Project Array has Arrived

[robpatton]

I will be setting up a stereo Array 1400 system in the next day or two and post more info for you. Was doing some initial testing in Mono against a wilson Sophia Mk1 and the Studio L series 890. I was waiting on an Esoteric X-01 Limited to use with them and it is ready to be unpacked and start spinning. Lets see if the X-01 Limited can top the Esoteric UX-3 that has become an instant part of my family.
Sunday's System will be:

JBL Project Array 1400 Pair
Cello Audio Palette MIV Preamp/Equalizer
Cello Performance II Ampifier Pair
Esoteric X-01 Limited
Viola Labs Silver Litz Interconnects
Viola Labs Copper Litz Speakers Cables

Get some sleep and dream of freestanding horns!
Rob:applaud:

[edgewound]

That is exciting to see they actually exist!!!!

Cant wait to hear the results.

[hapy._.face]

Oh, MY! :blink:

Juicy stuff!:applaud:

Can't wait! :bouncy:

Can't sleep, either...:(

[robpatton]

Hi Everyone!

Here are a few shots from the assembly process of the Arrray 1400s and the final system once it was in place. Hope you enjoy. Let me know if anyone needs info on the Array or assistance finding a source for purchasing a new pair or full 5.1/7.1 setup.

Regards,
Rob

[robpatton]

Here are more pics for everyone.

Transports on the table are an Esoteric X-01 Limited and the UX-3 Multi-Format Player. Both are very similar to one another. The main difference is that the limited cost around 13K and the UX-3 cost 8.5K.

Unless you use the balanced outs outs of the X-01 Limited you wont hear much of a difference between the two.

Rob

[JuniorJBL]

And now How do they sound?:D

[oznob]

Wow, those are gorgeous!:jawdrop: Please tell me you live near Northern California, I have got to hear those!:applaud:

[4313B]

Let me know if anyone needs info on the Array or assistance finding a source for purchasing a new pair or full 5.1/7.1 setup.Who did you order your pair from?

[robpatton]

I am the source for the Array speakers in my pictures. If you dont have a local dealer that can assist you, please contact me and I will make sure you have some options available to you for ordering.

I added a few more peices to the system today to make a fun picture and try a different pair of amps.

So who is up for a $200,000.00 2 channel system? I can offer you a great price!

Rob

[hapy._.face]

Oh hell yeah! That's nice looking. Thanks for sharing your pics!

So, as one of the few owners of these- you have to tell us what your impressions are. No salesmanship- just give us the facts. We can handle it!

Thank you. :applaud:

[scott fitlin]

Hi Rob, really nice pictures, very nice assortment of esoteric gear. You seem to have these pretty set up, so, how do they sound?

Now that you have wetted our appetites, maybe a nice detailed account of the sonic attributes of the JBL Project Array speakers.

[glen]

So who is up for a $200,000.00 2 channel system? I can offer you a great price!

Rob

You really know how to hurt a guy Rob,
now TURN IT UP!!!!:bouncy:

[speakerdave]

Very nice. Thanks for the eye candy. How about a few well-lighted shots into the throat of that horn (or maybe just lend it to me for the weekend).

Thanks,

David :tree:

[Rolf]

Hi all.

Today I have been listening to the JBL 1400 ARRAY speakers. They was driven by a really nice Macintosh amp and Cd player connected with Nordost interconnect and bi-wired speaker cables. I am sorry I did not have my camera with me, but listening was not planned.

Before I make my comments on the sound I like to point out that these speakers have a price of NKR 79995,- - that is about US$ 12500,- a pair. For that price one should get a lot.

Regarding the subjective listening below is done in a room (in a shop) I am not familiar with, and compared to the 4343B's in my home. I plan to borrow the speakers to my home for further listening later.

