Project Everest

[leetony]

Hi, I just got a pair of Everest and they are amazing! Off center imaging is incredible. I can sit outside of the speaker and the image is still center stage. How many of them are produced? How many are in the USA? Drivers in them are in pretty good shape, but are they readily availabe if I ever need to replace them?

I'm using them in my family room, next to my projection tv, in a 5.1 setup as the main speakers. I have my surround processor's L/R output connected to my preamp, to get the best of 2ch playback. Anyway, please recommend a center channel to match my Everest. I want them to sit on top of my 60 inch projection tv. Currently I'm using a Martin-Logan Cinema, but the characteristic is quite different.

Thanks,
Tony.

[Darren]

I also have a pair of Everests and had the same issue finding a matching centre that didn't sound 'tinny' as an object moved from left to centre to right ,like a car driving across the screen.
The best solution I found was not to have a centre at all and set me decoder to phantom centre.
I find the imaging on the Everests to be so good that you can’t tell the sound is actually coming from the main speakers and not from behind the screen somewhere.

PS What serial number are your Everests? Mine are 79, just wondering how many are out their.
I’m in Australia and from what I am told only 2 pairs came into this country.

Darren

[leetony]

Thanks Darren, I was trying that and also found that it sounded more natural and even off center listening, the dialog still comes out in the middle. Amazing! I'll check my serial numbers and post it later.

Cheers,
Tony

Just checked, I have serial #209.

[GordonW]

The only center channel I might POSSIBLY recommend, that MIGHT work with this, would be something like the Tannoy Eyris DC center speaker, with the dual-concentric 7" "full range" driver, top-mounted supertweeter, 7" woofer and 7" passive radiator. Very gutsy, very well balanced, very well focused. If you have anywhere you can audition one of these, it might be worth a listen.

Other than that, I agree with the above assertions... having NO center channel is better than having a BAD or MEDIOCRE one!

Regards,
Gordon.

[Don McRitchie]

I think a resonable alternative would be one of the JBL Synthesis center channels:

http://www.jbl.com/home/synthesis/product.asp?ProdId=S3HC&Ext=gif&sSerId=Syn3&SynId=Syn3

http://www.jbl.com/home/synthesis/product.asp?ProdId=S2C&Ext=gif&sSerId=Syn2&SynId=Syn2

These both use compression drivers that are very similar to those in your Everest and should have a similar sonic character. You'll have to contact a JBL Synthesis dealer about pricing.

http://www.jbl.com/home/synthesis/SYNTHESIS_dealerlocator.asp

The "2" won't be cheap, but the "3" may be within reason.

With regards to background on the Everest, I think you will find answers to most of your questions in the article I wrote on this system here:

http://www.audioheritage.org/html/profiles/jbl/everest.htm

They were never officially sold in the US so there are very few domestic pairs.

[leetony]

Thank you for the reply. I'll look into the different center channels that you suggested.

Darren: Where did you get the picture for your avatar? Nice!

Gordon: thank you for the suggestion. There is a Tannoy dealer near me. I'll give them a call.

Don: thanks for the great article! I'll look into those center channels too.

Anyone of a copy of the owner's manual?

Cheers,

Tony

[Don McRitchie]

The owner's manual is here:

http://manuals.harman.com/JBL/HOM/Owner%27s%20Manual/DD55000om.pdf

Darren's avatar likely came from the following which is a scan of the first page of the Japanese brochure for the Everest.

http://audioheritage.org/images/jbl/extracts/everest.jpg

The English brochure can be found here:

http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/jbl/specs/home-speakers/1985-everest.htm

[Robh3606]

As far as a matching center I would look for a Urie 811C. Uses an E-145 with a 2425 as a compresion driver. Makes a great center channel and it should be very close to the Everests. Just have to watch with a direct view TV and it's in 4 Cu. ft so it's not small.


http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/jbl/specs/pro-speakers/1984-urei.htm

http://www.jblproservice.com/pdf/UREI%20Time%20Align%20Series/811C-L,R.pdf


Rob:)

[Don McRitchie]

Rob

I hadn't thought of the UREI's. I agree that they should be a good match. However, the 813C might be overkill since deep bass response is not necessary in a center speaker. The 811C like you have, or even the 809A might be a better solution. I note the latter is showing up on Ebay quite frequently.

The only problems would be their lack of shielding and difficulties in obtaining just one.

[Robh3606]

Hello Don

Your right 811 is the one. I was real worried about inteference with a TV. Check out how close this guy is to the TV. Only thing I can think of is the fields must be bucking like a cancelation magnet. As far as availability pairs are the norm but there are single drivers about and if the JBL parts list is correct you can still get the crossovers.

Rob:)

[Hofmannhp]

Originally posted by leetony (edited by HP)
..........I can sit outside of the speaker and the image is still center stage. ........
Tony.

Hi Tony,
I know the Everest is a big system........can you also sit INSIDE of the speaker? there may be no center. :slink:

HP

(its a HP joke)

[boputnam]

Originally posted by Robh3606
...the fields must be bucking like a cancelation magnet. I personally think it relates to that sizeable stash of drivers sitting atop the Urei!! :rotfl:

Don't you dare upset the balance... ;)