm sure it couldn't compare with the L300, but was certainly a nice system.


Pete

My L300's served me ever so well for over 30 years!

What an outstanding speaker, and investment. When I did finally sell them I got more than I originally paid.

Try doing that today! :no:

Yes, that's a feat today. I'm approaching 30 years with my L220A's. They've served me very well. :yes:

Pete

Pete.......Your JBL L220A's and JBL B460 Ultra subwoofer will mop the floor with the L212 system. The L212 satellites looks monolithic, and that doesn't appeal to me much. Your speaker compliment trumps this set up by far. :thumbsup:

I would agree, no comparison. No way could this system move air like mine can. But I thought the L212 was attractive and unique. Different strokes.... :dunno:

Pete

I guess they do look a little bit like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey...


http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/w...01monolith.jpg


Pete

Pete.......The only thing missing are the apes. :lmao:

You're bad Dan....I was going to say the monolith is only missing the JBL drivers! :D

Oh well.....

Pete