JBL's Summit Series of speakers has 3 new models
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
JBL has launched three new pairs of high-end speakers in its flagship Summit Series: Makalu, Pumori and Ama. Appropriately launching at High End Munich 2025, these join the existing Everest and the five-star K2 speakers.
Like their forebears, each speaker is named after a Himalayan peak. And each promises a suitably large-scale performance, with heavily-braced cabinets, binding posts wrapped in carbon fibre and plated in rhodium.
They also boast JBL's MultiCap crossover network, which promises to maintain purity and performance throughout the audio chain, and JBL IsoAcoustics adjustable isolation feet.
Let's go climbing.
The top of the range of is Summit Makalu, named after the world's fifth-highest mountain that's just 12 miles from Everest (the mountain, not the JBL speaker).
A three-way floorstander, the Makalu is designed to "anchor large, immersive listening spaces with deep, articulate bass and soaring midrange detail", according to JBL.
Inside are a 12-inch subwoofer and an 8-inch midrange driver that both use JBL's proprietary HC4 composite cones, alongside JBL's patented D2 compression driver and precision-moulded HDI Sonoglass horn, promising "stunning dynamics and crystal-clear imaging".
It also promises to be a looker, with a contoured cabinet with a rich ebony veneer and gold accents or high-gloss piano black with platinum detailing.
Summit Makalu cost £36,998 / $44,995 (around AU$77,000) per pair.
Mount Pumori on the Nepal-China border is known as the daughter of Everest. Its namesake is another three-way floorstander whose speciality is musical balance and purity.
It boasts a 10-inch woofer and an 8-inch midrange driver, along with the same D2 compression driver and HDI horn architecture as the Summit Makalu.
It also has a softly contoured cabinet with luxurious finishes.
Summit Pumori cost £26,998 / $29,995 (around AU$56,000) per pair.
Ama Dablam is one of the Himalayas' most iconic and picturesque peaks – its name translates as 'Mother's Necklace'.
The Summit Ama speaker is a two-way standmount that's more compact than its stablemates. It offers an 8-inch HC4 cone woofer, D2 compression driver and HDI horn, and promises "exceptional clarity, control, and coherence across the frequency spectrum".
It comes with a matching steel-and-aluminium stand.
Including stands, they cost £14,998 / $19,995 (around AU$31,000) per pair.
Still, that's cheaper than the K2 speakers, which cost a cool £44,000 when we reviewed them back in 2017. We considered them one of the best speakers money can buy, praising their "spellbinding combination of dynamics, insight and finesse".
Let's hope the new trio live up to such grand heights.
MORE:
Read our JBL K2 S9900 review
Check out the best 39 hi-fi speakers of What Hi-Fi?'s lifetime
Here are the best hi-fi speakers around
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Car and Driver
2 hours ago
- Car and Driver
Spohn DV-13 Convertible on Bring a Trailer: You're Not Likely To See Another
This coachbuilt custom car hails from Germany and is fitted with a Cadillac V-8. Would you believe, only a handful were built? It's the concours winner nobody was expecting. The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance features awards in several categories, including engineering excellence, historical significance, and special mentions. It also has an award for "most audacious exterior." The car pictured here is the 2013 award winner, and audacious doesn't even begin to cover it. This is a 1957 Spohn DV-13, and the customized roadster is up for auction on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos). Bring a Trailer The Spohn is the offspring of a German coachbuilder with a long tradition of clothing the finest cars in the world in gorgeous design. Before WWII, Spohn bodywork was worn by Maybachs and Mercedes-Benzes. In the postwar period, it, uh, got a little more creative. Okay, let's stop beating around the bush: This car looks like what Powell Motors would have built as the sporty followup version of The Homer car from The Simpsons. It is an acquired taste, like sea urchin or accordion solos, and on first glance looks supremely goofy. Remember the part in The Fly when Jeff Goldblum gets his DNA crossed with a housefly while experimenting with teleportation? This is like that, except it's a 1949 Cadillac and a Daimler SP250 having a transporter malfunction. Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
Hamilton Spectator
3 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Power, range, charging … what's wrong with this EV from Toyota?
