HARMAN’s Luxury Audio Group have announced the new JBL 4309 Studio Monitor compact bookshelf speakers for $2,000/pair. The new loudspeakers join the highly celebrated Synthesis Series and will definitely garner a lot more attention being stand-mounted.
The Synthesis lineup love power; take the recommended power rating with a grain of salt and give these loudspeakers a solid 75-100 watts of power. They do particularly well with tube amplifiers.
The JBL 4309 is a smaller bookshelf version of the recently released 4349 ($7500) 12-inch two-way monitor loudspeakers and feature many of the same patented JBL acoustic technologies. The 4309 features a 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver mated to the latest High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) horn with a 6.5-inch, cast frame pure-pulp cone woofer. This combination is said to deliver a neutral frequency response both on- and off-axis and provide a seamless transition between the high and low frequency drivers.
The JBL 2410H-2 compression driver benefits from the advanced research and applications derived from JBL Professional’s “D2” range of transducers. At the core of the 2410H-2 device is a lightweight polymer, annular diaphragm that improve high-frequency extension by reducing diaphragm mass. The V-shaped geometry of the annular diaphragm reduces breakup modes, eliminating time smear and reducing distortion. JBL claims the result is incredible dynamics with accurate reproduction and a lack of power compression.
An Ultra High-frequency tonal adjuster is located on the front panel below the horn and allows the sound to be tailored to the specific environment and listener preference. This control works in conjunction with an advanced crossover network design that features air-core inductors, cast wire-wound resistors and low-ESR metallized film capacitors to optimize the performance of the 4309 drive components.
The 4309’s 6.5-inch (165mm) woofer features a long-throw voice coil in conjunction with the symmetrical field motor design, flux stabilization ring, and copper shorting ring. A Pure-pulp cone provides a lightweight, rigid diaphragm and helps to eliminate breakup modes ensuring proper pistonic motion throughout the operating band. In short, very high output with low distortion.
The 4309 enclosure is heavily braced with 3/4-inch (18mm) thick walls to provide a solid acoustic foundation and incorporates a bass reflex design with dual front-firing, computer-optimized flared ports. The cabinet features a classic JBL studio monitor design with a blue baffle and is finished in a choice of Walnut or Black Walnut furniture-grade satin wood veneers. A blue (Walnut) or black (Black Walnut) cloth grille completes the elegant appearance. Dual sets of gold-plated binding posts provide a secure connection and offer a choice of single-ended or bi-wire/bi-amplified connections.
“Our Studio Monitor series of high-performance loudspeakers are some of our most popular models globally as there simply isn’t anything else like them. The combination of the heritage pro-style aesthetics and state-of-the-art acoustic technologies packaged together in the small form factor of the 4309 results in a fantastic loudspeaker discerning listeners will love.”Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio
Designed in the world-famous acoustic engineering facility in Northridge, California, JBL’s revolutionary High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn and compression driver technology is the culmination of 75 years of ongoing research and innovation, resulting in the JBL 4309 Studio Monitor’s powerful dynamics and incredibly accurate sound reproduction.
“The combination of the JBL 4309’s powerful woofer, compression driver, and horn harmoniously combine to render music with authority and accuracy; a performance impossible with traditional loudspeaker design. While the acoustic performance of the JBL 4309 is outstanding, the appearance and speaker design is equally compelling. We expect these to be desirable to music lovers who want the performance of the JBL 4349 in a more compact size.”Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio
The JBL 4309 Studio Monitor sports a classic JBL monitor design with the iconic blue baffle and is finished in a choice of walnut or black walnut furniture-grade satin wood veneers. A blue (walnut) or black (black walnut) cloth grille completes the elegant appearance. Dual sets of gold-plated binding posts provide a secure connection and offer a choice of single-ended or bi-wire/bi-amplified connections.
In recognition of outstanding product design, the JBL 4309 has been awarded the “Red Dot” as part of the Red Dot Design Award [2021] program. This sought-after achievement for high design quality is awarded by an international jury and is a seal of quality only awarded to a few products in each category.
Price & Availability
The JBL 4309 Studio Monitor will be available June 2021 for $2,000/pair.
Specifications
- Type: 2-way bookshelf loudspeaker
- Low Frequency Driver: 6.5″ (165mm) Pure Pulp cone woofer
- High Frequency Driver: 2410H-2 1-inch (25mm) annular ring, Teonex® diaphragm compression driver with advanced HDI™ geometry horn
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 25 – 150 WRMS
- Impedance: 4 Ohm
- Loudspeaker Sensitivity: 87dB/2.83V/1m
- Frequency Response: 42Hz – 30kHz (-6dB)
- Coverage Angle, -6dB: 100 Degrees Hor. x 80 Degrees Ver., from 2kHz to 17kHz
- Crossover Frequency: 1.6kHz
- Enclosure Type: V-braced front-ported bookshelf
- Grille Feature: Monitor style to match horn mating features, supplied in dark blue (with walnut cabinet) and black (with black cabinet)
- Dimensions with grille: 16.5″ H x 10.25″ W x 9″ D (419mm H x 260mm W x 227mm D)
- Controls: UHF tone control
- Input Type: Dual sets of gold-plated binding posts with shorting straps
- Product Weight (Each): 24.2 lbs (10.98kg)
- Shipping Weight: 56.2 lbs (25.5kg)
- Shipping Units of Measure: Pair
- Warranty: 5 Years
- Recommended stand height: 24″ (609mm)
For more information: JBL 4309 (jbl.com)
Related reading: JBL 4305P Powered Bookshelf Speakers
