At this year’s High End Munich show, JBL introduced three new loudspeakers that expand its flagship Summit Series. If you’re familiar with names like Everest and K2 — not just the mountains but also JBL’s premium speaker models — you’ll now hear some new additions: Makalu, Pumori, and Ama.
Each of these new models is named after a Himalayan peak, and while the mountain inspiration is poetic, what really matters to listeners is what’s inside. The new lineup adds variety to the Summit Series without straying from JBL’s signature approach to design: high-performance components, solid construction, and a focus on audio precision.
“The JBL Summit Series is the culmination of everything JBL stands for — acoustic precision, timeless design, and an emotional connection to music,” said Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio. “With these new models, we are honoring our heritage while pushing the boundaries of sound reproduction further than ever before.”
Let’s take a closer look at what’s new.
The Makalu sits at the top of the new lineup, literally and figuratively. It’s a three-way floorstanding speaker designed for bigger rooms where space isn’t an issue. Inside, it houses a 12-inch woofer and an 8-inch midrange driver, both made from JBL’s own HC4 composite material, which is designed for strength and responsiveness.
There’s also JBL’s D2 compression driver, paired with a specially molded HDI Sonoglass horn, which helps control how the sound spreads out into the room.
Design-wise, it’s available in two finishes: ebony veneer with gold accents or high-gloss black with platinum detailing. Either way, it’s a bold piece of furniture as much as it is a speaker. With built-in IsoAcoustics isolation feet to reduce vibrations and a cabinet designed to minimize resonance, the Makalu is meant to sound clean even at higher volumes. The pair will retail for $44,995.
Named after a mountain near Everest, sometimes referred to as its “daughter,” the Pumori is also a three-way floorstander — just a bit smaller than the Makalu. It uses a 10-inch woofer and the same 8-inch midrange, along with the familiar D2 compression driver and HDI horn.
It’s meant for listeners who want the same core sound but don’t have the same size room. The cabinet design and finish options match those of the Makalu, and it includes the same internal bracing and isolation features. Price-wise, a pair will run you $29,995.
For those working with tighter spaces — or building a multi-channel setup — the Summit Ama is a more compact two-way standmount speaker. It features an 8-inch woofer, the D2 compression driver, and the HDI horn, all packed into a smaller cabinet that’s designed to sit on included steel-and-aluminum stands.
Though it’s not a floorstander, it keeps the same build philosophy as its larger siblings, including internal bracing, resonance control, and a premium finish. This one is priced at $19,995 per pair, including the stands.
Despite their differences in size and price, the Makalu, Pumori, and Ama share some core features that define the Summit Series:
These shared elements suggest JBL is trying to maintain a consistent sonic signature across the line, giving listeners options based on space and budget without having to sacrifice quality.
With the introduction of Makalu, Pumori, and Ama, JBL is showing that it’s not just sticking to its past hits. These new models expand the Summit Series in ways that give audio enthusiasts more to work with in terms of space, style, and system configuration.
The full Summit Series now includes five models — Everest, K2, Makalu, Pumori, and Ama — covering a wide range of sizes and configurations. The new speakers are expected to hit authorized retailers later in 2025, with pricing clearly aimed at the high-end audiophile market.
If you’re shopping in the upper tier of hi-fi speakers and want something with pro-level tech in a luxury package, JBL’s latest offerings are worth checking out when they arrive later this year.
