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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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kiddman
341 posts
 
To the OP, I did not direct the "do not condemn" statement to you, as you are speaking positively about them. So I am "backing you up"!

Rather, I'm addressing those who would dismiss JBL or any products because they heard something by the company long ago, or because the company has not been anointed repeatedly by the USA press.

Also, a correction, in the second to last paragraph "Quad love" should read "Quad lover".

dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Well, as far as the horns in the latest models are concerned, the horns use a material call Sonoglass. Which is a very inert compound. This translates to getting the power and realism from the horns and compression drivers without the squawk, blat, buzz, or rattle from lesser designs. And of course you have some of the best woofers in the business. All of the Synthesis models have great bass, to various degrees, but it's still there. You really need to go out and listen to the Synthesis line as I believe it will change one's negative view of JBL. I believe JBL for the most part did their homework on the Synthesis line up. They're not the best, for far from the worst.
ptss
1,964 posts
 
Hello again Kiddman. Good to hear your 'well trained ear' support these truly great JBL horn speakers. By the way, have you experience with SOUND APPLICATION AC power conditioning products? I've just had a remarkably good experience. (I admit to wanting absolutely clean AC power and total isolation of digital from analogue.)
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audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Great post Dave_72, However, I believe their is no such thing as the best speakers anyway, personal tast for sound plays part of each audiophiles quest for sound reproduction, what may sound really good to me and you, may be bad to someone wanting cold bright analitical detail that would bring us fatigue!
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tonykay
1,301 posts
 
As I said above, I love the early JBL models, and I'll admit I am not really up to date on their more contemporary models. I just took a look at the link from Stereophile, posted above by Kiddman (JBL Synthesis Array 1400 BG). To me, it looks like a horn stuck to a speaker. Everyone will have an opinion, that's mine. Aesthetics should count for something. I'm not trying to be controversial and you don't have to agree with me, but if you like the look of that speaker, we have nothing more to talk about.
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