JBL presents the second generation of the popular Stage3 speaker line, which brings a redesigned construction, new materials and an even greater emphasis on the dynamic sound typical of this American brand. The new JBL Stage3 Gen2 series includes a total of 9 models in the most commonly used sizes, of which 8 are coaxial or triaxial speakers and one is a component system. This covers almost all common options for upgrading factory audio.
Nine models for a wide range of vehicles
The core of the offer consists of coaxial and triaxial speakers in several round and oval sizes. JBL thus continues the concept of a simple upgrade of factory speakers without the need for major interventions in the vehicle interior. Individual models are designed with common mounting positions and broad compatibility with different cars in mind. The exception is the JBL Stage3 68C, the only component system in the entire range. It combines a separate 165 mm mid-bass driver with a separate 19 mm silk tweeter.
- JBL Stage3 38F - coaxial speakers, Ø 89 mm, 50 W RMS, 4 Ω, 88 dB.
- JBL Stage3 48 - coaxial speakers, Ø 100 mm, 50 W RMS, 4 Ω, 89 dB, grilles included.
- JBL Stage3 58 - coaxial speakers, Ø 130 mm, 60 W RMS, 4 Ω, 89 dB, grilles included.
- JBL Stage3 68 - coaxial speakers, Ø 165 mm, 70 W RMS, 4 Ω, 91 dB, grilles included.
- JBL Stage3 68MF - triaxial speakers, Ø 165 mm, 70 W RMS, 4 Ω, 91 dB.
- JBL Stage3 648F - coaxial speakers, 4 x 6", 60 W RMS, 4 Ω, 89 dB.
- JBL Stage3 868F - coaxial speakers, 6 x 8", 70 W RMS, 4 Ω, 91 dB.
- JBL Stage3 968M - triaxial speakers, 6 x 9", 80 W RMS, 4 Ω, 92 dB, grilles included.
- JBL Stage3 68C - component speakers, Ø 165 / 19 mm, 95 W RMS, 4 Ω, 91 dB, grilles included.
New Plus One™ cone with glass fibers
One of the main changes in the new generation is the construction of the mid-bass drivers' cones. JBL continues to use the patented Plus One™ technology, which increases the active cone area compared to conventional speakers of the same size. A larger area means higher sensitivity, better use of available power and more pronounced reproduction of low frequencies. The polypropylene cone in the new generation is additionally reinforced with 10% glass fibers. Increased stiffness helps control its movement more precisely and brings firmer, faster and better-defined bass even at higher volumes. The speakers therefore work well not only with an external amplifier, but thanks to their high sensitivity can also offer a significant sound improvement when powered by a standard car radio.
Design inspired by forged carbon
The appearance of the speakers has also changed. The cone surface is produced using a laser-engraved tool and creates a structure reminiscent of forged carbon fiber. Depending on the angle of incoming light, its appearance slightly changes, which gives the new series a significantly more modern and premium look. This is not only a visual effect. The cone construction and its reinforcement also have a direct impact on the mechanical strength and resulting sound characteristics of the speakers.
New tweeters
On most coaxial models JBL uses a balanced PEI dome tweeter, designed for clean and detailed reproduction of high frequencies without unnecessary harshness. Selected models and the component Stage3 68C have been fitted with a higher-quality silk tweeter with an edge-driven motor. This offers a smoother frequency response, a more natural character and wider dispersion. In the component system an independent tweeter mounting also allows optimal aiming of the tweeter towards the listener.
True 4 Ω impedance
JBL also emphasizes true 4-ohm impedance technology across the new range. The speaker design takes into account the additional resistance of wiring and other parts of the audio system and thus allows more efficient use of the car radio's or amplifier's power. In practice this means higher sensitivity, good dynamics and the ability to deliver sufficiently loud and energetic sound even in simpler systems without an external amplifier. This remains one of the main advantages of the Stage3 series.
A more eco-friendly construction
The new generation of Stage3 also focuses on the use of more eco-friendly materials. JBL uses recycled plastic components, PVC-free wiring and packaging printed with soy-based inks.These changes do not affect the audio characteristics themselves, but they show the current direction of HARMAN, which is gradually introducing similar solutions across other product lines.
JBL Stage3 Gen2 as a simple upgrade for factory audio
The new JBL Stage3 Gen2 series remains true to the original idea of the Stage line – to offer easily installable speakers with high sensitivity, pronounced dynamics and the typical energetic JBL sound. The second generation adds stiffer cones with glass fibers, a more modern design and a more refined construction of individual drivers. A total of 9 models allows you to choose a suitable solution for most common mounting positions. Eight coaxial and three-way variants are aimed primarily at the simple replacement of original speakers, while the component JBL Stage3 68C offers the possibility to raise the resulting sound quality and spatial presentation to the next level.
