Project Array Series

[Titanium Dome]

I'll try to bring some resoruces to bear on this important and impressive new series by JBL.

On this page you'll see the CES 2004 coverage by Audioholics:

http://www.audioholics.com/ces/ces2004/CES_2004_day2c.html

[Titanium Dome]

Here's a typical, mostly OT AVS Forum thread that went nowhere

http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=369795

except it produced a link to this early look from a French site, Cine Now! This site shows all the JBL product at the show.

http://www.cinenow.com/fr/reportage.php/sid,842

[Titanium Dome]

Here's the obligatory link to Sound and Vision's report. This material gets repetitive, of course, but there are sometimes different points of view at least.

The Cinema Vision line is also covered.

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=2&article_id=551&page_number=1

(Scroll down to the middle of the page.)

[Titanium Dome]

As it goes further down the page and into the archives, Earl's original thread should be linked for reference. There's a lot of good info.

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=7102

[Titanium Dome]

Quick access to JBL's generous sharing via Techbot:

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=7113

[Titanium Dome]

Courtesy of Audio Courses, a full description and an easy way to inform your friends about Project Array.

http://www.audiocourses.com/article-friend-200.html

[Mr. Widget]

The French link: http://www.cinenow.com/fr/reportage.php/sid,842

...has some decent photos of the systems. The first thing that comes to mind is that even if these systems don't prove to be run away best sellers in the two channel arena, I bet they will kick ass in the HT environment. Since the two channel world is still shrinking and HT is where the smart money is at, I suppose JBL is showing it's smarts after all. I see it as fundamentally replacing much of the Synthesis stuff. Obviously those are complete systems with amps, room control, etc., but these speakers are quite on target for my ideal in the HT world. Despite their unorthodox styling, I bet they will do quite well.


Widget

["Duke" Spinner]

AAAH ...!

to only have the money for New JBL stuff............

i gotta wait 'till it's 25 years old to get it ....

L-7, 4430, 4520, Control 10, 4313

["Duke" Spinner]

well, i Did buy L-36's new .....

closeout, tho ....

[Titanium Dome]

Duke

I hear what you're saying. My first new purchase of JBLs was my pair of L100s at full retail. Gosh, what a magnificent feeling for an eighteen year old to be putting those babes on lay-away! Even better, how great it was to pay them off and take them to my dorm room at nineteen.

As a young parent and struggling professional, I got some new, inexpensive, additional JBLs over the years: LX300, Simply Cinema, etc., but I never dreamed I'd get brand new high line JBL stuff. Instead I bought really nice used gear, the first of note the L7s. (Still love 'em! :applaud: )

Then came professional success (gee, after only 25 years), a divorce (gee, after only 28 years), and a great deal on brand new Performance Series gear (gee, only 32 years after the L100s). So, you never know what'll happen. Your opportunity might be closer than you think. I still have a hard time believing I got the PS.

Once the Project Array gear hits the streets, who knows what'll happen? Some rich guy buys 'em and his wife says "No way! Not in my house. Get those alien things out of here and get some Bose Cubes." (Excuse me, I have to :barf: after writing that word.) The next thing you know you find an ad on the 'net from some poor, suicidal sucker: Wife says "No." My loss your gain. JBL speakers. Best offer.

:bouncy:

[Titanium Dome]

You may not be able to read this, but there are two nicely lit and photographed pictures of the side and rear of the horns.

http://www.areadvd.de/news/2005/IFA_2005/jbl_1.shtml

[Tom Brennan]

I'd rather have some old A5s. Best HT sound I heard was when I used A5s. Then I moved into a high-rise, goodbye.

[Titanium Dome]

I'd rather have some old A5s. Best HT sound I heard was when I used A5s. Then I moved into a high-rise, goodbye.

If you long for the good ol' days, here they are:

http://sphl.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?spkrfull&1130514689

In the meantime, back on thread:

http://sphl.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?spkrfull&1130514689

This is pretty much the PR boilerplate, but interesting to see how the word is out there.

[Don McRitchie]

Since the product has been formally announced, I think it is safe to show this. These are the original prototypes of the Array Series from 2003.

[louped garouv]

Since the product has been formally announced, I think it is safe to show this. These are the original prototypes of the Array Series from 2003.

too cool.... did you get to listen to them at that time?

[Titanium Dome]

I stopped by Sing Young in San Gabriel today to check on something here:

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=71824&postcount=549

and I was shooting the breeze with the shopgirl (she's really a young lady) and she indicated they might be setting up a Project Array room when JBL gets around to acutally shipping them.

