AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Cheap and Cheerful HiFi => Topic started by: fredgarvin on 19 Sep 2014, 04:05 pm

Title: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: fredgarvin on 19 Sep 2014, 04:05 pm
Reviewed here, apparently they sound and measure very well:

Quote
The JBL LSR305's have changed my mind about what constant directivity can do. Even if you have a kicking HiFi now you might want to pick up a pair of the JBL LSR305's as something to try out. For the price and something you can send back to Amazon without issue it's kind of silly not to do it. I've never tested anything so uniformly flat both on and off axis in the treble range, and they have a ton of detail in there with the reflected sound and direct sound both being damn near flat it makes for a new experience. The areas that it's lacking are in euphoric's, and a realistically sized/shaped sound stage, but closer than normal placement to side walls and running with some toe in seems to help with those issues.

http://noaudiophile.com/JBL_LSR305/
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Doublej on 21 Sep 2014, 01:30 pm
But is it a credible reviewer?
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: danali on 21 Sep 2014, 08:23 pm
Anyone check out the Mica mb42x he reviewed as well?
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: jackman on 21 Sep 2014, 10:45 pm
But is it a credible reviewer?

Just curious, what about the review do you not find credible? The guy measures everything meticulously, and seems to take a pretty straightforward. Not the most detailed review I've ever read but I'll take this guy over the snake oil idiots at three moons or whatever that site is.  Perhaps if you were to blather about $50 fuses people would take it more seriously.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: srb on 21 Sep 2014, 11:05 pm
But is it a credible reviewer?

The reviewer posted here yesterday in the topic Look what Parts Express has done! (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=128870.msg1361577#msg1361577) also in the Cheap and Cheerful HiFi circle, elaborating on his measurements and methodology.

Steve
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Folsom on 21 Sep 2014, 11:18 pm
Measurements are one thing.

They're a great indicator for quality of sound, but they can't inform you of what it's like to listen to them. As the fellow said, they fall to pieces in a big room.

SOOOOO obviously the next step is someone buys some and we figure out the usual mods to make them better?  :thumb:
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: jackman on 21 Sep 2014, 11:27 pm
Measurements are one thing.

They're a great indicator for quality of sound, but they can't inform you of what it's like to listen to them. As the fellow said, they fall to pieces in a big room.

SOOOOO obviously the next step is someone buys some and we figure out the usual mods to make them better?  :thumb:

Right, let's mod tiny speakers to make them sound great in large rooms!  I'd like to see you do that.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Doublej on 22 Sep 2014, 12:02 am
Just curious, what about the review do you not find credible? The guy measures everything meticulously, and seems to take a pretty straightforward. Not the most detailed review I've ever read but I'll take this guy over the snake oil idiots at three moons or whatever that site is.  Perhaps if you were to blather about $50 fuses people would take it more seriously.

1. I've never heard of him. No street cred yet.
2. The use of two different speaker stands for the left and right speakers does not impress me.
3. The beer cans in the pictures is an interesting touch.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: jackman on 22 Sep 2014, 12:08 am
1. I've never heard of him. No street cred yet.
2. The use of two different speaker stands for the left and right speakers does not impress me.
3. The beer cans in the pictures is an interesting touch.

As long as the speaker are positioned properly, and the same height, who cares what he uses for stands.  It was a temporary setup and appears to have worked.

Perhaps you are more comfortable with charlatans who claim to hear big differences after two or 300 hours of "break in" and super expensive cables on an inexpensive system. Or maybe $500 power cords and $700 Stillpoints in a budget system. We joe that give this guy street cred in your book?
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: jackman on 22 Sep 2014, 12:10 am
Sorry about all the typos, I'm using a Smart phone, and I'm too lazy to proofread.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Doublej on 22 Sep 2014, 12:20 am
Sorry about all the typos, I'm using a Smart phone, and I'm too lazy to proofread.

That gives me all the info I need...
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: jackman on 22 Sep 2014, 12:32 am
That gives me all the info I need...

And I'm using beer cans as speaker stands!  Hope that for doesn't mess my street cred! 

It's funny, people listen to reviewers who get free goods from companies or have financial interest in the products they review.  This guy has no financial interest as far as I can tell and he posts a review of some cheap speakers, which he carefully sets up and measures and you are questioning his credibility.  I appreciate the link to his website because I fiund the straightforward style to be refreshing.

