HARMAN Luxury Audio Introduces JBL Stage Architectural Series Loudspeakers
With Visually Discreet, High-Performance Sound

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — May 17, 2022 — HARMAN Luxury Audio Group today announced the introduction of the JBL Stage Architectural Series loudspeakers crafted to be visually discreet, with Zero Bezel magnetic grilles and easy installation that allow the speakers to be heard and not seen. Featuring high-performance design elements including 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum acoustic lens tweeters, JBL’s patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) waveguides, baffles with acoustic smoothing, and premium crossover components, Stage Architectural loudspeakers ensure that the sound is clear and accurate. A range of eight models is available in various configurations for both in-wall and in-ceiling installations.

“We made sure that the performance of the JBL Stage Architectural Series Loudspeakers would exceed expectations and deliver the great sound that is JBL’s legacy,” said Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio Group. “Their audio reproduction is elegant yet dynamic at the same time — a perfect combination for delivering beautiful sound whether listening to your favorite music streaming service or delivering the immersive experience of a great movie soundtrack.”

Designed to provide high-performance sound at an affordable price, Stage Architectural Series loudspeakers include acoustic components typically found in many higher-priced products. At the heart of each model is an aluminum tweeter with an acoustic lens and waveguide that delivers crystal-clear high frequencies. In-wall models include larger waveguides with JBL’s patented HDI geometry for smooth dispersion and low distortion. Polycellulose cone woofers and premium air-core inductors and mylar cap capacitor crossover network components ensure that sound remains dynamic at all listening levels. Additional highlights include a rigid baffle design with acoustic smoothing for improved transducer integration as well as HARMAN’s target curve acoustic performance for smooth, accurate sound over a large listening area. The XL-2 Mounting System provides for quick installation and is compatible with up to 2-inch/50-millimeter material thickness. Paintable Zero Bezel magnetically attached grilles offer a contemporary appearance that blends easily into any décor.

The Stage 250WL in-wall loudspeaker features dual 5.25-inch/130-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofers, a 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum tweeter with an acoustic lens, and a HDI waveguide with optimized geometry for smooth dispersion and low distortion. The Stage 260W incorporates a 6.5-inch/165-millimeter woofer with a 1-inch aluminum tweeter and HDI waveguide, while the larger Stage 280W in-wall loudspeaker has an 8-inch/200-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofer for powerful bass along with a 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum tweeter and HDI waveguide. All three models incorporate nickel-plated, spring-loaded connectors and have mounting depths of under 4 inches/100 millimeters.

In-Ceiling

The Stage 260C in-ceiling loudspeaker incorporates a 6.5-inch/165-millimeter woofer with a 1-inch aluminum tweeter with an acoustic lens waveguide, while the larger Stage 280C in-ceiling loudspeaker features an 8-inch/200-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofer for powerful bass and a 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum dome tweeter with an acoustic lens waveguide. The Stage 260CDT in-ceiling loudspeaker features dual ¾-inch/19-millimeter aluminum tweeters with acoustic lens waveguides and a dual voice coil 6.5-inch/165-millimeter woofer and delivers stereo sound from a single speaker. All three models incorporate nickel-plated, spring-loaded connectors and have mounting depths of under 4.5 inches/115 millimeters.  

Offering a unique solution for a variety of applications, two Ceiling Square Angled (CSA) models are available featuring a contemporary square footprint and a baffle with the transducers positioned at a 15-degree angle, allowing them to focus the sound toward the listening position. The Stage 260CSA in-ceiling loudspeaker features a 6.5-inch/165-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofer and 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum tweeter with an acoustic lens waveguide, while the larger Stage 280CSA in-ceiling loudspeaker features an 8-inch/200-millimeter Polycellulose cone woofer for powerful bass and a 1-inch/25-millimeter aluminum dome tweeter with an acoustic lens waveguide. Both models incorporate nickel-plated, spring-loaded connectors and have mounting depths of under 5.5 inches/140 millimeters.

Preconstruction brackets are available for all models, and square grille accessory kits are available for the Stage 260C, Stage 280C, and Stage 260CDT round in-ceiling models.  

Manufacturer suggested retail pricing is as follows:
Stage 260W: $150 each
Stage 280W: $225 each
Stage 250WL: $250 each
Stage 260C: $150 each
Stage 280C: $225 each
Stage 260CDT: $175 each
Stage 260CSA: $150 each
Stage 280CSA: $225 each

More information about the JBL Stage XD Series Loudspeakers is available at https://www.jbl.com/specialty-audio/ or from a local JBL sales representative.