In this Jensen C8R review, I’ll reveal why this 8-inch speaker is an excellent choice by exploring its design, technical specifications, sound quality, and overall performance, helping you make an informed decision about this critical component of your guitar amplifier.
All 8-inch speakers aren’t created equal, and you shouldn’t automatically underestimate the power and tone of a speaker this size!
Keep on reading to learn more!
You can use the table of contents below to take you to the area that interests you. Click on the little box to open it and then click on the section of the article you want to read, or you can read from start to finish if you want the full Jensen C8R experience!
If you’re pressed for time, you can click here to go directly to the cheat sheet or click here if you want the spec sheet.
Key Takeaways
The Jensen C8R is an excellent choice for mid-’60s tone with a tight bass, a warm midrange, and a high-end that cuts through the mix. This 8-inch speaker has a power-handling capacity of 25 Watts and comes in 4 and 8 Ohm impedance models. It’s essential to match the speaker power and impedance to that of your guitar amplifier!
Keep On Reading (Below) To Learn More
What Is The Jensen C8R?
The Jensen C8R, also called the Jensen C8R Vintage Ceramic, is a reissue of the original 1961 Jensen C8R. This reissue speaker has a more powerful ceramic magnet but aims to accurately reproduce the tone of the ’61 model.
This highly regarded 8-inch guitar speaker an essential product of Jensen’s Vintage Ceramic series. It has a 25W RMS power rating and is available with an impedance of 4 or 8 ohms, making it suitable for a range of amplifiers. Ceramic magnets are known for their durability and excellent sound quality.
Where the C8R truly shines is in its tonal properties. It’s specifically designed to generate a mid-’60s vintage tone, producing a warm, rich sound that delivers bright highs, smooth mids, and tight, controlled lows, creating a well-balanced tonal range that can breathe life into your music.
Its frequency response is broad and dynamic, allowing the speaker to adapt to various musical genres and playing styles. However, the C8R has gained particular acclaim among blues, rock, and country musicians due to its ability to deliver a classic, vintage tone with a pleasing sonic richness.
Despite its size, the C8R doesn’t compromise on sound quality or power handling, making it a prime choice for musicians who seek to enhance their sound without using a bulky amplifier.
Jensen C8R – Cheat Sheet
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ☆ 9.4 Out Of 10
Street Price $48
The Jensen C8R is a vintage reissue 8-inch speaker with a ceramic magnet. It can handle 25 Watts of power and is available in an impedance of 4 and 8 Ohms.
If you want to go directly to the Jensen C8R specs then click here.
PROS
✅ Vintage Warm, Rich Tone
✅ Wide Frequency Response
✅ Great Power Handling
CONS
❌ Not Ideal For Heavy Metal
❌ Less Bass Response
❌ No 16 Ohm Model
Design
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.2 Out Of 10
Overall Quality
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.5 Out Of 10
Functionality
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.0 Out Of 10
Price
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.8 Out Of 10
Jensen Company Profile
Jensen was founded by Peter Jensen in the 1920s and became one of the pioneers of loudspeaker technology.
Reborn in the 1990s as Jensen Loudspeakers, the company continues to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, staying true to Peter L. Jensen’s original vision.
With a rich legacy spanning over a century, Jensen continues to break new ground in audio technology. It offers a broad spectrum of speakers that cater to different styles and tones – from the warm, vintage vibes of the P series, made with Alnico magnets, to the robust, powerful Ceramic series.
“Reissue” guitar speakers are currently made in Italy by SICA Altoparlanti and distributed in the United States by CE Distribution.
Who Is The Jensen C8R For?
The Jensen C8R is designed specifically for musicians seeking to reproduce the distinctive, vintage tone associated with early, mid-’60s blues, rock, and country genres.
While the C8R can deliver impressive results in various setups, it is most effectively utilized in small to medium-sized amplifiers due to its 25W RMS power rating. Musicians who commonly play in intimate venues, studio settings, or at home will find the Jensen C8R particularly beneficial.
The speaker is also an excellent choice for musicians wanting to upgrade their current amplifier speakers, given its high-quality construction, durability, and the reputation of the Jensen brand.
Finally, the Jensen C8R is perfect for those who value the balance between compact size and exceptional performance. Despite its modest 8-inch size, it delivers a powerful and nuanced sound, making it an excellent choice for musicians who require a portable setup without sacrificing their sonic output.
Jensen C8R Specifications
Here are the most useful specifications for the Jensen C8R.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Speaker Size | 8-inch |
| Power Handling | 25 Watts RMS |
| Impedance | 4 Ohms or 8 Ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB |
| Frequency Range | 80Hz – 8kHz |
| Voice Coil Diameter | 0.98″ |
| Magnet Type | Ceramic |
| Weight | 2.2 Pounds |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
What’s In The Box?