Cheers

Jack
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: aevans on 22 Sep 2014, 04:46 am
Whats up fellas, reviewer in question here.

The deal with the stands is a bit of an inside joke, and to get college kids who frequent the site to use stands of any kind. Speakers sitting on the desk exhibit lots of nasty cancellation acting like a 90 degree baffle extension. I found many people waiting to purchase some $200 magic stands before they put speakers at ear level, and then giving the credit of the improvement in sound to to all kinds of crazy quasi-science BS.

As for the JBL LSR305's they work amazingly well in large spaces when coupled with a competent subwoofer to make a truly hifi full range stereo that can compete audibly with just about anything else I've heard. Everything has it's trade offs, and the trade off here is sound stage size for detail. I think of them as the anti-magnepan.

I've got the LSR308's in my living room now for long term testing and diy work. They have lots of issues with cabinet construction that need to be resolved, as it's the same thickness of material used in the 305's but the 308's are so massive(you can fit three 305's in a 308 cabinet) that they flex and rattle like nobody's business. This leads to that focused detail turning into a mess and the bass is just completely uncontrolled.

The plan I'm working on right now that could be applied to the 305's as well(if you want to be a perfectionist) is to coat the inside baffle(2.5 inch thick) and sides(1/2 inch) of the cabinet with this stuff: http://alumilite.com/ProdDetail.cfm?Category=Casting%20Resins&Name=AlumiFoam

I'll need to modify the port to tune it back to the same frequency it was at due to the cabinet volume difference. I'm thinking make a port tube center section from some of that same close cell foam like the KEF LS50 has on it.

The next problem is the plate amp that takes up the entire back of the speaker, it's an unbraced sheet metal that flexes when I plug in the 1/4 inch jack and rattles during bass tone sweeps. I'm not sure what I'll do there, maybe I can do something with foam or wood, but I may need to make external boxes and just screw some 3/4 MDF on the back to cover the hole.

The question you might ask, is it worth the hassle of doing all of this. I think so, the 308's have massive potential as a solutions that can run as a 2 channel without a sub setup, and they have so much headroom it's silly. The other thing is that they are 1 step removed from the JBL M2 which sells for 10k a pair. Fixing this stuff and having a pair of $400 powered speakers that approach that level would be amazing. Even if it costs $200-300 to do it, it's still a bargain.

Sorry for the long winded reply, just lots to cover.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Folsom on 22 Sep 2014, 05:50 am
Right, let's mod tiny speakers to make them sound great in large rooms!  I'd like to see you do that.

That was a joke; mostly, as someone probably will. I don't think everything on the planet is worth toying with. That's a boring not-so-fruitful adventure.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: persisting1 on 22 Sep 2014, 05:57 am
I'm a firm believer in the "beer for scale" mentality. Especially if that beer is empty  :lol:
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: JLM on 22 Sep 2014, 11:11 am
Well if you'd like to read a "professional review" look to Paul White from Sound on Sound (a very well respected reviewer from a well respected publication of professional gear):

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb14/articles/jbl-3-series.htm

These are studio monitors, meaning they strive to be more resolving of detail and image yet very flat frequency response versus entertaining (flavor of choice for the individual audiophile).  Pricing should make audiophiles sit up and take notice as they include two 41 watt amplifiers per speaker and are solid performers.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: fmw on 22 Sep 2014, 01:37 pm
But is it a credible reviewer?

There is a credible audio reviewer?
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: fredgarvin on 22 Sep 2014, 04:58 pm
But is it a credible reviewer?

That begs the question are you a credible poster?  :P
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Doublej on 22 Sep 2014, 05:51 pm
That begs the question are you a credible poster?  :P

Posters on this thread including myself would be insulted if the answer was anything other than NO!
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: fredgarvin on 23 Sep 2014, 12:03 am
Posters on this thread including myself would be insulted if the answer was anything other than NO!

Alas, a trait we share.  :lol:
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: krikor on 19 Apr 2015, 08:45 pm
Rather than start a separate thread for these speakers, figured I'd just resurrect this one as I've purchased a pair of these speakers via Massdrop.

Let me just say I'm impressed... REALLY IMPRESSED  :o  I have to keep reminding myself that I paid $240 for a PAIR, and that INCLUDES built-in amplifiers (essentially four mono amps)!

