which are your faverite JBL top 5 speakers?

[martin_wu99]

Let's share which are your faverite JBL top 5 speakers? and reasons,photos are prefered

Me first:
1.k2s9800se balanced beautiful high end
2.dd67000 hard to drive
3.4367 acurate
4.4355 classic sound
5.4344mkii

[jpw retired]

DD67000 best sounding speaker JBL ever made
4367 great sound for the money, an exceptional design and value
4430 ground breaking for the 1980's with butt cheek shaped bi-radial horn
4350 cool look, high output, the 1970's studio monitor of choice
L100 white woofer, waffle foam grille, fun to listen to.

[Mr. Widget]

DD67000 best sounding speaker JBL ever made
4367 great sound for the money, an exceptional design and value
4430 ground breaking for the 1980's with butt cheek shaped bi-radial horn
4350 cool look, high output, the 1970's studio monitor of choice
L100 white woofer, waffle foam grille, fun to listen to.Pretty much ditto on all above. However I’d replace 4367 with 4365. Same comment.

Really I only diverge at the 4430. I agree on the comments, but that speaker never did it for me. I’d replace it with the 4345. Amazing bass and excellent articulation.


Widget

[martin_wu99]

DD67000 best sounding speaker JBL ever made
4367 great sound for the money, an exceptional design and value
4430 ground breaking for the 1980's with butt cheek shaped bi-radial horn
4350 cool look, high output, the 1970's studio monitor of choice
L100 white woofer, waffle foam grille, fun to listen to.
:applaud:Thanks for your input and sharing

[martin_wu99]

Pretty much ditto on all above. However I’d replace 4367 with 4365. Same comment.

Really I only diverge at the 4430. I agree on the comments, but that speaker never did it for me. I’d replace it with the 4345. Amazing bass and excellent articulation.


Widget
Thanks for your comments and opinin:applaud:

[Ian Mackenzie]

In no particular order :

1. K2 9900 Synthesis. Industrial design refinement and sound.
2. L200B. Classic JBL Industrial design and sound
3. L300 Summit. Classic JBL industrial design and sound
4. L250. One of JBLs best sounding (vintage) consumer loudspeakers
5. 4345 Professional Series. One of the most listenable JBL Pro monitors of the classic vintage 43xx series

[tom1040]

I will play along albeit I certainly have not heard most of the models listed so far (as much as I would love too). I understand there are much better than the ones I list but these are the ones I have:


1400 Array
4365
S/3100
S/2600
940T

It may be the electronics behind them but I do prefer the 1400 Array over the 4365.

[Mr. Widget]

It may be the electronics behind them but I do prefer the 1400 Array over the 4365.Barry may want to jump in here, but I'd suggest the 1400 Array images better and is more pleasing sounding. The 4365 is more rock and roll and dynamic.

All of the speakers in this thread are very good to great.

I love the look of the L200B, not sure I'd put them sonically on the same page as everything else here... but then unlike most folks here, I really do not like the looks of the 250Ti. So you can't please everyone.


Widget

[bldozier]

Jazz or rock. Maybe something else?

[BMWCCA]

... but then unlike most folks here, I really do not like the looks of the 250Ti. So you can't please everyone.
Hah! That's how I felt about the 1400 Arrays. I had a chance to pick up a pair relatively on the cheap but two factors kept me from pulling the trigger—one was the aesthetics and the other was not having a chance to hear them to see if the sound quality would overcome the appearance. Instead, I purchased the 4345 clones and for the last 9-years I've enjoyed them immensely.

Also like you, Mr. Widget, I'm not a fan of the 250Ti appearance, though I do own a pair. I was willing to pay that small price of entry to experience them where I was not prepared to pay over-double that to experience the 1400s.

None of these prejudices would keep me from bringing home some DD67000s if the opportunity presented itself at the right price. They just look like something that has to sound fantastic!!! Some day I'll at least get to hear a pair . . .

[Mr. Widget]

Also like you, Mr. Widget, I'm not a fan of the 250Ti appearance, though I do own a pair. I was willing to pay that small price of entry to experience them where I was not prepared to pay over-double that to experience the 1400s.Like you I’m not a fan of the 1400 Arrays, they don’t make me think of polyester leisure suits the way the 250ti does, but they are pretty ugly. That said, while they may not be in my front room, they’re still in the house.:D


Widget

[JoeNelis]

while i have heard many JBL'S i would say these are my top 5.

1 JBL DD55000 Everest ( i own these and building a pair with SOTA crossovers)
2 JBL DD66000 Everest ( don't own but heard in Bangkok)
3 JBL 9800 monitors ( have heard at show room in Australia)
4 JBL 4350 Studio Monitors ( i've owned and loved)
5 JBL 4435 ( Currently own and i'm keeping),

As a side note, too me the JBL 1400ND driver is the best low end driver i have heard just does everything right to me. I'm using twin pairs in a set of Monitors i'm currently building.

Would love too hear, Paragon Hartsfield's at some stage.


No matter what model you own i think JBL is the best all rounder speaker you can own.


Joe.

[martin_wu99]

In no particular order :

1. K2 9900 Synthesis. Industrial design refinement and sound.
2. L200B. Classic JBL Industrial design and sound
3. L300 Summit. Classic JBL industrial design and sound
4. L250. One of JBLs best sounding (vintage) consumer loudspeakers
5. 4345 Professional Series. One of the most listenable JBL Pro monitors of the classic vintage 43xx series

So beautiful JBL,thank you for your list:applaud:

[martin_wu99]

I will play along albeit I certainly have not heard most of the models listed so far (as much as I would love too). I understand there are much better than the ones I list but these are the ones I have:


1400 Array
4365
S/3100
S/2600
940T

It may be the electronics behind them but I do prefer the 1400 Array over the 4365.

