HARMAN Luxury Audio Group rolled into High End Munich 2025 ready to show off some serious sound muscle. Alongside the already beastly JBL Summit Everest and K2 loudspeakers, they’ve unleashed three fresh heavy hitters — the Makalu, Pumori, and Ama — pushing the Summit Series lineup to a solid five models. This series isn’t for anyone who’s happy settling for the middle of the road. When it comes to audio peaks, JBL’s Summit speakers don’t just climb — they dominate.
HARMAN didn’t just stroll into Munich empty-handed either. They rolled in hot off the press with the acquisition of Sound United and the launch of the shiny new Mark Levinson 600 Series power amps and preamp.
Yeah, Samsung’s little audio empire just went full-on world domination mode, quietly elbowing its way to the throne of high-end audio. If you thought the big players were settled, think again. Samsung (which acquired Harman in 2017) isn’t here to play nice. They’re rewriting the rules and setting the bar so high, your ears will need a sherpa.
From Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio: “The JBL Summit Series is the culmination of everything JBL stands for — acoustic precision, timeless design, and an emotional connection to music,…With these new models, we are honoring our heritage while pushing the boundaries of sound reproduction further than ever before.”
From Project Everest to today, JBL has steadily pushed the limits of acoustic engineering. The Summit Series carries on that tradition — built on 80 years of experience and a deep commitment to sound quality. The new additions — Summit Makalu, Summit Pumori, and Summit Ama — round out the lineup with a focus on thoughtful design, JBL’s own technologies, and strong dynamic performance. Named after Himalayan peaks, each speaker is designed to deliver clear, detailed sound that brings out the nuances in your music without any fluff.
Summit Makalu
Named after Makalu — the world’s fifth-highest mountain and Everest’s slightly less famous but equally intimidating neighbor just 12 miles away — the Summit Makalu stands tall with a bold presence and sound that won’t quit. No mountain climbing required, but it still commands attention.
The Makalu is the standout of the new Summit additions. This 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker is built for large rooms, delivering deep, precise bass and detailed midrange clarity. It features a 12-inch woofer and an 8-inch midrange driver, both using JBL’s proprietary HC4 composite cones for strength and accuracy.
These drivers team up with a patented D2 compression driver and a precision-molded HDI™ Sonoglass horn, engineered to produce dynamic range and sharp, focused imaging. The contoured cabinet, available in ebony veneer with gold accents or high-gloss piano black with platinum trim, not only looks the part but also supports the speaker’s acoustic performance.
Key Features
- Patented D2830K 3-inch (75mm) Dual-diaphragm, Dual-motor High-frequency Compression Driver
- Patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) Sonoglass® High-frequency Horn
- 8-inch (200mm) Cast-frame, Triple-layer Hybrid Carbon Cellulose Composite Cone (HC4) Mid-bass
- JW300PB 12-inch (300mm), Triple-layer Hybrid Carbon Cellulose Composite Cone (HC4) with Dual Inverted Spiders, 3-inch Voice Coil, Differential Drive Motor, Cast Aluminum Frame, Half-forward-roll Surround
- MultiCap™ Crossover Network with Single-wire and Bi-amp/Bi-wire Connectivity
- Finely Crafted and Beautifully Detailed Enclosure with Carbon Fiber Baffle Trim
- Soft-curved Cabinet Walls with Heavily Braced and Dampened Construction
- JBL | IsoAcoustics™ Adjustable Acoustic Isolation Feet
- Luxurious High Gloss Finishes with Summit Platinum or Summit Gold detailing
Summit Pumori
Inspired by Mount Pumori, known as the “Daughter of Everest,” the Summit Pumori blends elegance and power in its sound. This 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker is tuned for musical balance and clarity. It uses a 10-inch woofer and an 8-inch midrange driver designed to deliver natural warmth and realistic scale.
JBL’s signature D2 compression driver combined with the HDI™ horn architecture ensures detailed nuance and precise imaging. The contoured cabinet and premium finishes complement its refined acoustic performance, making the Pumori a speaker that’s both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.
Key Features
- Patented D2815K 1.5-inch (38mm) Dual-diaphragm, Dual-motor High-frequency Compression Driver
- Patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) Sonoglass® High-frequency Horn
- 8-inch (200mm) Cast-frame, Triple-layer Hybrid Carbon Cellulose Composite Cone (HC4) Mid-bass
- 10-inch (250mm) Cast-frame, Triple-layer Hybrid Carbon Cellulose Composite Cone (HC4) Woofer
- MultiCap™ Crossover Network with Single-wire and Bi-amp/Bi-wire Connectivity
- Finely Crafted and Beautifully Detailed Enclosure with Carbon Fiber Baffle Trim
- Soft-curved Cabinet Walls with Heavily Braced and Dampened Construction
- JBL | IsoAcoustics™ Adjustable Acoustic Isolation Feet
- Luxurious High Gloss Finishes with Summit Platinum or Summit Gold detailing
Summit Ama
Named after Ama Dablam, also known as “Mother’s Necklace,” the Summit Ama is a compact stand-mount speaker focused on revealing the core of your music. Its 2-way design features an 8-inch HC4 cone woofer paired with a D2 compression driver and HDI™ horn, engineered for clear, controlled, and coherent sound across the frequency range. The Ama’s sleek cabinet sits on a matching steel-and-aluminum stand, combining refined aesthetics with precise acoustic performance.
