Unlike JBL’s traditional SFG (Symmetrical Field Geometry) motor structures, the Maximum Output transducers employ a new magnetic structure with a copper sleeve symmetrically positioned on the polepiece above and below the top plate. This copper sleeve is located in a larger voice coil gap than is found in traditional designs, and provides significant reductions in both second and third order harmonic distortion with a single design element. Due to this innovative new magnet structure design, these transducers exhibit extremely low midband distortion and feature a very smooth, gradually rising response over the transducers' target operating ranges.

A hallmark of these units is their enhanced dynamic compression characteristics. Power compression in all loudspeakers results from the increase in voice coil temperature and the consequent rise in dc resistance. Power compression at high operating levels can rob music of its essential dynamics. Professional users who are concerned with performance under long-term periods of continuous usage at or near rated power will find that these transducers exhibit approximately 3 dB of power compression at full rated power.