Thanks,it is very hard to chose from M2 DD67000 DD66000 S9900 S9800 S9500 M9500 4367 4365 array1400 S4700 S4800 S5800 4338 4348 4344 4344MKII S3100 S2600 S143MKII C36 L250 XPL200 4355 4435.............................................. ........................:blink:

[martin_wu99]

while i have heard many JBL'S i would say these are my top 5.

1 JBL DD55000 Everest ( i own these and building a pair with SOTA crossovers)
2 JBL DD66000 Everest ( don't own but heard in Bangkok)
3 JBL 9800 monitors ( have heard at show room in Australia)
4 JBL 4350 Studio Monitors ( i've owned and loved)
5 JBL 4435 ( Currently own and i'm keeping),

As a side note, too me the JBL 1400ND driver is the best low end driver i have heard just does everything right to me. I'm using twin pairs in a set of Monitors i'm currently building.

Would love too hear, Paragon Hartsfield's at some stage.


No matter what model you own i think JBL is the best all rounder speaker you can own.


Joe.
Great!seems you like double 15' JBL very much:D the only single 15' JBL is S9800,but i think 9800se is improved than S9800

[martin_wu99]

Jazz or rock. Maybe something else?
Every JBL rocks:D

[martin_wu99]

I will play along albeit I certainly have not heard most of the models listed so far (as much as I would love too). I understand there are much better than the ones I list but these are the ones I have:


1400 Array
4365
S/3100
S/2600
940T

It may be the electronics behind them but I do prefer the 1400 Array over the 4365.
940T?:blink:

[JoeNelis]

Great!seems you like double 15' JBL very much:D the only single 15' JBL is S9800,but i think 9800se is improved than S9800


i sure do Martin, and your right on the se9800 was what i had listened too.



joe.

[martin_wu99]

i sure do Martin, and your right on the se9800 what wa the one i had listened too.



joe.

It is said S9800 lake of some low end,S9800se improved it:confused:

[Titanium Dome]

These are my top five, but I'll have to use bullet points instead of numbers. There's no way I can consistently rank them. My #1 tends to be the one I'm listening to at the moment. Three of the five have special touches done by people with more skill than I.

Not in any specific order:


K2 S9900—actively bi-amped with the grumpy/Timbers curves (with subs)
M2 Master Reference Monitor
XPL200a—actively bi-amped with DX-1 and GT built cards
L100 Century—the first series with inline drivers, not the later ones
Timbers Arrays—predecessor to the Project Array Series, actively bi-amped with DX-1 and custom GT cards


Hey, Ian and grumpy, remember first hearing the K2 S9900 at the massive Mr. Widget demo room at the Bay Area audio show? The demo list was Everest DD66000, 1400 Array, Revel Ultima2 Salon, and off in the corner, unconnected, K2 S9900. After some pleading and whining on my part, he hooked them up at the end of the day, and within minutes I knew which pair I wanted to buy. In that big, honking 1/4 (or was it 1/2?) ballroom with impossible acoustics, they won the day for me!

Here's a special shout out to Widget for making that dream a reality! :applaud:

[1audiohack]

Everyone that knows me well knows I like systems that jump! I love the line in the JBL large format driver spec sheets that says, " It can take the most explosive transients in stride and reproduce them at thunderous levels."

This is where its at for me. If it isn't capable of serious dynamics, I am not going to love it.

That said, here is the list I like enough to make space for in my life.

4350's. With a DBX 4800 controlling an over 6000 Watt four way, five amp amp rack, 1500AL woofers and TAD TM1201 mid bass these get it.

4365's These are at their best with fast big amps and they rock with subs.

4435's. Office speakers. Limited by the one inch HF drivers but the two 2234's are tight and clean.

1400 Arrays. Bedroom speakers. These don't jump, look goofy and they don't get loud, but they are super room friendly and sound really nice.

DD6700's Projects with all stock drivers. Will be multi amp with DSP. I expect these to be king of the heap when done.

Yes, I spend a disproportionate amount of my meager income on audio. :o:

Barry.

[grumpy]

My list is more memorably tied to people than speakers
but I’ve been fortunate to have had very impressive
listening experiences at several forum member’s abodes.

The common feature has been an unstrained and undistorted
visceral presence and liveness that allowed hearing into the
music... and lose track of time.

No ranked order:

67000 (somewhat customized :) )
9900
Timber Arrays
66000
4365

special note re very customized systems:
M2 derivative
Array-DNA system
and a very entertaining set of quad-amped 250Ti

[tom1040]

940T?:blink:

Haha! Yeah, that rounds off my top 5. Since I have not heard any others this makes my list. Truth be told, they are not that bad of a speaker-certainly not the quality of the others but they can (and do) rock.

[martin_wu99]

These are my top five, but I'll have to use bullet points instead of numbers. There's no way I can consistently rank them. My #1 tends to be the one I'm listening to at the moment. Three of the five have special touches done by people with more skill than I.

Not in any specific order:


K2 S9900—actively bi-amped with the grumpy/Timbers curves (with subs)
M2 Master Reference Monitor
XPL200a—actively bi-amped with DX-1 and GT built cards
L100 Century—the first series with inline drivers, not the later ones
Timbers Arrays—predecessor to the Project Array Series, actively bi-amped with DX-1 and custom GT cards


Hey, Ian and grumpy, remember first hearing the K2 S9900 at the massive Mr. Widget demo room at the Bay Area audio show? The demo list was Everest DD66000, 1400 Array, Revel Ultima2 Salon, and off in the corner, unconnected, K2 S9900. After some pleading and whining on my part, he hooked them up at the end of the day, and within minutes I knew which pair I wanted to buy. In that big, honking 1/4 (or was it 1/2?) ballroom with impossible acoustics, they won the day for me!

