I've owned: Acoustat, Audiostatic, Polk, Altec A7, Altec 15, Klipsch Heresy, Green Mountain Audio, KEF, Zu, ADS 410/710, Linn Kaber, Triangle Zerius (GREAT speaker), Totem (many, liked most), many single-driver speakers, and many more I can't recall at the moment.
Several months ago, I purchased a set of JBL L112 speakers in great shape and replaced most of the crossover parts with identical values. Aside from having to move the speakers around in my small room (8X14) to work out some bass issues, I now have the most engaging speakers I have ever owned. They aren't just loud - they have a fullness and impact that I have been seeking since I started the hobby. These sound more "live" - most of the other speakers have sounded "good".
I get to work around live music quite a bit, and these JBLs possess that intangible quality of just sounding right. When a vocalist holds a note and has an emotional crack - this speaker conveys that kind of emotion in spades. It allows me to forget about "critical" listening so I can just enjoy the music.
I have heard the L100 (unmodified "crossover"), and they are not similar at all. The L112 has a proper crossover.
The other half of the equation is my updated 30 watt Harman Kardon 430 receiver. Many people like to dismiss vintage equipment, especially receivers, as nice but not up to the quality of current equipment. I would invite those people to hear this setup playing Larkin Poe's "Come on In My Kitchen" Jam In the Van performance from Youtube. The production quality is amazing, and they are performing for you in the room.
I have owned Naim, Audio Research, Belles, Rogue Audio, Cary, Audio Note, etc. I'm not overstating the quality of the HK receiver - it's the real deal. If you keep your eye out, a system (speakers/receiver) can be assembled for about $1,200-1,500.
I have compared the HK to Sansui, Pioneer, Marantz, AR, and other receivers, and I can't find one that matches the mighty 430. They are easy to service with off the shelf parts, and any competent tech should be able to fix any issues and keep it going for another 20 years. The FM tuner sounds excellent too. I do use a Schiit outboard phono preamp to improve upon the internal pre and run it through the tape monitor.
Looking for a DAC for computer audio? Topping D10 from Amazon or Parts Express and less than $100. I prefer this to both an Auralic and the Chord Qutest I had in house.
Good luck on your search!
Several months ago, I purchased a set of JBL L112 speakers in great shape and replaced most of the crossover parts with identical values. Aside from having to move the speakers around in my small room (8X14) to work out some bass issues, I now have the most engaging speakers I have ever owned. They aren't just loud - they have a fullness and impact that I have been seeking since I started the hobby. These sound more "live" - most of the other speakers have sounded "good".
I get to work around live music quite a bit, and these JBLs possess that intangible quality of just sounding right. When a vocalist holds a note and has an emotional crack - this speaker conveys that kind of emotion in spades. It allows me to forget about "critical" listening so I can just enjoy the music.
I have heard the L100 (unmodified "crossover"), and they are not similar at all. The L112 has a proper crossover.
The other half of the equation is my updated 30 watt Harman Kardon 430 receiver. Many people like to dismiss vintage equipment, especially receivers, as nice but not up to the quality of current equipment. I would invite those people to hear this setup playing Larkin Poe's "Come on In My Kitchen" Jam In the Van performance from Youtube. The production quality is amazing, and they are performing for you in the room.
I have owned Naim, Audio Research, Belles, Rogue Audio, Cary, Audio Note, etc. I'm not overstating the quality of the HK receiver - it's the real deal. If you keep your eye out, a system (speakers/receiver) can be assembled for about $1,200-1,500.
I have compared the HK to Sansui, Pioneer, Marantz, AR, and other receivers, and I can't find one that matches the mighty 430. They are easy to service with off the shelf parts, and any competent tech should be able to fix any issues and keep it going for another 20 years. The FM tuner sounds excellent too. I do use a Schiit outboard phono preamp to improve upon the internal pre and run it through the tape monitor.
Looking for a DAC for computer audio? Topping D10 from Amazon or Parts Express and less than $100. I prefer this to both an Auralic and the Chord Qutest I had in house.
Good luck on your search!
