JBL S4700 Seems to be poorly made!

[AussieSteve]

I just recently paid $12000 for a pair of JBL S4700 speakers down here in Australia. A dream come true, YET when I opened the boxes and unpacked the speakers I found as I tried to screw on the isolation spikes, all BUT ONE screwed on smoothly! One of them required me using pliers to screw it down as the internal thread was not cut exactly!!! I felt sick to my stomach, I was enormously cautious and screwed it down without damage or scratches. However all I could think was that this would not occur on a $12000 (with a RRP of $20K!) pair of top tier speakers from many other hi end makers. It really saddened what began as probably the most exciting day I had experienced in years. Has anyone else had any problems from JBL's Synthesis range?

[Robh3606]

What did the dealer have to say?? Did you let them know you had an issue??

Rob

[1audiohack]

Has anyone else had any problems from JBL's Synthesis range?

Nope.

That's too bad for sure but I wouldn't judge the whole system on a thread insert. I'm sure it's hardware they just buy. That would be like loosing love for a great car that had a bad tire.

I hope you really enjoy them.

All the best and welcome to Lansing Heritage.

Barry.

[AussieSteve]

What did the dealer have to say?? Did you let them know you had an issue??

Rob

Thanks Rob, no to be honest I didn't bother. That is the most practical way for sure, I was just relieved I got it on. I still feel though that hi end stuff "should" be right each and every time. QA is the benchmark of a good company I reckon.

[Mr. Widget]

QA is the benchmark of a good company I reckon.I agree that QC is extremely important especially at this price point, but I have screwed on dozens of these feet on 1400 Arrays and Everests and have never had an issue... that said, I do have issues with the wood grain and finish of the K2-S9900 the S4700, and others that have that satin finish on the "Zebra Wood". The quality of the craftsmanship is fine, but I much prefer the finish on the otherwise goofy looking 1400 Arrays.


Widget

[AussieSteve]

Nope.

That's too bad for sure but I wouldn't judge the whole system on a thread insert. I'm sure it's hardware they just buy. That would be like loosing love for a great car that had a bad tire.

I hope you really enjoy them.

All the best and welcome to Lansing Heritage.

Barry.

Thanks Barry, I am a JBL lover ever since I bought my first ProVIII monitors back in 1990. I am a JBL and Gibson guitar LOYAL CUSTOMER!!! I know there are equivalents, some better, but if my heart races with desire I know I'm hooked! (my wife thinks I'm loopy!) I now own JBL all through the house, ES Series in the lounge with HTI 6 in ceiling & walls, 4312's, Control 5's, Control One's, a new pair of 4307 monitors just over from Japan, S4700's and now saving to buy ALL off the Kenrick Sound stock. Oh my god! That place is JBL Heaven!!! Japan really appreciate JBL the way we do. It is bizarre though that Australia's JBL importers cannot get many of the models available in Japan. The cost of shipping and taxes really adds to the price. E-bay USA is where I found my 4307's. I really reckon JBL does itself out of business by not at least not OFFERING to sell to potential customers ALL they make, I'm not a businessman but I would allow anyone buy my products if they liked them.

[DingDing]

Had 4307 (here in Norway, bought retail) for a short while, but they proved to be too big for my desk :'( They were excellent though, and really good looking too.

Yeah, weird that it's so hard to get some of their models. If I were in the market for a new pair of JBL's today, I would want to listen to both M2 and 4348, but the latter is almost impossibru to find outside of Asia.

[AussieSteve]

Had 4307 (here in Norway, bought retail) for a short while, but they proved to be too big for my desk :'( They were excellent though, and really good looking too. Yeah, weird that it's so hard to get some of their models. If I were in the market for a new pair of JBL's today, I would want to listen to both M2 and 4348, but the latter is almost impossibru to find outside of Asia. G'diay DingDong, I reckon if you like the M2, you would like the 4365 model. They are the largest monitor in the current line up, JBL Japan stock the full range. If you haven't already, check out Kenrick Sound website. They repair and sell classic JBL speakers from the earliest models. Their website is pure JBL Porn!!!