Here's a special shout out to Widget for making that dream a reality! :applaud:
Great!What is Timbers Arrays?is there any pictures of them?i never seen them:eek:

You bi-amped all JBL speakers?do you think the best way to play JBL speakers by bi-amping it?:applaud::blink:

[martin_wu99]

Everyone that knows me well knows I like systems that jump! I love the line in the JBL large format driver spec sheets that says, " It can take the most explosive transients in stride and reproduce them at thunderous levels."

This is where its at for me. If it isn't capable of serious dynamics, I am not going to love it.

That said, here is the list I like enough to make space for in my life.

4350's. With a DBX 4800 controlling an over 6000 Watt four way, five amp amp rack, 1500AL woofers and TAD TM1201 mid bass these get it.

4365's These are at their best with fast big amps and they rock with subs.

4435's. Office speakers. Limited by the one inch HF drivers but the two 2234's are tight and clean.

1400 Arrays. Bedroom speakers. These don't jump, look goofy and they don't get loud, but they are super room friendly and sound really nice.

DD6700's Projects with all stock drivers. Will be multi amp with DSP. I expect these to be king of the heap when done.

Yes, I spend a disproportionate amount of my meager income on audio. :o:

Barry.
Thank you,seems you like huge JBL speakers that can rocks

[martin_wu99]

My list is more memorably tied to people than speakers
but I’ve been fortunate to have had very impressive
listening experiences at several forum member’s abodes.

The common feature has been an unstrained and undistorted
visceral presence and liveness that allowed hearing into the
music... and lose track of time.

No ranked order:

67000 (somewhat customized :) )
9900
Timber Arrays
66000
4365

special note re very customized systems:
M2 derivative
Array-DNA system
and a very entertaining set of quad-amped 250Ti
Thanks!you have a top 8 rank:D
but why not 4367?:blink:

[martin_wu99]

Haha! Yeah, that rounds off my top 5. Since I have not heard any others this makes my list. Truth be told, they are not that bad of a speaker-certainly not the quality of the others but they can (and do) rock.
You have a special taste:D

[grumpy]

Thanks!you have a top 8 rank:D
but why not 4367?:blink:

Simple. I have not heard them. :)

[Ian Mackenzie]

Hey, Ian and grumpy, remember first hearing the K2 S9900 at the massive Mr. Widget demo room at the Bay Area audio show? The demo list was Everest DD66000, 1400 Array, Revel Ultima2 Salon, and off in the corner, unconnected, K2 S9900. After some pleading and whining on my part, he hooked them up at the end of the day, and within minutes I knew which pair I wanted to buy. In that big, honking 1/4 (or was it 1/2?) ballroom with impossible acoustics, they won the day for me!

Here's a special shout out to Widget for making that dream a reality! :applaud:

I do remember that day.

It did take some whining but it was worth it.

They were waiting to be heard.

I recall saying to you you were going to buy the K2 S9900 over the Ultima Revels and you did!

[sweet212]

Thanks,it is very hard to chose from M2 DD67000 DD66000 S9900 S9800 S9500 M9500 4367 4365 array1400 S4700 S4800 S5800 4338 4348 4344 4344MKII S3100 S2600 S143MKII C36 L250 XPL200 4355 4435.............................................. ........................:blink:


I've owned many JBL's since the early 70's.

I went to Tokyo 2 years ago and hoped to hear some top enders while there. Unfortunately the best they had at the time were 4365's - which sounded really nice. So in my admittedly limited exposure to all JBL's

1/ L212's

2/ 250ti's

3/ 1400 Array

4/ 4365

5/ 4340

The 212's are very clean BUT only at lower volumes.

[martin_wu99]

I do remember that day.

It did take some whining but it was worth it.

They were waiting to be heard.

I recall saying to you you were going to buy the K2 S9900 over the Ultima Revels and you did!
K2 S9900 is a real hi-end speaker:D

[martin_wu99]

I've owned many JBL's since the early 70's.

I went to Tokyo 2 years ago and hoped to hear some top enders while there. Unfortunately the best they had at the time were 4365's - which sounded really nice. So in my admittedly limited exposure to all JBL's

1/ L212's

2/ 250ti's

3/ 1400 Array

4/ 4365

5/ 4340

The 212's are very clean BUT only at lower volumes.
L212 is so good ?

What is 4340?:blink:

[jblnut]

940T?:blink:

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?4644-Any-insight-regarding-JBL-940&highlight=jbl940

4-way JBL sound on a budget :-)

Still my favorite cheap JBL

My Favorites would be:

L112 - first "real" JBL's I ever heard and the sound stayed with me forever
250Ti - bought sight unseen as L250, upgraded over the years, my reference
XPL140 - a very refined speaker, would love to hear XPL200 someday
M2 - only heard briefly in a terrible place (Harman NYC store on Madison) but wow...the dynamics
LSR305 - shattering the price/performance barrier, my desktop PC rig hits new sonic heights

jblnut

[martin_wu99]

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?4644-Any-insight-regarding-JBL-940&highlight=jbl940

4-way JBL sound on a budget :-)

Still my favorite cheap JBL

My Favorites would be:

L112 - first "real" JBL's I ever heard and the sound stayed with me forever
250Ti - bought sight unseen as L250, upgraded over the years, my reference
XPL140 - a very refined speaker, would love to hear XPL200 someday
M2 - only heard briefly in a terrible place (Harman NYC store on Madison) but wow...the dynamics
LSR305 - shattering the price/performance barrier, my desktop PC rig hits new sonic heights

jblnut
That's great,thank you:D

[herve M]

L212 is so good ?