Of course, it's a wing and a prayer right now, but hey, if they ever get a set up, I'll be there to give a listen. Of course, I'll report back.

[JBLnsince1959]

I was shooting the breeze with the shopgirl (she's really a young lady.

Was that Angie you were talking to or someone else?

[Titanium Dome]

Was that Angie you were talking to or someone else?


Angie Mao,
Yes, and how!

[JBLnsince1959]

what does she look like? she sounds very sweet ( and smart) on the phone. :D

[Zilch]

:useless:


Take yer camera next time. :D

[JBLnsince1959]

:useless:


Take yer camera next time. :D

:applaud:

I was thinking the same thing :D

[Mr. Widget]

Personally I was thinking this whole off topic exploration as a waste of pixels...


Widget

[JBLnsince1959]

Personally I was thinking this whole off topic exploration as a waste of pixels...


Widget

We are ever so humbled by your example over the years of NEVER going off topic. We stand corrected and also are in complete awe of your willpower. Please forgive us mere mortals.

[Mr. Widget]

Yeah.... whatever. :applaud:


Widget

[edgewound]

Please forgive us mere morals.

We'll forgive your morals:p

[JBLnsince1959]

We'll forgive your morals:p

thank GOD someone will........ ;)

[MJC]

In the meantime, back on thread:

I was looking at the pic of the 1500 Array BG. The driver looked a whole lot like my sub1500s.:applaud: I can't see any differences, from the front view anyway.

[Titanium Dome]

Here's a blurb from Audioholics from the recently completed show in Anaheim. You may need to scroll down a little for the Project Array photos and blurb.

http://www.audioholics.com/ehx/ehx2005/EHX2005Anaheim2.php

Edit: Given the gushing nature of the prose, I'd guess these folks never saw/heard the Performance Series.

[Mr. Widget]

Edit: Given the gushing nature of the prose, I'd guess these folks never saw/heard the Performance Series.:applaud: :rotfl: :applaud:


I was looking at the pic of the 1500 Array BG. The driver looked a whole lot like my sub1500s.:applaud: I can't see any differences, from the front view anyway.
The W1500 is the new sub as used in the Project Array Sub... it has been mentioned a couple of times in various threads. It is slightly different than our friend the Sub1500... the biggest changes being that it sports a new frame and an 8 ohm rating.


Widget

[Titanium Dome]

Here's an updated spin on the Project Array Series, and a price is mentioned, too! It just doesn't say which one goes for $3k. If that's for the 800 Array, then hold onto your hat for the 1400 Array's price.


from Frank Doris, FM Group Public Relations

JBL Project Array: A Breakthrough in Ultrahigh-End Loudspeaker Design

JBL’s ultrahigh-end Project Array loudspeakers combine JBL’s innovative compression driver technologies with state-of-the-art dynamic drivers to take advantage of the sonic strengths of both designs. Project Array models include the 1400 Array and 1000 Array floorstanding loudspeakers, the 800 Array stand-mounted loudspeaker; the 880 Array center channel loudspeaker; and the 1500 Array powered subwoofer with a built-in 1000-watt amplifier. In active demonstrations at CES 2006, the 1000 Array is featured in a two-channel JBL Synthesis system, showcasing its capability of reproducing music with remarkable purity and realism.

Project Array loudspeakers combine the exceptional dynamic range, transient response and “effortless” sound quality of horn-loaded compression drivers with the precise imaging, three-dimensional soundstage and articulate low-frequency impact provided by the finest dynamic drivers. The Project Array Series truly offers the best of both designs, along with unsurpassed resolution and a smooth, natural tonal balance.

To achieve their superlative performance, the 1400 Array, 1000 Array and 800 Array loudspeakers feature advanced-technology Bi-Radial®-horn compression drivers mounted vertically in a freestanding configuration. This design eliminates enclosure diffraction effects to provide ultrastable imaging and an expansive soundstage. The 880 Array employs a vertically mounted Bi-Radial-horn compression driver flanked by dual woofers to deliver articulate reproduction of dialogue and effects. The Bi-Radial drivers are made from an extremely dense and inert material to eliminate unwanted sonic colorations, and incorporate their midrange/high-frequency and ultrahigh-frequency transducers into a unified horn assembly that optimizes the horn’s dispersion pattern and tonal accuracy, both on- and off-axis.

To complement these unique transducers, Project Array loudspeakers employ ultimate-quality low-frequency drivers that are engineered to deliver extended and articulate bass response. JBL Project Array loudspeakers are constructed from only the highest grade materials and components.