PLANO, TEXAS—The tarmac is sun-baked and the air is heavy with humidity. While the road surface isn't bad, there are some pretty aggressive expansion joints that do make themselves felt. But not as much as I would expect. That's because I'm driving the all-new Toyota bZ (formerly bZ4X) electric crossover and, boy, has Toyota ever done wonders with the ride in this version of the vehicle. As good as the ride is — even though my tester has the optional 20-inch wheels, and that kind of thing tends to affect ride negatively — it's a very small part of a much bigger picture here. A lot of massaging has been done for this mid-cycle refresh of Toyota's one-and-only full battery-electric vehicle — it is a lineup that will soon triple in size after the recent announcement of the new C-HR and bZ Woodland — to address the most pressing needs of the old model, which swirled mainly around EV range and power. There needs to be an asterisk here, because, in some ways they have addressed this, but, in others, they haven't. Just as it was previously, the bZ is available with single-motor front-wheel-drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD). For '26, the AWD version makes 460 kilometres of range and 338 horsepower, 25- and 50-per-cent boosts, respectively, on the previous model. That's good, but the FWD model has a smaller battery than before and less range, as a result. Toyota maintains this is a cost-saving measure (pricing hasn't yet been announced), but it's, well, a bit of a bummer. AWD models of a car do tend to outsell FWD models in Canada so the lion's share of buyers will likely be happy with this. The story of its styling is a 'Tale of Two Cities'; the front end is a vast departure from the previous model, and not much has changed in the back. The vehicle gets Toyota's new 'Hammerhead' styling, which adds cool c-shaped daytime running lights and a smooth lower fascia with seamlessly-integrated body colour bumpers. Also new for '26: you can have body-coloured fenders depending on the exterior colour choice. For '26 some colours still do get contrast-colour fenders but the ones that don't look very classy and upmarket. At the rear sit the same tail light lenses and twin roof-mounted wings, with changes for '26 amounting to little more than some new badging. Inside, the main additions include a standard 14-inch central infotainment display, as well as optional nine-speaker JBL audio, while dual wireless charge pads are standard on all bZ trims (XLE FWD, XLE AWD, Limited AWD). As was the case before, the speedometer sits atop the dash, in the driver's line of sight, without obstructing the view. It essentially takes the place of a heads-up display, and it works. I spent the duration of my test in the dual-motor AWD version and that 338 horsepower can really be felt as soon as you dip in to the throttle. At 2,065 kilograms in Limited AWD spec, the bZ is no lightweight, but the power on offer and the throttle response make up for that and they have you squirting through intersections with ease. There's no problem getting up to speed on the highway. It's properly quick, this EV CUV, and inspires driver confidence as a result. The ride is very good, even if you specify the 20-inch wheels, but the chassis and suspension tuning is only half the battle when it comes to comfort of occupants. The seats are well padded and supportive, both front and back, and, while there is a nice, deep storage bin underneath the front seat armrest and a deployable armrest in back, hips and stray limbs don't get overly squeezed. The optional full-length glass roof doesn't impinge too much on front- and rear-seat headroom, which is a bonus. The added power and range are advantages. As is the charging. For '26, all bZ models come standard with NACS charging, which means you can plug in to a Tesla Supercharger and charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes. If you prefer to use more traditional charge ports, such as a DC fast charge, each bZ sold comes with an adapter that will allow you to plug in to those, as well as a level II home charger if you happen to have one. Yes, the FWD model makes less range than before, but the power and range on offer from the AWD version hits the nail on the head. In AWD guise, it's exactly what the doctor ordered for the bZ. Type: Five-door, mid-size crossover; all-wheel-drive Engine: Front and rear EV motors; 338 horsepower Range: 460 kilometres Transmission: Single-speed automatic Cargo: 730 litres or 26 cubic feet behind second row Price: Not yet announced
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Winners of Defense Stock Frenzy in Europe, From Chemical to Goggle Makers
(Bloomberg) -- This year's surge in Europe's biggest defense stocks has elicited some obvious winners, leading investors to dig deeper beneath the surface for other names that might stand to benefit from the billions being diverted toward military budgets. Next Stop: Rancho Cucamonga! ICE Moves to DNA-Test Families Targeted for Deportation with New Contract Where Public Transit Systems Are Bouncing Back Around the World US Housing Agency Vulnerable to Fraud After DOGE Cuts, Documents Warn The Global Struggle to Build Safer Cars From goggle makers to chemicals producers, and even a printing company, stocks with the merest link to defense have been snapped up, sending share prices soaring. While heavyweight Rheinmetall AG has tripled this year, the German tank and munitions maker's advance has been outshone by a fourfold jump in Exail Technologies SA, a supplier of maritime drone systems. Steyr Motors AG, a small producer of engines for tanks and boats, has seen a similar level of gains. 'There's been a real shift in investor appetite for UK and European small-cap defense companies,' said Jamie Murray, an analyst at Shore Capital Stockbrokers Ltd. 