This is my subjective judgement: The speaker is very very good from the top and down to about 5-700Hz. It is "airy" and the sound-stage is very precise both in depth and focus There is no doubt where the singer and musicians are. They might not be "wide", that is I could not hear much on the outside of the speakers, but this might be due to the room. At this frequency range they are as good, and someplace better that my 4343B's. From 5-700Hz and down to about 60-70Hz I felt the sound a little "unclear", if you know what a mean. The deep bass was not there at all. This might also have to do with the room, but I do not think so. I believe these speakers need a couple of 15" or 18" woofers to be complete. From 5-700Hz and down I believe my 4343B's are much better.

Well, this is what I heard. Please let us hear other opinions.

[northwood]

rich guy uses rich stuff:applaud:

[4313B]

Please let us hear other opinions.I could let you in on a few facts but you wouldn't like them so I'll refrain. Besides it's more interesting to read what people out in the field have to say about various systems. You're certainly not the first person that has said they like the 2231 or 2235 compared to the LE14.

[herve M]

:hmm: The technical sheet "project array" is available ?
Herve M

[4313B]

Nope. Not yet.

[oznob]

rich guy uses rich stuff:applaud:

More often than not, it's rich, single guy!
:thmbsup:

[Rolf]

I could let you in on a few facts but you wouldn't like them so I'll refrain.

I think you are wrong about this Giskard. I have never been "afraid" to hear opinions witch is the "opposite" of my own, so please tell me the facts.



You're certainly not the first person that has said they like the 2231 or 2235 compared to the LE14.

I did not said I liked the 2231/2235 better than the LE14. What I said was that THIS speaker system had very little low end and power there. I have heard the LE14 in other systems with a lot more power and depth.

I am no specifications fan, but the specs on the 1400 ARRAY states 32Hz -3db. As far as I remember right now this is about the same as the 4343B with the 2235H. What I meant was that on my reference record witch I used i the shop there was a lot missing in the low end compared to what I have in my home. Regarding specs I would have thought the system should have given more low end and output power.

[4313B]

It "sounds" to me like you are hearing a little too much room and not enough loudspeaker. Common problem in Dealer showrooms.


I plan to borrow the speakers to my home for further listening later.Cool! :)

[spkrman57]

The bass response should improve in time also.

I doubt the LE-14's are that bass-shy!

Ron

[Titanium Dome]

We'll see when Rolf gets 'em home and breaks 'em in. My preference is the LE14H-3 in most of my personal systems when placed in the same location, but I do like the 2235 better in one instance of placement.

As always: the room, the room, the room.

After a refoam on some LE14H-1s, they were pretty stiff for a couple of days, but loosened up quite nicely over time. I didn't formally "break them in;" I just gave them occasional use. I don't know how much playing time Rolf's Arrays had before he heard them.

[Rolf]

Well, does not seems like Giskard is going to tell us the "real facts", :( so I move on to quote some of TI's post.



As always: the room, the room, the room.


Yes I know...that's why I want them home for more listening.:)



I don't know how much playing time Rolf's Arrays had before he heard them.

Nor do I, but they have been in the shop for a couple of months. I will call tomorrow ans ask when I can get them home for some days....:) :)

[4313B]

Well, does not seems like Giskard is going to tell us the "real facts", :( The LE14H-3 is superior to the 2231/2234/2235 in every way except shear Vd.
That's a fact, not an opinion.
An opinion would be that an end user still prefers the 2231/2234/2235 and there's nothing "wrong" with that. ;)
I oscillated between them for many, many years. I knew the LE14H was superior but I liked the 2231/2234/2235 anyway so I owned them both (The final clincher for me was the space saved by using the LE14H).

[Rolf]

The LE14H-3 is superior to the 2231/2234/2235 in every way except shear Vd.


Can you please explain what "shear Vd" is for me not so technical in the English language??



That's a fact, not an opinion.
An opinion would be that an end user still prefers the 2231/2234/2235 and there's nothing "wrong" with that. ;)


I agree.



I oscillated between them for many, many years. I knew the LE14H was superior but I liked the 2231/2234/2235 anyway so I owned them both (The final clincher for me was the space saved by using the LE14H).

OK, maybe you feel that I am stupid here, but does a better measuring of a loudspeaker neccasarry means that it sound better? In my opinion this can't be true. Then specifications should be the judge...not the ears.