What is 4340?:blink:

hello Martin
http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/jbl/specs/pro-speakers/1974-4340.htm

4340 is the rare 4341 version ( mid high passive crossover network only)

[BMWCCA]

hello Martin
http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/jbl/specs/pro-speakers/1974-4340.htm

4340 is the rare 4341 version ( mid high passive crossover network only)
Interesting, though there appears to be a misprint in the network paragraph. It seems the 4340 is bi-amp only while the 4341 has a full 4-way network, as you pointed out.

[sweet212]

Interesting, though there appears to be a misprint in the network paragraph. It seems the 4340 is bi-amp only while the 4341 has a full 4-way network, as you pointed out.

Thank you!

That was an indeed a misprint - should be 4341. It was 40 years ago however they were fantastic sounding speakers. Smoother in the top end and faster than the 4350's IMO.

[BMWCCA]

Smoother in the top end and faster than the 4350's IMO.

More like a 4345!

Driver complement:






















































4340



2231A



2121



2420



2405



3140



2307



1975



2308



Bi-Amp only





4341



2231A



2121



2420



2405



3141



2307



1977



2308

[doodle6]

Let's share which are your faverite JBL top 5 speakers? and reasons,photos are prefered

Me first:
1.k2s9800se balanced beautiful high end
2.dd67000 hard to drive
3.4367 acurate
4.4355 classic sound
5.4344mkii


That's a great question for me right now. We've sold the house we occupied for 38 years and are gonna be moving into our retirement home. That means we really do have to choose. At the moment we have five systems, one in each of three bedrooms, one in family room, one in living room.

Living Room78843 Everest DD67000
Family Room - Array 1400
Master Bedroom - L-220
Second Master Bedroom (downstairs, where we sleep most of the time) - L-300
Guest Bedroom - to be determined. Right now, there's a Bluesound package there, sub and two small speakers driven by Power Node.
Two pairs Control 30s for front and back yards
Garage - L-110

No HT system but I may set one up in Guest Bedroom, with TV mounted on bottom of Murphy bed and covered by a pair of cabinet doors. Grandkids might be more interested in visiting with that setup in place. L-150s front and back if I do that.

[Triumph Don]

That just looks like pure hell. I mean, how can you keep the pair of 275's from melting the components above?

[martin_wu99]

hello Martin
http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/jbl/specs/pro-speakers/1974-4340.htm

4340 is the rare 4341 version ( mid high passive crossover network only)
Seems pefect speaker!I'v never seen 4340 and 4341,what are their drivers? :blink:

[martin_wu99]

More like a 4345!

Driver complement:































































































4340




2231A




2121




2420




2405




3140




2307




1975




2308




Bi-Amp only






4341




2231A




2121




2420




2405




3141




2307




1977




2308


























































































































































































Great!

[martin_wu99]

That's a great question for me right now. We've sold the house we occupied for 38 years and are gonna be moving into our retirement home. That means we really do have to choose. At the moment we have five systems, one in each of three bedrooms, one in family room, one in living room.

Living Room78843 Everest DD67000
Family Room - Array 1400
Master Bedroom - L-220
Second Master Bedroom (downstairs, where we sleep most of the time) - L-300
Guest Bedroom - to be determined. Right now, there's a Bluesound package there, sub and two small speakers driven by Power Node.
Two pairs Control 30s for front and back yards
Garage - L-110

No HT system but I may set one up in Guest Bedroom, with TV mounted on bottom of Murphy bed and covered by a pair of cabinet doors. Grandkids might be more interested in visiting with that setup in place. L-150s front and back if I do that.
So beautiful! what are those gears to drive your DD67000? why do you like L series so much?:D

[iansr]

Over on the AVS forum they organised a blind shoot out (with input from Floyd Toole) between the Salon 2 and the M2. The Salons were consistently preferred by the majority of testers. I've never heard the Salons, so I'm very curious as to how they compare to the DD6700s. Would love to hear comments from those who have heard / compared both.

[Mr. Widget]

Over on the AVS forum they organised a blind shoot out (with input from Floyd Toole) between the Salon 2 and the M2. The Salons were consistently preferred by the majority of testers. I've never heard the Salons, so I'm very curious as to how they compare to the DD6700s. Would love to hear comments from those who have heard / compared both.I’ve spent a fair amount of time comparing the DD66000 and the Salon 2 in the same room. The Salons definitely sound smoother and more neutral as well as having a deeper bottom end. That said they require a lot of power and just didn’t excite me. The DD67000 are a bit smoother with a better bottom end, but I imagine the comparison would be similar.


Widget

[iansr]

Interesting. Anyone else heard these two?

[SEAWOLF97]

I’ve spent a fair amount of time comparing the DD66000 and the Salon 2 in the same room. The Salons definitely sound smoother and more neutral as well as having a deeper bottom end. That said they require a lot of power and just didn’t excite me. The DD67000 are a bit smoother with a better bottom end, but I imagine the comparison would be similar.
Widget

The Salons definitely sound smoother ....
The DD67000 are a bit smoother....

so help me plse., they are both smoother than each other ?

[iansr]

The Salons definitely sound smoother ....
The DD67000 are a bit smoother....

so help me plse., they are both smoother than each other ?
Widget meant that the 67000 is smoother than the 66000

[martin_wu99]

Over on the AVS forum they organised a blind shoot out (with input from Floyd Toole) between the Salon 2 and the M2. The Salons were consistently preferred by the majority of testers. I've never heard the Salons, so I'm very curious as to how they compare to the DD6700s. Would love to hear comments from those who have heard / compared both.
Very interesting activity,but Salon and M2 are totally different system.

[martin_wu99]

I’ve spent a fair amount of time comparing the DD66000 and the Salon 2 in the same room. The Salons definitely sound smoother and more neutral as well as having a deeper bottom end. That said they require a lot of power and just didn’t excite me. The DD67000 are a bit smoother with a better bottom end, but I imagine the comparison would be similar.


