JBL speakers are they really that good?
- Thread starter Ken Boyd
- Start date
Jim Fox from the James Gang still rocks his big JblsNo they are not. Buy something else and leave vintage JBL collecting to those with less discriminating tastes than you. Don't be fooled by their glorious history, numerous patents and widespread use in both studios and concert halls the world over. It's all just hype...they all sound bad - all the hundreds of models produced over the 60 year span.
Especially the " high end " horn based systems treasured by the Japanese audio community. Don't believe a word of it. You know better.
What happened to the "Please don't feed the trolls sign? "
Jblnut
There's an underrated drummer. After Mitchell he's my favorite of the busy rock drummers. Many great American drummers of the time aren't properly appreciated by those who worship at the altar of the Limey Trinity.
Ohming
Active Member
I am thinking that a percentage of the population are more sensitive to certain frequencies, nothing to back that up, but that's my story and I am sticking to it. The JBL's that I have had certainly had great build quality with quality components. The most likeable pair were some L100T - did the L100t3 crossover redo and really dug the bass, but that shrill was still there for me. I tried so hard to be on board that JBL bus, and always wondered why I cannot enjoy such a high quality product. Well, I just have come to realization that my ears are in a population minority over how sound is processed, and it's that simple. For my ears, RSL got it right over JBL, in spades, no offense intended. Now, when they come available used, they get a listen if priced reasonably, with hope's of being keepers, but always end up financing other keepers due to their high resale value.
Cheers
Cheers
electronhick
Active Member
I love my JBL L80. I know, not one of the more popular models, but they sound incredible with Classic Rock or even Jazz. I repaired the dampening foam on the tweeters and that made a huge difference. I love these, will never get rid of them.
Hi from France, two miles from Omaha Beach (thanks...). Just want to share my opinion on the matter from abroad. I'm lucky enough to own a nice pair of 1977 4350A, properly restored (the grey "studio" version). I love them because I just dreamt about them since 1980 (first time I heard some), aged 20, and obviously unable to buy them ! They just remained there in some corner of my brain with the idea of "I'll have a pair of them some day". I've been a JBL lover ever since with numerous DIY horn speakers, with probably all JBL references along the years, yet "THE" 4350 was still there. As a retired industrial designer by trade I'm an "objects" lover in all their dimensions, physical of course but also symbolic, and the 4350 is to my eyes an undisputed summit of studio speakers technology. I'm pretty conscious that it has its limitations (I think I prefered some of my DIY set-ups sound-wise) but as a whole and its position in the golden years of hifi its just unique and I love them. I love cars as well (youngtimers) and the 4350 radiate the same thing as a fine Jaguar, Bentley or whatever (Mustang Boss 302 or Chevelle SS to you ?) of the "right" years, even though they are not anymore the best cars on the road for a very long time... I'm sure some of you will understand my point !
MaxP
Super Member
You’re not allowed to tease us with such a story without photos of the speakers! Let’s see them!
Oh, and welcome to the site!
MaxP
Super Member
Thank you for indulging me!
Djcoolray
Addicted Member
All speakers need a good match to equipment that is sending the signal to the crossover within the speaker....
There is a relationship between the output capacitors on the power board and the capacitors in the speaker crossover.
Especially with sensitive speakers.....
The JBL L-100 sounds great with low-watt tube equipment !!
Does not sound so bright....
There is a relationship between the output capacitors on the power board and the capacitors in the speaker crossover.
Especially with sensitive speakers.....
The JBL L-100 sounds great with low-watt tube equipment !!
Does not sound so bright....
Thanks MaxP ! I think the room looks very "European" to American eyes ! Deep into French countryside for sure, closest neighbours one mile away, good for the full 4350 experience... For those who may be interested, they are fed by an old yet faithful and efficient Yamaha PC2002 low down, and a few different tube and class-D amplifiers at the top. Sources are a small collection of seven magnificent Sony CDP as 555, 707 and 557ESD, the youngest at least 30 year old but still superb pieces of kit.
onemug
Super Member
100% on that!
As I'm typing... listening to their newest L82's powered by 300b SET monos (8 wpc).
Another room has the new L100 Classics. I usually power them with an 80 watt VAC tube amp. A few weeks ago, I don't remember why, I drove them with a 5 wpc el84 SEP amp... sounded really great. Either amp, I hear something special with the L100's.
Specs would say the L82 would be the better match with low powered amps. That's not what I hear but, then, I don't listen to specs.
I've had a few. I don't have them anymore. But there's a lot I haven't heard. Not a speaker brand I seek out as the ones I had with Decade L36's standing out as not even making it to mediocre. L100's that needed a Kenwood KA-8006 to sound their best as it was voiced for the L100's to tame a bright speaker. Hooking that same Kenwood to a pair of Dahlquist DQ-12's shows how flawed that amp was.
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Love them!