[4313B]

Can you please explain what "shear Vd" is for me not so technical in the English language??Volume Displacement
OK, maybe you feel that I am stupid here, but does a better measuring of a loudspeaker neccasarry means that it sound better? In my opinion this can't be true. Then specifications should be the judge...not the ears.No, that wasn't my point. My point was that despite the fact that certain transducers are specifically designed to be superior to certain other transducers sometimes we like the "inferior" transducers well enough. In this instance, I personally liked the 2231H, and then the 2234H and 2235H well enough to keep them around since their debuts, warts and all.

In any case, we are probably drifting here. The heart of the matter is - if the LE14H-3 sounds lacking then the room and/or backend is F-U-C-T. ;)

[JBLnsince1959]

The heart of the matter is - if the LE14H-3 sounds lacking then the room and/or backend is F-U-C-T. ;)

I would agree completely.... the LE14H-3 is a wonderful speaker and I enjoy it alot. They are not "Bass-Shy" at all..

and yes, I've had them all also and enjoyed them all, each for their own sound..

each person to his own..

When are you going to get them at your home Rolf?

[JBLnsince1959]

and of course to beat a dead horse even more.......if you feel they are "bass-shy" then just get a couple of Subs ( 2245's, 2242's, 1500 etc) and cross'em over ..job done...

[Steve Gonzales]

Can you please explain what "shear Vd" is for me not so technical in the English language??



I agree.



OK, maybe you feel that I am stupid here, but does a better measuring of a loudspeaker neccasarry means that it sound better? In my opinion this can't be true. Then specifications should be the judge...not the ears. In all the excitement, we are really speculating. The preliminary findings are just that. One thing to keep in mind is that we know that all the R&D that went into this series was thoughtful. I've never known a perfectly working JBL model to be bass shy. I'm sure there are many other members here that have heard their own favorite model in various rooms and heard a big difference, especially in the LF. I've had this happen recently with my own L220/222's. I had them in a very small room and they didn't have much LF response until I was pushing, no, forcing them to. I moved to a much bigger place and they really came alive. Due to circumstances beyond my control, within 2 months of living in that house, I had to move again (yes, I paid my rent:p ). I now have a very large room that by chance has very good acoustics and WOW!. Everything sounds good, UHF, midrange and LF, just amazing. One other thing, IME, when listening to my Bro's L250's over the past 20 years, my opinion of what good LF is has evolved. I used to like sheer output and gradualy, over time, my Brother taught me how to adjust my system for balance in all the bandwidths. I now hold the L250 as the #1 reference in which to judge the LF. Other models can have a much more pronounced LF output, but the LE14H-1 has the best quality LF IMO, all other things being equal. I am anxious to hear your opinion of these new beauties in a familiar enviroment. I, for one, will stay tuned. Thanks Rolf, Steve G.

[Titanium Dome]

(snip)

One other thing, IME, when listening to my Bro's L250's over the past 20 years, my opinion of what good LF is has evolved. I used to like sheer output and gradualy, over time, my Brother taught me how to adjust my system for balance in all the bandwidths. I now hold the L250 as the #1 reference in which to judge the LF. Other models can have a much more pronounced LF output, but the LE14H-1 has the best quality LF IMO, all other things being equal. I am anxious to hear your opinion of these new beauties in a familiar enviroment. I, for one, will stay tuned. Thanks Rolf, Steve G.

Well-written, Steve.

I too re-examined my whole LF outlook when I heard the L250. :yes: I'm sure that's why the Performance Stack pleases me so much.

[Zilch]

and of course to beat a dead horse even more.......if you feel they are "bass-shy" then just get a couple of Subs ( 2245's, 2242's, 1500 etc) and cross'em over ..job done...OR, some LE14H-3's. :p

For the record, mine required no break-in period that I could ascertain; they rocked from the very start.... :thmbsup:

[yggdrasil]

I heard the Array 1400 a couple of months ago. The pair I listened to, in that demo-room was definitely not bass-shy. It had the bass I ever heard. Very detailed.