Widget
Salon2 is more smoother and neutral and have a deeper bottom ,but why didn’t excite you? :blink:

[iansr]

Very interesting activity,but Salon and M2 are totally different system.
They represent two different routes to the same destination, that being the target behaviours of a good sounding loudspeaker as determined by the research of Toole and Olive. As such they are comparable sonically.

[Mr. Widget]

Widget meant that the 67000 is smoother than the 66000Yes, the DD67000 are a bit smoother than the DD66000, but probably not quite at the level of the Revels. But as we all know, the perception of a speaker's performance is comprised of many factors.

The Revel Salon2 is an incredibly well executed speaker and an extreme value, but it is not the speaker I would choose. If I had to live with them I could make that sacrifice. ;)


Widget

[jblnut]

I auditioned the Salon 2's and loved them. They are on my long term radar...kinda of a "next gen" 250Ti if you will, designed by that Snell guy...

:-)

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/speaker-shopping-one-mans-experience-with-high-end-models.761905/

jblnut

[hsosdrum]

My opinion only: Salon's sound like a very good speaker; M2s sound like music, with no speaker intervening. YMMV. At this level you need to audition any candidates for yourself.

[Ian Mackenzie]

My opinion only: Salon's sound like a very good speaker; M2s sound like music, with no speaker intervening. YMMV. At this level you need to audition any candidates for yourself.

In the context of your prior post any loudspeaker reproduction is only an illusion?

[BMWCCA]

In the context of your prior post any loudspeaker reproduction is only an illusion?

You mean it isn't? There's a real orchestra inside those monkey coffins? :p

[hsosdrum]

In the context of your prior post any loudspeaker reproduction is only an illusion?

Absolutely. But for me, the M2 creates a more believable illusion than any other JBL I've ever heard (even more so compared with the Revels). But each of us is satisfied by a different illusion. That's why there's no such thing as one speaker that's perfect for everyone. It's also why anyone interested in spending this much money on speakers is crazy if they don't audition them in person for themselves. If you don't, you're just chasing ghosts.

[Ian Mackenzie]

Not wanting to go too off topic but.........

It’s not a bad way of looking at it but l do know of those that will beg to differ on whether the live concert sounded any good or not? Some old coots think their Hifi sounds better.

Was it the silly old fart blowing his nose down in the front row, downright crapp acoustics or he forgot to get his ears waxed?

Whatever!

If you are familiar with Maslows hierarchy of needs l prefer to subscribe to that for audio reproduction where the more you move up the scale of superior audio the more you need the ultimate.


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs

[big speaker]

My favorite JBLS are the 112

[martin_wu99]

I auditioned the Salon 2's and loved them. They are on my long term radar...kinda of a "next gen" 250Ti if you will, designed by that Snell guy...

:-)

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/speaker-shopping-one-mans-experience-with-high-end-models.761905/

jblnut

Besides the Revel Salon 2's ,there are many US made hi-end speakers such as Avalon/Wilson/Rockport/Eggleston/Magico/Daniel Hertz/YG,but JBL is JBL,JBL has horns and 15'':D

[martin_wu99]

My opinion only: Salon's sound like a very good speaker; M2s sound like music, with no speaker intervening. YMMV. At this level you need to audition any candidates for yourself.
I agree with you,JBL sounds more lively:D

[martin_wu99]

My favorite JBLS are the 112
You mean L112?;)

[martin_wu99]

I auditioned the Salon 2's and loved them. They are on my long term radar...kinda of a "next gen" 250Ti if you will, designed by that Snell guy...

:-)

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/speaker-shopping-one-mans-experience-with-high-end-models.761905/

jblnut
Which Snell guy?:blink:

[grumpy]

Kevin Voecks

https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_2/feature-interview-kevin-voecks-4-2004.html

[martin_wu99]

Kevin Voecks

https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_2/feature-interview-kevin-voecks-4-2004.html
Thanks for your link:applaud:

[martin_wu99]

I auditioned the Salon 2's and loved them. They are on my long term radar...kinda of a "next gen" 250Ti if you will, designed by that Snell guy...

:-)

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/speaker-shopping-one-mans-experience-with-high-end-models.761905/

jblnut
Have you ever compared the Salon 2's with other dome tweeter hi-end speakers? :blink:

[jblnut]

Have you ever compared the Salon 2's with other dome tweeter hi-end speakers? :blink:

yes indeed I have - read all about it here:

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/speaker-shopping-one-mans-experience-with-high-end-models.761905/


jblnut

[martin_wu99]

yes indeed I have - read all about it here:

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/speaker-shopping-one-mans-experience-with-high-end-models.761905/


jblnut
Great,after comparing you still think Revel Salon'2 is the best?:blink:

[martin_wu99]

Among 4341,4343,4344,4344mkii,4345,which one is better relatively?i want collect one

[BMWCCA]

Among 4341,4343,4344,4344mkii,4345,which one is better relatively?i want collect one
Obviously the 4345!

But then you're not really in a democracy so my vote is meaningless.

I doubt there are more than a small handful here who have heard all of those, and I am not one of them.

[Ricpan]

Don't see many 4344, 4344MK2 or 4345s for sale. Very few 4345s were built to start with and there are more clones around then originals. The 4315 is a nice smaller 4 way JBL Always wanted a set. The best I have heard is the set I own is the 4345s with a modern charged-coupled crossover. To me it is the best of vintage with a modern sound but i am bias I know.

[Ian Mackenzie]

In terms of listening if you want the vintage JBL sound and have the space the 4345.

If you don't the 4344.

I prefer the look of the 4343.

The 4344mk11 was the last revision and has more hifi sound due to the acquaplas diaphragm.
The woofer is more sensitive and may sound lean compared to the 2235H used in the earlier 4344.

You can't go wrong any of them.

