Can you describe the sound of your JBLs, please.
Hello vegasdave,
This is very difficult for me to answer as what we like to hear in a speaker can be different from one person to the next - very subjective. I can tell you that I auditioned many speakers for about a year before I listened to and purchased my JBLs. The JBLs are perfect for my ears, my room and aesthetics - they look and sound awesome.
I also believe that they are very reasonably priced and out perform more expensive speakers - they were around 3K less than the speakers that I was originally leaning towards.
I noticed something was different right away when I first listened to the JBLs. ?What is that?? I asked the dealer - he smiled and gave me the run down on horns and compression drivers.
A new experience to say the very least as I am moving up from a Sony receiver and a pair of KEF Q1 bookshelf speakers - I am brand new to these levels of performance in audio equipment. I am not much into specifications - the sound is all that matters, the experience (I deal with numbers and formulae either at work or with my hobbies and at times, it is good to get away from numbers and silence the voices).
I have a passion for Gothic music, a lot of very sombre music right up to highly detailed instrumentals and solo works. Gothic music can be gentle as a rain on a spring day or as heavy as rocks falling from the sky. I am looking forward with anticipation to hearing Marilyn Manson and Cradle of Filth when my system is completed. I do not want to listen to music, I want to live it.
These speakers bring female artists to life, it puts her right into the room. Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance) on the JBLs - absolutely breathtaking. The JBLs let you feel the music, to be part of it - it is almost if you can taste it.
In fact, I would of being very happy with the Marantz/JBL combination as it is - but, in for a penny, in for a pound - I am selfish and I want so much more?
I am using my Marantz SR-19 receiver (borrowed from my home theatre system) to drive the JBLs. This current set-up sounded better (to me) than some of the higher end systems that I auditioned (one stands out in particular as I was very disappointed with comes to mind and is also manufactured here in Canada). What I do not have at this time with this current system is solid bass, I do not drive my JBLs very hard with my Marantz receiver as I am very concerned with clipping. Now, the bass issue will be solved within a few weeks with the arrival of the 28/26.
The JBLs with the 28Bs - stunning! I was at the dealer and we were listening to a Japanese Drum SACD. Talk about insane bass and precise control -
this even CLIPPED the 28Bs!!! So the little flashing red light does work on the 28s. Mids and highs are also awesome - I can not say enough good things about this speaker - if you have a chance, give them an audition.
Be well?
