10
did. Both compression drivers utilized newly developed beryllium diaphragms
to provide the lowest distortion and flattest frequency response possible.
In order to re-create the extremely high dynamic range provided by today’s
audio sources, a brand-new low-frequency transducer was developed from the
ground up, utilizing an alnico magnet, a 4-inch (100mm) edge-wound voice
coil, and a 15-inch (380mm) cone. Extensive computer-aided engineering
and design effort was necessary to develop the optimized port tuning
employed in Project K2 S9800, and has resulted in a significant advance
in the concept of state-of-the-art acoustic reproduction. As a result of the
K2
®
efforts, a loudspeaker system with higher sensitivity and a wider
dynamic range became a reality without power compression or distortion,
even at extremely high drive levels.
The development of the Project Everest DD66000 loudspeaker system was
undertaken as a celebration of JBL’s 60
th
anniversary and as a realization of
the potential engendered by the breakthroughs discussed above. The stately
character of the Hartsfield, exceptional woodcraftsmanship of the Paragon,
the “built-in acoustics” which treat the enclosure as an extension of the
transducers, and the state-of-the-art transducer technologies that were built up
from two generations of the Project K2 developments were all poured into this
new challenge to extend the acoustic and electrical possibilities in the latest
model of the Project Everest.
Despite its 21
st
century power and sophistication, Project Everest DD66000
is a synthesis of tradition and technology. It reflects the design, material,
engineering and manufacturing expertise developed and refined through nearly
six decades of experience that are the exclusive legacy of one loudspeaker
builder – JBL.
