JBL C508GTi

These JBLs represent one of the higher range models for JBL’s In Car Entertainment speaker range. They consist of two 5.25 inch speakers, a fourth order crossover and two tweeters.

The woofer cone that was developed for the C508GTi is made of anodized aluminum, a material specifically chosen to reduce distortion at higher frequencies and exemplify quality in the midrange.

JBL also says that they used optimized nitrobutylene (NBR) low-loss surround material is used to damp cone breakup modes.

Voice coil technology isn’t lacking either – a 2 inch ribbon-shaped aluminum wire is wound round the edge, giving JBL to specify the number of windings in the magnetic gap. This process “optimizes motor force for high efficiency and low distortion”, says JBL.

The 1” wide tweeters are made of pure titanium for the dome, and are suspended by a rubber surround for distortion damping purposes. The I-Mount system they are mounted on makes for easier installation on surfaces that are flush or flush angled.

The outboard crossover features a 3500Hz fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley acoustic alignment and air-core inductors that are used to reduce magnetic saturation under high-power conditions.

JBL uses polypropylene capacitors with low equivalent series resistance (ESR). The crossover also features impedance compensation and a tweeter protection circuit, where tweeter levels may be adjusted for +2dB or -2dBs worth of flat response.

The woofer features a patent pending Plus One technology, where JBL claims “provides up to 30% more cone area than competing speakers of the same size,” for higher efficiency and bass output.

These speakers were easily installed into our Suzuki Swift Sport in a matter of 20 minutes, with no complications whatsoever. Even during the initial run in stage, they were already demonstrating a remarkable bass output at slightly louder than average levels, and had to be toned down compared to the last set of speakers used.

We sampled these speakers mainly blasting popular tunes such as Fallout Boy’s latest album and a GooGoo Dolls album, and some classical soundtracks such as Beethoven’s Symphony no.6, “Pathetique”.

It must be said that the tweeters are still a a tad sharp for my ears as I am pretty used to the silk domed setup, but for those who love crisp and crystal clear highs, these drivers are really the way to go.

The mids, while clear and precise, do exhibit a little coldness in character and are not as warm as Italian brands such Hertz and PHD. They are best compared to the sound quality put out by Alpine, Diamond and Helix – not overly warm, but still precise and clear.

While they aren’t full 6.5 inch woofers which mean less low end, they play all the way down to a very useable 63Hz, where the specified limit is 58Hz. This should enable you to integrate them with a proper ICE system comprising of your typical rear fills, subwoofers and amplifiers.

Power Handling, RMS 125 Watts
Power Handling, Peak 500 Watts
Frequency Response (±3dB) 58Hz - 21kHz
Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m) 88dB
Impedance 4 Ohms
Crossover Frequency(ies) 3.5kHz, 24dB/oct
Mounting Depth 2-3/8" Woofer, 1-1/8" Tweeter

JBL products is distributed by IMS Marketing Pte. Ltd.
IMS Marketing Website: http://www.ims-mktg.com.sg/

JBL C506GTi sponsored by IMS Marketing Pte. Ltd. Installation and Tuning of Speakers Courtesy of Audioedge

Credits: Amery Reuben