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JBL Aquarius IV S109 Omni-Directional Floorstanding Loudspeakers Selling my pair of rare and collectable JBL Aquarius IX S109 Omni-directional speakers.These speakers were bought a while back from a local architect who imported them to Australia in the late 70's/early 80's.I spent way too much on servicing and ensuring the speakers are in good working order, which they are; the boxes clearly would benefit from further TLC/restoration (see pictures).They look cool to my eyes and sound, well, pretty average to my ears. I guess they will make a good talking point in any vintage/retro setup. Somew
At A$550 for a used pair in good condition, this JBL Aquarius IV listing is a strong bargain, sitting well below the typical used market where these speakers often list between A$2,000 and A$3,500 globally. Even adjusting recent international listings (US$2,990–US$3,150, roughly A$4,600–A$4,900) to AUD, the A$550 asking price is less than 15% of median global values, making it an exceptional deal for a buyer.
The Aquarius IV is a respected 1970s two-way design featuring the LE8T woofer and LE20-1 tweeter, known for robust midrange and efficient, room-filling sound that still appeals to vintage enthusiasts. With good condition noted and no red flags mentioned, this is a clean buying opportunity for someone seeking authentic JBL vintage tone at a rare entry price. Just verify the drivers are original and the cabinets are solid, but at this price, the upside is significant.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
JBL traces its roots to 1946, when pioneering audio engineer James Bullough Lansing founded the company in Los Angeles, California, initially as James B. Lansing Sound, Incorporated. A veteran of loudspeaker design from earlier ventures like the Lansing Manufacturing Company and collaborations on Hollywood's first practical cinema systems, Lansing infused JBL with his relentless pursuit of acoustic clarity and fidelity. Though he passed away in 1949 amid financial strains, the brand endured under new leadership, accelerating in 1969 with acquisition by Harman International—now under Samsung—fueling global expansion and innovation.
JBL excels across professional and consumer audio realms, renowned for its loudspeakers that dominate studios, touring rigs, cinemas, and home setups. Iconic models like the D-130 woofer, Paragon stereophonic system, and L-100 Century defined eras of high-output sound, while modern lines span portable Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones, soundbars, and pro monitors. The brand prioritizes robust transducers, advanced horns, and diamond-surround tech over niche components like turntables, DACs, or cables.
Positioned as a mid-tier powerhouse with pro-grade heritage, JBL commands respect among discerning buyers for delivering punchy, reliable performance at accessible prices, bridging live-event energy and home listening without high-end esoterica. Its vintage icons draw collectors, yet contemporary ubiquity in arenas and everyday gear cements market dominance for those valuing scale and excitement over boutique refinement.
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