So here's the story. I've got a 2 year old and another on the way. Magnepans with my DIY ClassDaudio.com monoblocks are not going to cut it any longer, or rather, survive in the same room as the kids. I was looking for something I could tuck into the locked, but metal mesh front, cabinets for casual listening and pull out onto stands or the cabinet top for more critical listening. That meant cutting back on the number of components (thus gone are the mono amps) to make room for the speakers.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=119386)


Well, these things fit the bill perfectly. I got them as a "proof of concept" figuring $240 is worth it to try. Hell, I've paid more, A LOT MORE, for a pair of interconnects and other tomfoolery.

The sound? Remarkably full-bodied, spacious and room filling with a surprising reach at the bottom end for a 5" woofer. The highs are very smooth, something I was not expecting with a "pro" monitor, perhaps even a bit too smooth at times and seeming a bit dark. And they are not the last word in detail, being a bit veiled or restrained on the top end. But I've only just started listening and have not figured out proper placement.

As a replacement for my Magnepan MG10.1 panels, those have the edge in creating a big, spacious soundstage and "you are there" presence... but not by much that I can discern thus far. The Maggies definitely don't go as low, as the 10.1 is designed to peter out around 80hz, thus my use of a couple subs, which by the way I have not even hooked up yet with the LSR305.

Though it remains to be seen, I think I could esaily live with these. At least for awhile, especially given that I've now got a good headphone rig for more rarefied listening.

ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT:
- Squeezbox Touch running EDO
- Canare digital coax to Pre/DAC
- Wyred4Sound mPRE
- DIY Kimber PBJ XLR interconnects
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: jtwrace on 19 Apr 2015, 08:51 pm
Yes, the LSR Series are amazing speakers.  I'm waiting for a good deal on the LSR 308's.  I missed a pair recently but oh well.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: krikor on 20 Apr 2015, 12:37 am
Yes, the LSR Series are amazing speakers.  I'm waiting for a good deal on the LSR 308's.  I missed a pair recently but oh well.

I considered the LSR308 as well, but ultimately they were just a bit too large for me. I also have some concerns about resonances due to their larger package. I too may try them some day if I can get a good deal... they also show up on massdrop every now and then.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: jtwrace on 20 Apr 2015, 12:56 am
Here was my setup with the LSR305's. 


 (http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=119459)
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Russell Dawkins on 21 Apr 2015, 07:32 am

The question you might ask, is it worth the hassle of doing all of this. I think so, the 308's have massive potential as a solutions that can run as a 2 channel without a sub setup, and they have so much headroom it's silly. The other thing is that they are 1 step removed from the JBL M2 which sells for 10k a pair. Fixing this stuff and having a pair of $400 powered speakers that approach that level would be amazing. Even if it costs $200-300 to do it, it's still a bargain.


The JBL M2 sells for $20,00 the pair.

I would be very interested in hearing the passive LSR 705i and LSR708i
http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/recording-broadcast/7-series/lsr708i#.VTX-G2aRDcE
whose waveguides are more similar in appearance to the M2 and both of which employ real compression drivers and pretty special bass/mid drivers. I think these at long last have come to market and Full Compass, at least, is selling them for $700 and $1500 a piece.
http://www.fullcompass.com/product/480792.html
Reports of early listening impressions are promising, as they should be with that heritage and price tag. Also, these are now in a price range where some pretty well respected (if unknown) studio monitors exist.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: aevans on 21 Apr 2015, 08:07 am
Found out that the 308's front baffle is only attached by 6 screws, so the modifications are much easier than I anticipated. This week I'm working on modifying one of them with the alumifoam for the baffle and plate amp. The sides will get some aluminum backed butyl treatment. Looks to be about $50 per speaker in parts. I'll update here when I get some results.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Bear on 22 Apr 2015, 01:51 am
I have had the 308's setup in a 5.2 config for several months now.  They are impressive little dudes.  Interested in the mods proposed buy the reviewer as I have the same concerns.  No-rez?
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 22 Apr 2015, 02:14 am
Found out that the 308's front baffle is only attached by 6 screws, so the modifications are much easier than I anticipated. This week I'm working on modifying one of them with the alumifoam for the baffle and plate amp. The sides will get some aluminum backed butyl treatment. Looks to be about $50 per speaker in parts. I'll update here when I get some results.

Thanks, I'll be curious to hear what you find. LOVE your style of reviewing!

I have had the 308's setup in a 5.2 config for several months now.  They are impressive little dudes.  Interested in the mods proposed buy the reviewer as I have the same concerns.  No-rez?

Definitely a thought, won't take much I bet, but I would definitely do some measurements, close miked of the low end response and make sure you don't change it too much by altering (however slightly), the acoustic volume. You won't change the waveguide's response which is fine, cause that's engineered very well. Use HolmImpulse and also measure the impedance/phase before applying the NoRez and then measure it afterwards. It will be educational at least!

Best,
Anand
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 22 Apr 2015, 02:17 am
The JBL M2 sells for $20,00 the pair.

I would be very interested in hearing the passive LSR 705i and LSR708i
http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/recording-broadcast/7-series/lsr708i#.VTX-G2aRDcE
whose waveguides are more similar in appearance to the M2 and both of which employ real compression drivers and pretty special bass/mid drivers. I think these at long last have come to market and Full Compass, at least, is selling them for $700 and $1500 a piece.
http://www.fullcompass.com/product/480792.html
Reports of early listening impressions are promising, as they should be with that heritage and price tag. Also, these are now in a price range where some pretty well respected (if unknown) studio monitors exist.

Thanks for the links Russell. Given that these 2 models are trickle down technology from the M2's AND they are unpowered/passive will appeal to a lot of folks who have their own favorite amp choices.

I would be totally stoked if I could audition them!

Best,
Anand.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: krikor on 22 Apr 2015, 09:43 pm
Along more "Cheap and Cheerful HiFi" lines, my interest has also been piqued by the the Studio 530 (http://www.jbl.com/loudspeakers/STUDIO+530.html?dwvar_STUDIO%20530_color=Black#q=studio+530&start=1) and recently announced Arena series (http://www.jbl.com/arena-series/).

Although from a value standpoint, I'd still need to add amp(s). I'm really scratching my head how they achieve this sound with the LSR305 at that price point  :scratch:



Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Russell Dawkins on 23 Apr 2015, 07:20 am
Along more "Cheap and Cheerful HiFi" lines, my interest has also been piqued by the the Studio 530 (http://www.jbl.com/loudspeakers/STUDIO+530.html?dwvar_STUDIO%20530_color=Black#q=studio+530&start=1)
A friend bought these and was thrilled to the bone. He seldom swears, but the voice message he left me was replete with expletives. They really are amazing.

Apparently, the Studio 570 floor stander is the sweet spot in the line. Someone visited the designer's house and they were playing in one of his rooms. He said "they sound better than they have any right to".
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: gregfisk on 23 Apr 2015, 06:44 pm
A friend bought these and was thrilled to the bone. He seldom swears, but the voice message he left me was replete with expletives. They really are amazing.

Apparently, the Studio 570 floor stander is the sweet spot in the line. Someone visited the designer's house and they were playing in one of his rooms. He said "they sound better than they have any right to".

I wonder why the 530 book shelf version and the 570 floor stander are the same price at $600.00? The 570 has an additional driver and obviously more material costs :scratch:.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Russell Dawkins on 23 Apr 2015, 07:01 pm
Where are you seeing these prices, Greg? Could one be for the pair and the other for a single?
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: gregfisk on 23 Apr 2015, 07:05 pm
Where are you seeing these prices, Greg? Could one be for the pair and the other for a single?

I just clicked on the link from Krikor and then searched for the 570 on the same site.

Well Russell, I just looked again and you are correct, the 570 is listed as each and the 530 is for the pair. :oops:

Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Russell Dawkins on 23 Apr 2015, 07:29 pm
I think the 570s can be had for less than that, now that they are an older model. I don't think they sold well because they were a little more expensive than most of the apparent competition, due in part to the quality of the drivers. They claim a compression driver on the horn, for example, as opposed to the dome tweeter on a waveguide which is more common and cheaper.
They're $900 a pair here, for example:
http://www.deniswhite.com.au/jbl-studio-570-compact-floor-standing-speakers.-1-new-pair-only.html
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: Letitroll98 on 25 Apr 2015, 07:49 pm
Very nice looking speakers, unfortunately way over Cheap and Cheerful guidelines.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: krikor on 10 May 2015, 06:34 pm
Yes, the LSR Series are amazing speakers.  I'm waiting for a good deal on the LSR 308's.  I missed a pair recently but oh well.

Just a heads up... both the 305 and 308 are on sale right now at Crutchfield for buy one get the second at half price, with free shipping to boot! I'm trying real hard not to get a pair of the 308s just to see how they compare to the 305.

LSR305 pair = $225 shipped
LSR308 pair = $375 shipped
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: jtwrace on 10 May 2015, 06:45 pm
Just a heads up... both the 305 and 308 are on sale right now at Crutchfield for buy one get the second at half price, with free shipping to boot! I'm trying real hard not to get a pair of the 308s just to see how they compare to the 305.

LSR305 pair = $225 shipped
LSR308 pair = $375 shipped
Thanks.  I'm determined to find used 308 at a better deal.  :lol:
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: OzarkTom on 10 May 2015, 08:28 pm
Here is a brand new pair for $315 in Charleston.

http://charleston.craigslist.org/ele/5009560753.html
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: JeffB on 14 Jun 2015, 11:18 pm
Side by side playback between JBL LSR 305 and Presonus Eris 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XieoQYu0Usg

I have listened to this several times. 
I don't like the way they chose to switch back in forth in the middle of a song as you never hear the exact same thing played on both speakers.
The first thing that I really notice is that in the beginning, the guitar sound on the Eris E5 is strongly present in the mix and as soon as they switch to the LSR305 the first time,
the guitar sound seems to take a back seat in the mix.  Suddenly drums and vocals are mainly what I hear.  I can't quite put my finger on whether this is because the song
is in a different state of playback or whether it is the speakers.
After several listens, I feel the Eris E5 sounds better integrated, more coherent, while the LSR305 seems more open and with stronger bass.
I always wonder what would happen with a properly integrated sub-woofer.  This would likely also open up the sound of the Eris E5 a bit.
In any case I still think the comparison is interesting, even though one is listening through a mic and different speakers.

I found the rock track.
It is called "Ripe" by the Screaming Females.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ObpxB1_TV8

Presonus Eris E4.5  around $200 a pair.
Short video, but they sound good in it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp0bOdw2fK4

Another interesting comparison
PreSonus Eris E5 vs. KRK Rokit RP5 G2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn3WwsqSoxg
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: aevans on 3 Jul 2015, 07:32 am
Finished my modifications and review of the JBL LSR308's - http://noaudiophile.com/JBL_LSR308/

It was a lot to cover, so let me know if you guys have any questions or if I missed anything.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: JLM on 3 Jul 2015, 11:44 am
Finished my modifications and review of the JBL LSR308's - http://noaudiophile.com/JBL_LSR308/

It was a lot to cover, so let me know if you guys have any questions or if I missed anything.

Thanks for your efforts.  I agree that the engineering aesthetics of a thin molded plastic baffle is not acceptable for anything reporting to be audio/studio grade.  Seems like you preferred the 305 to the 308.  And again I agree, any speaker with an 8 inch driver is too big for desktop use (yet 5 inch woofers seem a bit too small to provide convincing mid-bass "body").
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: guest61169 on 3 Jul 2015, 11:52 am
Interesting reading.  I was trying to decide whether to get those or the Yamaha HS8s for my 12'x17' listening room.  I'm glad I got the Yamahas, although I think the HS5s may have been better for such a small room, giving up some bass of course.  No issues with HS8 construction quality but in a room that small I just felt that I couldn't relax with the music like I should.  I played around for months with positioning and the switches on the back but ultimately preferred my PA speakers from JBL Professional, which I can listen to for hours without fatigue.  I moved the HS8s up to my video system where they sound fantastic for movies (and a bit of music) in a room 3x that size.    No sub needed.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: aevans on 3 Jul 2015, 04:37 pm
Quote
Thanks for your efforts.  I agree that the engineering aesthetics of a thin molded plastic baffle is not acceptable for anything reporting to be audio/studio grade.  Seems like you preferred the 305 to the 308.  And again I agree, any speaker with an 8 inch driver is too big for desktop use (yet 5 inch woofers seem a bit too small to provide convincing mid-bass "body").

I have had no problem with little woofers giving impact, they just can't do both impact and play up past 300Hz.

A perfect example of this is my Micca Voltron project. Seen at the tail end of this review - http://noaudiophile.com/Micca_COVO-S/

It's tiny 3.5 inch woofer puts out bass into the 40Hz range, and sounds good and clean because of the three-way design along with a large helping of DSP. Still my favorite desktop speaker, and anytime I get done with a review I'm always happy to put those speakers back in place.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: JLM on 3 Jul 2015, 10:10 pm
aevans,

You mention in the Micca Voltron project comparisons against studio monitors.  What "pre-made" studio monitors do you favor?  (Sorry for getting a bit off topic here.)
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: aevans on 3 Jul 2015, 10:21 pm
Quote
You mention in the Micca Voltron project comparisons against studio monitors.  What "pre-made" studio monitors do you favor?  (Sorry for getting a bit off topic here.)

Honestly I have not heard enough to say. I would say that I prefer a narrower baffle the closer you sit to a speaker, and there are not that many good narrow baffle monitors that play deep. The best out of the box desktop speaker would be the Vanatoo Transparent Ones. They are very impressive and the enjoyment is only limited by output, which is not really an issue on the desktop.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: JLM on 4 Jul 2015, 11:02 am
Obviously aevans you're a fan of DSP.  I heard the Vanatoo very briefly at the Chicago Axpona in April and it did sound good.  Another more mechanical solution that intrigues me is the 6" x 8" x 9.75" Audience ClairAudient 1+1.  Much more expensive (and way out of range for this circle), but it uses a small high quality single driver front and back (bi-pole) plus passive radiators on each side to provide coherence that in my mind is critical for nearfield listening.

Another speaker I heard at Axpona was part of very small $600 system from Napa Acoustic.  It consisted of a tubed pre/15 wpc solid state power integrated with two tiny non-discript 2-way speakers that were filling a good sized room with perhaps the most pleasant and musical sound I'd heard all day at the show.  They also had a larger pair of speakers plus a small subwoofer that I wasn't able to hear.  Very impressive!
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: rjbond3rd on 4 Jul 2015, 02:18 pm
Finished my modifications and review of the JBL LSR308's - http://noaudiophile.com/JBL_LSR308/

It was a lot to cover, so let me know if you guys have any questions or if I missed anything.

HI aevans, may I ask which model sounds better in the midrange -- LSR305 vs. (high-passed) LSR308?
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: aevans on 4 Jul 2015, 06:39 pm
Quote
HI aevans, may I ask which model sounds better in the midrange -- LSR305 vs. (high-passed) LSR308?

High passed anything is going to sound better than a driver trying to do both mids and bass at the same time. Outside of bass response the biggest difference between the speakers is the lower treble, the 308's will keep it off of the side walls, and as such sound darker.

One thing that bothers me is that the stated goal for the JBL M2 waveguide which both of the 3 series speakers are based off is to make a compression driver have the dispersion characteristics of a dome tweeter. Given that the 3 series has a dome tweeter the waveguide design is obviously used for different purposes here. I'm not sure what the point is in using the design other than time alignment and marketing. If you want something that sounds more like a regular dome tweeter speaker the 305's are the way to go.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: JDUBS on 5 Jul 2015, 01:39 am
Finished my modifications and review of the JBL LSR308's - http://noaudiophile.com/JBL_LSR308/

It was a lot to cover, so let me know if you guys have any questions or if I missed anything.

I don't understand this, " The exceptions are the audiophile fare of music where its one or two instruments playing. If the music is not busy they excel like nothing in this price range should."

vs.

this: "Does EDM like nobody's business - Simian, Orbital, etc. These can definitely be party speakers.'

Which is it?

-Jim
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: aevans on 5 Jul 2015, 04:27 am
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Which is it?

There are problem situations where the speaker takes a shit on the sound. These are two situations where the speakers do what is asked of them.

One stand up bass with one female vocalist works great for critical listening.

EDM deep, loud, no vocal track, ignore the details and blast your face off works as well, for parties. If I was hunting for details on that EDM track I may have been disappointed, but without vocals it's not hard to make EDM sound good.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: OzarkTom on 7 Jul 2015, 12:09 am
Massdrop just relisted the 305's today. :thumb:

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/jbl-lsr305?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Transactional%3A%20Drop%20Request%20Launched&mode=guest_open
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: JDUBS on 7 Jul 2015, 12:11 am
There are problem situations where the speaker takes a shit on the sound. These are two situations where the speakers do what is asked of them.

