WTB: 1st JBL/Altec speaker system..

[Pointsource]

Been reading through these forums and have been thoroughly convinced that I need to "upgrade" to a pair of JBL's or Altec's, or at the very least add a set of speakers to my collection. . The Dynacos I own are perfectly suited for the bedroom, but would like more of a "reference" type speaker..

What kind of JBL/Altec speaker system would you guys recommend, not wanting to spend too much, and nothing too big as the girlfriend may not approve.. she is "disgusted" at the mere sight of my Dynaco's, I hope you guys get the idea..

Thanks again, SOO much for all your help...

[grumpy]

Reality check:

Reference-type speakers.
Can't cost too much.
Can't be too big.
Requires GF approval.

Although my initial thought was, "good luck with that",
something like the L80T(3) might work, ... (trying to read
between the lines). Might be worth wandering through the "Library" section
here and come up with some ideas of your own... :)

[ChopsMX5]

And get rid of the GF! LOL.... Just kiddin'! :p

[Pointsource]

I've looked through the Library extensively already.. not looking for anything TOO great, I can't expext that from a small speaker. I guess I should have been more specific..

When I said "reference" I meant that I was looking for something as an introduction to JBL/Altec that will work as a main speaker for more serious listening.. and as an upgrade to the Dynacos that I have.

Not that I want to get rid of them, I think the Dynacos are great and I enjoy listening to them, but I'll be the first to admit that they are for a casual listener and leave certain things to be desired; most notably greater power handling and dynamics; which I am hoping a JBL/Altec speaker system could provide.. I was considering doing some upgrades to them, but I think ultimately I will never be totally satisfied with them for everything that I'd like to have in a speaker.

From what I've read through and seen in the library section, I think something like the L26 would work pretty well, from the threads I've read, they are well balanced and a real sleeper.. What you think?? And how much do you think I'd need to pay.. I am not set in stone to this speaker.. and am open to any and all suggestions...

Thanks again! I can't wait to be a REAL Lansing Heritage member with the ownership of a REAL speaker system :applaud:.

[ChopsMX5]

Maybe it's just me, but I feel that for really great, effortless and clean dynamics, you need faily large, efficient loudspeakers with horns. Something in the 98dB+ @ 1w/1m range.

[Pointsource]

Maybe it's just me, but I feel that for really great, effortless and clean dynamics, you need faily large, efficient loudspeakers with horns. Something in the 98dB+ @ 1w/1m range.

Wish I could, but I won't have as much fun sleeping on the couch with some horns :). Although those Altec 14 and 15's don't look too intrusive. Just how to sneak them in without her knowing :p.

[Pointsource]

http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/jbl/catalogs/1979-home/page4.jpg

Something like these L40's is what I'm looking for.. I like the sound of my 2-way Dynacos.. Is there any real advantage to getting a 3-way? Seems as if the 2-ways are the way to go.. less to worry about crossover-wise..

[brutal]

You're likely to spend a bit more for a *really* nice set than L26's or L40's though. $600 tops. Beautiful speakers too.

I much prefer my L112's over anything else *I* have heard in my sparse collection (see sig) - and a few others.

I haven't updated my sig, have recently added a pair of L55's and the 2nd set of L112's.

Stock L112 image: (sorry couldn't find a lone image on LH)

http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.audioassembly.com/jblfoto/JBL%2520L112.jpg&usg=AFQjCNGnhWuzQ1w41FmpuvB4mlMuwFZOvA

Stock L96 image:

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=775&stc=1&d=1062560177

[ChopsMX5]

Yeah, the L112's are the only ones I've ever had/heard before as well. Great speakers for just about anything but pipe organ music. They need lots of power though.

[Pointsource]

Hmm, not sure I'd be "into" the L112 sound, from what I read they are not typical of the 70's "west coast" studio monitor sound... I've heard a friend's (the same friend who referred me here), L100's and was totally captivated by them... Not sure if I can afford something like that as they are quite expensive. In the $200-$400 range is where I'd like to stay, which is why I think a 2-way would be okay with me.. Of the people I've talked to a midrange driver can "ruin" an otherwise simple and effective speaker system as its harder to make them sound good via the crossover.. Any truth to this??

