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Does JBL get a bad rap?

For years, all one heard regarding almost any JBL product, especially vintage consumer grade products was that they were all boom(bass) and sizzle( highs). I feel this is an unfair generalization. Surprisingly, I find much of their budget minded gear(80s-90s) actually soft in the treble and very non-fatiguing(titanium laminate tweeters). I also have experienced the L100T and found them fairly well balanced and nuetral. The midrange does lack some realism magic especially on vocals but so do other highly touted speakers. In short, I am a little late to the game in regards to the JBL, but as a mainstream maker I am impressed. And that doesn't even take into account their 4xxx studio monitors which are highly regarded. Back me up jbl fans!
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dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Ptss: Those are the reasons they are considered classics, and rightfully so.

Audiolabyrinth: Exactly right. Imo, the high end JBLs hold their own and often times beat the big favorites in high end audio. For example, B&W 800 series, KEF reference, Harbeth, Avalon, ProAc, Wilson, and more. The only other 2 bands that I'll consider if I ever sell these JBLs are Tannoy Prestige and the bigger ATCs.
snecma
6 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth
True. On the day when JBL introduces new line of their speakers in the USA other brands can close their business.
I recently purchased 4319 which is moderate to low in new
line hierarchy. By the way, the speakers were tuned by
Keyeso Nigurava, Asymmetrical ports diameter, 27Hz - 40Khz, 92.5db. Internal wiring - Cardas Gold. Listened with the Pathos InPol amplifier and the sound was amazing, from the
jazz to heavy bass dance music. Two days later I sold my
Totem Wind and Focal Aria speakers. I just can imagine how their higher end speakers sounds. The only problem would be the price.
For now they are to expensive if you would import them from
Japan. The good thing is that you can order them with the
three different upgrades (cross over, internal wiring and
custom tuned ports). Standard versions also sounds good but with the less bass since the Japanese prefer more mid/high levels. Soon I will offer them on Audiogon to finance
purchase of 4365 speakers. They are also tuned by Mr.Nigurava. Specs are: 19Hz-43Khz, 93Db. But the price.....
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
snecma, great post, congrats on your JBL speakers.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Yeah, those 4365s sure are killers. I wish they were available here in the US. They're one of the best speakers that JBL makes, imo!
rja's avatar
rja
2,112 posts
 
About 15 years ago I worked at a national retailer where they had a large JBL equipped "media room" built to view and listen to ads. To me the whole affair was ear bleeding and shrill but I'll admit that the electronics could have been totally or partially to blame.

Some of us, including myself, have somewhat lukewarm perceptions of JBL from times past. Many of my friends and relatives owned JBL's over the years and I never considered them to be outstanding. Most of those systems were not outstanding and the speakers were probably perceived the same way. Maybe this is where the "bad rap" comes from?

I will admit that I have not heard any of their recent offerings. If I did, I just might change my opinion of them.

Changing these attitudes and perceptions may be one of JBL's major marketing challenges.
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