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JBL 4349 or Klipsch Cornwall IV

I need some input on these speakers, I will be able to try 4349 in my home in some time but Cornwall IV is difficult to audition, no dealers nearby. Any input is highly appreciated.

I listen to rock, metal, classical music, jazz, americana and occasionally some country. I have Mark Levinson pre and power (power is not an issue with the JBLs although I might have to change amp for the Cornwalls). My room is roughly 16x18 with a 10 feet ceiling.

I have listened to JBL L100 and while I enjoyed them with classical, jazz and metal, I did not find them to be very good for rock. The treble was slightly harsh and since the loudspeaker did not sound very open or engaging at lower volumes, the treble became very noticeable when the volume was dialled up. But like I said, they brought life to classical and jazz, that’s why I’m now looking at 4349 or maybe Cornwall IVs which have gotten some very nice reviews.


johnek
johnek OP
15 posts
 

I’ve had my Cornwall IVs for over a year now. They shine with the same recordings as the JBL 4349s but the Cornwalls are better to my ears , with some recordings a lot better. I guess it comes down to what you value most, I definitely enjoy the dynamics (both micro and macro). JBL 4349 can go just as loud as the Cornwalls but they are not as dynamic and did not make me smile as much as the Cornwalls do.

snapoli2
101 posts
 

Great problem to have! Ive owned them both and feel the cornwalls are far superior. I was a huge fan of the 4429 and found the 4349 were fatigueing. I love the 4365s though. My cornwalls are a real joy- with all types if music. And as Steve has stated in his reviews its unreal how great they sound even at low levels. They are fantastic speakers and incredibly easy to drive. Currently have them hooked up to a rogue rp1 pre and pass labs xa25 amp. Magical.

moose89's avatar
moose89
181 posts
 

Cornwall has it all. Room placement less concern than any other.Toeing more so.  Room acoustics are of less importance …unless they’re in your garage. I have found it more about amplification.

Vintage amps with three adjusting knobs to your sound are great. (Why has it become a sin to adjust sound?) My Marantz 2226 B….. So warm that… I need to lessen the Bass, move up the MIDRANGE KNOB, and Treble. ( What happened to the Mid knob is similar to that of the phasing out of gluten! Where are the mountains of gluten on our landscapes?!)

My Cary SLI-80 is the sound tubes are made of. Totally tranced sound… hearing thing’s critical listening does.

My Cary CAI-1 takes on the Class D preamp sound… open and thunderous.

To me it’s like having three ways of communication. How do your ears want their sound today?

dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 

Cornwall IV’s…they love my Krell Class A integrated!

bertram5481
7 posts
 

4349s with a Luxman 590aii was a great match along with a McIntosh Ma7000. In the wrong room the speakers could be somewhat fatiguing listing at loud volumes. In a big room with some sound dampening it rocks the house. The Luxman’s loudness feature makes low volume listening wonderful on a quiet Sunday morning.

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