JBL L-100's vs KLH 5's

[jlovda]

About three weeks ago I purchased a pair of Model 5's off Craigslist in beautiful shape for $100. One tweeter was blown. I got a new tweeter and recapped the crossovers. I did NOT try to reseal the surrounds. (I tried it with my Model 12's and am very, very sorry I did).

Before that I listened for over two years to a pair of JBL L-88+ 's with the midranges added and the crossovers recapped (I recreated original L-100 xovers with the metal boxes).

I must be an east coast person because I love the sound of the KLHs. Smoother and more easy to listen to. The JBL's are nice but now part of my second system.

 

[rmeade]

The L-100's might benefit from a revised crossover. Their midrange driver is a bit out of control. Mine have been in secondary status for a year. I have found other 3-way systems that are more refined.

 

[jimbofish]

I did NOT try to reseal the surrounds. (I tried it with my Model 12's and am very, very sorry I did)..

Could you elaborate on why you were sorry, please?

I have some 17's that I was planning to do that to, based on other reports here that said it was an improvement. I'd like to know the downside too. :yes:

 

[89grand]

Could you elaborate on why you were sorry, please?

I have some 17's that I was planning to do that to, based on other reports here that said it was an improvement. I'd like to know the downside too. :yes:

The downside is a stiffer surround that actually raises the woofers Fs. I wouldn't do it.

 

[dshoaf]

I think you may well be reacting to the east coast/west coast sonic presentation thing. Let me guess, the KLHs present their sonic image from behind the speakers, right? And the JBLs, if they're working right, provide a more in-your-face image that appears in front of the speaker.

If this is what you're experiencing, your preference is for the laid backness of KLH. If you like the Model 5s, you'll _love_ Quad ESL63s. I have the Quads and still miss my Model 5s!

Cheers,

David

 

[motorstereo]

So you're saying the 5's beat up the jbl's? Reason I ask is I'm thinking of swapping my hpm 100's out for my 5's. The hpm is pioneer's answer to the L100 so I'm just wondering if I should expect the same result as you. I'm also a fan of the klh east coast type sound.
You also mentioned you're sorry you resealed the woofers on your 12's. What's the story on that?

 

[pbda]

I've got a pair of each, and while I love the way the L-100s look (and sound, with the right kind of music - rock), the Model Fives are a much better sounding speaker overall. I find the L-100s get fatiguing very quickly.

 

[jlovda]

Could you elaborate on why you were sorry, please?

I have some 17's that I was planning to do that to, based on other reports here that said it was an improvement. I'd like to know the downside too. :yes:

Many people on this board, especially me, tend to do things "just because." Do you or a friend have another pair of 17's that you consider performing well? Can you compare? If not, leave well enough alone. Every time there is a thread about sealing the surrounds, there seem to be ten different formulas/products and application methods mentioned. And, once dried, the latex based products such as Aleene's are virtually impossible to remove.

My problem was that after I got the Model 12's, I proceeded to start taking them apart before they even reached the bottom step to my basement. I never listened to them in a critical manner in their virgin state. I believe I stiffened the surrounds of the woofers and midranges by applying too heavy a coat of sealant, decreasing their compliance, raising their Fs and reducing their low frequency response. I used Aleene's "Flexible, Stretchable" Fabric Glue applied with a tiny brush but I did not thin it or water it down. I have a habit of being impulsive and getting things right the second time around.

You don't have to take the drivers out of the cabinets to coat the surrounds so wait until you are absolutely sure they need it and you are using a proven method. The downside of this board is that after reading all the threads, you will psychologically feel your 17's are deficient until you do something to them (besides refinishing the cabinets).

 

[jlovda]

The L-100's might benefit from a revised crossover. Their midrange driver is a bit out of control. Mine have been in secondary status for a year. I have found other 3-way systems that are more refined.

They are what they are. During the transition project from L-88P's to L-100's, I built completely new crossovers based on the physical and electrical design of the L-100's. I also spent about $40 on a pair of "reproduction" L-100 silk screened metal foil labels. Unfortunately, JBL put one of the crossover mounting screws under the foil and I don't want to screw it up.

 

[barredowl]

The L100s would benefit from being flipped and swapping in some L96s, L112s, or L80ts, L100ts, or 4410s, they are much more accurate than the L100s. You may still not like the lively up front sound of the JBLs but they are more accurate to the original mix than the L100s. If you like the rolled off east coast sound you'd probably also enjoy KEF reference series or BBC LS5/3a,

 

[audiojones]

The downside is a stiffer surround that actually raises the woofers Fs. I wouldn't do it.

I made this mistake too, and I've always regretted it. I even used a product that was sold as "surround sealer" by a reputable speaker repair parts supplier, and it did exactly what 89grand said above. I swear I'll never do it again. Never.

 

[JohnMac]

I just used a product that a friend got from someone involved with another reputable forum. It seemed like it had stiffened some in the jar so as per the suppliers recommendation I thinned it with some tulene. After I applied it I brushed more tulene over it to thin and remove some of the material. I did this to the point that I could actually see the pattern of the fabric but was sure it was well sealed.

I compaired it to the one that I hadn't sealed and the suppleness seemed the same. When the speakers were done they sounded better than before but I also re-capped them and resealed the basket in the cabinet.

Sold they shortly after and my concern would be how the material behaves over time.

I wonder what they used at the factory?

I'm going to hold off on doping my AR 4s 'till i get more info.

 

[jlovda]

Regarding the brightness of the midrange on L-100's, I have a list of most of the 5" midranges JBL made. Would another speaker instead of the LE5-2 improve the sound?

 

[barredowl]

The crossover is weak on the L100s and the cone tweeter is hopeless. They are collectors items though so you can flip them and get a *much* better JBL with the money.