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wookie
02-07-2006, 03:29 PM
I'm considering the purchase of some L-55's though I have not heard them before. Can anyone give me an idea of their sound? Are they accurate enough to use as playback monitors for studio work?

MJC
02-07-2006, 11:00 PM
I like the sound of the L55's a lot better than the L100's, which was a consumer version of studio monitors. As to how accurate they are, well they're nowhere as accurate as the L212's. But after more than 30 years mine still sound pretty good. And 3 L55s make a good front end for a HT.

Zilch
02-07-2006, 11:22 PM
http://manuals.harman.com/JBL/HOM/Technical%20Sheet/L55%20Lancer%20ts.pdf

L55 was one of several systems responsible for LE14A's erroneously receiving a bad rep as having "muddy midrange." Crossing to the LE20-1 at 2 kHz, it was just too much of a stretch for that woofer. They are not appropriate as playback monitors for studio work, no.

L100 may have been hyped as a consumer version of a studio monitor, but it never was. Not suitable for studio use, either, as the "forward" voicing is wrong.

Purchase real studio monitors for studio use. There's plenty of used ones available.

4400 series comes immediately to mind....

Read up about JBL Studio Monitors here:

http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=4408

MJC
02-08-2006, 06:58 PM
http://manuals.harman.com/JBL/HOM/Technical%20Sheet/L55%20Lancer%20ts.pdf

L55 was one of several systems responsible for LE14A's erroneously receiving a bad rep as having "muddy midrange." Crossing to the LE20-1 at 2 kHz, it was just too much of a stretch for that woofer.

When I bought the L55s in '73 I prefered the L65s, but as a lowly apprentice, at the time, I had to settle for the L55s. But I still like their sound, but nowhere near as much as the L212s, or 250s.

jbl4435
02-08-2006, 09:07 PM
In 1973 I purchased the L-55 and had the JBL dealer replace the LE-20 with the LE-175 compression driver. That system rocked with great highs, clear mids and very solid bass. I would give a lot to have those back!!!!!

Hugh

Zilch
02-08-2006, 10:49 PM
In 1973 I purchased the L-55 and had the JBL dealer replace the LE-20 with the LE-175 compression driver. That system rocked with great highs, clear mids and very solid bass. I would give a lot to have those back!!!!Build yer own, even better. Instructions over in Q&D, free cabs in San Diego, maybe:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5859177164&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

:)