Quote Originally Posted by Champster View Post
I thought I'd start a thread on my attempt to build a reference system that is one step more advanced than the JBL Synthesis K2 S9900. Although I have never heard the S9900, I love the design concept and am pretty sure it would rival, or exceed, many high end, audiophile systems. I am thrilled to get your comments (positive or negative) on my project. I realize that in any project like this, there are varying opinions on build theory and I won't bristle at your thoughts.
As for getting vintage JBL’s to sound anywhere near modern JBL speakers you won’t come close. I know as I have them side by side (4344/K2 S9900) and it is no contest. A beryllium compression driver in the 4344 helps with imaging but nowhere near what the 1500AL-1/476Mg combo can do. I have spent hours fiddling with my 4344s and have them sounding as good as they’re going to get, you can’t tell your listening to a horn speaker any more, but they’re no were near the K2s.