[SEAWOLF97]

IMHO - L26's are a stellar choice , and you can normally get a decent pair under $200. :applaud:

.. I've heard a friend's (the same friend who referred me here), L100's and was totally captivated by them... Not sure if I can afford something like that as they are quite expensive. In the $200-$400 range is where I'd like to stay,

If you dont mind doing a little work on them,,I see L100's on CL for under $200 quite often, tho
you do need to be quick.

from yesterdays CL:
JBL L100 Speakers - $200

Reply to: sale-417970141@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-09-09, 10:54AM PDT


12 in. woofer, 5 in. midrange, 1.4 in. tweeter; rated for 50 watts.

Walnut veneer cabinets w/ dark brown speaker grilles (sorry, they didn’t photograph too well). Cabinets measure approximately 14 in. wide x 23.5 in. high x 14 in deep. There is some disintegration of the foam rings surrounding the tweeters, but I don’t think it affects sound quality. I believe that replacement rings are still available. Excellent sound, good value!

JBL-L 36 decade floorstending speaker - $200

Reply to: sale-415706773@craigslist.org (sale-415706773@craigslist.org?subject=JBL-L%2036%20decace%20floorstending%20speaker%20-%20$200)
Date: 2007-09-06, 2:21PM PDT


for sale one pair JBL-L 36 decade with blue griils excellent look and sound ,call 503 467 8973 if interested

[Pointsource]

IMHO - L26's are a stellar choice , and you can normally get a decent pair under $200. :applaud:

Your not the first one who's told me this, been told that the L40 is decent too and similiar to the L26's..

Think I'll be able to play the L26's in the 90-95 dB range without worry? With the Dynacos I get worried playing them too loud as they are rather fragile.. and can break up at higher volumes.. something I know can easily kill a speaker.. Sin waves are our friend :)..

[57BELAIRE]

It seems the GF has a big say in your ultimate choice here so may
I recommend the Libra/S99.

A true bookshelf size not a whole lot larger than your Dynacos (A35?) and certainly a whole lot easier on the eyes.

And, don't worry about cranking them up...the LE14's are among my faves, unmatched by any other woofer in a box this size ...and if you're
fortunate enough to find them loaded with LE14C's, you'll stay in keeping with your "point source" ideals :D

[Pointsource]

wow, are those neat, but what can I expect to pay for them??

I am happy you like the name, music coming from one point in space from one driver is something that once heard will make you never go back to 3-way's with crossovers again! 2-ways are pushing it for me, but the Dynaco's crossovers are very transparent, and they sound very close to a full range driver like a fostex. The speakers I had before I met my GF, which regrettably had to go.. :(

[louped garouv]

I know of a guy out here looking for $100/pair for LE14Cs


don't know what the rest of the market is like

[Pointsource]

Where are you located? Could you get me in contact with him?? Is that just for the drivers or for the complete speaker system??

[louped garouv]

drivers only ...

in denver...

He's looking for cash only deal tho'

I'll call him and see if he still has them, i last spoke with him 3/4 days ago...

maybe we can work out someway to get them to you if he does?

[Pointsource]

Hmm, not sure how I'd do cash, maybe I'd have to pay you for them and then you could pay him?? But where to find cabinets for them??

[johnaec]

I have a pair of S-99's, (like 57belaire posted, with the fretwork grilles), that I'll let go for $200 plus shipping, (they typically go for around $300 on eBay). Mine have the separate LE14A 14" woofers and LE20-1 tweeters. Note - the original yellow surrounds in these get somewhat hard over time, but can be loosened up with the application of brake fluid, (Search is your friend).

John

[Pointsource]

Hmm, PM me with some more info on them...

[Pointsource]

How will the bass of the LE14A compare to the L100's?

Hmm, these networks look pretty complicated for 70's JBL 2-ways... Is there any need for all of this?

http://manuals.harman.com/JBL/HOM/Technical%20Sheet/S99%20ATHENA%20ts.pdf

If I were to use the LE14C's couldn't I just run them direct with a single cap for the highs? They are dual voice coils aren't they?

Thats the way I've run Tannoy's in the past, Thanks again for all the help guys, seems as if I have a LOT to think about...

[briang]

You may like the L46 currently on eBay...

[Pointsource]

Where are these L46's you speak of?? I did a search on Ebay and cannot find them...

What a straightforward guy, am asking him about the speakers he's trying to sell currently, yet he's willing to show me a pair that I might like... :applaud: