L112 or L166

[Wagner]

If you had to choose between these two, and only these two, which one would it be?
The L112 or the L166? The "why" is optional; I'm more interested in the number of votes respectively.

Thank you for your participation with this and your indulgence,
Thomas

[midlife]

I don't really think this will help but, I have L166s (no glareing defficiencies, I like them!) and have not been able to hear L112s or do anything related to an a-b comparison.

[Wagner]

I don't really think this will help but, I have L166s (no glareing defficiencies, I like them!) and have not been able to hear L112s or do anything related to an a-b comparison.

You're right, it's not.
Thomas

[midlife]

You're right, it's not.
Thomas

Well I tried. If, from the info I have read on the forum and I am understanding it correctly the L112s might be considered as a more bass efficient L96. Where as the L166s could be viewed as a much improved L100. It's probably safe to say you wouldn't be disappointed with either of these larger bookshelf speakers.

[Wagner]

Well I tried. If, from the info I have read on the forum and I am understanding it correctly the L112s might be considered as a more bass efficient L96. Where as the L166s could be viewed as a much improved L100. It's probably safe to say you wouldn't be disappointed with either of these larger bookshelf speakers.

I've edited my original question in hopes it will be more clear.
It's an "either, or" proposition I'm interested in hearing some statistical feedback on.
Thanks for playing!
Thomas

[SEAWOLF97]

I found this post on AK from our own Don McR on the L166
(only because it was quoted in this CL ad)

http://austin.craigslist.org/ele/1300603278.html

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7528


If you want something more refined, go for the JBL's. They aren't as efficient, but to my ears, are much more neutral and just as dynamic. As Shane said, the JBL 166's are one of the highest regarded JBL bookshelf speakers, and sell for a premium. Mint pairs can fetch $800 or more on Ebay. Cheaper options include 4312's, L112's, and my personal favorite, the rare L110.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=14993

$375 is a steal for what is arguably the most accurate JBL bookshelf made in the 70's. __________________
Regards

Don McRitchie
Webmaster
Lansing Heritage Website

[SMKSoundPro]

love my l110's!!

scotty.

[JBL 4645]

I had to have peek at the two contenders in Google image and like the look of the JBL L112.

[Wagner]

I had to have peek at the two contenders in Google image and like the look of the JBL L112.

Yes, very beautiful, and I appreciate that they are "mirrored".
The L166 is no slouch as well in the looks department when "nude", although I do not appreciate the "egg crate" aesthetic as much as I do cloth on an interesting frame. I did my L100s in cloth when I restored them, leaving the foam option open with my solution.
Dust and dirt is factor where I live, so grilles do see regular service when the systems are not in use.
Irrelevant to sound I know, but still a nice thing for me when I can enjoy the "transducer condoms"

Thomas

[SEAWOLF97]

YI do not appreciate the "egg crate" aesthetic as much as I do cloth on an interesting frame.

its an acquired taste , for sure ...but is very acoustically transparent..cud never hear diff when grills on/off.

[JBL 4645]

Yes, very beautiful, and I appreciate that they are "mirrored".
The L166 is no slouch as well in the looks department when "nude", although I do not appreciate the "egg crate" aesthetic as much as I do cloth on an interesting frame. I did my L100s in cloth when I restored them, leaving the foam option open with my solution.
Dust and dirt is factor where I live, so grilles do see regular service when the systems are not in use.
Irrelevant to sound I know, but still a nice thing for me when I can enjoy the "transducer condoms"

Thomas

Well get an oxygen tank that should keep dust out and keep it pumping with pure oxygen.

I bet that HF on the L112 is seriously loud.

Does JBL still supply parts for these speakers?

[AmericanPie]

its an acquired taste , for sure ...but is very acoustically transparent..cud never hear diff when grills on/off.

They're also an asset when contending with furry critters in the house. Cats don't give them a second look, but they seem to love sharpening their claws on cloth grills .

[JBL 4645]

They're also an asset when contending with furry critters in the house. Cats don't give them a second look, but they seem to love sharpening their claws on cloth grills .

Try not to get your cats curiosity with new items in the home because cats would be sniffing around it before you had the chance in securing it. They’ll strip it and clean it bone dry in minutes!

And the only thing you’ll see is the HF passing out of its backside the next-day in the litter tray!

Fortunate enough my cat is, only into tissues! Sounds kinky doesn’t it! Seriously he’ll even go sniffing for a used tissue out of my trouser pocket that’s how obsessed my cat is about tissues, he doesn’t give a hoot about speakers anymore.

[brutal]

Are you expecting votes on looks and aesthetics, or actual listening comparisons from those that have/had owned both?

I have both and my vote goes to the L112.

That's not to say the L166 has any serious shortcomings. The L112 has a better network, better imaging, and harder hitting bass. I consider it a more refined system.

[Wagner]

Are you expecting votes on looks and aesthetics, or actual listening comparisons from those that have/had owned both?

I have both and my vote goes to the L112.

That's not to say the L166 has any serious shortcomings. The L112 has a better network, better imaging, and harder hitting bass. I consider it a more refined system.

It would be more meaningful (and my purpose) if the votes were indeed based on actual listening comparisons (opinions) from those that have/had owned both.

I am aware that there is quite a bit of love for the L166 .

Although looks can be a factor with some, it is my guess that for the most part sound trumps aesthetics for the majority of members here at Lansing Heritage.

The grille comments were a pleasant digression.

Thank you for your participation!

Thomas