- One Jensen C8R speaker
- Installation Guide
Features And Benefits
Check Out These Great Jensen C8R Features!
Performance
The Jensen C8R responds well to the player’s dynamics, cleanly articulating notes when played softly and offering a satisfying crunch when played harder. The speaker’s smooth breakup adds an attractive texture to the overall sound. This characteristic is most beneficial when you’re playing blues or rock, making your guitar sing in a way only a quality speaker can.
Design And Build Quality
The compact design of the Jensen C8R makes it a versatile choice for those needing to upgrade smaller amplifiers. Jensen’s commitment to quality construction is evident in the robust build of the C8R. This speaker not only sounds good but is built to last, ensuring that you can rely on it gig after gig.
Value For Money
Given its performance, build quality, and the reputation of the Jensen brand, the C8R offers excellent value for money. Its price point is quite reasonable when you consider the quality of the tone and the overall versatility that this speaker offers.
What I Like About It
There’s plenty to love about this speaker. Here are some of the highlights.
Vintage Tone With A Warm, Rich Sound.
The Jensen C8R has a rich, balanced tone that adds an extra dimension to your music. It offers a very musical response with a bright top end and smooth mids. The lows are well-defined but not overly pronounced, perfect for guitarists who want to keep their sound tight and right!
Versatility
The Jensen C8R is quite versatile, capable of handling anything from clean jazz tones to crunchy rock riffs. However, it truly shines in genres that benefit from its warm, vintage character. If you’re a blues, country, or classic rock player, the C8R is a fantastic choice. It might not be the best fit for metal or other high-gain styles, but it’s still capable of delivering a solid performance across various musical genres.
Great Power Handling For Its Size.
The Jensen C8R guitar speaker might not be the largest or loudest speaker out there, but what it lacks in sheer power, it more than makes up for in character, quality, and versatility. If you’re after a speaker that can bring a touch of vintage magic to your music while offering a reliable, high-quality performance, the C8R is an excellent choice.
Wide Frequency Response
The C8R offers an impressive soundscape, with a frequency range of 80Hz – 8kHz. The highs are crystal clear without being shrill, and the mids come through with a strong, punchy presence. The lower frequencies are tight and controlled, offering a balanced bass response that complements the overall sound rather than overpowering it.
What You Might Not Like About It
Here are some potential issues you should be aware of before buying a Jensen C8R speaker.
Not Ideal For Heavy Metal Or Other High Gain Styles
If you play heavy metal, you’ll probably find the Jensen C8R lacking in low-end, especially if you use drop tunings. I recommend a 12-inch speaker, like a Celestion Greenback, for the heaviest sounds.
Bass Response Lacking For Larger Venues
If you gig in large venues, like concert halls, you might have to mix the speaker into the house PA system to augment its bass response. An 8-inch speaker can only push so much air, especially in the lower frequencies.
Can Get Slightly Harsh When Pushed Hard
The Jensen C8R can get slightly harsh and indistinct when pushed to extremes. I particularly noticed this when using a lot of distortion with single-coil bridge pickups. The easiest way to correct this is to roll back your guitar’s volume knob just a tad.
No 16 Ohm Model Available
The Jensen C8R does not come in a 16 Ohm model. So, for example, if you have an amplifier with a single 8 Ohm speaker, you cannot use this as a replacement unless the amp has 8 and 16 Ohm switching capabilities.
Other Things To Consider
Here are some additional things that might factor into your decision to purchase the Jensen C8R.
What Sets Jensen C8R Apart From Its Competitors?
The Jensen C8R stands apart from its competitors for several reasons:
Brand Reputation
Jensen is a well-established brand with a rich history dating back to the 1940s. Musicians trust their products for consistent quality and performance, and the C8R lives up to that reputation.
Size And Power Handling
For an 8-inch speaker, the C8R packs a punch with a power rating of 25W. It’s compact yet powerful, making it ideal for musicians who want to play through a smaller amplifier without compromising sound quality.
Value For The Money
Despite its high-quality sound and construction, the Jensen C8R sells at a very reasonable price, making it accessible to a wide range of musicians. This value for the money sets it apart in a market that often sees high quality equating to a much higher cost.
What Makes This Version Different From The Original 1961 Jenson C8R?
The Jensen C8R Vintage Ceramic speaker is based on the original 1961 Jensen C8R. The reissue speaker has a more powerful ceramic magnet but aims to accurately reproduce the tone of the ’61 model.
However, all-in-all, the reissue Jensen C8R does an excellent job reproducing the tone and performance of the original vintage model.
Comparable Products To Consider
If you’re considering the Jensen C8R but would like to explore other options as well, here are a few comparable speakers that might be of interest:
Celestion Eight 15
Known for its excellent performance, the Celestion Eight 15 is an 8-inch guitar speaker that delivers a well-balanced tone with hard-hitting lows. However, it has a lower power rating of 15 Watts RMS.
