I need some help. i'm currently rocking KLH 6's and been getting to thinking that they lack a little punch SOMETIMES. I've owned HPM-100s in the past and thought they were a tad bright. And now I've been offered a pair of JBL L80T3s for a good price. What do you guys think about the JBLs in comparison to the KLH and HPMs? I listen to a lot of rock, new and old, punk, some jazz and classical, hip hop. So i'm thinking that my speakers should be geared towards rock, no? Help!!!!!!!!!!!!
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You will look long and hard for a better speaker than the L80T in that class. The flames will start riiiiiight now, but it is excellent.
Zonker92
All shiny and chrome
I can't speak to the KHLs, but the JBLs are more balanced and accurate than the HPMs (and I've had both). If I had to choose between the JBLs and the HPMs, I would definitely pick the JBLs.
And just looking at the small drivers and voice coils of the KLHs, with stamped baskets and smaller cabinets, I would be amazed if they could pay nearly as loudly or deeply or dynamically as the JBLs. They might be great at what they do, but I wouldn't expect to be able to crank them up to much without fear of damaging them.
So ... yeah. I say get the JBLs. You won't regret it.
And just looking at the small drivers and voice coils of the KLHs, with stamped baskets and smaller cabinets, I would be amazed if they could pay nearly as loudly or deeply or dynamically as the JBLs. They might be great at what they do, but I wouldn't expect to be able to crank them up to much without fear of damaging them.
So ... yeah. I say get the JBLs. You won't regret it.
twiiii
Lunatic Member
JBL's as a family tend to be on the bright side. So if you have hard floors and the furnishings more neutral than soft, you probably like the KLH better. But if tone down the JBL's a touch and soften the room with Padded carpet on the floor etc. You'll probably prefer the JBL's. In that respect this JBL seems to peter out just above 40 hz. That said if your room is flexible enough where you can use areas near but not in corners you'll able to coax some really amazing tight extended bass from most JBL's/. These JBL's are dynamically challenged like the rest of the speakers. But if used in a smaller space at 10 ft listening distances shouldn't be an issue. Maximum out put is about 111 db at 1 meter. Or about 102 db from 1 speaker at 150 watts rated.
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BMWCCA
Addicted Member
Don't know what you're having to pay for the L80T3 but I have two pair of L80Ts with T3 crossovers in them. They're okay but, as a lifelong JBL owner (well, 60-years) there are many (many) more that I prefer. One of my favorites is the L96 which for all intents and purposes should be an older equivalent to the newer L80t . . . but it performs sooooo much better! Then there's the L5, which normally sells for about the same money and is two-times the speaker. That brings us to the L7 which often costs no more than the L5 or L80T but, if you have the power, they will compare quite favorably with nearly anything out there including many new systems up to and beyond the $10k range.
So I don't wish to talk you out of acquiring JBLs, just saying that in my house they just don't get much play time. In fact, one pair is on-loan to a friend right now! Whichever way you go, enjoy the music.
So I don't wish to talk you out of acquiring JBLs, just saying that in my house they just don't get much play time. In fact, one pair is on-loan to a friend right now! Whichever way you go, enjoy the music.