AW266 vs AW526 — Compare
JBL AW266 High Power 2-Way All Weather Loudspeaker with 1 x 12 LF vs JBL AW526 High Power 2-Way All Weather Loudspeaker with 1 x 15 LF Black
The AW266 features a 12-inch woofer with a tighter 60° × 60° coverage pattern and punchy, articulate character, while the AW526 steps up to a 15-inch woofer with wider 120° × 60° coverage and higher raw output capability. Choose the AW266 for mid-sized outdoor venues and installations where clarity and musicality matter; pick the AW526 for large-scale touring, festivals, and permanent installations demanding maximum projection and bass authority.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
JBL AW266 High Power 2-Way All Weather Loudspeaker with 1 x 12 LF
JBL AW526 High Power 2-Way All Weather Loudspeaker with 1 x 15 LF Black
Specs side by side
| JBL AW266 High Power 2-Way All Weather Loudspeaker with 1 x 12 LF | JBL AW526 High Power 2-Way All Weather Loudspeaker with 1 x 15 LF Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,150.00 | $5,575.00 |
| Brand | JBL | JBL |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose JBL AW266 High Power 2-Way All Weather Loudspeaker with 1 x 12 LF
- ✓ Smaller, more portable 12-inch woofer easier to transport and rig
- ✓ Tighter 60° × 60° coverage pattern ideal for focused, controlled dispersion
- ✓ Described as forgiving and musical with crystal-clear high-frequency articulation
- ✓ 126 dB SPL (132 dB peak) sufficient for most outdoor events and mid-sized venues
Why choose JBL AW526 High Power 2-Way All Weather Loudspeaker with 1 x 15 LF Black
- ✓ Larger 15-inch woofer delivers deeper, more powerful bass extension
- ✓ Wider 120° × 60° coverage pattern covers larger areas with fewer boxes needed
- ✓ Rotatable waveguide adapts coverage to vertical or horizontal venue layouts
- ✓ Heavy-duty stainless steel mounting bracket and barrier strip terminals for rugged permanent installations
Frequently asked questions
Which speaker has deeper bass?
The AW526's 15-inch woofer provides deeper, more powerful bass extension compared to the AW266's 12-inch driver. The larger low-frequency driver in the AW526 is engineered to handle more demanding, bass-heavy applications.
How do coverage patterns differ?
The AW266 offers a tighter 60° × 60° pattern suited to more focused sound projection, while the AW526's 120° × 60° pattern covers significantly wider areas, making it better for large outdoor events where broad, even coverage is essential.
Which is easier to transport and install?
The AW266's smaller 12-inch woofer makes it lighter and more portable for touring applications. The AW526 is heavier but designed for permanent or semi-permanent deployments where ruggedness and maximum output justify the added bulk.
Do both use the same compression driver?
Yes, both speakers use the same JBL 2432H compression driver for high-frequency reproduction, ensuring consistent upper-midrange and treble clarity. The main difference is the low-frequency driver and overall power handling.