JBL L96 or 4411

[dantay]

I have a pair of JBL L96 that sound great. I have not heard a pair of JBL 4411 but a friend has a pair that he raves about. Any opinions on how the 4411 will compare to the L96?

 

[nolasally]

Better all the way around as well as much less common. 4411 is studio monitor version of L112

 

[Chris Brown]

Just keep in mind that the 44xx JBL Studio Monitors (which includes the 4411) tend to be very neutral sounding speakers. Very much not the same sound signature as most 43xx Control Monitors or most home models (such as the L96). That isn't a bad thing, but it might be significant toward your decision depending on what your goals are. If you are looking for more of the traditional somewhat colored "west coast" JBL sound that is found in many home models and 43xx Control Monitors, you probably aren't going to get that with a 44xx studio monitor.

 

[Zonker92]

I have only heard the 4411, not the L96, but with the larger woofer of the 4411, as compared to the L96, I think you would find an improvement in the bass and lower midrange.

 

[dantay]

The 10 inch woofer in the L96 works very well producing bottom end. Some even prefer the bottom out of the L96 and the 4313

 

[BMWCCA]

The 10 inch woofer in the L96 works very well producing bottom end. Some even prefer the bottom out of the L96 and the 4313

That's very true, some like the 10-inch models better. I have L96 and L112, as well as 4412A and L80T/3 (modified T's with T3 crossovers). I've always called the L96 my "desert island" speaker. There's nothing they do badly and they are always a pleasure to listen to.

I think the problems many have with the 12-inch three-ways is that they seem to be more sensitive to placement and the 12s can get very boomy with boundary reinforcement. I've always run my 12-inch 3-ways up off the floor (the 4412/A is intended for horizontal near-field monitoring and the L112 is considered a "bookshelf" speaker). Either will be impressive with the correct setup with a bit of an advantage going to a properly placed 12-inch in a bit deeper bass response. Whether that's enough of an improvement depends on you and what you listen to. The 12-inch could probably improve with a larger box and the L96 is already in nearly the same size box as its larger sibling.

If you're in a position to keep the L96 and also buy the 4411, I'd certainly do that—and let us know how you compare them.

 

[dantay]

Yes in a perfect world buy and test but I have a few pair already.... really need to sell a pair or two first. Haven't yet sold the klipsch the L96 replaced.