[pioneer]

Among 4341,4343,4344,4344mkii,4345,which one is better relatively?i want collect one

I have both the 4343 and 4345 I have not heard the others, both are great but you can't beat the 18in 2245 in the 4345...

The 4345 is now in the main listening room...The 4345 is a clone ( a well made clone with a fantastic crossover made by a forum member:dont-know:) the 4343 is factory JBL..the 4343 are now the rears in my Home theater with 250ti's the fronts..

if you are to get the 4343 I would upgrade the factory crossover ( get rid of the bi-amp switch) when I tried the new 4345 crossover in the 4343 it was like taking a blanket off the front of the speaker...

next best move was upgrading from the Ashley 1001 crossover to a Bryston 10b...wow...never thought it would make that much of a difference, it does

79768

[martin_wu99]

Obviously the 4345!

But then you're not really in a democracy so my vote is meaningless.

I doubt there are more than a small handful here who have heard all of those, and I am not one of them.
Your opinon is very helpful.:D

[martin_wu99]

Don't see many 4344, 4344MK2 or 4345s for sale. Very few 4345s were built to start with and there are more clones around then originals. The 4315 is a nice smaller 4 way JBL Always wanted a set. The best I have heard is the set I own is the 4345s with a modern charged-coupled crossover. To me it is the best of vintage with a modern sound but i am bias I know.
I am very intresting about your modern charged-coupled crossover,from where do you get? :blink:

[martin_wu99]

In terms of listening if you want the vintage JBL sound and have the space the 4345.

If you don't the 4344.

I prefer the look of the 4343.

The 4344mk11 was the last revision and has more hifi sound due to the acquaplas diaphragm.
The woofer is more sensitive and may sound lean compared to the 2235H used in the earlier 4344.

You can't go wrong any of them.
Thank you,seems very hard to chose,if i have 30 suare meter living room,which one should i chose?
BTW,how about 4350 and 4355?

[martin_wu99]

I have both the 4343 and 4345 I have not heard the others, both are great but you can't beat the 18in 2245 in the 4345...

The 4345 is now in the main listening room...The 4345 is a clone ( a well made clone with a fantastic crossover made by a forum member:dont-know:) the 4343 is factory JBL..the 4343 are now the rears in my Home theater with 250ti's the fronts..

if you are to get the 4343 I would upgrade the factory crossover ( get rid of the bi-amp switch) when I tried the new 4345 crossover in the 4343 it was like taking a blanket off the front of the speaker...

next best move was upgrading from the Ashley 1001 crossover to a Bryston 10b...wow...never thought it would make that much of a difference, it does

79768
4345 is so good?which forum member made the crossover for 4345?

[Ian Mackenzie]

Hi Martin

Please use the search function to locate more information about your questions. Audio is a very personal experience and your product selection is as much about who you as a person as it is about your taste and music preferences.

We can’t make these decisions for you so you need to do your home work like every one else and then make a decision.

Proceeding everything else you need to listen to these systems and experience it for your self.

Do not listen to a 4343 on You tube

[RMC]

Hi to all,

My answer to that question has to be the JBL HLA Series 4895 three-way all horn-loaded model. The reason being for its "out-of-the-box" thinking, innovative technologies and drivers.

The "Space Frame" tubing (instead of a box) made of aluminum composites is an unconventional and interesting concept in my view.

The accompanying subwoofer 4897/4897A has the outside appearance of a box, air contaiment obliges, however this model too was the subject of new ways (materials and technologies).

I've had a large picture of the 4895 under the "glass" on my desk for many years and almost everyone's reaction to it is what the hell is "that thing "? Space invaders I tell them...

These were developed by JBL in collaboration with Colorado's Audio Analysts Sound Contractor (if I recall correctly, the latter purchased in 2011 by Canada's Solotech to become their Las Vegas Office) for the Premium Touring market. The 1996 HLA Series brochure is quite nice. A JBL "White Paper" on that HLA Series also exists in their library, with comparisons to E-V and EAW, along with the usual product data sheets.

As for the technological achievements here, BRAVO to Bill Gelow's team (Acoustical Engineering) and Doug Button's team (Transducer Engineering).

Impressively tight frequency response curve for that type of system (+ or - 3 db, and even less on a good part of the spectrum). Considering horn coverage is given as 40° X 30°, this is a long-throw device, not exactly home hi-fi... But still quite interesting. Regards,

Richard

[Ricpan]

I am very intresting about your modern charged-coupled crossover,from where do you get? :blink:

I built the crossover from the print I got off this Web site.

[RMC]

EDIT RE POST # 79:

Audio Analysts was in fact the system's testing and launching Sound contractor. I've found a joint ad from JBL/Audio Analysts in Pro Sound News, Sept. 1996, P. 58 and at the time of the testing phase the system had a different name: AALTO SYSTEM. The ad says: "Audio Analysts, utilizing world class technology from JBL Professional, has made the one truck arena Touring System a reality AALTO SYSTEM". The system's picture shown reveals some differences with JBL's final product (4895/4897). The "trial version" of the former appears to be a two-way (instead of three) and the subwoofer "trial box" of the latter seems to be housed in a tubing frame on wheels similar to 4895, instead of a more conventional looking subwoofer enclosure on the final product. Things evolve with testing in the field. In case you wonder about retail pricing, in EQ Magazine Jan. 1997 P. 74: $7,500.US for the 4895 and $3,990.US for the 4897.

Richard

[martin_wu99]

Hi Martin

Please use the search function to locate more information about your questions. Audio is a very personal experience and your product selection is as much about who you as a person as it is about your taste and music preferences.

We can’t make these decisions for you so you need to do your home work like every one else and then make a decision.

Proceeding everything else you need to listen to these systems and experience it for your self.

