New to me JBL L40

[L-82]

I’ve been lusting for a pair of JBL speakers for a while. I found this very nice pair of L40 here in Montréal. They are all there and most of all they really sound great with my Mcintosh... I’m listening to some Led Zeppelin and I have to say I’m really impressed.
I love my ZU Omen but these little beasts really kick it up a step higher.

They bass sounds full and rich, the tweeters are set at 7 and they light up the highs just right - the 12 string guitar sound like it in the room with me...anyway I’m really happy
I’ll lsten for a while then I’ll resyore them.
I would love your help.

 

[zebra03]

Watch out , the JBL monster will bite you .

 

[L-82]

Thank you never knew about this sub forum

 

[L-82]

Watch out , the JBL monster will bite you .

I’m sure, especially with character, lol.

 

[L-82]

What do you guys think about the colour of the paper diaphragms? I hope they clean well..

 

[L-82]

I have to say I’m in love they sound sooooo good with my Mcintosh.... if they sound this good to me should I consider working on the crossovers? I’ll post pictures when I decide to take them apart... what will I do with my Zu Omen?.

 

[donprice]

The L40 crossover is pretty simple. Replacing the caps would be simple even if not needed. The schematic is in the thread below...

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/jbl-l26-vs-l40.656574/

Enjoy !

 

[L-82]

Thank you

 

[ioni]

I have same L40, can confirm are really good speakers. I compared with mine L50 and they are not worst...if not better....
I payed 100 euro the L40 in very good shape, was a good deal for sure.
Enjoy them so!

 

[L-82]

I have same L40, can confirm are really good speakers. I compared with mine L50 and they are not worst...if not better....
I payed 100 euro the L40 in very good shape, was a good deal for sure.
Enjoy them so!

Thank you I’m enjoying them right now

 

[L-82]

So restoration begins but a couple of questions first.
1) would you keep the installation baskets, pic 2?
2)What is best way to remove JBL Lpad
Instruction plate pic 4?
3) is there anything to do to the woofer and tweeter?
4) would you do any thing to the cabinet ie; Bracing?
Thanks

 

[www.records]

What are you looking to improve with your speakers? Have you noticed some shortcomings and you feel you can make better?
It looks like you have only had them a very short time and really like the sound. If they were mine, I would just continue to listen and enjoy them. Down the road if you notice some shortcomings, then you can research how to make those improvements and have a set plan on what and how to do it.
Those JBL guys were much smarter that me and I could fubar an already good thing. Fixing something that's not broke seems foolish. But they are yours, so if you feel you need to fix them I wish you good luck. Just my opinion!

 

[Zonker92]

I would recap the speakers, clean up the veneer as necessary, replace or glue back together any torn fiberglass on the woofer baskets (do not get rid of them), and clean up the L pads.

You can remove the foilcals with heat from a hair dryer and a thin steel putty knife; very gently wiggle it under the edge, rocking it back and forth.

I note that the woofer dust caps look too dark; they're probably replacements. Just for what it's worth.

 

[L-82]

What are you looking to improve with your speakers? Have you noticed some shortcomings and you feel you can make better?
It looks like you have only had them a very short time and really like the sound. If they were mine, I would just continue to listen and enjoy them. Down the road if you notice some shortcomings, then you can research how to make those improvements and have a set plan on what and how to do it.
Those JBL guys were much smarter that me and I could fubar an already good thing. Fixing something that's not broke seems foolish. But they are yours, so if you feel you need to fix them I wish you good luck. Just my opinion!

You are right! For now I will only refinish the outside of the boxes.
One of the pots needs cleaning that’s it.
I was asking if there was a couple of easy mods that would make a big difference in sound.
I also ordered a set of metal stands from the super nice guys at A&m fabrication in Arkansas

 

[L-82]

Updates:
Took everything apart. I stripped the boxes still trying to get rid of the “ flower pot stains “, I decided on navy blue for the faces. The crossovers look good and look healthy, I treated the pots to some Detoxit.
More images will be loaded soon...

 

[L-82]

Finishing them up...tinted the woofer a la Kendrick Sounds, I used China black ink easy and looks great!

 

[L-82]

Added some extra insulation wasn’t sure if I need more so I left open space and bronze banana binding posts,

 

[L-82]

And finally they are up and running waiting for the stands to arrive next week. The sound is a lot more bold than with the Zu Omen, the jbl have a lot of presence...

 

[Zonker92]

Very nice, but you should really lose the extra stuffing.

 

[L-82]

Very nice, but you should really lose the extra stuffing.

Really ? I’ll remove it if you think so, since I know your the JBL authority’