B&W 330i for $40? Austin

[Snow]

That is part of it another part is the big difference in sound from different high quality speakers. Those that want Klipsch sound might not like Dahlquist sound and other such examples. So for someone stating a speaker is mediocre, it needs to be accepted in context...both with respect to what speakers they like and how high up that megabuck ladder they are.

Fair enough. I am not a fan boy of any particular brand and enjoy some from one company but not all, as far as cost goes I believe that for $500.00 you should be able to with patience find a better then average/mediocre sounding pair of speakers no matter your preference of sound and who knows with luck far less.

For the likes some would be most of the SDA series of speakers by Polk JBL has quite a few I would say the Jubal/L65 to start then go up from there in vintage speakers for Yamaha it would be the NS1000 for Klipsch it would be the Belles all of these do something really well some more then others there are far more brands and models I could list but feel these are well enough known to give people an idea, all of these can be bought at the $500.00 mark or less because I have done it even though most typically sell for more.

My thoughts on mediocre sounding is that if there is nothing outstanding about it in the bass midrange or treble that qualifies it as an average/mediocre speaker IMHO.



Regards Snow

 

[markshan]

The ad states that they were originally $200. I'm not sure where the seller got the price. I have absolutely no use/place for these and I'm about to get talked into contacting the seller. Probably gone already, so what's the harm?

I suspect that is what he picked them up second hand for. Great news for whoever buys them that he doesn't seem to realize that most of the depreciation hit was taken by the original seller and he could probably get his entire investment back if he were a bit more savvy.

 

[BDylanThomas]

Ok now we get to see if Snow and Archguy are right about these being "mediocre" or whether Markshan, OMGCat, and Dazaa are right. Just kidding. My other gear has not even been on the first rung of the audiophile ladder, except for a pair of vintage advent towers, so just about anything should sound better than what I have been listening to. It was a weird series of circumstances--maybe this should be put in the CL thread as well.

After fellow Austinite Mingo posted several days ago, I figured they would be bought immediately. A day later the CL ad was still up but assumed this was the normal behavior of not deleting ads that plagues CL. But on the off chance they were still available I sent the owner an email saying I knew someone who was interested in them. No response. Then lo' and behold I am checking all the speakers locally and see the price on these have been reduced. Sent the person a text and asked if they were sold--"No." An hour later they were in the trunk of my car. Still don't understand what was going on in that house but had to navigate through multiple pairs of shoes, a skateboard, and other stuff on the floor right inside the front door. And this is a decent neighborhood, not a student ghetto or apartment with multiple singles.

These B&W work and besides some minor blemishes on the finish, the only real cosmetic problem is one of the grilles is bent and slightly torn. I intend to look more closely at it and see about a repair. Oh, forgot to mention that the guy seemed ready to bargain further when I started looking at them. That would have been embarrassing for us both, however. Will listen more in the next couple days and see if they are worth the $20 paid for them.

 

[Snow]

For $20.00 I think you did very well, and I am interested in your opinion. I should clarify why I said they would be mediocre simply because I think some may have taken it as they sound bad, mediocre even though the connatation is not great it is not bad IMHO just average sounding with no outstanding elements. I suppose in hindsight I should have asked you what your reasons were to buy them rather then if it was strictly to re sell or use, just because I am far enough along in my audio journey to desire something better then these for my home does not mean everyone is and these may well be superior to anything you own it may well be a step up.

For myself I would not give them a second look at any price because I am not interested in parting them out or to flip and own better speakers and am pretty sure I own some that sound even worse I have a pair of B&W bookshelf speakers that sound awful not mediocre but awful I use them to test new gear with this way if it kills them it is not a big loss. It is easy to get caught up with a name but trust me even though B&W has made some great speakers they like most companies have produced some mediocre and downright awful ones that is not a reflection of the company as a whole but good business sense most people do not want to spend a lot on audio gear and the only way to meet that need is to build at a price point that makes sense which in turn means the final product is likely to be mediocre or worse. Paradigm is another speaker company that has produced some outstanding speakers and some that were awful Tannoy another respected brand the same way some great some mediocre and some pretty bad for examples.


Regards Snow

 

[markshan]

Ok now we get to see if Snow and Archguy are right about these being "mediocre" or whether Markshan, OMGCat, and Dazaa are right.

Full disclosure, I have never heard this exact model, but I am certain that the valuations which were floated here are completely false.

I hope you enjoy them and look forward to your impressions.

 

[markshan]

For the likes some would be most of the SDA series of speakers by Polk JBL has quite a few I would say the Jubal/L65 to start then go up from there in vintage speakers for Yamaha it would be the NS1000 for Klipsch it would be the Belles

No accounting for taste. I know lots of people love Jubals, but I refoamed a pair for a neighbor and spent some time with them. Listening to the coveted glass tweeter was one of the more disappointing events in my "audiophile" path. I've heard how great they are, but to me the only thing they did was exaggerate every sibilant on any recording I threw at them, analog or digital. They are pretty, but I have a much better time listening to my 4312Bs.

 

[Snow]

No accounting for taste. I know lots of people love Jubals, but I refoamed a pair for a neighbor and spent some time with them. Listening to the coveted glass tweeter was one of the more disappointing events in my "audiophile" path. I've heard how great they are, but to me the only thing they did was exaggerate every sibilant on any recording I threw at them, analog or digital. They are pretty, but I have a much better time listening to my 4312Bs.

I suppose that either you love the tweeter or hate it, I hate the Titanium tweeters in the L20T to the 250TI but do like the mid range and woofer on most models. I like the L112 but dislike the L100 Centurys there are many JBL models I like and some not so much.