[DingDing]

G'diay DingDong, I reckon if you like the M2, you would like the 4365 model. They are the largest monitor in the current line up, JBL Japan stock the full range. If you haven't already, check out Kenrick Sound website. They repair and sell classic JBL speakers from the earliest models. Their website is pure JBL Porn!!!

Been drooling at Kenrick's youtube videos for the past year, haha. 4365 is available here, but not 4348. As far as I know, 4348 is the biggest current blue studio monitor JBL has on offer. Kenrick has had them in the past, but don't know about now.

62801

It's 4 way and probably awesome!

[BMWCCA]

Is there a possibility that the spike was cross-threaded during your installation? Depending on how much force was required it's either a non-issue or a person more mechanically inclined would have chased or re-tapped the threads first.

Either way I think it's time to forget about it and enjoy the speakers!

[AussieSteve]

Is there a possibility that the spike was cross-threaded during your installation? Depending on how much force was required it's either a non-issue or a person more mechanically inclined would have chased or re-tapped the threads first.

Either way I think it's time to forget about it and enjoy the speakers!

Thanks, I can assure you it was the internal thread, I am an engineer. More importantly, having just spent twelve thousand dollars on speakers I don't believe the onus is on the purchaser to fix a manufacturing fault, let alone one on a top tier product. Small problem for sure, however maybe having a reputable Quality Assurance Program, and in my opinion building Synthesis products in America may have alleviated such a problem. Rest assured, I have been a JBL lover and collector for years and I still love them. I don't however accept the companies exemplary history and brand being diluted by managements' decision to build their products in Mexico, thereby lowering standards and value. As you know, JBL is so awesome they design and build drivers, what next? They start importing drivers from China. God I hope not! Can you imagine if the board of Gibson guitars started making Les Pauls in Chihuahua!

[BMWCCA]

I don't believe the onus is on the purchaser to fix a manufacturing fault, let alone one on a top tier product. Small problem for sure, however maybe having a reputable Quality Assurance Program, and in my opinion building Synthesis products in America may have alleviated such a problem. Rest assured, I have been a JBL lover and collector for years and I still love them. I don't however accept the companies exemplary history and brand being diluted by managements' decision to build their products in Mexico, thereby lowering standards and value. As you know, JBL is so awesome they design and build drivers, what next? They start importing drivers from China. God I hope not! Can you imagine if the board of Gibson guitars started making Les Pauls in Chihuahua!

Agreed. Of course Les Pauls are made in China, they just brand them Epiphone. And there's been plenty of support for Fender's MIM (made in Mexico) Strats, too, as lower-priced alternatives to bring more people into the brand and foster brand loyalty. Yes, it would be nice if the critical components of a JBL could remain in production in the USA, and certainly if their halo models continued to be built in the USA, but it doesn't look like that will happen under current control. Luckily (?) I'll be dead before I have to make the move to non-USA-made JBLs. My next used pair will be US-made 1400 Arrays. I'll keep trying them all until something earns the spot in my home that supplants the 4345s.

Thanks for clearing up any doubt as to whether your issue was a component manufacturing issue or user error. I'm sure you practiced the utmost in care during assembly, as would we all! Now do we get to hear how much you're enjoying their sound? :)

[4313B]

They start importing drivers from China.JBL has been doing that for quite some time now. They use several third part transducer vendors. They also manufacture certain transducers for other brands.

In any case, you have one of the best pairs of low frequency transducers on the planet. Designed and Engineered by JBL, Northridge. Manufactured by Harman Audio de Mexico.

[SEAWOLF97]

JBL S4700 Seems to be poorly made!
were there any other issues ? :confused: tarring the whole system by 1 poor thread seems
a bit overboard ? And as others have mentioned, those were most likely purchased
outside and not fitted/tested before shipment , tho I would think that the major components are. :dont-know:

Buy a new car, there are usually shakedown problems. The ship I was on did a billion dollar refit ... we took 6 months to identify most of the issues.