[Rolf]

Thank you all for posting regarding my comments of the 1400 Array.

Me to have never heard a JBL model to be bass shy. (I mean of the good stuff. There has been some series over the years...) That was why I was so surprised when I listen to this model. I have heard other speakers in the same room, and this was not an issue then. BUT ... of course I know about rooms, where to place the speakers, what's on the floor, walls, ceiling etc.... That was why I want to take them home and play in a known environment.

Giskard: of course I know speakers are being constructed for different applications and use ... and in different quality.

I also know that by adding some 2245 or the like will give much more power.

Don't get me wrong here people, I believe the 1400 is a fine speaker. It was just not what I expected. (In that room anyway) Maybe I should have waited to post until after I had them in my home.

As for placement of the 1400 Array I believe there can be a little more critical than with the 43xx because the 1400 have the bass port on the back.

I will post again after the session.:)

[JBLnsince1959]

OR, some LE14H-3's. :p

:thmbsup:

10-4

[Rolf]

A little update: I have arranged to borrow the speakers this Easter, from April 12-18.:D

[4313B]

Wikid! :applaud:

[edgewound]

Wikid! :applaud:

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[spkrman57]

A little update: I have arranged to borrow the speakers this Easter, from April 12-18.:D

I am waiting to hear all the comments you will have to offer on the array series!

Ron;)

[4313B]

Obviously he didn't survive the audition.

[spkrman57]

Wow, those are gorgeous!:jawdrop: Please tell me you live near Northern California, I have got to hear those!:applaud:

I would like to see and hear a array system!:D

Ron

[hapy._.face]

I would like to see and hear a array system!:D

Ron


I think he's a southern gentleman- Florida, I believe.

[spkrman57]

And hear the array system!

Ron

[hapy._.face]

I gotta hand it to the man GT for coming up with a really interesting design. The more I look at the array's the more I appreciate them. There's a lot going on: The sculpted panels which vary the overall thickness- resulting in vibration control, the tweeters molded into the upper portion of the midrange horns, the selection of drivers among the line to maintain an overall listening standard- all speak of innovation. Love em or hate em- they aren't boring ! (..thank goodness for THAT !)

I also appreciate how LHF members respect the older stuff- but I see a real awakening in the JBL brand. I hope they sell the living dogshit out of these. I hope they start a momentum for JBL USA. I hope people support the new products and I hope GT lives a long time and keeps coming up with great stuff. More than all of this- I hope I get to HEAR THESE THINGS SOMEDAY!!! Where the heck are they!? :(

[Rolf]

I am waiting to hear all the comments you will have to offer on the array series!

Ron;)

Sorry abut that, but it did not happened as planned. As soon as time let me do this I will post the result.

[Rolf]

Obviously he didn't survive the audition.

That is yet to see.:p The spring (read: all the things that has to be done after the winter) has taken all my time. Anybody else own a house/garden here?:D

[4313B]

That is yet to see.:p The spring (read: all the things that has to be done after the winter) has taken all my time. Anybody else own a house/garden here?:DYep. Three. And now back to them.

Thanks Rolf. :)

[hjames]

That is yet to see.:p The spring (read: all the things that has to be done after the winter) has taken all my time. Anybody else own a house/garden here?:D

Too much garden - but the azaleas are just finishing their run, the trees are filling in, and its starting to get nice and shady!
Its a lot of life considering we only have 1/4 acre - just a half hour from Wash, DC. ...
But after work, its nice to take some time and sit by the pond with a nice stout and chill!
(goldfish and bullfrogs and birds, oh my!)

[Titanium Dome]

Your setting looks quite tranquil.

Takes me back to my bucolic boyhood on the farm in Ohio. Good grief, LA is a long way from that!