Eminence Patriot 820H
The Eminence Patriot 820H is a 20 Watt, 8-inch guitar speaker with rich, warm tones. It’s known for its clean and full-bodied sound, similar to the Jensen C8R.
Weber Signature 8S
Weber’s Signature series offers an 8-inch Alnico magnet speaker known for its strong mid-range and bright top end. However, it has a lower power rating of 15 Watts RMS.
Fender 8″ Standard Replacement Speaker
This speaker offers a classic Fender tone with a good balance between lows, mids, and highs. What makes this 8-inch 8 Ohm speaker special is that it has a power handling capability of 75 Watts RMS!
Fender uses this speaker in their Acoustasonic Jr. and Acoustasonic SFX amps.
Key Decision Making Factors
Before purchasing the Jensen C8R speaker, several key decision-making factors must be considered.
Evaluate the speaker for:
- Tonal Preference
- Musical Genre
- Playing Style
- Power Handling Capability
- Amplifier Compatibility
- Cabinet Configuration
- Budget
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the speaker’s technical specifications and try it with an amplifier similar to a design you like. In addition, there are many YouTube videos that will give you an excellent idea of the speaker’s tonal characteristics.
User Reviews
User reviews for the Jensen C8R have mainly been positive, with musicians appreciating the speaker for its warm, vintage tone and high-quality construction.
However, some users mention its limitations for high-gain metal styles. Additionally, some might point out that it may not be loud enough when used in a single speaker configuration for larger gigs or settings requiring high-volume output.
It consistently gets high marks for tonal excellence, versatility, dynamic response, reliability & durability. It has gotten a 4.7/5.0-star review from 281 people on Amazon.
Beware Of Speaker Ratings!
The most important thing to know about installing or changing speakers is that the new speaker must be rated to work properly with the amplifier. So, you need to match the new speaker’s impedance and power handling capability to what you originally had.
So, if your cabinet has more than one speaker, depending on the way they are wired (in series, parallel, or series-parallel), the total impedance and power handling must match your amplifier’s ratings.
Therefore, you can’t swap out a single 8-inch speaker rated at 4 ohms for another rated at 8 ohms unless your amp is designed to run at both impedances. Always match or exceed the old speaker’s power handling capability to avoid damaging it.
If you’re not sure, it’s always best to ask someone who knows!
Is The Jensen C8R Legit?
I’ve used the Jensen C8R in a variety of amps, including my Silverface Fender Champ. What I love about it is that it reproduces a warm, rich, vintage tone, whether you’re laying down some smooth jazz chords or driving crunchy blues riffs! For an 8-inch speaker, It has an incredible ability to fill a small to medium size room with a big sound!
The C8R is robust and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of playing and performing. It features a ceramic magnet, a 0.98-inch voice coil, and a durable paper cone, all of which contribute to its excellent sound and longevity.
It’s manufactured by Jensen, a company with a rich history dating back to the 1940s and a solid reputation for producing quality speakers and audio equipment.
So, if you’re interested in grabbing a Jensen C8R for yourself, click the button below to check availability, user reviews, and current pricing. They tend to go out of stock quickly, but I highly recommend them!
Are You Qualified To Make Amp Modifications?
It’s great to work on your amplifiers, especially if you have a lot of them, but you should always be aware of your limitations.
Adjusting or modifying the electronics of a guitar amplifier can put you at risk for electrocution, which can seriously injure you or result in death, especially when working with tube amps!
Vacuum tubes run on 500 to 650 Volts or higher! So even if you unplug the amplifier, the electrolytic capacitors can still store a dangerously high voltage for an extended period of time.
When you doubt your ability to adjust, repair, or modify your amplifier, it’s always best to bring it to a certified repair center. You can damage your amplifier, which might never work or sound right again!
Modifying your amplifier can void its manufacturer’s warranty, even something as simple as speaker replacement! Certain modifications are irreversible, so you may be stuck with them, even if you desperately want to restore the amplifier to its original condition!
I learned that the hard way over the years until I did a three-year apprenticeship in a guitar and amplifier repair shop. Now I have my own home workshop with the proper training and equipment to re-bias, repair, and modify all my amplifiers safely.
Remember: “When In Doubt, Send It Out!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions I get asked about the Jensen C8R.
If your question does not appear here, please put it in the comments, and I will get right back to you with an answer.
Will The Jensen C8R Make My Amplifier Sound Louder?
The C8R will enhance your sound’s quality and tonal character but may not necessarily make your amp louder. It depends on the amplifier and the speaker that was initially present.
Is The Jensen C8R Good For Clean Tones?
