New & Improved JBL Power Series Speakers

Check it out: We just got the scoop on JBL's new Power Series components! We actually got an exclusive sneak peak of these bad boys at CES, but we had to remain tight-lipped until JBL gave us the OK. Well we got it, and here they are!

The new Power Series is significantly improved over previous models, and according to JBL have a similar sonic signature to their über-components, the GTi Series. The new Power Series boasts an improved sensitivity, meaning more sound from less power, which is great for those upgrading their factory speakers but keeping the factory radio. The Power Series also features an improved "distortion-free" motor structure, and an improved 1" textile dome tweeter for extended high frequency response.

Not only did JBL improve the sonic and mechanical features, but these speakers just look damn sexy. The compact crossover is clean and just deserves to be on display in any install. Great job, JBL, I look forward to hearing those soon.

**Random JBL Fact: Did you know that JBL speakers can be found in approximately 80% of all movie theaters in the US and that Lucas Arts designed initial THX specifications using JBL speakers? Yep. That's right.

We've got the official press release and and more photos after the jump.

in the forums!

Gallery:
(Click the pics to enlarge)

More pictures are available at JBL's website, here.

Press Release:

NEW JBL POWER SERIES® LOUDSPEAKERS BUILD ON THE SUCCESS OF THEIR EISA-AWARD-WINNING BIG BROTHERS
Newest Line of JBL® Automotive Speakers Provides High-End Performance Without the High-End Price

WOODBURY, NY – Feb. 19, 2008 – JBL, Inc., stands by its New Year’s resolution of bringing extraordinary sound to automobiles all over the world with its new and improved Power Series® speaker line. Building on the EISA-award-winning performance of the 660 GTi Competition Systems, the new JBL Power Series models feature GTi’s award-winning sonic signature, in addition to increased sensitivity to make more sound from the power of any head unit or amplifier. When compared to those found in competing automotive speakers, the Power Series midrange drivers feature reduced-distortion motors for clear vocals and tight bass response. All integrated models feature simplified hookup, thanks to an integrated passive-crossover module. The new 1-Inch JBL textile-dome tweeter features extended high-frequency response and a user-adjustable level control. Additionally, the JBL Power Series loudspeakers’ award-winning performance is available in configurations that will fit every car, and at prices that will fit nearly every budget.

The new Power Series speaker models feature two-ohm system impedance for more sound output when connected to any head unit or amplifier. All Power Series models feature outboard crossovers that include high-precision polypropylene capacitors and air-core inductors; in integrated models, the crossovers come prewired to the woofer. Reduced-impedance voice coils combined with computer-optimized crossover networks ensure optimum impedance, and safely extract all the power from any head unit or amplifier.

“JBL engineers are always looking for a better way to bring sound to cars,” said Michael Silber, director of product development, Mobile Systems Division, Harman Consumer Group. “Conventional four-ohm car-audio speakers, when connected to the radio using 18–20 gauge factory speaker wire, provide a higher-than-optimum impedance and fail to make the best use of the power available. Plus, many factory-installed speakers include two-ohm coils. Replacing those with standard four-ohm models is a little like hooking a high-definition plasma TV to an old VCR. You get the cool TV, but the arrangement fails to provide the improved performance you’ve paid for. Reducing the impedance of the speakers compensates for the parasitic resistance of the wire, providing more output and much better performance.”

JBL Power Series speakers provide stunning audio performance, and the reliability customers expect from America’s leading audio brand, all at an exceptional value. The Power Series multielements’ category features the following standard models:

­    P462 – 4-Inch two-way loudspeaker; sensitivity: 91dB; power handling, RMS: 50W; power handling, peak: 150W; frequency response: 75Hz – 23kHz; M.A.P.:
$139.95 per pair
­    P562 – 5-1/4-Inch two-way loudspeaker; sensitivity: 92dB; power handling, RMS: 55W; power handling, peak: 165W; frequency response: 55Hz – 23kHz; M.A.P.: $149.95 per pair
­    P662 – 6-1/2-Inch two-way loudspeaker; sensitivity: 93dB; power handling, RMS: 75W; power handling, peak: 225W; frequency response: 45Hz –23kHz; M.A.P.: $149.95 per pair
­    P662s – 6-1/2-Inch shallow-mount two-way loudspeaker; sensitivity: 93dB; power handling, RMS: 55W; power handling, peak: 165W; frequency response: 55Hz – 23kHz; M.A.P.: $149.95 per pair
­    P963 – 6-Inch x 9-inch three-way loudspeaker; sensitivity: 96dB; power handling, RMS: 110W; power handling, peak: 330W; frequency response: 35Hz – 23kHz; M.A.P.: $199.95 per pair
­    P6462 – 4-Inch x 6-inch two-way loudspeaker; sensitivity: 91dB; power handling, RMS: 50W; power handling, peak: 150W; frequency response: 75Hz – 23kHz; M.A.P.: $ 149.95 per pair
­    P8662 – 6-Inch x 8-inch/5-inch x 7-inch two-way loudspeaker: sensitivity: 92dB; power handling, RMS: 75W; power handling, peak: 225W; frequency response: 40Hz – 23kHz; M.A.P.: $149.95 per pair

The Power Series component systems include the following 225-watt to 270-watt models:

­    P560C – 5-1/4-Inch two-way component system; sensitivity: 92dB; power handling, RMS: 75W; power handling, peak: 225W; frequency response:
55Hz – 23kHz; M.A.P.: $249.95 per pair
­    P660C – 6-1/2-Inch two-way component system; sensitivity: 94dB; power handling, RMS: 90W; power handling, peak: 270W; frequency response:
45Hz – 23kHz; M.A.P.: $ 249.95 per pair

The Power Series includes the following 180-watt tweeter:

­    P26t – 1-Inch edge-driven-dome tweeter; sensitivity: 94dB; power handling, RMS: 60W; power handling, peak: 180W; frequency response: 2.5kHz – 23kHz; M.A.P.: $99.95 per pair

Pricing and Availability
The JBL Power Series models come with a one-year warranty. Products range in price from $149.95 to $249.95, and will ship to quality retail outlets in February 2008.

About the Harman Consumer Group, Inc.
The Harman Consumer Group, Inc. (HCG), is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity loudspeakers, audio and video components,
and multimedia systems for use in homes and automobiles, and with computers. The group’s brands include JBL®, Infinity®, Harman Kardon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, Audioaccess® and Lexicon®.

HCG is a division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Harman International (www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. The company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HAR.”

                – JBL MOBILE SYSTEMS –
www.jbl.com 

JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Revel, Audioaccess, Lexicon and
Power Series are registered trademarks  of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.

Contact: Angie Ayala
A&R Edelman
201 Baldwin Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
650-762-2952 phone/650-762-2801 fax
angie.ayala@edelman.com