Very well put Ian. I strive to get as close to the real thing myself. I know what High Fidelity means. It does seem that some understand it as a graph on some computer screen. There are times when a driver measures bad on the screen, but sounds right. There is nothing wrong with measuring drivers and response, don't get me wrong, but if what you end up with is a dry, lifeless "machine", I believe you have to start trusting your own ears and what satisfies your ears, not your eyes. Most of the "Lab Techie types" will always try to undermine an opinion that doesn't prescribe to their "knowledge" by calling a system non-linear or some other completely dismissive term. I've noticed that there is a consensus that the traditional JBL sound is lacking and needs to be "fixed". While I'm sure that there are some good tweaks that can be done, I rather like the traditional JBL or West Coast sound. I've read here recently about the L300 being lacking or not good enough to compete with current day offerings too. While a big 4way JBL will certainly have more to offer, the L300 is an awesome speaker and can still outperform just about anything at many times it's price point today. I think that alot of members might feel like they don't have a great sounding rig because someone says: "That measures bad on the graph". They say that a system is "Neato" or "Fun", in a derogatory manner, because it isin't up to some "machine standard" they're trying to herd people into. I've read countless posts about many people's experiences with vintage JBL or Altec systems, and that they fell in love with that sound. I say that unique quality of sound is really what most are after and should feel no shame in preserving it. A person is not an idiot because he loves his L100's or an Lxxx or 4xxx. Upgrade the caps and coils in the passive crossover, install a better driver, etc-etc, but don't tweak it until it doesn't sound like a JBL anymore. I've heard many over-tweaked systems, and by and large, the only thing that resembles JBL or Altec are the foilcals and badging, sometimes not even that, and they can KEEP IT!. If loving the unique sound of vintage JBL/Altec systems is wrong, I don't want to be right!. I recommend 80's vintage Yamaha M series SS for the LF and VTL/ Manley/Conrad Johnson (EL34 based) tubes for the rest, especially if you have compression drivers and horns.Originally Posted by Ian Mackenzie