Do not listen to a 4343 on You tube
Thanks for your suggestion,everyone has his taste,but we can not listen to all these speakers at same time and at same location as to make a AB comparison.
Thus your comments on classic JBL speakers is very helpful:applaud:

[martin_wu99]

Hi to all,

My answer to that question has to be the JBL HLA Series 4895 three-way all horn-loaded model. The reason being for its "out-of-the-box" thinking, innovative technologies and drivers.

The "Space Frame" tubing (instead of a box) made of aluminum composites is an unconventional and interesting concept in my view.

The accompanying subwoofer 4897/4897A has the outside appearance of a box, air contaiment obliges, however this model too was the subject of new ways (materials and technologies).

I've had a large picture of the 4895 under the "glass" on my desk for many years and almost everyone's reaction to it is what the hell is "that thing "? Space invaders I tell them...

These were developed by JBL in collaboration with Colorado's Audio Analysts Sound Contractor (if I recall correctly, the latter purchased in 2011 by Canada's Solotech to become their Las Vegas Office) for the Premium Touring market. The 1996 HLA Series brochure is quite nice. A JBL "White Paper" on that HLA Series also exists in their library, with comparisons to E-V and EAW, along with the usual product data sheets.

As for the technological achievements here, BRAVO to Bill Gelow's team (Acoustical Engineering) and Doug Button's team (Transducer Engineering).

Impressively tight frequency response curve for that type of system (+ or - 3 db, and even less on a good part of the spectrum). Considering horn coverage is given as 40° X 30°, this is a long-throw device, not exactly home hi-fi... But still quite interesting. Regards,

Richard

HLA 4895 is really that good? can it be used in home hi fi (or home theatre) system? what modifications should be made when in home hi fi system?:blink:

[martin_wu99]

4345 4
4350 4
4435 2
4430 1
1400 6
4365 5
4367 1
67000 6
66000 2
9900 3
M2 3
L100 3
L200 1
L300 2
250Ti 3
Salon2 2
4895 1

[Bassdabob]

Hello,

has anybody sugesstions where to find the passive crossover option for the JBL HLA 4895 `?

I have seen some pictures around from others but dont wan to start from scratch, as they are
very "friendly" speakers his should not be to complicated :-)

Regards Alex

[sguttag]

I only have three to enter, at the moment:


M2 (quite possibly the best speaker I've ever heard)
L250 (always liked its sound better than the 250Ti)
4675 (it changed cinema sound, forever and had a VERY long run)

[martin_wu99]

Hello,

has anybody sugesstions where to find the passive crossover option for the JBL HLA 4895 `?

I have seen some pictures around from others but dont wan to start from scratch, as they are
very "friendly" speakers his should not be to complicated :-)

Regards Alex
Do you have HLA 4895 spec-sheet?

[martin_wu99]

I only have three to enter, at the moment:


M2 (quite possibly the best speaker I've ever heard)
L250 (always liked its sound better than the 250Ti)
4675 (it changed cinema sound, forever and had a VERY long run)


What gears do you have to driver your M2?except Crown:D

[sguttag]

What gears do you have to driver your M2?except Crown:D

Crown? Heavens no. I use QSC. I've driven them with both DCA and DPA-Q series amps (I prefer the sound the DCA amps over the DPA-Q). My exploits of using QSC's QSYS for driving my M2 clones are chronicled in the DYI thread on the M2.

[laurie]

I will say what speakers I would loved to have heard. And they also look incredible visually :)

4312 monitors
Everest
K2 S9500
S3900 (which I have heard in a showroom)
TLX 9GI (which has a classic 1980s look).

[merlin]

5th. 4344 Mk2

4th. K2 9900

3rd. 4345

2nd Everest

1st K2 9800

The winner is simply right. The ultimate tribute to the genius of a man responsible for some of the finest monitors in studio history.

[Mr. Widget]

The winner is simply right. The ultimate tribute to the genius of a man responsible for some of the finest monitors in studio history.I’m not sure he would arrange them in the same order. ;)

Great list though!


Widget

[martin_wu99]

Crown? Heavens no. I use QSC. I've driven them with both DCA and DPA-Q series amps (I prefer the sound the DCA amps over the DPA-Q). My exploits of using QSC's QSYS for driving my M2 clones are chronicled in the DYI thread on the M2.
DCA is exclusive for Dynaudio Acoustics speakers:applaud:

[martin_wu99]

I will say what speakers I would loved to have heard. And they also look incredible visually :)

4312 monitors
Everest
K2 S9500
S3900 (which I have heard in a showroom)
TLX 9GI (which has a classic 1980s look).
Without any order?:blink:

[martin_wu99]

5th. 4344 Mk2

4th. K2 9900

3rd. 4345

2nd Everest

1st K2 9800

The winner is simply right. The ultimate tribute to the genius of a man responsible for some of the finest monitors in studio history.
I'm very surprised that S9800 is in No.1,i think S9800 has big bug,S9800SE improved:D

[martin_wu99]

Crown? Heavens no. I use QSC. I've driven them with both DCA and DPA-Q series amps (I prefer the sound the DCA amps over the DPA-Q). My exploits of using QSC's QSYS for driving my M2 clones are chronicled in the DYI thread on the M2.
You mean QSC DCA and DPA-Q?

[martin_wu99]

DCA is exclusive for Dynaudio Acoustics speakers:applaud:
I mean this DCA,actually MC2's OEM

[sguttag]

While I've used the QSC DCA line of amps for a long time and in many theatres, and will continue to use them as a reliable and good sounding amp, the MC2 has proven itself to me to be a relatively unreliable amplifier. I have one site with them and I think they have all failed at one time or another and they don't sound notably better for all of their trouble.

