Best speaker brands for transient response

@ddafoe thank you for your response, that is super helpful.

I didn't prefer it over the big Spendor's bass output which to me sounds more like a sealed box than a ported design;

This is exactly what I'm looking for. I have two ported JBL models (not expensive, the Studio 590s and 4305Ps) and while they have many strengths, I much prefer to the bass signature of my sealed KLHs, although the active 4305Ps are pretty fast too.

I actually think the X2's bass output would maybe be problematic in my room, at least with the distance I could place them from my rear wall. 

This is my only concern with the X2s, the room probably is barely big enough for them in a best case scenario, based on recommended dimensions, and there's a good chance they won't be enjoyable off-axis at all. The recommended listening dimensions for the D7.2s is how I have my KLHs placed there now.

@deep_333 -- thank you for your response.

For example, Meyer Sound and pro Yamaha (specific models)

Do you find that the Yamaha pro strengths find their way into their premium home audio models like the NS 2000/5000?

Yamaha like many big brands with lots of money make both state of the art stuff and total junk. While I have not heard NS 5000, it leans toward state of the art and have a lot thought put into the materials. The tuning (they published measurements) seem bright on axis to me. They would need less toe in than typical speakers for me to enjoy them. Where the JBLs you are looking at have more of a rolled off treble and probably need listened to closer to on axis to sound neutral.

sadly I think the lower end JBLs are pretty average (still good) and are held back by the small compression drivers. You can seen the diaphragm breakup in the measurements and hear it as fatigue. I think the Revel counter parts are better. But at the highend I like JBL a lot better than Revel’s current offerings (I have owned a number of speakers from both brands and speak with experience). Once you get into “real” compression drivers it is a totally different game.

@james633 thank you -- so would you consider the 4349 in the higher end range or more mid-range?

That's still on my list.

I have not heard the 4349 so I can’t really comment. It is the “cheapest” JBL to get the duel diaphragm compression driver which is a good thing but it is also pretty small at 1.5”. The bass driver has the same motor structure as their top of the line models.

I saw an interview with one of the JBL sales men/engineers and they commented on 4349 being the best “buy” in their line as it sounds a lot like (as in almost the same) as their top model (SCL-1) at a fraction of the price.

based purely on looking at the data I feel like the 4349 is comprised a bit and probably should have had a 2” compression driver to allow for a lower crossover. It would eliminate that dip and help with distortion. In actual music enjoyment with room reflections I am guess you will not hear the dip.

I own the 4367 and I personally have not head a more detailed treble. It is not fake detail from lifted treble either. If anything the speaker errors on the warm side which works for me as I am not too much into audiophile music these days and have just been listing to “real” music from my youth. I guess that is a sign of a good speaker as everything is good and the best stuff is still outstanding. Also don’t over look the adjustable horn levels. It really makes a big difference. 0.5db steps does not seem like much but it changes the speakers over all sound a lot.

I am sure there is better but at what cost and effort. If you like your current JBLs I am sure you will like the higher models. To my ear the higher models are much better.