Project Array loudspeakers are as distinctive in appearance as they are in performance. All models are available in an elegant lacquered-wood finish, complemented by an ultraflat, soft-touch, rubberized black finish for the top surfaces – a unique design that blends classic and high-tech elements.

JBL Project Array loudspeakers are currently available with suggested retail pricing beginning at $3,000 each.

[DRG]

http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=68577

[spkrman57]

$11,000.00 for the pair with 14" woof's!

And to think I might retire this year with low fixed income, bummer!!!

Ron:(

[lfh]

I asked about pricing at the high-end exibition in Stockholm last week (no speakers on display, though), and the Harman representative said that a "guesstimate" would be 50 kSEK/pair for the smallest and 100 kSEK/pair for the largest, corresponding to USD 3146 respective USD 6292 each.

[JBLnsince1959]

$11,000.00 for the pair with 14" woof's!

And to think I might retire this year with low fixed income, bummer!!!

Ron:(

well it might pay to work another year, get your arrays and THEN retire in style.. :bouncy: :D

[spkrman57]

well it might pay to work another year, get your arrays and THEN retire in style.. :bouncy: :D



I think in a few years there might be a used pair around from someone who has to have the latest and greatest and sells their old arrays!

It's nice to hope at least! Still have to leave the Govt while somewhat sane!:blink:

Ron

[robpatton]

How soon will they go is the real question....

[edgewound]

How soon will they go is the real question....

Sounds like you are a dealer. Yes? No?

[Titanium Dome]

How soon will they go is the real question....


How much will they go for is my question.

If I sell my entire Performance Series (PC600, 8 PT800s, 3 PS1400s), will I be able to afford two Array 1400s?

[robpatton]

Yes I am a dealer. Retail prices are as follows:


1400ARRAY 3-Way 14" Floorstanding Each $5,500.00
1000ARRAY 3-Way 10" Floorstanding Each $4,000.00
880ARRAY 3-Way Dual 8" Center Each $3,500.00
800ARRAY 3-Way 8" Bookshelf Each $3,000.00
1500ARRAY 15" 1000 Watt Front Firing Subwoofer Each $4,000.00

Let me know if you need assitance with finding a dealer, install advice, installs or other system equipment to accompany the speakers.

I might consider a trade on the Performance Stuff plus a little cash. Email me.

Rob

[JuniorJBL]

Hmmmm.....

If I sell my B&W Signature 800's that should get me there... but.. Maybe I should wait to see what is happening in the near future:beamup:

I think my wife will probably have some words for me:argue: then she will most likely :bash: and then I will have to :uhmmmm: . I will just have to wait and see:(

[mech986]

I was looking for some information on the 1500 Array Sub and found this on the JBL.com website after a search:

http://www.jbl.com/home/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=1500%20ARRAY%20BG&CheckProduct=Y

Here's a link to the whole Project Array system owners manual with spec's - interesting to check out:

http://manuals.harman.com/JBL/HOM/Owner%27s%20Manual/ProjectArrayOM(web)rev1-10-06.pdf

and info on the Project Array series:

http://www.jbl.com/home/products/series.aspx?serId=PTS

Hope this is useful for you guys.

Also, thanks to JBL Consumer and manufacturing/research and development for undertaking such a product and providing so much information to the Forum and the general public about it. Personally, for those with the income to pursue this level, I think they are very competitive in the HT arena. Certainly gives any JBL fan cause to lust after the JBL High End type speakers like we did in our (misspent) youth's.

Hopefully, young buyers today will stay with JBL as a brand like we did and are all these years because of the JBL attributes - Superior engineering, Precision manufacturing, Strong and long lived customer support, and persistent value over time.

Regards,

Bart

[Titanium Dome]

Before this thread falls into oblivion, has anyone spent any quality time with these recently?

Maybe the expectancy of the October event dampened the marketing prospects for these, but I'd still like to know if anyone's spent real time with them.

[MJC]

Considering that the smallest of the lot is $3k/ea we know BB won't be selling them, including Magnolia. I doubt Fry's will either.
So unless smaller retailers stock them, like HT Electronics, which have two or three shops, a couple in NoCal and the other in Reno, they do carry JBLs, and they will do special orders. But when the PS came out they didn't carry them, and don't really push JBLs.
I would guess its like the PS all over again. Just Synthesis dealers, most with no showrooms, and hard to find.
How I long for the days when JBLs were sold in CC. 20 years ago the Reno CC had the 250Ti on display. That was the last time I saw any high end JBLs in Nevada.