'There's a lot of momentum behind these stocks, with investors more willing to look past short-term challenges to medium-term opportunities.' Here's a look at some of the defense-related stocks that have caught the eye of investors: Night Vision Core defense stocks got an immediate boost when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but a handful of night vision specialists have come into focus more recently. Theon International Plc, which sells thermal-image and night vision goggles, listed in Amsterdam in February last year. The shares trade at more than three times their IPO price of €10 and at around 27 times blended forward earnings, its valuation is the most expensive of the night-vision cohort. Exosens SAS listed in June 2024 in Paris. It provides photo-detection and low light condition imaging solutions and serves customers worldwide. The shares are up 124% since their debut. Analysts are positive on the outlook for both Exosens and Theon, with most who cover the stocks rating them as a buy. Still, some investors are starting to book gains after this year's spectacular advance. More than €230 million ($262 million) of shares in Exosens and Theon were sold this week in separate block trades. Smaller peer NSE, also Paris-listed, is a producer of aircraft wiring, accessories and night vision systems. It's up around 45% in 2025, adding to two straight years of double-digit gains. Robotics Exail Technologies is another star of Europe's defense rally, its shares surging over 300% in 2025 and its market capitalization jumping to €1.26 billion from about €340 million in just a few months. The ascent started in early February with the announcement that the company had signed a contract worth hundreds of millions of euros for underwater drone systems for mine warfare. Exail has a full house of buy recommendations from the five analysts tracked by Bloomberg who cover the stock. Chemicals Alzchem AG, based in Trostberg, Germany, produces a raw material used in propellants for NATO-standard 155mm artillery ammunition. It has exposure to the defense push through its customers and European Commission funding. It also signed a contract with the US Department of Defense in 2024. Five out of six analysts tracked by Bloomberg who cover Alzchem have buy ratings on the stock. Industrials Industrial companies are enjoying varying degrees of success in aligning themselves with the lucrative defense theme. Obvious defense plays such as Rheinmetall, Leonardo SpA, Saab AB, Thales SA and BAE Systems Plc have become increasingly expensive, trading on average at around 34 times forward earnings, compared to less than 15 for the Stoxx 600 Index. No surprise then that investors have looked for cheaper alternatives. Thyssenkrupp AG, which trades at around 11 times forward earnings, has emerged as a major 2025 winner. The shares have more than doubled this year as the planned spinoff of its submarine-building unit drew fresh attention to the steel company's defense credentials. Deutz AG, an engine manufacturer, was initially reported to be among bidders for Thyssenkrupp's marine systems unit. There have been no concrete developments on that front, but the Cologne-based company's chief executive officer has said the firm is interested in defense. Its shares have soared 92% this year. On a similar theme, printing company Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG is another German firm said to be exploring a shift toward defense. Its industry unit designs, constructs and equips factory production lines — capabilities that could have military applications. The stock is up around 56% this year. Other companies are finding ways to benefit from booming military budgets. In Italy, a bidding war for truckmaker Iveco Group NV's defense unit has sent the firm's shares to a record high. The company develops and manufactures specialized vehicles for defense and civil protection and has expanded into artificial intelligence and software technologies. It's said to be seeking up to €1.5 billion for its military unit. Mutares SE unlocked a spectacular return when the private equity firm listed Steyr Motors on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in October. Steyr, formerly a struggling Austrian engine maker, is closing in on a 300% gain this year. Avio SpA, an Italian aerospace company, is exposed to two hot trends: defense and space propulsion. Its shares have surged over 50% this year. Avio says it is a key service partner to Italy's air force, manufacturing, designing and servicing the EJ200 engines for the Eurofighter Typhoon, among others. IT, Cybersecurity, Intelligence, Satellites Eutelsat SA has rallied this year, at one point soaring 300%, as investors saw it as likely to play a role in a new European military intelligence satellite network. The firm has put itself forward as an alternative to Starlink in Ukraine. Still, the shares have erased a large portion of their gains since the initial enthusiasm, weighed down partly by concerns around the company's debt. OHB SE, another satellite company, has also surged, and is regarded as a potential beneficiary of German investment after the Bremen-based manufacturer won a €2.1 billion order last year. Cohort Plc, a UK defense company based in Reading, has seven businesses specializing in areas such as satellite communications, surveillance, sonar systems, fire control and electronic warfare. Its shares rose 96% in 2024 and are up another 43% this year. Indra Sistemas SA, a Spanish IT firm which makes radar air defense systems, has more than doubled this year. Its chairman said in May that the firm also plans to build tanks. 'Accessories like telecommunications, radars, encryption — all of this is a big part of the value of the vehicle — and we were missing the other part,' Indra's Angel Escribano said last month. Shares in Mildef Group AB, a Swedish developer of military-grade laptops, tablets and tracking solutions, are up almost 80% this year, paring some of their advance on June 3 after CEO Daniel Ljunggren sold a third of his stake in the company. Headsets, Breathing Gear Invisio AB, another Swedish company, is the self-proclaimed global market leader in tactical communication and hearing protection systems. Its website features images of khaki headsets, intercom systems and cables. Its shares have climbed almost 30% since the year began. German medical equipment company Draegerwerk AG, whose breathing gear turned it into a Covid pandemic beneficiary, is up more than 50% so far in 2025. The company 'is positioning itself in the defense sector by leveraging its expertise in air filtration, sensor technology, and personal protective equipment,' Warburg analysts wrote in April. The two are part of the growing ranks of listed companies producing military gear, vehicles and weapons, and whose shares are surging as investors position for sustained defense spending by governments. 'The nature of warfare is changing,' said Graeme Bencke, a fund manager at Amati Global Investors Ltd. 'Things like space and cyber are increasingly important, as well as battlefield communication and autonomous vehicles.' --With assistance from Lisa Pham, Julien Ponthus and Julius Domoney. Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert Wants to Donate His Billions—and Walk Again YouTube Is Swallowing TV Whole, and It's Coming for the Sitcom Millions of Americans Are Obsessed With This Japanese Barbecue Sauce Is Elon Musk's Political Capital Spent? Trump Considers Deporting Migrants to Rwanda After the UK Decides Not To ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
