Garmin is expanding JL Audio’s custom-install speaker lineup with the new Pavilion Thin-line Subwoofers, a compact in-wall and in-ceiling series designed to deliver stronger bass without eating up floor space. Built around 8-inch drivers and promoted under the slogan “Powerful bass in any space,” the new models are aimed at homeowners, integrators, and outdoor entertainment spaces where traditional subwoofers are either too bulky, too visible, or just plain awkward.
The pitch is simple: high-performance JL Audio bass, a slimmer form factor, and flexible installation for indoor and outdoor systems where clean design matters almost as much as impact.
Slimmer Design, Lower Distortion, Bigger Installation Flexibility
JL Audio’s Pavilion Thin-line Subwoofers use the company’s DMA-optimized motor and suspension design to support long, linear excursion with lower distortion. The goal is tighter, cleaner bass from a compact driver platform that can still deliver meaningful output in space-constrained installations.
The design also incorporates JL Audio’s Concentric Tube Suspension technology, which helps reduce mounting depth without giving up the control and excursion needed for high-performance bass. That matters for in-wall and in-ceiling applications, where available space is often limited and traditional subwoofer enclosures are not always practical.
Easy Installation
The JL Audio Pavilion Thin-line Subwoofers are optimized for in-wall or in-ceiling installation, featuring a shallow 3.8-inch mounting depth and infinite baffle construction that allows for seamless placement without requiring a dedicated enclosure.
A dog-leg mounting system provides users with the flexibility to install the subwoofers in a variety of materials and locations, indoors or outdoors, without needing a backplate.
Pavilion speakers are built to last and deliver strong sound by using marine-grade materials specifically constructed to withstand harsh environments. They meet or exceed ASTM standards for salt-fog and UV exposure, giving listeners added peace of mind when installing them outdoors.
External Design Features
Homeowners can choose from several design options. The flush-mount speaker grille is available in square or round shapes, with white or black finishes that can also be painted to better match a home’s décor.
The ultra-thin, fine-mesh grille attaches magnetically and matches the look of JL Audio’s Pavilion outdoor in-ceiling speakers. New construction brackets are also available to help prepare mounting locations during the framing and drywall stages of a new home build or renovation.
Engineered for practical use indoors or outdoors, the subwoofers carry an IPX5 rating for protection against water exposure, adding another layer of durability for covered outdoor installations.
Specifications
| JL Audio Model | Pavilion |
| Product Type | Thin Line Subwoofer |
| Price (each) | $1,000 |
| Sizes | 8″ (Round) 8″ (Square) |
| Color | Satin Black or Satin White |
| Physical dimensions (Diameter) | 10″ (254 mm) |
| Physical dimensions (Depth) | 8″ (Round): 4.2″ (107 mm) 8″ (Square): 4.1″ (105 mm) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
| Water and Dust Rating | IPX5 |
| Speaker Type | Infinite Baffle |
| Continuous Power Handling (RMS) | 250 W |
| Sensitivity (SPL @ 1 W/1 m) | 83.2 dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Recommended Amplifier Power (RMS) | 50-250 W |
| Cone Material | Injection-molded, mica-filled polypropylene |
| Electrical Features | Compass-safe distance 93″ (235 cm) |
| Speaker Connections | Spade Connectors |
| Mounting Panel Thickness | Minimum: 0.25″ (6 mm) Maximum: 1.625″ (41 mm) |
| Mounting Depth Clearance | 3.8″ (97 mm) |
| Frontal Grille Protrusion | 8″ (Round): 0.4″ (10 mm) 8″ (Square): 0.34″ (9 mm) |
| Mounting Hole | 8.96″ (229 mm) |
| Driver Displacement | 0.054 cu ft (1.53 L) |
| Free Air Resonance (FS) | 37.98 Hz |
| Electrical “Q” (Qes) | 0.731 |
| Mechanical “Q” (Qms) | 9.471 |
| Total “Q” (Qts) | 0.679 |
| Equivalent Compliance (Vas) | 0.61 cu ft (17.31 L) |
| One-way Linear Excursion | One-way linear excursion (Xmax; specs are derived via one-way voice coil overhang method with no correction factors applied) 0.40″ (10 mm) |
| Effective piston area (SD) | 32.705 in² (0.0211 m²) |
| DC resistance (RE) | 7.24 Ω |
| Sealed Enclosure Specifications (if a sealed enclosure is used) | Volume (net int.) 2.00 cu ft (56.6 L) |
| -3 dB cutoff frequency (F3) | 40.9 Hz |
| System resonance (FC) | 53.66 Hz |
| System Q at resonance (QTC) | 0.784 |
| Ported Enclosure Specifications (if a ported enclosure is used) | Volume (net int.) 1.5 cu ft (42.5 L) Internal port diameter (ID) 4″ (102 mm) Port length (L) 13.5″ (343 mm) Tuning frequency (FB) 37 Hz -3 dB cutoff frequency (F3) 29.6 H |
The Bottom Line
JL Audio’s Pavilion Thin-line Subwoofers are built for homeowners and custom installers who want real bass without giving up floor space or visual cleanliness. The shallow 3.8-inch mounting depth, infinite baffle design, marine-grade construction, IPX5 rating, and paintable magnetic grilles make them more flexible than a conventional subwoofer, especially for whole-home audio, home theater, and covered outdoor spaces. Just don’t treat placement like hanging a picture frame. Once you start cutting into walls or ceilings, “oops” gets expensive fast.
Price & Availability
JL Audio Pavilion thin-line subwoofers are available in square and round form factors in the choice of black and white finish options, priced at $1,000 each at JL Audio.
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