WaynerN
Addicted Member
Many moons ago (as a teenager), I purchased a pair of AR-2ax speakers. Later I added a pair of AR-5 speakers, both powered by a Marantz 240 power amp (3300 preamp). Little did I realize that the ARs required lots of power and I just didn't get the sound that I wanted. So both sets of ARs were traded in for a pair of JBL-L100s. I had these speakers for about 15 years. Before they left, I decided to bi-amp them so the woofers were removed from the inputs, attached to a second pair of input terminals and they were powered by the Marantz. The mids and tweeters were then powered by a Dynaco Stereo 70. You have to remember that I was young (and more then likely, foolish). I soon grew tired of the system and moved on.
Move now to a few months ago, I got the wants for another pair of JBLs, but not a pair of L100s. I found a pair of S109 Aquarius IV speakers. I really got into the nostalgic sound of these speakers. but because of the design, decided that they might suit themselves to being a "surround" speaker. I soon began another search for some JBLs that I could use as my mains. So many L100s, L26, L36.....on and on and on it went. Many were overpriced with almost all of them having problems. I just wasn't in the mood to do another repair.
Then doing a google search, I found the JBL website and there they were, the JBL Studio 580 speakers. After watching the site for a couple of weeks, they went on sale for $400 each, so I pulled the plug. I'm not going to do a review of these speakers, but all I can say is......over achiever!!! These speakers ended up in my "digital" room.
A month goes by and I visited the JBL website again to discover a smallish bookshelf speaker called the Studio 230 on sale for $300 for the pair (free shipping), so I again, pulled the plug.
They are now sitting in my vinyl room where there are 6 other pair of speakers, some very respectable in the audio community. My current plan is to write JBL a letter, explaining that they sent me the wrong speakers. I ordered the $300 a pair speakers (on sale, $400 regular price) and you guys accidentally sent me the $3,000 set.
Powered by my little Sony TA-55es power amp, these speakers have exhibited a power and sound stage that I, frankly, have never heard before. The horn tweeters are without any harshness, the bass is scary low and the dynamic range is startling. There simply is no $400 (or $300) pair of speakers that can compare.
So, in the end, I have become a fanboy. Its to the point where I understand that engineering good stuff is what makes the world go round, not the price.
I just wonder where I have been for all of these years, as both sets of speakers have been around for some time. I guess I've missed the boat in so many ways......
Wayner
Move now to a few months ago, I got the wants for another pair of JBLs, but not a pair of L100s. I found a pair of S109 Aquarius IV speakers. I really got into the nostalgic sound of these speakers. but because of the design, decided that they might suit themselves to being a "surround" speaker. I soon began another search for some JBLs that I could use as my mains. So many L100s, L26, L36.....on and on and on it went. Many were overpriced with almost all of them having problems. I just wasn't in the mood to do another repair.
Then doing a google search, I found the JBL website and there they were, the JBL Studio 580 speakers. After watching the site for a couple of weeks, they went on sale for $400 each, so I pulled the plug. I'm not going to do a review of these speakers, but all I can say is......over achiever!!! These speakers ended up in my "digital" room.
A month goes by and I visited the JBL website again to discover a smallish bookshelf speaker called the Studio 230 on sale for $300 for the pair (free shipping), so I again, pulled the plug.
They are now sitting in my vinyl room where there are 6 other pair of speakers, some very respectable in the audio community. My current plan is to write JBL a letter, explaining that they sent me the wrong speakers. I ordered the $300 a pair speakers (on sale, $400 regular price) and you guys accidentally sent me the $3,000 set.
Powered by my little Sony TA-55es power amp, these speakers have exhibited a power and sound stage that I, frankly, have never heard before. The horn tweeters are without any harshness, the bass is scary low and the dynamic range is startling. There simply is no $400 (or $300) pair of speakers that can compare.
So, in the end, I have become a fanboy. Its to the point where I understand that engineering good stuff is what makes the world go round, not the price.
I just wonder where I have been for all of these years, as both sets of speakers have been around for some time. I guess I've missed the boat in so many ways......
Wayner