I live in a small town where I don't have much access to auditioning speakers. Any personal opinions are welcome.

I have a JBL setup as below.

Main: E50s
Center: E35
Side: E30s
Back: E10s

They've been good to me, but unfortunately, one of the E30s has a blown woofer, so now I have to decide if I want to just replace the blown E30, or move the E50s to the surround side and get a new pair of front speakers. With the new lineup of JBL, I'm a little confused and need some input.

First, is the new Venue series replacing the old E series? I'm not sure... There were two Northridge lines (N and E series), and the Venue series seems to be replacing the N series. Am I correct? I really didn't like the N series when I auditioned them, and went with the E series. So, I want to make sure who the ancestors are for the new Venue series.

If the Venue series is indeed succeeding the E series, how much improvement the Stadium or Stage model can give me over the E50? They all have 3-way design with 8" woofer (one for E50 and Stage, two for Stadium), and Stage and Stadium are floorstanding, while E50 is a rather large bookshelf.

Please feel free to throw in any other suggestions for replacing the front. I like the warm sound of JBL, so I've been with it for a long time (dating back to the original L100 days). However, I am open to suggestions. Of course, timbermatching the center is important, but if I get quality fronts, I will soon replace the center with a matching model.

I would like to stay under $500/pair for the front mains.

Thanks!

Starlite,

we basically have the same speakers configuration, though.
I have a 7.1 system, being:

L/R mains = E - 50
Center = EC - 35
Surr. SB = E - 30

I pretty much enjoy their sound, so in you case - if you're happy the way they sound - I wouldn't think twice and would get a new woofer for that E-30.
Matter of fact, you don't need much more for the surrounds, right?

The Venue Series are somehow kinda replacement for the Northridge Series (BTW, the E Series are, IMO, better than the N Series though).

In other hand, if you're considering upgrading your speakers (and still continue to be loyal to JBL), I would suggest you to have a serious listening at the new STUDIO L Series, as their sound is amazingly good (they're on another league though). Hope this helps.

Cheers.

It's good to know that you are also happy with JBLs! Yes, I thought about the new Studio L line, but wow... They are way out of my budget.

I am still confused though... I know the brand name Northridge includes both E and N series, where E series is a better one. When you say, "replacement for the Northridge series", are you talking about the N series? I did a search before posting the earlier message, and many people also mentioned Venue as Northridge replacement, but cannot find which Northridge... I'd really appreciate it you can tell me... E or N???

On a side note, I came across the following speaker while I was reading about budget floorstanding speakers.

Acoustic Research ARVP600 VP High-Performance Speaker (http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3986020)

Would this be an improvement over JBL E50? I know AR is not the old AR anymore, but I still have great memories of their old speaker line. It is also dirt cheap with a reputable brand name. What do you think?

Thanks!

I was talking about the E Series, as to match yours.

Really don't know, but never heard/read anything saying that the Venue range has officially replaced the Northridge E Series, though.

Regarding to the AR floorstanders, price is indeed quite attractive - specially for a floorstander - but honestly I can't tell whether they're on par with the E-50's, so you better take it with a grain of salt, just in case...

Perhaps someone else could chime in on, in order to help you out on that, but all in all, the E-50's are pretty good bookshelves (I'd say a quite complete package).

Cheers.

if it was me I would replace woofer
second choice would be to try and snag two more e50s real cheap
good luck