250Ti vs S3900 - Which one?

[kelossus]

I have a pair of 250TI's with charge coupled crossover but have been offered a pair of s3900's for an absolute steal. I could sell the 250TI's and easily break even.

I have never heard the s3900's and am hoping someone who has experience with both speakers might chime in and give advice.

Chris.

[rdgrimes]

Kind of an apples and oranges comparison. If you haven't experienced horns you probably owe it to yourself to do so. I would.

[kelossus]

I have had a pair of L300's and 4425's but I would imagine that JBL have come along way with their horn technology.

This is such a hard decision and one I have to make promptly. My thoughts are the s3900's components particularly the mid and tweeter would be technically better then the 250's and also sound better. The bass is where I think the 250's might outshow the 3900's but I can't be sure. Also imaging I would imagine would go to the 3900's.

Really it is only the bass where I can imagine the 250's being dominant but I would very much like to get clarification from folks who have had/heard both.

[rdgrimes]

You can do a search here and read up on a few owner impressions of the 3900.

[kelossus]

I have searched before I posted the thread. Too be honest there is very little regarding the s3900, a lot of info regarding the 4700 however.

I think there is only 2 or 3 threads when owners of 3900's have actually chimed in.

Hoping there is someone out there who is accustomed with all the older JBL models and can compare. As mentioned I obviously have the 250ti's but have owned at least 15 vintage models.

[audiomagnate]

I agree apples and oranges but for me the 3900 is a no brainer.

[SEAWOLF97]

IF funds aren't tight, I'd buy the 3900's and test for myself
against the 250Ti's before making a decision.

A steal of a deal may not come up again, especially since I've
heard JBL's are scarce in Oz.

[Tony Sullivan]

That's easy for me
Horns

[Greg86z28]

All personal preference, but I know I really liked moving to JBL horn equipment.

I haven't heard the S3900, can anyone comment on comparing the low end compared to the L250? I really like the LE14H-1 in the L250.

[rdgrimes]

Low end response is easy to fix with a sub, I wouldn't give it another thought. But I would be pretty surprised if someone criticized the S3900 for a lack of low end. Perhaps down a couple db at 40Hz, but that's not something you really hear and is also dependent on the room.

[kelossus]

Ok so I bought the speakers, the dealer apparently listed these on ebay at the wrong price and they were not too happy honoring the deal but did so.

They are "Manufacturer Refurbished" but the guy didn't exactly know what had happened with them. He just assured me they are in brand new condition and come with a warranty. Once arrived I will ring them back and ask to speak to someone who knows their heritage.

These are direct from the importer of all Harman gear in Australia. 72% off the RRP, and with the Ebay 5% off promo I saved a further $250. Even if I prefer the 250ti's I will have no problem selling the 3900's. I am in the position to hold onto both speakers until I decide which ones to keep. The 250ti's are extremely rare in Australia and it would be interesting to see exactly what they are worth.

[kelossus]

Also interested in how the LE14H-1 stacks up against the 3900's woofer. I will find out all in due time but am curious if anyone else can shed some light in the meantime.

[HCSGuy]

For a while I had a pair of Array800's, which I believe are the same top half as your S3900's, and was really impressed with the imaging and detail in the mids and highs. Bass was unremarkable, so I put a pair of subwoofers under them. I think that you'll like the bass extension better on the 250ti's and everything else better on the S3900's. Can't wait to hear how you like them:)

[JeffW]

For a while I had a pair of Array800's, which I believe are the same top half as your S3900's, and was really impressed with the imaging and detail in the mids and highs. Bass was unremarkable, so I put a pair of subwoofers under them. I think that you'll like the bass extension better on the 250ti's and everything else better on the S3900's. Can't wait to hear how you like them:)


I went directly from a pair of 250Tis to
a pair of 800 Arrays.

The S3900 looks to pack quite a bit more wallop in the bass area than the 800 Array.

