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JBL S4700s

Category: Speakers

Yeah so, I now have a pair in my listening room!
I got a great deal on them, there's no way I was gonna pay $20000 for them. They're really not worth that price. For that price range you're better off with Magico S5 or B&W 800D2. Anyway, they sound pretty good and they look pretty cool. I won't say they're the ultimate, however. Then again, what is. It could be my electronics; Bryston amp and preamp. The sound is a bit on the dry and flat side. Which is how Bryston has been described as. So, they need to be broken in as well. I'm hoping that sound will improve as time and playback goes on. I'm still saving up for a better amp and preamp albeit more expensive. So, hopefully that will do the trick! Anyway, I got some listening to do, catch you guys soon!

Amp: Bryston 4BSST

preamp: Bryston BP6P

CD player: Onkyo DX-7555

Turntable: Technics 1210M5G w/ Audio Technica AT150MLX cartridge

interconnects: FM Acoustics P.I.T., Technics OFC from turntable to preamp.

speaker cable Bryston SC4.
dave_72
dave_72 OP
1,399 posts
 
I just heard that retail price has gone down to $15000 a pair.
dave_72 OP
1,399 posts
 
The sound gets better and better as the days go by. If you're buying new, be prepared for a long, long break in process. They just do not sound good right out of the box. Matter of fact, they're downright disappointing. Overall, I would say this is a superb pair of speakers. On a par with the B&W 802D, 801D and what have you. Yes, the K2s and Everest's are better, but at a much higher cost. At the new price of $15000 USD, the S4700s are a speaker you should put on your audition list.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,867 posts
 
One good thing from a buyer's perpective about products from larger companies like JBL/Harmon is that they market to a broader customer base than a typical high end audio "boutique" brand and gets reflected in the price and market value.

I am strongly testing the "modern JBL" waters with a pair of the new, small Studio 530s in my second system. Those look way cool and would appear to be a good fit for me. I've been wanting to test out the modern horn speaker waters for quite a while.

The interesting thing about the 530s is according to specs, they are not particularly efficient, especially as horn based speakers go. That tells me they probably target better bass levels for such a small box, assuming the amp is up to it, which I think mine are.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,867 posts
 
BTW, I used to sell JBL speakers back in their 70's heyday at Tech Hifi in NY/NJ area. They were never my favorites back then. The bass with those large woofers always sounded muddy and undefined. Of course, we has mostly only receivers and integrated amps from Japan up to 120 w/ch or so to run them off. I'd be willing those same speakers in good condition today running of a more modern, beefy dedicated amp would sound very good indeed! I'm thinking the newer designs must be even better.
dave_72 OP
1,399 posts
 
Hi Mapman,

Very good points. Yeah, that's one of the reasons why I chose JBL; they're not the most boutique or esoteric speakers, but imo, they outperform most of those. I tend to go with companies that have been in the business for a long time, and not just the latest audiophile flavor of the month. Staying power is important to me. And the design team @ JBL (headed by Greg Timbers) plus their R&D is amongst the best in the business.

Yeah, that new Studio line is interesting. On a smaller budget, they just might be a winner. I know my previous JBLs, the older Studio L890s certainly were.

I can't say for those vintage models, but the S4700s, driven by this 300 wpc (into 8 Ohms) Bryston amp has pretty tight and well-defined bass. I would recommend no less than 200 wpc and a high damping factor for the JBL 15" woofers on these and other models, like the K2s.
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