JBL J216PRO

[tormenmashi]

Looking for an upgrade from a set of og Control 1 and I stumbled upon these JBL J216PRO but i can barely find any information about these so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with one of these or just the normal non pro version of it.

I like the bright sound and soundstage of the control 1 but the vocals are a bit too 'far' for my liking and lacks 'body'. So anyone with any experience with one of these, would these J216pro be an upgrade from the control 1 or would it be more of a downgrade?

 

[swechsler]

Based on this page, the A and Pro models appear to be identical other than the finish. I have not heard the J216A/pro, but I have owned other models in the J series, and I would say that I would not purchase them as an upgrade. The sound is "just OK"; they were one of JBL's entry-level speakers and would not compare favorably with their more well-known models.

 

[tormenmashi]

Based on this page, the A and Pro models appear to be identical other than the finish. I have not heard the J216A/pro, but I have owned other models in the J series, and I would say that I would not purchase them as an upgrade. The sound is "just OK"; they were one of JBL's entry-level speakers and would not compare favorably with their more well-known models.

Oh well that's a bummer, what older JBL would you recommend as an upgrade with a budget of around 300~

 

[loudnoises]

Find and a jbl sb-1 or sn-5. Those control speakers were really designed to work with the subs, and will fill out very nicely.

The subs did not use the same surrounds as the rest of the line, and the two subs I've seen were both needing new foams, mine included. Seems they used a very tasty glue...

 

[swechsler]

You're probably not going to get one of the classic models in your price range. The LX22/LX44/LX66 were decent, at least IMO (I understand that some people don't like them). There were also later LX models that are probably somewhat similar, although I don't really know anything about them. You might also get lucky and find an L5 in that range. The Northridge line (1990s-2000s) might also be worth a look.

 

[tormenmashi]

Find and a jbl sb-1 or sn-5. Those control speakers were really designed to work with the subs, and will fill out very nicely.

The subs did not use the same surrounds as the rest of the line, and the two subs I've seen were both needing new foams, mine included. Seems they used a very tasty glue...

I am currently pairing it with an SB-5 and I really like those subs, it's just that I've outgrown the control 1 as its lacking a bit in the mids

As a side note the SB-5 is quite heavy in bass for the control 1 so although I really like the sub I am looking to downsize to a SB-1

 

[loudnoises]

Have you tried the 25av? Smaller woofer than the 1, they were ridiculously popular for outside sound. Better mids IMHO.

 

[BMWCCA]

The L5 is a good suggestion but they're getting harder and harder to steal as the work gets out.
Even the L1 or L3 would be an improvement and likely close to your price range. I've even purchased S38 (series 1) for that price locally. There's lots out there that can meet your budget if serendipity is on your side. My $200 JBL purchases have included L96, 4412A, L7, L5. Luck is good!

My favorite cheap speakers remain the DCM TimeFrame 600s. I now have two pair each bought for around $100.

 

[malden]

would these J216pro be an upgrade from the control 1 or would it be more of a downgrade?

J216pro will be an upgrade

 

[tarior]

Look into the Studio Series or Northridge series. Affordable used, widely available, great sound. Much better speakers than the J-series.

 

[laidbacklark]

Scored a pair for $30 today. Extremely satisfied with the performance - listening with a Shack STA-65B, at ear level the fidelity is top notch, power handling is tops, bass and treble handling is sweet…can keep listening without any fatigue. One of the best purchases of the year. Can’t wait for the STA-2000D to come back renewed