Heathkit AS-38 - JBL L88 clones

[Mrvintage]

I’m interested in a add from a seller close to me. The seller has a pair of Heathkit
AS-38’s for a pretty good deal. He mentions that that are the comparable clone to the JBL-88’s and gives references to the comparable drivers. Such as JBL woofers 123A rebadged as 401-133 (alnico magnet) the tweeters are JBL- LE20’s rebadged as 104-132 and ( alnico magnet). He also says the crossovers are JBL built and both woofers and tweeters are green in colour as per Heathkit drivers of the era. Now I’ve read that there are some upgrades to turn these into
L-100’s and if that’s possible then I’ll have a beautiful pair of L-100’s for a pretty good deal or do I leave them as they are. Any input on these babies before I buy would be a great help. I have photos to show how great of shape they are
Thanks for any input

 

[swechsler]

I've never heard the L88s so I can't say how they compare with the L100s, but other than cost, I don't see any reason not to upgrade them (although I doubt you'd recoup the money spent if you decide to sell them, that doesn't appear to be your concern).

 

[wallacefl]

I had the 88+12 and after installing the the 12( le5-2 ) I uninstalled it because it sounded very simblent...eccenuated but also mudded up the highes...ultimately I added/used a RTR-ESR 6 tweeter module that complimented the woofer well. A newer production tweeter crossed lower than the le20 would probably be a better sound option.

 

[Mrvintage]

Good evening swechsler

Your right I won’t be selling these if I pick them up. The seller mentioned that these sound very close to the JBL L88’s and JBL had upgrades To turn them into L100’s. They are in extremely good shape and have been well cared for by the owner. I just didn’t have any experience with the Heathkit model

 

[Mrvintage]

Thanks wallacefl
I do have a few JBL components that I’ve been gathering over the last couple of years that I may use. But I will take your ideas and see what I can acquire to make the Heathkits into beautiful sounding speakers.

 

[faber12]

They certainly look the part.

 

[Justgotohm]

They are outstanding speakers!! Literally my favorite pair in a shop slap ass full of speakers.

 

[Justgotohm]

Oh and they are not clones they are rebadged JBL drivers.

 

[faber12]

Looks like the binding posts are easier to use than those worthless spring things JBL used.

 

[Mrvintage]

Hey thanks for all your input. I guess clones was the wrong term but as the owner mentioned, they were rebadged JBL drivers and gave me all the reference numbers. I was just talking to the owner and I will be dropping by for an audition in a couple days and I will keep you guys posted how it goes. This may turn out to be a great addition to my audio sickness lol

 

[Justgotohm]

I would like to read your thoughts on them.

 

[Mrvintage]

Hey justgotohm
I will keep you posted.

 

[Akustic]

Good evening swechsler

Your right I won’t be selling these if I pick them up. The seller mentioned that these sound very close to the JBL L88’s and JBL had upgrades To turn them into L100’s. They are in extremely good shape and have been well cared for by the owner. I just didn’t have any experience with the Heathkit model

My opinion but I always preferred the 88's to the 100"s...
The 88's are more accurate ..

 

[GD70]

Those are pretty cool, and I suspect rare. Heathkit had other speaker kits with AR3a drivers, penny's on the dollar compared to the ARs, and also more rare. Also I’ve also noticed that some drivers are better quality.
I'd grab those asap! Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[MegaHurts]

Resurrection of an older post but am mostly curious if the tweeter placement has much impact between the two. The JBL L88 Plus have it placed higher but I assume to accommodate the M12 kit to add the midrange.
I have both and have just recapped the AS-38 and refinishing the cabinets. I'll listen again side by side first but considering moving the tweeter up in the AS-38.

 

[MegaHurts]

Resurrection of an older post but am mostly curious if the tweeter placement has much impact between the two. The JBL L88 Plus have it placed higher but I assume to accommodate the M12 kit to add the midrange.
I have both and have just recapped the AS-38 and refinishing the cabinets. I'll listen again side by side first but considering moving the tweeter up in the AS-38.View attachment 3686542

After the the recap and listen I decided to leave the position as is. I did add walnut trim to the front edge and velour backing after refinishing the cabinets.