JBL Vintage Speaker Pecking Order ?
- Thread starter AudCrshDumy
- Start date
I currently run a set of 4311 WXA's. I love them. However I know they are no where near the top of the list. If money was no object, there would be a Paragon in my living room. Is it the best sounding JBL ever made? Probably not! However it has to be the coolest. Its a work of art. And if I had the cash, it would be my first choice.
Coolhandjjl
Embiggened Pompatus
There's really nothing wrong with the L100's, (or Large Advents for that matter). You've got to start somewhere, and you can get into either one of these for little financial risk.
You do understand that someone may just start getting into JBL vintage and is looking for advice? What you said 'they are all good' really doesn't help.
I have no "pecking order".
Quite frankly, concerning most of the "Vintage" JBL speakers, I like them all. I've been listening to the L-100, 4311 & 4312 variants for over 36 years. As much as I liked my Pioneer SA-9100/TX-9100 combo that I still have, I did "upgrade" (IMHO) to a Crown PSL-2, PFM-3 and multiple PS-400s.
I use a Dbx 3BX and a Soundcraftsman EQ. I have "equalized" the room and continue to be very well pleased with the results. I am not in search of any upgrades to "improve" the sound of my system. I'm just very pleased with what I have assembled.
Is their better sound out there?
Probably.
Are there "better" JBLs out there?
Probably
Am I missing anything with the system I have?
I doubt it.
In the last year I have added 2 beautiful Crown SX824 RTRs that I have desired for a long time, as well as a Crown RTA-2 Real-Time Analyzer.
I've also added a Pioneer RT-1050 1/2 track RTR deck and a nice little Teac A2300-SX to play my older and 3.75 ips tapes on.
I wouldn't pass up a good opportunity to acquire some of the later 4400 series speakers at a good price. I still have a good possibility of acquiring some L-300s at below market price.
I appreciate the vast experience that others have with JBL models that I don't. It's good information to have, especially from someone that shares my good taste in speakers and amplifiers.
But I'm really happy where I'm at. Trust me, it sounds good!
I learned back when I sold stereo that individual tastes vary. Viva la difference!
Perhaps some time I will have the opportunity to join you for a nice "listening" session. :thmbsp:
BMWCCA
Addicted Member
What if it's true? :thmbsp:
subslacker
New Member
It must be. I have only two models, some Studio Monitor 4410 in the home studio and some J350's(playing some blues now) and they both sound great to me. I also have some HPM 100's that I hear are similar to the L100's.
BMWCCA
Addicted Member
I made the assumption early in this thread that the pecking order should be based on sound quality, not rarity or expense. The Paragon is a real icon but not because of its audio quality. It is a beautiful contemporary piece of furniture with very adequate sound quality that is surpassed by dozens of other JBLs, past and present.
BMWCCA
Addicted Member
I never intended mine to be an "ultimate" list. I said it was off the top of my head as a brief snapshot of opinion. It has already been pointed out that I forgot to list the 4313B. I see there's no 4411 listed, either. Those should certainly be there. I'm sure there are others, including many I own which I purposely left off the list (L80T/3). Others I listed just because of my familiarity with them but there are many others that would shove the L26 and L36 down of off the list and many would insist the L26 should be listed above the L36. So there is no end to this. My list was written, as I said, "quickly and without a lot of thought." I've heard a Paragon, back when they were new. Would I love to own one? Sure! Would I take a Paragon over a DD67000 . . . for the same money? Hell no!
Often I've suggested not shying away from any vintage JBL. I buy as many as I can so I can tell for myself what I like and what others sound like compared to those that I like. That's why I'm constantly surprised by how great the small JBLs like the LSR305s sound for $200/pair, and how incredibly the L7s will fill a room with amazing fidelity when they, too, can be found for a couple of hundred bucks. It's a fascinating hobby and I never shy away from admitting that I currently own more than 20 pairs of JBLs, and started on this journey 60-years ago.
Zonker92
All shiny and chrome
BMWCCA, I'm amazed that you ranked 4435s so far down your pro list, unless you can hear above 16 KHz (I can't). Just for another POV, having had them, L250s, 250Tis, 4430s and many other JBLs, I am astounded at how good the 4435s sound. When I played them against my 4430s it was a night and day difference, and their bass is not to be believed.
I would bump them up above any of the single 15" woofer models you list, except maybe the 4343s; I think it takes single 18" woofers or dual 15s to compete. In objective terms of bass extension, dispersion, distortion, dynamics, imaging, power handling, sensitivity, durability and ease of service, I might argue that they are at least peers of anything in the 434X and 435X ranges.
I would also bump the 4425s up a few spots, for similar reasons.
Also, is there a 4450 model? I couldn't find it with a Google search. But otherwise, your lists seem at least defensible.
I would bump them up above any of the single 15" woofer models you list, except maybe the 4343s; I think it takes single 18" woofers or dual 15s to compete. In objective terms of bass extension, dispersion, distortion, dynamics, imaging, power handling, sensitivity, durability and ease of service, I might argue that they are at least peers of anything in the 434X and 435X ranges.
I would also bump the 4425s up a few spots, for similar reasons.
Also, is there a 4450 model? I couldn't find it with a Google search. But otherwise, your lists seem at least defensible.
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BMWCCA
Addicted Member
4450 is probably where the 4435 should have been, in fact it looks like the 4435, 30, and 25 should all move up a slot with the 4412 and 4410 probably equivalent to the 4425 depending on your preference for bi-radial versus titanium tweet three-ways.
As I said, this was quick and off the top of my head. Anyone wants to revise it, be my guest. Particularly if you've most of these as I have—well, except the Century Gold and Everest IIs. I keep trying but nothing near where I live! Anyone who has either and wants to host a comparison session, I'm game.
What a good thread in revealing just how diverse the "sound of JBL" is and isn't anything that has ever existed. So many sound signatures (and takes) over the years.....
My experience is limited, and can only contribute kudos to the 250Ti and enjoying the L100's story and their selfish "all about me" sound in vocals and strings. Good speaks to have (and looking forward to seeing what you come up with for yourself).
BMWCCA, Your list rendered down a lot I've read about JBL's better takes....never heard most but good lists form a path in looking forward to having ears on.
My experience is limited, and can only contribute kudos to the 250Ti and enjoying the L100's story and their selfish "all about me" sound in vocals and strings. Good speaks to have (and looking forward to seeing what you come up with for yourself).
BMWCCA, Your list rendered down a lot I've read about JBL's better takes....never heard most but good lists form a path in looking forward to having ears on.
I auditioned a pair of 4435s at one point - seemed shrill and headache-inducing.
Maybe the crossovers needed recapping, maybe the diaphrams were cheap copies, I'll never know.
Was a great deal, even if they were huge -
but I turned them down and wound up with other speakers I liked better later that year.
Maybe the crossovers needed recapping, maybe the diaphrams were cheap copies, I'll never know.
Was a great deal, even if they were huge -
but I turned them down and wound up with other speakers I liked better later that year.
As usual another great history lesson and discussion. I have enjoyed my JBL's for a long time. I also was a 70's sales guy and have had L166's since then. Over the years I have acquired a few more and recently got the L200t3, the love continues. Let the music play.
Zonker92
All shiny and chrome
Yeah, I'm guessing something was wrong there. They're normally very neutral and flat. The caps are film so no need for recapping, but maybe they had aftermarket diaphragms, dirty biamp switches and/or badly adjusted tone controls.
Or maybe you've discovered the difference in sound from the titanium diaphragms as opposed to the aluminum offerings.