One stand up bass with one female vocalist works great for critical listening.

EDM deep, loud, no vocal track, ignore the details and blast your face off works as well, for parties. If I was hunting for details on that EDM track I may have been disappointed, but without vocals it's not hard to make EDM sound good.

Thanks.  I guess that sort of makes sense.

-Jim
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: genesound on 25 Aug 2016, 09:07 pm
High passed anything is going to sound better than a driver trying to do both mids and bass at the same time. Outside of bass response the biggest difference between the speakers is the lower treble, the 308's will keep it off of the side walls, and as such sound darker.

One thing that bothers me is that the stated goal for the JBL M2 waveguide which both of the 3 series speakers are based off is to make a compression driver have the dispersion characteristics of a dome tweeter. Given that the 3 series has a dome tweeter the waveguide design is obviously used for different purposes here. I'm not sure what the point is in using the design other than time alignment and marketing. If you want something that sounds more like a regular dome tweeter speaker the 305's are the way to go.

Pretty sure that is the deal. A horn without compression is more like a diffracter. I can't help but wonder if a softer surface like undercoating or maybe light flocking on the "waveguide" might take the edge off the hi-mid harshness?
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: cujobob on 21 Sep 2016, 11:28 pm
Musician's Friend has the white version on sale for $119 each. Look cool, too. Can be had on eBay from them without shipping costs
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: JLM on 21 Sep 2016, 11:47 pm
I've got a pair of red 305's on extended loan and really can't find anything to fault them on for the price.  Heck they match up well against passives for the same price (an informal comparison of 7 pairs of speakers at an audio meet at my place last April demonstrated that). 

On the extended loan I've been comparing against Dynaudio BM5 Mk III's ($1,400/pair USD MSRP) which are also 2-way monitors.  The Dyn's win on bass fullness and especially treble detail, making the 305's seem boring in comparison, but what do you expect for 4+ times the price?  This would make the Dyn's better recording/mixing studio monitors, but either are quite enjoyable for home use.

The 305's waveguide provides a remarkably wide sweet spot.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: vlad335 on 23 Sep 2016, 04:21 pm
I bought the LSR305's last week to use with my computer setup after reading multiple reviews. ( The Noaudiophile review sealed the deal. Love your site! Wish you updated more frequently)

These are the real deal. These are the best monitors I ever had on my desk. Clear, powerful, with a magic soundstage. I am using one of the cheap Dayton 10" subs and going out of my Asus Xonar soundcard and I have been listening to my complete music collection all over again.

Bought the matching JBL sub this week. In my experience I would have to recommend anyone to not bother. Although it is probably a little cleaner and a tad more accurate it is significantly weaker. Maybe the one I received was defective but the Dayton SUB-1000 has double the output and sounds much more musical and compliments the 305's well. And it is much smaller! The XLF setting on the JBL ups the output but makes it a boomy mess. The value just isnt there with the JBL 310S IMO.

I may just pickup one of the Dayton 12 or 15 subs now.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: pinkfloyd4ever on 27 Sep 2017, 05:19 pm
$280 a pair for 5 more hours on Massdrop!

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-jbl-lsr30x-powered-speakers
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: srb on 27 Sep 2017, 05:30 pm
If you have a penchant for white, you can get a pair of LSR305-WH Limited Edition White for $260 shipped from Musicians Friend.

JBL LSR305 White at Musician's Friend (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/jbl-lsr305-wh-5-powered-studio-monitor--limited-edition-white?cntry=us&source=3WWRWXGP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrvvB4PDF1gIVWLnACh0MuwEFEAYYASABEgJd8_D_BwE&kwid=productads-adid^221957295833-device^c-plaid^335491605073-sku^J22814000000000@ADL4MF-adType^PLA)
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: wushuliu on 27 Sep 2017, 10:21 pm
Hm, You can get DefTech SM45s for less on Amazon these days. Be curious how jbl holds up against those. Very competitive price range these days.
Title: Re: JBL LSR305 Powered Speakers, Less Than $300
Post by: pinkfloyd4ever on 19 Dec 2017, 07:33 pm
Wow, $180 a pair now https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-jbl-lsr30x-powered-speakers?utm_source=linkshare&referer=WNS9DM