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Mitchco
04-05-2017, 12:17 AM
In 1988, I spent some time in a studio where there were these JBL monitors on the bridge, which I used to record/mix a band. These were driven by Classe Audio, Class A amp. I remember they sounded great compared to the Yamaha NS10M's that were previously on the bridge that I booted in favor of these.

I have some crappy photos from back then. Can anyone identify them? What are the chances of finding a pair? I presume foam surrounds?

Many thanks, Mitch

765207652176522

Goldjazz
04-05-2017, 01:00 AM
Hi Mitch these are 4401's. Are you in Australia too? They don't turn up that regularly here the L15 which are the consumer version turn up from time to time, as do L96.

Goldjazz
04-05-2017, 01:19 AM
Would be cool to find them with those stands. They're pretty small so you could ship them from US.

http://audio-heritage.jp/JBL/speaker/4401.html
http://www.jblpro.com/pub/obsolete/4401.pdf

Mitchco
04-05-2017, 07:59 AM
Goldjazz, thanks so much! Yah, it's the Sunshine Coast in BC, Canada.

Thanks again for identifying these, much appreciated.

Kind regards, Mitch

Goldjazz
04-05-2017, 01:00 PM
Goldjazz, thanks so much! Yah, it's the Sunshine Coast in BC, Canada.

Thanks again for identifying these, much appreciated.

Kind regards, Mitch

No worries, hope you find them. Re foam kits wont be a prob if you find a pair that need it. Just jump back on the forum and we'll tell you where to get em.
.

rdgrimes
04-05-2017, 08:25 PM
IMO they're not really that great a speaker, and there are better choices in 6" 2-way models. But if you really want them you should also look for the L15.
I'd be looking for 4406, L20 or 18ti, something along those lines.

BMWCCA
04-05-2017, 08:48 PM
IMO they're not really that great a speaker, and there are better choices in 6" 2-way models. But if you really want them you should also look for the L15.
I'd be looking for 4406, L20 or 18ti, something along those lines.Or go whole-hog with the L1.

Not sure what the purpose is but if you're looking for the best small monitor from JBL at a reasonable price without regard for nostalgia, then search for the LSR305 powered monitors often offered for $200 a pair.

hsosdrum
04-06-2017, 12:50 PM
Or go whole-hog with the L1.

Not sure what the purpose is but if you're looking for the best small monitor from JBL at a reasonable price without regard for nostalgia, then search for the LSR305 powered monitors often offered for $200 a pair.

+1 on the LSR 305s. If you're starting from scratch and aren't trying to approximate the sonic character of an older speaker, the LSR305 or 308 are way better than any 6" 2-way from the 80s or 90s.

Sorry, I meant WAAAAAAAY better.

JuniorJBL
04-06-2017, 05:43 PM
+1 on the LSR 305s. If you're starting from scratch and aren't trying to approximate the sonic character of an older speaker, the LSR305 or 308 are way better than any 6" 2-way from the 80s or 90s.

Sorry, I meant WAAAAAAAY better.

This! :D

SEAWOLF97
04-06-2017, 06:29 PM
IMO they're not really that great a speaker, and there are better choices in 6" 2-way models. But if you really want them you should also look for the L15.
I'd be looking for 4406, L20 or 18ti, something along those lines.

I have a pair of 18Ti's (in boxes) . Really wanted to love them, but ..... just didn't find them very impressive.
Now , I'll just keep them as spare 044ti's for my big ones.

Mitchco
04-06-2017, 10:34 PM
Wow, thanks for all of the input, that's awesome!

more detail:
- I recently listened to a video tape of those sessions/4401's and recognized the sound right away. They are punchy near fields, good for rock and the translation came out really nice, virtually identical to what was heard in the control room.
- shortly thereafter, I purchased 4406's, which are a more accurate studio monitor, but the bass did not sound as punchy (colored?) as the 4401 in my recollection.
- Yah, nostalgia for sure, I use JBL 4722 w/2453H-SL CD's for main system and could not be happier.
- This small 2-way is targeted for rock music for a 2nd system.
- I have 2 x ACA single-ended mosfet Class A amps from Pass DiyAudio. Its not a lot of watts per mono block (6), but feeding rock and roll and cranking up to whatever the speakers can do, is the sound I am looking for.

What about these? https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/ele/6047278329.html

Thanks again!

Mitch

BMWCCA
04-07-2017, 04:03 AM
What about these? https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/ele/6047278329.htmlThat's a lot of money for a rather indistinguished pair of JBLs. Once upon a time we had a small-JBL "shootout" here in the Mid-Atlantic region and the L1 was the favorite of everyone attending. http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?28072-JBL-mini-comparo

This was, of course, prior to the existence of the LSR305, of which I own two-pair hoping to deploy in another comparison with other small JBLs as soon as we move to a larger house!

rdgrimes
04-07-2017, 08:26 AM
What about these? https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/ele/6047278329.html


I feel the same about those as the L15/4401. the 034 tweeter is ill suited for the low crossover these use. When pushed hard they distort like crazy.
The L46 is hugely better with the same tweeter - due to the higher crossover.

Tony Sullivan
04-07-2017, 09:08 AM
Am I the only one then who had to give up on the LSR305?
Sounded great when they worked but that seems to be the trick getting a pair that wants to
For more than a month or two anyway
Three tries I gave up

SEAWOLF97
04-07-2017, 10:47 AM
What about these?
l

Thanks again!

Mitch

L56 ?
one of the worst 10 inch drivers made by JBL
bottom out easily , poor at handling bass

I do agree with RD about the L46 tho

1audiohack
04-07-2017, 12:35 PM
Am I the only one then who had to give up on the LSR305?Nope. Yes I did listen to them. I'm just not a small speaker guy. I do like the 708's. Barry.

badman
04-07-2017, 12:46 PM
305s- yes plz.

Mitchco
04-07-2017, 02:10 PM
Awesome, thanks for the guidance guys!

The LSR305 in Canada are $200 a pop. I want to use my spare ACA's amps I had left over when my main system went from 3way to 2way.

Seems like the L1 and L46 are good candidates. Found L1's here: http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649336475-jbl-l1-bookshelf-speakers/
Thoughts?

Tony Sullivan
04-07-2017, 03:25 PM
Awesome, thanks for the guidance guys!

The LSR305 in Canada are $200 a pop. I want to use my spare ACA's amps I had left over when my main system went from 3way to 2way.

Seems like the L1 and L46 are good candidates. Found L1's here: http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649336475-jbl-l1-bookshelf-speakers/
Thoughts?
Those are in California U.S.A. so probably not going to be such a great deal after shipping and whatever if you are in Canada

Mitchco
04-07-2017, 04:36 PM
Well, I have a US shipping address across the border and know the customs HST numbers for speakers, so I don't get charged customs. It is a quick drive from my location...

BMWCCA
04-07-2017, 04:53 PM
Seems like the L1 and L46 are good candidates. Found L1's here: http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649336475-jbl-l1-bookshelf-speakers/
Thoughts?Did I miss the part about why the need for such small JBLs? I understand the near-fields you used in your youth but for less than this price I've purchased L5s, so that would give me pause. But then I already own L1s. I always ask, "would I sell mine for that?" And the answer is usually "NO!"

Mitchco
04-07-2017, 05:28 PM
No limitation on size - set a budget for a couple hundred or so. Just like the JBL sound and have a couple spare mono amps, so... :)