[Dave_72]

I just recently paid $12000 for a pair of JBL S4700 speakers down here in Australia. A dream come true, YET when I opened the boxes and unpacked the speakers I found as I tried to screw on the isolation spikes, all BUT ONE screwed on smoothly! One of them required me using pliers to screw it down as the internal thread was not cut exactly!!! I felt sick to my stomach, I was enormously cautious and screwed it down without damage or scratches. However all I could think was that this would not occur on a $12000 (with a RRP of $20K!) pair of top tier speakers from many other hi end makers. It really saddened what began as probably the most exciting day I had experienced in years. Has anyone else had any problems from JBL's Synthesis range?

That sucks. My sympathies. The spikes on my pair of S4700s went on smoothly. So, no problems here. I hope you get that taken care of soon. :coolness:

[AussieSteve]

Agreed. Of course Les Pauls are made in China, they just brand them Epiphone. And there's been plenty of support for Fender's MIM (made in Mexico) Strats, too, as lower-priced alternatives to bring more people into the brand and foster brand loyalty. Yes, it would be nice if the critical components of a JBL could remain in production in the USA, and certainly if their halo models continued to be built in the USA, but it doesn't look like that will happen under current control. Luckily (?) I'll be dead before I have to make the move to non-USA-made JBLs. My next used pair will be US-made 1400 Arrays. I'll keep trying them all until something earns the spot in my home that supplants the 4345s.

Thanks for clearing up any doubt as to whether your issue was a component manufacturing issue or user error. I'm sure you practiced the utmost in care during assembly, as would we all! Now do we get to hear how much you're enjoying their sound? :)

No worries mate, I am sorry if I came across bitter. I know it is a very small issue. I am a passionate person and have always been brand loyal, which isn't always my best trait! I just find in a world where such human craftsmanship is being eroded by accountants and marketeers who seem to care less about the stories behind the names and bow to shareholders, well you know the rest. My town here has Australia's Ford auto plant, it's closing down right now. It started in 1916! Henry Ford himself approved it! My pop worked there full time for 45 years, he only left for 4 years - to join up and fight in WW2!! Then back to Fords until he retired at 65. Now we have NOT ONE Australian car maker! It's all Asian, or exclusive European, we don't get US makers here believe it or not. Anyway, my emotions are taking over again, JBL as you know are the Henry Ford of sound, yet like Detroit the shareholder wins again. It's a shame Greg Timbers and his loyal brigade can't raise the capital and buy the company, that would ensure pride in the name. Non the less I will love my speakers, continue to collect them and fell as you do the sense of pride and excitement as a loyal disciple of Mr Lansing. ps May my other place of worship, Gibson remain in the One and Only USA. I served alongside my US brothers in the Gulf War, I consider myself an Australian American!!!

[AussieSteve]

Agreed to ALL, my issue is minor. The point I was making is that my other speakers in the $10-15K bracket ie Harbeth M40, Thiel 2,7, and B&W Diamonds are all hand made quality speakers with exemplary Quality Control procedures that test and match speakers prior to departure. I won't let a thread ruin my overall pleasure, I am just saddened that the unpacking experience for my first love JBL, was tarnished by it. I know we all share that feeling of excitement when unpacking our artwork. My worship of the God JBL continues unabated!

[BMWCCA]

JBL as you know are the Henry Ford of sound, yet like Detroit the shareholder wins again. It's a shame Greg Timbers and his loyal brigade can't raise the capital and buy the company, that would ensure pride in the name. Non the less I will love my speakers, continue to collect them and fell as you do the sense of pride and excitement as a loyal disciple of Mr Lansing. ps May my other place of worship, Gibson remain in the One and Only USA. I served alongside my US brothers in the Gulf War, I consider myself an Australian American!!!
You hold a higher opinion of Ford than I do, but they're likely to have produced a better product in OZ than Dearborn. What, no Holdens being made anymore? Did we import them all as GTOs? Darn, I just saw this:
Holden announced on 11 December 2013 that production in Australia would cease by the end of 2017.

