JBL L36 improved cross overs ?

[Rybeam]

I have had a very nice pair of JBL L36s for years that need a woofer repaired, re foam was not enough.
We have an expert repair business here in town and after first of the year I think the little lady will let me take them to them.
I am a Bozak fan and not a fan of "Bright" speakers which I am led to believe is what the L36 have.
I have read about changes that can be made with the cross overs, but having no experance not sure whos design to go with.
Looking for suggestions,,,,, thanks in advance I know their are members here that know exactly what I am proposing.

 

[Chris Brown]

I don't know that I would call the L36 "bright". On the contrary, their paper-cone tweeters are a bit veiled if anything. But that is comparing them against newer JBLs. I really don't know how the L36 would compare against your Bozaks in that regard.

The L36 is not a great example of Vintage JBL. It's not completely terrible, but it's basically the budget version of the L100, which itself had quite a few flaws. Both the tweeter and the Woofer in the L36 are mediocre at best; beyond the scope of crossover modifications. Unless you have a strong nostalgic connection to them, I'd recommend selling them. If you've got an itch to try vintage JBL (or even new JBL), there are many better examples out there.

 

[Nyjblbob]

Back in the mid 70's when I was getting a feel for audio, my cousin stopped over to visit my parents. He heard me listening to my receiver/turntable over a pair of really crappy Lloyds speakers I borrowed from my parents All-In-One setup. He suggested if I cannot afford a good set of speakers, buy a good pair of headphones. Within a week, I bought a pair of Koss Pro4AAA headphones.

JBL), there are many better examples out there.

I couldn't have said it better myself

 

[Rybeam]

The same thoughts have crossed my mind. I have a pair of AR AX2 that I really lke.

The L36 are just so pretty ! The brown perfect fronts and oak are so cool !!!!!

 

[hjames]

The same thoughts have crossed my mind. I have a pair of AR AX2 that I really lke.

The L36 are just so pretty ! The brown perfect fronts and oak are so cool !!!!!

I bought a pair of L36s brand new in 1976 - it was all my post college budget would allow ... I got new foams midway to the millenium.
But around 2005 I won a pair of JBL 4320 2-way monitors with a woofer and internal horn off ebay for $300, and it was such a sonic revelation, such an improvement over the L36's sound I sold them off and never looked back (never regretted it!).
Truly, there are MUCH better models of JBLs out there than the L36s ...

 

[mswanson65]

Seems like the question was…. can the cross-overs be improved and not if there are better JBLs?

 

[Mr Boochie]

Seems like the question was…. can the cross-overs be improved and not if there are better JBLs?

New caps are prolly not going to turn the drivers into something they are not.

That's about all that I would do. Change the caps and listen to the results and go from there.

Luckily, selling the L36s are a viable option.

 

[GordonW]

The JBL L50 uses effectively the same drivers as the L36, and has a more sophisticated crossover.

That said- if I wanted any vintage JBL of this basic format- the 4410 or L96 would be leagues better than either the L36 or L50. I've owned all of the above at various times, over the years.

Regards,
Gordon.