2. speakers
  3. 158536-146293

JBL Synthesis “Bookshelves”

Hey Guys,

As a current owner of JBL Synthesis HDI-1600 (love them) I’m now seriously considering picking up a pair of the larger “bookshelves”. Problem is, I’m having a hard time parsing the differences between their offerings..

L100 - Best looking grilles, and available matching stands that are a no brainer and look great. Shares 12” driver with other models, but may have different mid/hi. No horn loading.
Can anybody advise which (if there’s a clear winner of the bunch) is the best between the L100, 4307, 4429 and 4319. Note that the only one that JBL deemed worthy of the term “Audiophile Sound” on their website was the 4319, which consequently got trashed in an AudioScienceReview write-up.
I started out being set on the L100, just wanna make sure I’m not making a mistake.
128x128dougeyjones
Ag insider logo xs@2x
tonykay
1,298 posts
 
dougey,

Lots of opinions out here, everybody's got one. You say you've narrowed it down to three. My suggestion would be to look up dealers in your area (state) that can demo all three JBL models. Then walk, drive or fly there to hear them. Trust your ears! You mentioned that you were impressed by the looks of the L100s ("Best looking grilles"), so if that matters then take that into consideration. You'll probably be living with your choice for a long time.
kenjit
1,771 posts
 
I wouldn't worry about what AudioScienceReview says. They, themselves, have been trashed by other sites
i thought they were unbiased and reputable?
dougeyjones's avatar
dougeyjones OP
163 posts
 
@nonoise & tony, thanks for the feedback. 
All of the models have come down quite a bit price wise from their original MSRP, so they’re all in striking distance. The comment about the grilles was just because I happen to love that famous blue shade that they use, and the matching stands that get them both off the floor, and tilted slightly back, seem to only be available on for the L100. Of course I could get other stands, but nothing is ever quite like factory designed accessories. 
I’ll try to make it to a local dealer to listen to at least the 4319 and 4429 before I make a decision. 
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,638 posts
 
Hey Doug,

If you do get the chance to check them out and decide to get something, you might want to check out these stands from deercreekaudio.com.
https://deercreekaudio.com/p/custom-stands

I’ve read where the quality of the JBL stands is questionable (cracks and rust). Back when I got the Deer Creek Audio stands there were only about 4 versions and the price was around $350 or so. I noticed that they’re now about $17 more but they now can make them for just about any speaker you can think of. They’ve definitely expanded the line up.

The workmanship is second to none as they’re made by a local artisan who works in metal sculptures. Good luck in your search.

All the best,
Nonoise
dougeyjones's avatar
dougeyjones OP
163 posts
 
I’ll keep that in mind, bespoke metal working is a vanishing trade. 
More to discover