I visited the Gibson plant in Memphis just before "Hurricane Elvis" destroyed it. Dedicated people there.

[AussieSteve]

You hold a higher opinion of Ford than I do, but they're likely to have produced a better product in OZ than Dearborn. What, no Holdens being made anymore? Did we import them all as GTOs? Darn, I just saw this:

I visited the Gibson plant in Memphis just before "Hurricane Elvis" destroyed it. Dedicated people there.

Sadly Holden AND Toyota are also closing down this year. We have not one car maker left. Sad but true. Government stopped paying slush money to prop them up. Pretty sad state of affairs, my town has or is shutting down our Shell refinery, Alcoa aluminium smelter, Fords and Qantas all this year. I hope we don't end up like poor old Detroit.

[4313B]

I hope we don't end up like poor old Detroit.1910 - First appearance in the top 10.
1950 - Population peaked at 1,849,568
2000 - Detroit's last appearance in the top 10; (fell to #18 in the 2010 census).
As of 2013, Detroit is the only city in the United States to have a population grow beyond 1 million and then fall below that figure.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largest_cities_in_the_United_States_by_population_ by_decade

[Mannermusic]

Sadly Holden AND Toyota are also closing down this year. We have not one car maker left. Sad but true. Government stopped paying slush money to prop them up. Pretty sad state of affairs, my town has or is shutting down our Shell refinery, Alcoa aluminium smelter, Fords and Qantas all this year. I hope we don't end up like poor old Detroit.

Detroit is in the process of reinventing itself. The bankruptcy is on schedule with huge contributions from wealth all around the area (The Grand Bargain). Strong new mayor, Mike Duggan in the process of taking over as the bankruptcy process completes. Excellent emergency manager Kevin Orr pulling the whole thing together. Also, Ford, GM and Chrysler are still standing. Also, there is a massive high tech sector blossoming to the West supported by U of M, MSU, Wayne State, technical colleges and a brace of community colleges that are among the best in the nation. Australia is unique - you will have to figure who you are and create a new economy - hopefully less dependent on the Americans. The post war era (WWI, WWII) was an economic warp that is now in the process of unwinding. Good reads out there including Piketty's Capital and R. Duncan's The New Depression. What we assumed was "normal" was anything but. George Packer's The Unwinding is another good one. Best wishes!

[AussieSteve]

Detroit is in the process of reinventing itself. The bankruptcy is on schedule with huge contributions from wealth all around the area (The Grand Bargain). Strong new mayor, Mike Duggan in the process of taking over as the bankruptcy process completes. Excellent emergency manager Kevin Orr pulling the whole thing together. Also, Ford, GM and Chrysler are still standing. Also, there is a massive high tech sector blossoming to the West supported by U of M, MSU, Wayne State, technical colleges and a brace of community colleges that are among the best in the nation. Australia is unique - you will have to figure who you are and create a new economy - hopefully less dependent on the Americans. The post war era (WWI, WWII) was an economic warp that is now in the process of unwinding. Good reads out there including Piketty's Capital and R. Duncan's The New Depression. What we assumed was "normal" was anything but. George Packer's The Unwinding is another good one. Best wishes!

That's Awesome news. My town Geelong was a boom manufacturing and wool town during the last century. We will reform also, we have a great university with a world class nanotechnology research centre and some new carbon fibre centres. In fact, a company called Carbon Revolution is the world's first maker of one piece carbon fibre mag wheels/rims. They look awesome and are stronger and lighter than standard aluminium. Great cities bounce back.

[Mannermusic]

That's Awesome news. My town Geelong was a boom manufacturing and wool town during the last century. We will reform also, we have a great university with a world class nanotechnology research centre and some new carbon fibre centres. In fact, a company called Carbon Revolution is the world's first maker of one piece carbon fibre mag wheels/rims. They look awesome and are stronger and lighter than standard aluminium. Great cities bounce back.

Yes. Keep our collective fingers crossed - this is going to take time.