Why is vintage/new JBL so expensive?
- Thread starter nick parkin
- Start date
No, as an electrical engineer, I consider electronics semi conductors, silicon and germanium based devices, as in transistors, op amps, integrated circuits, microchips etc. Not wire wound inductors and transformers, polypro, electrolytic capacitors
I don't consider them as such
I’ve had a few homebuilt, and a couple kit-built, and doing it right isn’t cheap.
I even considered building a pair of M2s, over on L-H a few have made clones, but the drivers and waveguides are pretty pricy, add in the time and materials to build and finish the cabinets, you’re better off buying used at least.
But, if you have never been to a DIY speaker club meet, you should find one and go. The craftsmanship alone is well worth your time to see, many I’ve seen are simply amazing and outclass anything I’ve seen at AXPONA for six-figures.
I even considered building a pair of M2s, over on L-H a few have made clones, but the drivers and waveguides are pretty pricy, add in the time and materials to build and finish the cabinets, you’re better off buying used at least.
But, if you have never been to a DIY speaker club meet, you should find one and go. The craftsmanship alone is well worth your time to see, many I’ve seen are simply amazing and outclass anything I’ve seen at AXPONA for six-figures.
If it makes people feel better..., neither did Hammond. Hammonds had resistors, caps, tubes, and inductors, but were never considered as "electronic" organs, but rather "electric" organs. Actually, all of the early tube organs were considered as such:
malden
Lunatic Member
That's good to know. Next time my tube amp needs repair, I'll call my electrician buddy to have a look at it. I'm sure he can repair it with his fish-tape, linesman pliers and pipe bender....
s
Seriously we are mis-communicating here. ' Electronics' is shorthand for the crossover network plus all the leads to the drivers and the main terminals. I'm taking about a completed speaker system - you can't have an empty cabinet (the absolute cheapest component here even if you build the entire thing out of black walnut/ mahogany/ or curly maple), and you can't have drivers sitting in space, and the drivers aren't very good unless they are connected via an electronic network- i.e. crossover. So go on eBay or reverb today and get the prices of these JBL components (if you can find them): LE10H, LE5-12, 044, and a crossover network n96 or n112 (for either an L96 or L112) the schematics are identical. price all that out , sum it up if you get significantly under $800 today, send me the the links so I too can experience this cheaper to build it experience.
I know, I know, I'm done. I swear.,
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H2oman7.62mm
Super Member
I dipped my toes into the vintage JBL speaker rabbit hole after watching this YouTube video where Kevin over at Skylabs Audio mentioned how much he really likes JBL 4311s, that video convinced me to investigate, research and go listen to a set of 4311Bs that popped up for sale in my area. My goal wasn't to buy the 'best' speakers, my goal was to buy fully functional iconic vintage speakers from the 70's.
I spent about 2 hours with the original owner seller listening to the speakers while he detailed how much he used and loved the speakers back in the 1900's. Needless to say, I brought those speakers home with me and I know I got a good deal especially when the price I paid is compared with to current asking prices for the same speakers is on ebay, reverb and FB marketplace.
I spent about 2 hours with the original owner seller listening to the speakers while he detailed how much he used and loved the speakers back in the 1900's. Needless to say, I brought those speakers home with me and I know I got a good deal especially when the price I paid is compared with to current asking prices for the same speakers is on ebay, reverb and FB marketplace.
H2oman7.62mm
Super Member
Any photos?
Thanks!
I guess they are so expensive because a number of people have paid the asking price, so sellers come to expect more from buyers. I am fairly frugal so I do my research, I try and determine what a real world fair price to pay is and negotiate to reach a fair deal that is good for myself and the seller. The seller was asking $1,000, the grilles are missing, the dust caps on the mid-range speakers are dented, the level knobs need a good internal cleaning and the exterior walnut has some beauty marks as well as a layer of tar from cigarette smoke exposure... I paid $600 and both of us are happy with the deal. One oddity, the serial numbers are not even close to each other.
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Very nice! Thanks for posting the photos!
Nyjblbob
Hooked on Horn's and Tubes. Go big or go home
That depends
and more Importantly Not sprayed with Glycosphate "Roundup"
Even Organic labeled Foods are sprayed with it.
On weather the PC or Wheat used is Non GMOWhy are pretzels and popcorn so expensive?
and more Importantly Not sprayed with Glycosphate "Roundup"
Even Organic labeled Foods are sprayed with it.
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malden
Lunatic Member
It's only a "rabbit hole" if you continue to collect them.
Small size JBL's from that era are not their best sounding. The value is in the design and manufacturing quality of their components individually.
I think a great pair of speakers can be built with those components in a larger enclosure and a proper crossover.
I've watched a few of his videos. He is a very good salesman but I have not heard anything of substance from him.