[hapy._.face]

I've been bugging Harmon about the availability of the K2S9800 SE and the Array's. I wanted to audition one or both. After a long exchange of emails- I still couldn't find anyone nearby (east coast). I finally received an email this morning regarding the Array's:





Travis,

Good afternoon and thank you for your inquiry. The JBL Array
series is currently limited to authorized JBL Synthesis dealers only. These speakers
have not yet hit the mass market, and are only available through a few
select dealers. Anyone else selling these particular speakers are not authorized!!! The following dealers are the only ones that are
currently carrying and showing these speakers:

Radio Active - La Quinta, CA

Jim Bunch co - Beaverton, OR

Electronics Environments - Denver, CO


I understand this is limited, and for that I apologize.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Mark Tirotta

Internet Support Specialist

PS: If replying to this email, please include all of our previous
correspondence. It is the only way I can keep up with your situation.

Thank you!!!




If anyone wants to demo the Arrays- here are your options (as of today).
I did some initial legwork for anyone living nearby these places. Get out there and audition these suckers! PLEASE!

For reference:


1. Radio Active (http://www.radioactiveav.com/)
Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=La+Quinta,+CA)
Contact Info (http://www.radioactiveav.com/contactus.htm)


2. Jim Bunch Co (http://www.bauerneighborhood.com/index.php?pageId=114691&action=details_local&itemId=31281) (no website)
Map (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?title=&address=&city=&state=OR&zipcode=97008&country=US&cid=lfddlink) (address recently changed- not sure which is the most recent)
Contact Info (http://www.bauerneighborhood.com/index.php?pageId=114691&action=details_local&itemId=31281)


3. Electronic Environments of Colorado (http://www.eeofcolorado.com/)
Map (http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&lr=&q=electronics+environments&near=Denver,+CO&radius=0.0&cid=39739167,-104984167,11593901491503812189&li=lmd&z=14&t=m)
Contact Info (http://www.eeofcolorado.com/locations.html)

[JBLnsince1959]

Hey!!! Looks like they got'em in Denver:applaud:

.....I'm going to be around there MEM weekend..maybe we can get some Co. guys together and do a "Listen":D

[hapy._.face]

Hey!!! Looks like they got'em in Denver:applaud:

.....I'm going to be around there MEM weekend..maybe we can get some Co. guys together and do a "Listen":D


I love reading that! Please make the effort- I'd really like to hear your comments. :)

[JBLnsince1959]

I love reading that! Please make the effort- I'd really like to hear your comments. :)

I'll give it my best shot...I have my lady AND Whit ( my GS) to consider. We'll be coming down from Yellowstone into Loveland Co where her bother is. I can hear her now saying "you want to go to Denver and do what????":rotfl:

and of course a holiday weekend may not be the best time to get people together. ( Ok, you can tell I've had time to consider and think about this rationaly:D )

God, I'd love to do it. I'm going to call them tomorrow and see if their open on Saturday...I've been wanting to go there anyway and also see the people in Co.

we'll see....

[4313B]

Project Array Literature (http://manuals.harman.com/JBL/HOM/Product%20Information/ProjectArrayLit.pdf)

The usual procedure - Right click the link, Save Target As...

[spkrman57]

Something to drool over!

Ron;)

[JuniorJBL]

I am in the process of setting up a demo of the Project Array here in Denver for this Saturday in the AM. I will take a handful of music with as well.

:applaud:

[JuniorJBL]

I went yesterday to Electronic Environments and had a listen to the Array 1000's!

My listening is based on a comparison to my B&W Signature 800's as my 250Ti's are still being worked on.

First off I must say that the 10" woofer is pretty amazing!!:D I would say that they were a little heavy in the midbass region. But other than that they are JBL all the way.

Second is that it seems to lack a bit of low mid definition but not much. (also remember I am comparing a $20,000 speaker to an $8,000 speaker)

Third I would say that Imaging was top notch!!:applaud: very precise and accurate. They were a joy to listen to jazz and rock as well. The hf did seem a "Little Dark" (my translation) but this could have been the electronics driving them.( Sherborne PT-7010a Proc. Unknown amp) I had never heard of this manufacture.

