Thinking about getting some JBL bookshelf speakers and was wondering what everyones opinion was on the best sounding ones. Only interested in bookshelf speakers, no floor standers. Already own JBL L100's and JBL L36's which I enjoy, just thinking about trying something different. One of my thoughts was JBL L112's which I've never heard but have read they are great sounding speakers. Anyone have any opinions on these or any other JBL bookshelfs that sound better than the L112's
Top sounding JBL bookshelf speakers
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Nyjblbob
Hooked on Horn's and Tubes. Go big or go home
There's so many different JBL Bookshelves. including the New even bigger L-100's
Or the similar in size new 4429's,
that, More than likely are better than any other JBL "Bookshelf speaker ever made.
A better question should include a price limit
Or the similar in size new 4429's,
that, More than likely are better than any other JBL "Bookshelf speaker ever made.
A better question should include a price limit
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I listened to the new L100 Classics and wasn't very impressed with them being $4000. Thought they looked cheap also. I'm basically looking for vintage although I'm open for anything. I see quite a lot of the monitors like 4311 and 4312 and the 44-- series but don't know anything about them. Just wondering is there a vintage JBL bookshelf better than the L112.
Best to figure what kind of a budget you have, especially if your plan includes vintage models.
The L1 is a great older model.
Some of the folks here have raved about the JBL Studio 530 2-Way 5.25-Inch Bookshelf - its a new/discontinued model - and they seem to go on 1/2 price sale from time to time.
(normally $600/pr now $249.99 per pair)
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/jbl-studio-530s-on-sale-at-jbl.966579/#post-14970391
Link to buy a new pair - https://www.harmanaudio.com/jbl/STUDIO+530.html
The L1 is a great older model.
Some of the folks here have raved about the JBL Studio 530 2-Way 5.25-Inch Bookshelf - its a new/discontinued model - and they seem to go on 1/2 price sale from time to time.
(normally $600/pr now $249.99 per pair)
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/jbl-studio-530s-on-sale-at-jbl.966579/#post-14970391
Link to buy a new pair - https://www.harmanaudio.com/jbl/STUDIO+530.html
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Budget is not an issue. I would've bought the L100 Classics but not even close to being worth 4g's. Just want to try something in the JBL bookshelf line of which there are many. I've always read the L112's are very good sounding speakers but have never heard them. Anything that compares or are better than them I would be interested in. I would appreciate any and all opinions.
lowercasee
Active Member
Some might consider them bookshelves, others maybe not, but the L19 is a fantastic speaker.
Chris Brown
Super Member
No, it's really not.
They use different midrange drivers (4411 uses LE5-9, L112 uses LE5-12).
There are considerable differences in the crossover and voicing, with the L112 having more consumer voicing and the 4411 having a more flat response.
The 4411 is designed for horizontal orientation, while the L112 is designed for vertical orientation.
Neither is bad, but they do have noticeable differences. The 4410, 4411, 4412, 4412A all have a very flat response, almost to the point of being boring. That's not a bad thing, as that is exactly how they were designed to sound. But if you are looking for more of the classic consumer-oriented JBL sound then one of those Studio monitors is probably not what you are looking for.
It's hard to go wrong with the L112. Great drivers all around. The 128H woofer is fantastic and the 044 tweeter is both smooth and accurate, and without the foam plug issues that affect the later Titanium-dome tweeters.
If you are interested in something newer, you might check out the JBL 530. They are actually on sale at the moment. The compression driver and waveguide is very nice, and if you are looking for something "different" than your L100 and L36, these definitely qualify: https://www.jbl.com/loudspeakers/STUDIO+530.html
Thanks for all the replies, some really good info. I'll be checking out the 530's, 580's and the 590's but my heart is still wants vintage so i'll be looking for a pair of 112's. Finding a pair in excellent condition might prove to be difficult so in the meantime I'll check out the new ones. Anyone out there know where I might come across a pair of the 112's?
The plus side of buying one of those 5x0 series is they are new and wont need anything for yrs to come... The down side is their value will likely never increase in value! If you buy vintage JBL especially if needing refoam you will have a classic JBL that will only go up in value!
Thats true about new speaker value but thats not really a concern, I paid 3 0r 4 hundred dollars for my L100's back in 1974 and they're worth a lot more now but will never sell. My kids will get all my gear. Nolasally, if you know of any 112's in the area let me know as I live fairly close to Raleigh.
I hear ya... but sticking with JBL I'd get the 590s at half price and be very happy. I have 590s and being JBL you'll recognize the sound except it will be improved through modern design. Now if you were talking vintage, not just JBL, there are excellent examples from AR, Infinity and the like which have something else to offer, not necessary better but pleasantly different.