[kelossus]

Just did a quick look and the 800 arrays use the same mid-range but the tweeter is different. 139nd versus the 045ti in the arrays, unsure how they compare but worth noting.

Really can't believe I am in this position already, I have only owned the 250TI's for a year and foresaw them in my future until I was at least into my 30's and financially established. The newer Jbl models just were priced way out of my league but thanks to good fortune they are something I will now experience. So excited!

The more I think about the low frequency response the more I draw up conclusions in my head. I think the 250ti's will have a fuller bass and obviously dig a tad deeper. I imagine the 3900's will be a little drier and presumably faster. Hoping the 3900's will punch the same or better. If I am going to sacrifice the full bass and depth of the 250TI's I hope to get a little more punch from the 3900's.

I may consider selling my 250TI's with my DIY B460. If i were to go for a sub it would be a more modern counterpart like an array 1500 or DIY SUB1500. I know I can get a SUB1500 quite easily. Selling the 250ti's and b460 would easily pay the 3900's, a DIY Sub1500 and hopefully pocket some change towards a new ute.

[sweet212]

Just did a quick look and the 800 arrays use the same mid-range but the tweeter is different. 139nd versus the 045ti in the arrays, unsure how they compare but worth noting.

Really can't believe I am in this position already, I have only owned the 250TI's for a year and foresaw them in my future until I was at least into my 30's and financially established. The newer Jbl models just were priced way out of my league but thanks to good fortune they are something I will now experience. So excited!

The more I think about the low frequency response the more I draw up conclusions in my head. I think the 250ti's will have a fuller bass and obviously dig a tad deeper. I imagine the 3900's will be a little drier and presumably faster. Hoping the 3900's will punch the same or better. If I am going to sacrifice the full bass and depth of the 250TI's I hope to get a little more punch from the 3900's.

I may consider selling my 250TI's with my DIY B460. If i were to go for a sub it would be a more modern counterpart like an array 1500 or DIY SUB1500. I know I can get a SUB1500 quite easily. Selling the 250ti's and b460 would easily pay the 3900's, a DIY Sub1500 and hopefully pocket some change towards a new ute.

Good luck with that Kelossus.

Personally having owned older horn loaded speakers 4350, L200's and now the newer 1400 Array. I have to say that horns have come a long way. The 1400's are very neutral, laid back and polite - almost too much for my taste.
If you want to sell your 250ti's please PM me.

BTW: People may be wondering what a ute is - its called pickup here!

[kelossus]

Good luck with that Kelossus.

Personally having owned older horn loaded speakers 4350, L200's and now the newer 1400 Array. I have to say that horns have come a long way. The 1400's are very neutral, laid back and polite - almost too much for my taste.
If you want to sell your 250ti's please PM me.

BTW: People may be wondering what a ute is - its called pickup here!

Interesting regarding the 1400 array. The way you described them was initially what I thought of the 250ti's. After charge coupling everything came to life and while they don't have the mid-range sock of the l300's they are a far better listen.

I would certainly sell them but sending them to the US would be very costly for you and I imagine it would work out way cheaper to source them locally.

[pos]

The more I think about the low frequency response the more I draw up conclusions in my head. I think the 250ti's will have a fuller bass and obviously dig a tad deeper. I imagine the 3900's will be a little drier and presumably faster. Hoping the 3900's will punch the same or better. If I am going to sacrifice the full bass and depth of the 250TI's I hope to get a little more punch from the 3900's.

Don't do that, wait till you can give them a listen and try to stay objective... or at least candidly subjective :D
The 100Fe woofers (http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?33559-100fe-12) in the S3900 are impressive beasts that seem to punch far above their weight.
Totaly different beasts compared to the Array 800 woofers (http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?11986-ARRAY-8)...

[srm51555]

BTW: People may be wondering what a ute is - its called pickup here!
Thanks!

Kelossus congrats on your new purchase.