JBL D123 speaker cabinets

[Pklineb]

I got these JBL speaker cabinets at goodwill this weekend for $25 during a half off sale. the speakers are really really clean, the grill cloth is pretty good and the cabinets have a few pieces of veneer chipped off. All the spun aluminum legs are intact and I was surprised to see how much some people are willing to pay for them. I’ve done as much digging as I can about these speakers and cabinets but I have a few questions.

first off, what model is this speaker cabinet? It looks like there’s a piece missing on the back of the cabinets that would typically have some info.

what kind of stereos or receivers will typically have 16 ohm speaker outputs bc none of my stuff does and I have maybe only seen a few pieces of gear that do. I’m trying to figure out what will pair well with them.

the JBL D123 speakers are maybe similar to the D120’s? which are apparently popular with guitarists.

im not familiar with this style speaker terminal. What is the name of this style of speaker terminal?

 

[shrinkboy]

there's gonna be a whole bunch of company here pretty soon, but i'll start by saying you got a fabulous deal for $25

 

[toddalin]

Look like C36 cabinets. Measurements would confirm:

16 ohms load is easy for any amp to drive, but you give up about half of your power doing it. Not to worry, the D123 is very efficient and only needs a few watts.

The D123 is nothing like the D120 used for guitar. BUT! thay have a sound of their own that many guitar players want.

D120 (Pro version but same)

 

[BMWCCA]

The D123 is a shallow full-range design with a 3-inch voice coil. As the literature says, often used for in-wall installs. Later versions appeared as woofers in the L100. What you have was probably the least expensive load available in the Viscount cabinets. Pretty, but not such fantastic sound. They needed an adapter plate to fit that box as it was designed to fit a 15-inch, though the cabinet was really too small for the D130 to work well. The terminals are not original and I don't really get the point of the knife switch. Replace them. The legs on the boxes, if original, are worth far more than the speakers. Yes, the 123 makes an excellent guitar amp speakers.

 

[Pklineb]

Awesome, thanks for the great information!

Look like C36 cabinets. Measurements would confirm:

16 ohms load is easy for any amp to drive, but you give up about half of your power doing it. Not to worry, the D123 is very efficient and only needs a few watts.

The D123 is nothing like the D120 used for guitar. BUT! thay have a sound of their own that many guitar players want.

D120 (Pro version but same)

 

[Pklineb]

The D123 is a shallow full-range design with a 3-inch voice coil. As the literature says, often used for in-wall installs. Later versions appeared as woofers in the L100. What you have was probably the least expensive load available in the Viscount cabinets. Pretty, but not such fantastic sound. They needed an adapter plate to fit that box as it was designed to fit a 15-inch, though the cabinet was really too small for the D130 to work well. The terminals are not original and I don't really get the point of the knife switch. Replace them. The legs on the boxes, if original, are worth far more than the speakers. Yes, the 123 makes an excellent guitar amp speakers.

OK whew - as long as I can use them later for an amp build.

 

[BMWCCA]

OK whew - as long as I can use them later for an amp build.

What I’m saying is the cabinets and legs are worth more than the speakers, so don't just toss 'em!