Yes, the C8R is known for its clear, smooth, and bright, clean tones.
Can The Jensen C8R Handle High Volumes Without Distortion?
Yes, with its impressive power handling, the C8R can manage high volumes with minimal distortion.
What Genres Is The Jensen C8R Best Suited For?
The C8R is particularly suited for blues, country, and classic rock due to its vintage tone.
Is The Jensen C8R Suitable For Jazz Tones?
Yes, the smooth mids and controlled lows of the C8R can also work well for jazz tones.
Does The Jensen C8R Handle Overdriven Sounds Well?
Yes, the C8R handles overdriven sounds exceptionally well, providing a smooth, vintage-style crunch.
Can The Jensen C8R Handle High-Gain Styles Like Metal?
While the C8R is versatile, it might not be the best fit for metal or other high-gain styles due to its vintage tone. Additionally, 8-inch speakers are not typically “dark” enough for drop tuned Metal.
Can The Jensen C8R Be Used In A Combo Amplifier?
Yes, the C8R can be used in combo amplifiers designed to accommodate an 8-inch speaker. It can also be used in speaker cabinets.
Can I Use The Jensen C8R In An Acoustic Guitar Amplifier?
The C8R can be used, but it’s primarily designed for electric guitar amplifiers. A speaker designed for a more neutral, transparent sound would be ideal for an acoustic guitar amplifier.
Can The Jensen C8R Be Used In A Home Studio Setup?
Yes, the C8R is perfect for home studio setups due to its compact size and excellent sound quality.
Does The Jensen C8R Have A Break-In Period?
Yes, like many speakers, the C8R will have a break-in period where the tone will slightly change and generally improve over time.
Where Are Jensen C8R Speakers Made?
Jensen speakers are made in Italy. Although the American company has closed, “reissue” guitar speakers are currently made in Italy by SICA Altoparlanti and distributed in the United States by CE Distribution.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found this Jensen C8R review helpful. At this point, you should be able to decide if this speaker is right for you. The Jensen C8R is an 8-inch 25 Watt RMS guitar speaker that’s available in an impedance of 4 or 8 Ohms.
It is a fantastic addition to a variety of guitar amps. Its rich, vintage tones, high-quality build, and impressive versatility make it a standout choice in its price range. However, despite its wide frequency range, an 8-inch may not be ideal for Heavy Metal, especially when using a drop tuning.
The speaker excels at delivering great Blues, Rock, Jazz, and Country tones!
It is not available in a 16 Ohm impedance, so it is only suitable for single speaker combo amps that output to a 4 or 8 Ohm speaker.
Click here to check the Jensen C8R availability, user reviews, and current pricing on Amazon.
Here’s a video from Supro that demonstrates the legionary sound of the Jensen C8R in the Supro ’64 Reverb 1×8″ 5-watt tube combo amp. Check it out; you won’t believe your ears!
What To Read Next ➡ 8″ vs 10″ vs 12″ Guitar Amplifier Speakers – Which Is Best?!
Related Article ➡ How To Make Your Guitar Amp Sound Louder: Unleash The Beast!
Tell Me What You Think
Please leave a comment below if you enjoyed this Jensen C8R review, have any questions about this product, or want to leave your own review. I will be happy to help you.
- What’s your favorite speaker size? Why?
- Have you played through a Jensen C8R? What did you think?
- How would you use an amplifier with an 8-inch speaker?
- What else is on your mind?
I am excited to see you rate Jensen 9.5 out of 10 for overall quality. With its ability to handle Jazz and other musical genres. It is a speaker I must buy. Top of it is its brand name among loudspeaker companies. They have been around for a long and have consistently passed the test of time. Thank you for coming up with it
Hi, Owoeye
Thank You for your comments!
I have used Jensen replacement speakers in car stereos and guitar amps since the 1960s.
I hope you’ll give the Jensen C8R a try. It’s a fabulous choice for an 8-inch speaker in all musical genres, with the exception of de-tuned Heavy Metal, which typically requires a larger and more-aggressive-sounding speaker to get the low-end tones right.
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Thank you for asking such interesting questions! Personally, my favorite speaker size would have to be the 10-inch. I find that it balances low and high frequencies well and provides a clear and full sound.
Unfortunately, I have not yet had the opportunity to play through a Jensen C8R, but I have heard great things about its clarity and responsiveness.
As for using an amplifier with an 8-inch speaker, it would depend on the intended use. If it’s for a small practice amp, it could work well, but for larger performances, a larger speaker may be necessary for better projection and sound quality.
Thanks again for the thought-provoking questions!
Hi, Ted
Thank You for your comments!
Yes, I fully agree that a 10-inch speaker can give you the best of both worlds between the 8 and 12-inch sound characteristics.
I find that amps loaded with an 8-inch speaker give me exceptional tone!
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