JBL Decade L26

[tczech2003]

Stumbled on a pair of JBL Decade L26 speakers that the owner is wanting to sell. Can anyone tell me what they are worth these days? The woofer surrounds are rotted, all drivers are supposed to work, cabinets and grills are in good shape.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
JJ

 

[Snow]

I would say once the woofers get refoamed if the cosmetics look great then the speakers should sell for $800.00 or so, if you can do the refoam that will save you likely $150.00 or so I would offer $250.00 if the cabinets grills looked great because I would have to pay someone to do the refoam for $150.00 or so then I would have 50% of their value once refoamed into them which is what I typically pay for gear, but you can go as high s you like.

Regards Snow

 

[tczech2003]

Thanks Snow. Is the value of these mainly due to the way they sound or the JBL brand?

 

[Snow]

Thanks Snow. Is the value of these mainly due to the way they sound or the JBL brand?

I would say that the value is mainly due to anything JBL Altec made in the 40's to 70's continues to rise in value especially mint condition ones and near mints also. I believe if one was careful for the $800.00 or so they would be worth once refoamed one could buy a much better sounding JBL speaker, perhaps not one in mint condition but certainly one that sounds better so these may be a stepping stool to you getting a much better sounding pair of JBL's for cheaper if you have the skills and the seller willing.

Regards Snow

 

[BilboBaggins]

But they do sound very good! One of my favourite two way speakers.

I can't believe how high they've gone! And to think I had trouble selling my L26s when I had them, and ended up getting $150, with some cabinet damage.

 

[Snow]

But they do sound very good! One of my favourite two way speakers.

I can't believe how high they've gone! And to think I had trouble selling my L26s when I had them, and ended up getting $150, with some cabinet damage.

True I forget not everyone likes or prefers big speakers that produce great bass midrange and highs from the Titanium tweeter like the L100T3's if you need a small speaker and don't care for the sound of the titanium tweeter the JBL L26 would be hard to beat.

Regards Snow

 

[tczech2003]

Thanks for the excellent advice. I’m 70 yrs old and I have tinnitus in both ears so my days of critical listening are pretty much gone, plus I’m cheap. Goodness knows I need another pair of vintage speakers like I need an auxiliary orifice in my back side but I’ve never owned a pair of any JBL speakers. Thought this might be a good opportunity to test the water for not much money.
Thanks again.
JJ