JBL L26 vs JBL L56

[technut]

I have the opportunity to pick up a pair of either of these for the same price ($100) what do you guys think the better speaker is. The L26 has a larger 2" voice coil and 2.5 lb magnet. The L56 has a smaller voice coil 1.5" but a larger 3lb magnet. The L26 also has a high frequency L-pad where the L-56 does not. Just wondering if anyone has actually listened to these and if so what do you think?

 

[Don C]

I would take the L-56, based on it's more modern design and dome tweeter. I am assuming that the L-56 is similar in sound to the L-40, which is one of my favorite small speakers.

 

[jay]

Technut, the L56 has a low distortion "SFG"-design woofer, and a fine "034" dome tweeter, which is the plastic flanged version of the excellent 044.

It's true the L26 is a cheerful, good sounding all-around little speaker, but it's no match for the terrific L56.

If pushed, I'd even go so far as to say that I believe JBL reached its vintage peak in the early 80's with the series that included the L56.

Whichever you choose, you're in for some good listening!

 

[SPL db]

Paul... let me know which you decide on... I might be in the market for the other pair!

Scott

 

[technut]

Thanks guys, you reinforced what I was leaning twoard already, L-56 it is!


Scott, These belong to a co-worker who is moving away, I already tried to get him to let me buy both pairs but he wants to have one set to use in his new home. I will ask again when I pick up the 56's. If he won't let them go, I picked up some bose interaudio 4000's at the GW on 144th the other day for $45.00 that I like but don't really need. I don't know how you feel about bose but these are actually pretty decent, they have a real 10" woofer and cone tweeter mounted in a conventional manner in a 23x13x12 ported cabinet. Not real pretty(a few scuffs) but you can have em' for 40.00. They have that kind of reedy bose sound and decent bass.