Yamamoto Sound Craft BX-70-LE8T Enclosure for JBL LE-8T - 1 Unit

For the still-loved JBL LE8T

The BX-70-LE8T is a bass-reflex type speaker enclosure specially designed to bring out the appeal of JBL's 20cm full-range units, "LE8T / LE8TH."

The LE8T is a representative full-range unit of JBL, featuring a white paper cone coated with damping material, edge-wise wound voice coil, and a mechanically two-way structure with a 0.05mm thick duralumin center cap directly attached to the bobbin.

The early models used an Alnico magnet, while the later LE8TH used a ferrite magnet. It is easier to introduce compared to large JBL speakers, and the unity unique to full-range units and powerful midrange continue to maintain high popularity today.

70L Design to Bring Out Rich Mid-Low Range

The LE8T is a unit compatible with a wide range of enclosure volumes, but if the cabinet is too small, it becomes difficult to fully draw out its rich mid-low characteristic.

The BX-70-LE8T adopts a content volume of about 70L, more generous than the classic small enclosures. It brings out low-frequency attack, body resonance richness, and natural volume balance without compromising the midrange energy.

Rather than excessively boosting the bass, it is designed to support the characteristic LE8T smoothness and thickness while maintaining sound attack and density.

Beautifully Resonant Domestic Birch Plywood

Yamamoto Sound CraftMany enclosures use laminated wood, but the BX-70-LE8T uses birch plywood made from thin layers of domestic birch wood.

Birch plywood is a material with moderate hardness and good acoustic resonance. It appropriately utilizes the wood's natural resonance rather than simply suppressing box vibrations, enhancing the LE8T's tone and dynamism.

Reinforcements of Asada cherry shape the resonance.

The BX-70-LE8T does not have a structure that confines vibration with thick panels. The cabinet is made from relatively thin birch plywood, and hard Asada cherry wood is used for internal reinforcements and triangular corner braces.

This approach is similar to that of string instruments, which shape their tone using thin boards and sound bars. The natural resonance of birch plywood is properly controlled by the Asada cherry wood, suppressing unnecessary muddiness while leaving the reverberation and openness needed for music.

No sound-absorbing material is used inside; the sound is adjusted by the materials and structure itself. The design does not produce excessively dead sound, allowing the brightness and midrange energy of the LE8T to be naturally expressed.

Precision baffle work for beautifully fitting the unit

The baffle unit mounting section has precise recesses machined to match the LE8T frame shape.

When the optional perforated grille is installed, the recess is machined so that the surface aligns naturally with the baffle. Compared to standard synthetic or lattice grilles, this design makes it less likely to block the unit’s sound and preserves the LE8T’s original open playback.

The bass-reflex port is located directly below the unit. The baffle’s rear side has a duct made of craft paper glued to it, supporting natural low-frequency reproduction by utilizing the approximately 70L volume.

Compatible with LE8T/LE8TH

It is compatible with both the LE8T with an Alnico magnet and the LE8TH with a ferrite magnet.

Since the LE8T has been in production for many years, some used units may have significantly deteriorated edges. Please check the condition of the edges, diaphragm, and voice coil area before installing. If necessary, it is recommended to pair with a properly serviced unit.

Also compatible with advanced systems that add a tweeter

While a single LE8T can deliver cohesive full-range sound, if you want more high-end expression and clarity, it is possible to add horn tweeters like the JBL 2405 or 075.

Yamamoto Sound CraftHere is a suggested installation method using the optional TS-2A tweeter stand. For the high-pass capacitor, the manufacturer recommends a value of 0.47–1μF inserted in series on the positive side of the tweeter. In a listening test by MJ Magazine, a JBL 2405 was combined with a 1.0μF film capacitor.

Deeply Enjoy the Musicality of the LE8T in a Modern Environment

The BX-70-LE8T is not just a cabinet for storing units. Combining a volume of approximately 70L, domestically produced birch plywood, Asada cherry reinforcement materials, a resonance design that does not rely on sound-absorbing materials, and precision baffle processing, it brings out the musicality inherent in the LE8T.

Powerful and clear midrange, low frequencies with speed, natural sound positioning unique to full-range speakers, and the moderate reverberation produced by a wooden enclosure. This is a specially designed enclosure for those who want to continue cherishing the sound of the LE8T.

From MJ Magazine Review — Natural Thickness with Speed

In MJ Magazine, a demo unit equipped with the alnico magnet version of the JBL LE8T was auditioned.

It powerfully pushes out the energy of the midrange that the LE8T inherently possesses, while balancing this with the attack and body resonance of the low frequencies. The volume of the low range does not blur or become dull, achieving reproduction with natural thickness accompanied by speed.

Towards the high frequencies, the sound retains clarity and definition, lightly expressing the brilliance of brass instruments and piano. In an orchestra, it clearly depicts the melodies of wind and string instruments and reproduces the resonance of drums with quick attack and high density.

For vocals, it vividly portrays the firmness around the mouth and the core of the voice. In particular, the horn section is noted for strong expression that combines moderate thickness with vibrancy.

Changes When Adding the JBL 2405

Installing the JBL 2405 on the TS-2A tweeter stand and using a 1.0 μF film capacitor in listening tests has further improved the clarity in the mid-high range and the transparency of the soundstage.

The resonance of cymbals and pianos becomes even more refreshing, and the coolness and sharpness of vocals are also clarified. In addition, the attack of the wood bass and kick drum gains density and firmness, making the harmonies of an orchestra easier to perceive in detail, leading to an overall improvement in the resolution of the sound.