Key Features
- Patented D2815K 1.5-inch (38mm) Dual-diaphragm, Dual-motor High-frequency Compression Driver
- Patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) Sonoglass® High-frequency Horn
- JW200PB: 8-inch, Triple-layer Hybrid Carbon Cellulose Composite Cone (HC4) with Dual Inverted Spiders, 2.5-inch voice coil, Ferrite Motor, Cast Aluminum Frame, Half-forward-roll Surround
- MultiCap™ Crossover Network with Single-wire and Bi-amp/Bi-wire Connectivity
- Finely Crafted and Beautifully Detailed Enclosure with Carbon Fiber Baffle Trim
- Soft-curved Cabinet Walls with Heavily Braced and Dampened Construction
- JBL | IsoAcoustics™ Adjustable Acoustic Isolation Feet
- Luxurious High Gloss Finishes with Summit Platinum or Summit Gold detailing
Design & Craftsmanship
With carefully designed enclosures and premium finishes, each Summit Series loudspeaker is built with attention to detail. The cabinets are heavily braced, softly contoured, and designed to minimize resonance. Binding posts feature carbon fiber wrapping and rhodium plating for reliable connections. JBL’s proprietary MultiCap™ crossover network helps maintain clarity and consistency across the audio spectrum. Each model includes custom IsoAcoustics adjustable isolation feet to reduce vibrations and preserve sound quality. These loudspeakers combine engineering and craftsmanship for listeners who expect precision and performance.
Comparison
| Makalu | Pumon | Ama | |
| Speaker Type | 3-Way Bass Reflex Floor-standing Reference Loudspeaker | 3-Way, Bass Reflex Floor-standing Reference Loudspeaker | 2-Way, Bass Reflex Stand-mount Reference Loudspeaker |
| Price (pair) | $44,995 | $29,995 | $19,995 |
| High Frequency Control | HDI™ Sonoglass Horn | HDI™ Sonoglass Horn | HDI™ Sonoglass Horn |
| Tweeter (HF Transducer) | D2830K: Dual 3-inch (75mm) Teonex D2 Compression Driver | D2815K: Dual 1.5-inch (38mm) Teonex D2 Compression Driver | D2815K: Dual 1.5-inch (38mm) Teonex D2 Compression Driver |
| Mid-Bass (MB Transducer) | 8-inch HC4, 2.5″ Voice Coil, Ferrite Motor, Cast Frame | 8-inch HC4, 2.5″ Voice Coil, Ferrite Motor, Cast Frame | N/A |
| Woofer (LF) | 12-inch HC4, 3″ Voice Coil, Differential Drive Motor | 10-inch HC4, 2.5″ Voice Coil, Ferrite Motor | 8-inch HC4, 2.5″ Voice Coil, Ferrite Motor |
| Ports | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Input Type | Bi-amp / Bi-wire Capable with Dual Sets of Binding Posts | Bi-amp / Bi-wire Capable with Dual Sets of Binding Posts | Bi-amp / Bi-wire Capable with Dual Sets of Binding Posts |
| Crossover | MultiCap™ with Bi-amp/Bi-wire | MultiCap™ with Bi-amp/Bi-wire | MultiCap™ with Bi-amp/Bi-wire |
| Finish | Black High Gloss / Ebony Veneer w/ Gloss | Black High Gloss / Ebony Veneer w/ Gloss | Black High Gloss / Ebony Veneer w/ Gloss |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 43.4″ x 18.3″ x 15.5″ | 41.6″ x 15.5″ x 14.7″ | Speaker: 18.6″ x 12.1″ x 13.2” Stand: 21.7″ x 16.2″ x 16.2″ |
| Weight | Forthcoming | Forthcoming | Forthcoming |
The Bottom Line
JBL’s new Summit Makalu, Pumori, and Ama arrive at a tricky moment — tariffs and market uncertainty loom large, which could shake up pricing and availability of its rather expensive rivals and make even high-end buyers somewhat reticent when it comes to large expenditures.
But thanks to HARMAN’s recent acquisitions and growing muscle, these loudspeakers come backed by more resources and technology than ever before. If you’re looking for high-end speakers that combine JBL’s decades of expertise with fresh energy and serious ambition, this new Summit trio is worth watching closely as they prepare to stake their claim in the audiophile arena.
Availability & Pricing
The new additions to the JBL Summit Series will be globally available later in 2025 through authorized JBL retailers and partners. The recommended retail prices (per pair) are:
- JBL Summit Ama (including stands): $19,995 USD
- JBL Summit Pumori: $29,995 USD
- JBL Summit Makalu: $44,995 USD
For more information: jbl.com
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Anton
May 16, 2025 at 9:32 pm
The prices are absolutely staggering. Not just these speakers, but most of the things I’ve seen so far in your coverage.
Whom do these companies think are buying these systems?