With all this said they were very dynamic and fun to listen to. I started my session with Dave Grusin's Migration. This album has great dynamics and it did not disappoint at all on the 1000's. Next I popped in Eagles "When Hell Freezes Over" and once again the Array 1000's did not miss a beat.
Next was a local group called "Water" (this is by the way one of the best recorded albums I have ever heard) and it did sound good. This is also where I determined that the mid bass was a bit more that I prefer and not quite as detailed as I would like (still could be the electronics) but never the less still sounded very good. Next I tried some Techno from "The Crystal Method Vegas" this is a very fun album to listen to. and The array 1000's just "Got it Done"!!:D I finished of with "Steely Dan's Decade of" and found once again that these speakers are full of life and would definitely not disappoint and would give most $8,000 speakers a VERY good run for the money.

The cabs are very nicely finished and have a very pretty appearance and would be at home in a large array of settings.
Anyways I hope you enjoy reading this and if you ever get a chance to listen to them I would Highly suggest that you do!!

JuniorJBL

[JBLnsince1959]

I am in the process of setting up a demo of the Project Array here in Denver for this Saturday in the AM. I will take a handful of music with as well.

:applaud:


I don't know if I should cry, scream or laugh.....BUT....

I was there Sat morning too ( drove down from Loveland) BUT the door was locked and the mail man said they were closed. I tried to call them but just got answering machines ( didn't give their hours either) so I gave up and left.:dont-know

I called the people before I went on vacation and they said they would be open, but they didn't tell me what time they opened or if it was by appointment only.

I quess it wasn't in cards this time.. I'll have to make a special trip to Co just for these puppies. If I had checked the forum from my B-I-L's computer in Loveland Friday night I would have gotten Shane's PM...... Oh well

Anyway, thanks for the review and sorry we didn't meet up this time ..

[robpatton]

Sonic Advantage
Orange Park Florida
32065
904-505-1645 mobile


Feel free to give me a call and arrange a demo, if available, of K2s, Arrays , etc. I can also discuss upcoming goodies a bit with you. Be sure to be at CEDIA for the lastest JBL Project releases.

[robpatton]

Travis,

Good afternoon and thank you for your inquiry. The JBL Array
series is currently limited to authorized JBL Synthesis dealers only. These speakers
have not yet hit the mass market, and are only available through a few
select dealers. Anyone else selling these particular speakers are not authorized!!! The following dealers are the only ones that are
currently carrying and showing these speakers:

Radio Active - La Quinta, CA

Jim Bunch co - Beaverton, OR

Electronics Environments - Denver, CO


I understand this is limited, and for that I apologize.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Mark Tirotta

Internet Support Specialist

PS: If replying to this email, please include all of our previous
correspondence. It is the only way I can keep up with your situation.

Thank you!!!

__________________________________________________ _____

I am an AUTHORIZED Synthesis dealer... no matter what MARK wrote.

Those three people he listed are not the only people that carry Arrays...he must have a desk job somewhere and he was definately not the one who offloaded one of the first pairs into my showroom here in Florida or the onle who is bringing my K2S9800SE in Woodgrain finish TOMORROW to me from the warehouse in AZ.

If you need additional info on dealers in your area, email me or go to www.jblsynthesis.com (http://www.jblsynthesis.com) and look for the inquiry link in that area.

Regards,

Robert Patton
Sonic Advantage
904-505-1645 mobile
JBL Synthesis Dealer, JBL Array Dealer, JBL ;) XXXXXXX ;) Dealer???????
Call me for more info!

[4313B]

he must have a desk job somewhereHe's an "Internet Support Specialist" so I doubt he gets out much. :rotfl:
It's pretty irritating when JBL sends out that kind of incomplete information.

[MJC]

He's an "Internet Support Specialist" so I doubt he gets out much. :rotfl:
It's pretty irritating when JBL sends out that kind of incomplete information.
Ya, it doesn't sound right that JBL is only shipping to 3 dealers.
Then again, the couple of dealers that have been around here over the years(one at Tahoe, one in Reno) didn't have showrooms anyway.
I haven't seen any hi-end JBLs around here since I saw a pair of 250s in CC in '87.

[JBLnsince1959]

Robert:

thanks for the info.

I'll look at some maps and see if it fits in my travels.. HP, don't you go to Fl. about once year?