I have discovered over the years and many thousands of dollars spent that just because there is a large contingent of fans of this or that brand or model I may well hate it. All any of us can do is share our experiences and hope it helps someone.


Regards Snow

 

[goodolpg]

Ok now we get to see if Snow and Archguy are right about these being "mediocre" or whether Markshan, OMGCat, and Dazaa are right. Just kidding. My other gear has not even been on the first rung of the audiophile ladder, except for a pair of vintage advent towers, so just about anything should sound better than what I have been listening to. It was a weird series of circumstances--maybe this should be put in the CL thread as well.

After fellow Austinite Mingo posted several days ago, I figured they would be bought immediately. A day later the CL ad was still up but assumed this was the normal behavior of not deleting ads that plagues CL. But on the off chance they were still available I sent the owner an email saying I knew someone who was interested in them. No response. Then lo' and behold I am checking all the speakers locally and see the price on these have been reduced. Sent the person a text and asked if they were sold--"No." An hour later they were in the trunk of my car. Still don't understand what was going on in that house but had to navigate through multiple pairs of shoes, a skateboard, and other stuff on the floor right inside the front door. And this is a decent neighborhood, not a student ghetto or apartment with multiple singles.

These B&W work and besides some minor blemishes on the finish, the only real cosmetic problem is one of the grilles is bent and slightly torn. I intend to look more closely at it and see about a repair. Oh, forgot to mention that the guy seemed ready to bargain further when I started looking at them. That would have been embarrassing for us both, however. Will listen more in the next couple days and see if they are worth the $20 paid for them.

I was hoping you'd go listen but thought maybe that was out the window after you sort of committed and then cancelled.
Heck, $20 is a decent meal (let's say 30 minutes) or a cineplex movie and popcorn (couple hours), those speakers should last much longer than that.

 

[markshan]

I like the L112 but dislike the L100 Centurys there are many JBL models I like and some not so much.

I liked the L100s on about 70% of what I threw at them, but if the music was mastered with emphasis at the frequency that they are hot at they were real ear bleeders. When I first got them I threw on Abbey Road and was enthralled. Then I put of Clash - Combat Rock and was horrified.

 

[Mingo]

Give them a listen and let us know your impressions of them. I was very tempted, but am speaker rich and space limited at the moment. For $20, or the original $40, it would have been catch and release.

 

[Snow]

I liked the L100s on about 70% of what I threw at them, but if the music was mastered with emphasis at the frequency that they are hot at they were real ear bleeders. When I first got them I threw on Abbey Road and was enthralled. Then I put of Clash - Combat Rock and was horrified.

Interesting I always felt the L100 century were too forward sounding to me. It is no small achievement to build a speaker that does it all well together.


Regards Snow

 

[BDylanThomas]

Won't bore you with too many details but I like them and for the coming weeks they will be replacing my advent (small) towers, as-2. I am sure these 330is do not represent typical B&W towers and are entry level gear for B&W. But without the extensive speaker experience as you guys have, they sound pretty good to me.

Because my CD player finally bit the dust on Wednesday, I had to buy a replacement. So far I have played three different CDs: Alison Krauss & Union Station's live Louisville concert, Knopfler's tracker disc 1, and one of my three cds for Alasdair Fraser, a Scottish fiddler. The speakers really shined on the Louisville concert and Knopfler's disc, and may have been a little harsh on the Fraser music. Overall they seem more well balanced than the advents and a little more forward, which is ok.

Thanks for all the opinions guys. Without those varied views someone else would have them now.

 

[icenine]

I found a pair of 201i s yesterday for $9.99. I never leave stuff like B&W behind if they are practically being given away.

 

[Snow]

Won't bore you with too many details but I like them and for the coming weeks they will be replacing my advent (small) towers, as-2. I am sure these 330is do not represent typical B&W towers and are entry level gear for B&W. But without the extensive speaker experience as you guys have, they sound pretty good to me.

Because my CD player finally bit the dust on Wednesday, I had to buy a replacement. So far I have played three different CDs: Alison Krauss & Union Station's live Louisville concert, Knopfler's tracker disc 1, and one of my three cds for Alasdair Fraser, a Scottish fiddler. The speakers really shined on the Louisville concert and Knopfler's disc, and may have been a little harsh on the Fraser music. Overall they seem more well balanced than the advents and a little more forward, which is ok.

Thanks for all the opinions guys. Without those varied views someone else would have them now.

One mans trash is another mans treasure comes to mind meaning the seller felt they were pretty much trash and to you a real treasure, I am pretty sure they are better then my first speakers which I used to think were great Bose 401's. I am happy you like them may they bring you many hours of enjoyment.


Regards Snow

 

[OMGCat!]

Won't bore you with too many details but I like them and for the coming weeks they will be replacing my advent (small) towers, as-2. I am sure these 330is do not represent typical B&W towers and are entry level gear for B&W. But without the extensive speaker experience as you guys have, they sound pretty good to me.

Because my CD player finally bit the dust on Wednesday, I had to buy a replacement. So far I have played three different CDs: Alison Krauss & Union Station's live Louisville concert, Knopfler's tracker disc 1, and one of my three cds for Alasdair Fraser, a Scottish fiddler. The speakers really shined on the Louisville concert and Knopfler's disc, and may have been a little harsh on the Fraser music. Overall they seem more well balanced than the advents and a little more forward, which is ok.

Thanks for all the opinions guys. Without those varied views someone else would have them now.

Glad you like them!
I'm a big fan of the B&W sound. When you match them up with the right front end gear they are pretty amazing. They all seem to shine in the midrange which makes acoustic music come to life.