[rusty jefferson]

..... the MC2 has proven itself to me to be a relatively unreliable amplifier. I have one site with them and I think they have all failed at one time or another and they don't sound notably better for all of their trouble.
Couldn't agree more. Got a friend in our area with a custom 4 way Quested system driven by MC2 amps, and those things are in for service more than a FIAT.

Would like to get a listen to your M2 clones sometime since we're so close.

[martin_wu99]

While I've used the QSC DCA line of amps for a long time and in many theatres, and will continue to use them as a reliable and good sounding amp, the MC2 has proven itself to me to be a relatively unreliable amplifier. I have one site with them and I think they have all failed at one time or another and they don't sound notably better for all of their trouble.
No,QSC is used in theatres and cinemas,but MC2 S-series is used in studio

[laurie]

Without any order?:blink:

Ah. Well in that case:

1st: Everest
2nd: K2 S9500
3rd: 4312 monitors
4th: TLX 9GI (which has a classic 1980s look).

I wont list the S3900 as I already heard them in a showroom in London.

[martin_wu99]

Ah. Well in that case:

1st: Everest
2nd: K2 S9500
3rd: 4312 monitors
4th: TLX 9GI (which has a classic 1980s look).

I wont list the S3900 as I already heard them in a showroom in London.
That's great:applaud:

[Champster]

Kevin Voecks

https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_2/feature-interview-kevin-voecks-4-2004.html


Great article Dave! Thanks for posting it.
Paul

[Champster]

This is an excellent thread because of the way the question is worded. The word "Favorite" doesn't really specify which priorities we using to determine our "favorite" speaker.

In first hand conversations that I've had with Dr Toole and Dr Olive, there is no doubt which speakers in the Revel and JBL line measure, and are widely agreed upon in double blind tests, as the best - and it isn't even close. However, when you include other priorities like appearance, nostalgia and others, the answers change significantly.

My personal preference is to stick with the work product of the speaker and that is the sound output. Therefore, my choices would be the Revel Salon2 and the JBL M2. If I were to consider cosmetics, then the Synthesis speakers (Everest) would be be my choice. If I were to have a vintage yearning, the L100 is easily the choice.

It all depends on what you're looking for in a speaker.

[Mr. Widget]

Great article Dave! Thanks for posting it.
PaulAnother sad Harman moment... Kevin was shown the door much as Greg Timbers was a few years back.

If Harman's management keeps this up, they will turn JBL into another RCA, Westinghouse, or Polaroid... great brands with little resemblance to what they once were.


Widget

[Mr. Widget]

My personal preference is to stick with the work product of the speaker and that is the sound output. Therefore, my choices would be the Revel Salon2 and the JBL M2. If I were to consider cosmetics, then the Synthesis speakers (Everest) would be be my choice. If I were to have a vintage yearning, the L100 is easily the choice.

It all depends on what you're looking for in a speaker.I have spent some time listening to the Salon2, M2, and E2, all in the same room but at different times.

My favorite of the three was the E2, though I thought the bass was a bit better in the M2.


Widget

[merlin]

I bought an awful lot over the years. I spent circa 500k dollars on various pieces of kit.

Once I got my hands on some K2 S9800's (the final Timbers masterpiece), I stopped looking.

I've powered them with Devialet monoblocks and I stopped considering audio to be a hobby.

Simply listening to music replaced it and still, some 9 years on, the 9800's continue to amaze me.

I will not have listened to something in years. I will hit play and be simply blown away, regardless of genre.

That happens whether I'm listening at 95db or at 60db. The level is totally irrelevant when it comes to the joy the 9800's bring to one's music collection and passion.

Greg left a present that should be appreciated for decades to come.

[SEAWOLF97]

My favorite of the three was the E2, though I thought the bass was a bit better in the M2.


Widget

Maybe a sub is needed ???

[Robh3606]

Maybe! Is that real as was actually in production or a photoshop??

[RMC]

Wolf,

What a monster! Never heard of Diatone driver. Probably all custom made for a special application. Maybe for earthquake simulations since Japan at risk.

Looks old though based on black & white pic and the wheels. Must have been Mitsubishi Heavy Industries division that made this. Imagine having to replace the surround on that thing, could take a long time. Any specs on the beast like how low can it go?

Don't know if someone would have been brave enough to keep that huge sub, specially in Japan where space is at a premium. Might have finished its days in a museum, i doubt, more likely in a scrap yard or landfill which is sad...

[RMC]

Yup, it is real. Found it accidentally searching for some response and impedance curves for older Fane Acoustics Crescendo Series woofers (have the specs and TS but missing the curves which i finally found). In the search results there was a link to subaudio.org (from France it seems). Clicked on that and went around then saw Diatone speakers, worth scrolling down (more than half way) to look at the various monster sub versions! Not difficult to understand the specs below each subwoof www.subaudio.org/diatone.html


The one Wolf showed here is a PW-1600 driver, Fs 8 hz!, power 3,000 Watts, driver diameter 160 cm (63")! Pure madness in a country where every centimeter of space is counted.

Enough cone area to make a 2245 or 2269 look like a children's toy. Could be DA woofer to play the 8 hz test tone on my test CD... Dementia at its best, lol

[Thomax]

Another sad Harman moment... Kevin was shown the door much as Greg Timbers was a few years back.

Hello, is this a confirmed information ? I have not read about it elsewhere...

[Ed Kreamer]

What the hell is going on down there? Is someone attempting to ruin the company?

[Mr. Widget]

Hello, is this a confirmed information ? I have not read about it elsewhere...Another former JBL employee who I know told me this a couple of months ago. I’m pretty sure it is true.


Widget

[Thomax]

Another former JBL employee who I know told me this a couple of months ago. I’m pretty sure it is true.


Widget

OK thanks for the info. I guess we'll have confirmation in the near future from one way or the other...

[JackFlack]

XPL-200
Bi-Amped with a DX-1