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Soliciting Upgrade Advice

I’ve been reading numerous threads on this forum in an attempt to isolate what would generally be regarded as the “best” pair of speakers in the 5K range. I understand that “best” in this context can be both subjective and objective. I listen to two channel only. While my primary musical preference is Grateful Dead, on occasion I’ve been known to throw on Mozart.

I currently have JBL S412P speakers and recently bought an M6si amp. Now before you guys trash the speakers (because I realize it may be a stretch to even consider them audiophile grade), I can tell you I’ve listened to quite a few speakers in my day, including the relatively new to market Golden Ear Triton One’s, and I still feel the 412s hold their own (if not sound even better). And yes, I know that there are Von Schweikerts to be had at 50K and even JBL makes an Everest model at a 50K price point, unfortunately that’s out of my reach.

Also, I’m told the JBL Array 1400 can annihilate the 412s. While that may be true, spec wise it doesn’t appear that way. I’m not simply looking for speakers to handle more wattage. The Array 1400’s appear to me at face value to be more-of-the-same (with respect to the 412s).

So, my dilemma – although it’s not a bad one to have – is because I’m budget constrained to 5K, do I stay with my JBL S412Ps or should I “upgrade” and if so, to what?
128x128gdhal
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 


There is no best or perfect speaker. It is all a compromise. Different speakers have certain strengths and weaknesses. Also speakers can be system dependent. There needs to be a synergy. You don't say what the rest of your system is so it is hard to make suggestions. The Dead loved McIntosh tube equipment. They were even a McIntosh dealer at one point.

I would listen to every speaker you can to get a feel for which ones you like. Try to listen with equipment similar to what you have. Use the same music, music you are very familiar with. Make a list and then whittle it down. I am also a dead fan. I want the illusion that the band is right there in the room. The tone of the instruments and voices needs to sound natural and not artificial. Most dead is very well recorded. Even the soundboard recordings of concerts sound really good.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Also, I’m told the JBL Array 1400 can annihilate the 412s. While that may be true, spec wise it doesn’t appear that way."

I can't recommend a speaker because I have no idea what you would be happy with, but I can say this. Specs do have their uses, but they can't tell you anything about sound quality.
brauser
525 posts
 
The used Dunlavy speakers continue to be the 'greatest bargains in all of high-end audio'. For 5K the SC-V(s) are well within reach which can truly compete with the super-speakers you mentioned.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal OP
1,641 posts
 
Lostbears - I have a music fidelity m6si if that helps in your response at all. GD used JBL as well as McIntosh. In fact McIntosh still prominently mentions Bobby and I believe shows a photo of him in the studio with McIntosh equipment. McIntosh was a bit beyond what I wanted to spend though.

Zd542, I agree with you, however, certainly you would agree that specs are certainly part of the equation. In this case both JBLs are rated to go to 32Hz. One has a sensitivity of 91db the other 89db. One has three the other four drivers. I grant you the quality of the components, cabinetry, etc and just plain realism of the sound is not necessarily known by specs.

Brauser, in googling the Dunlavy's there are many sites selling the brand and/or reviewing them. I couldn't readily find a company web site. Do you know the URL?

Thanks to everyone. I truly appreciate your candid feedback.

By the way, has anyone here heard the JBL S412Ps first hand?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Zd542, I agree with you, however, certainly you would agree that specs are certainly part of the equation."

"Specs do have their uses, but they can't tell you anything about sound quality."

I believe I said just that.

"In this case both JBLs are rated to go to 32Hz. One has a sensitivity of 91db the other 89db. One has three the other four drivers."

If you're going to rely on specs, you need to make sure all of them are taken into consideration. And just not some. For example, the 89db speaker may be much easier to drive than the 91db speaker. Other factors like impedance, xover design, how bass is handled, etc.., all play a huge part. But even if you have all the specs, you still can't predict how the speaker will sound. There's no way to measure things like timbre, imaging, sibilance, pacing....
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