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The OFFICIAL JBL Owners Thread - Page 411

post #12301 of 14058
1/27/12 at 3:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nlsteele View Post

Somebody (I think Slare) posted a photo of this review (about a page back) if you wanted to save the magazine-style copy for yourself (I save everything I can find on my gear out of some odd sense of provenance).



Do you find that it actually makes a difference? I still can't get my head around replacing gold-plated jumpers with copper. I've pulled a few and don't see any wear whatsoever, nor corrosion, so maybe it's 6 of one, half-dozen the other? Or do you really get a timing difference in transients?

Gold plating actually does not make a particularly good contact. It's resistant to corrosion and so should not degrade, but good old copper and/or nickel make a better connection.

That said, many of the shorting straps used by JBL are not gold plated and there have been reports of poor connections resulting in degraded sound. Tightening can also result in the plating being scraped through to the metal underneath.

filecat13 likes to hide his copper connectors behind the shorting straps. I just toss the straps in a drawer and use plain old zip cord. YMMV
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post #12302 of 14058
1/27/12 at 4:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bhazard View Post

I might do this. Just need to find some cheap quality links. Anyone know where I can get something like this and not spend $100 shipped from the UK. It looks like these links can be made for considerably less.

As filecat said above, I used speaker wire as well on my 180's. I did alittle A/B before and after but didn't notice anything appreciable. My ears are far from experienced however so take that with a grain.

The speakers were virgin as well, far from properly "broken in", for whatever that's worth.
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post #12303 of 14058
1/27/12 at 6:43pm
yep, ordinary speaker wire or zip cord will be good enough, no use using anything more expensive.
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post #12304 of 14058
1/27/12 at 7:56pm
I was first forced to do this by buying a pair or L7s with one unit missing one strap. Rather than pay for a pair of straps, I economically replaced both the missing and existing straps with a scrap of 12 AWG speaker wire. Immediately I was bothered by some sort of incongruence between the speakers.

Not being a scientist (and comfortable admitting such), I tried an unscientific test, not on the L7s but on a set of speakers I was very familiar with, the Performance Series PT800/PS1400 stack, as joined by the attractive "gold plated" connecting straps. When I swapped one set of straps with a short run of 12 AWG wire, I heard the same incongruence.

At the time I had the capability to sum both channels to mono and to reverse the channels, which I randomly did until I really couldn't remember which setting I was on, then I started taking notes on each flip of the switch. Of course, the summed mono was obvious and easy to take out of the equation, but the other two settings presented quite a contrast. I also switched seating position so I was 180 degrees from my original position and made notes accordingly.

Since "What sounds better" can be a subjective evaluation I wont' make a value statement; nonetheless, it was clear when I tracked my recorded responses in comparison to the computer log, I was able to identify the speaker wire from the straps over 90% of the time, and all but one of the identification "errors" occurred in the last 20% of the sample, when listener fatigue and boredom became major factors. (I was, like, "Okay maybe I should do 20 more just to be sure" which is a recipe for second guessing everything.

Anyway, I have no science of any replicative significance, but subjectively there was a distinct difference. Whether it matters is anyone's guess, 'though I can categorically state that my K2s came with speaker wire between the speaker LF and HF binding posts and not with straps.
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post #12305 of 14058
1/27/12 at 8:06pm
I also use the Filecat method of copper wire behind the links on my PS stacks. I like the look of the links but the only material better than copper as a conductor is silver.
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post #12306 of 14058
1/27/12 at 8:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EZ-Rhino View Post

I also use the Filecat method of copper wire behind the links on my PS stacks. I like the look of the links but the only material better than copper as a conductor is silver.

Well then it's high time for a listening test comparing copper and silver.
I've read that pure silver wire is far too brittle, but silver-plated copper has similar audio qualities to pure silver.
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post #12307 of 14058
1/28/12 at 1:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by filecat13 View Post

I was first forced to do this by buying a pair or L7s with one unit missing one strap. Rather than pay for a pair of straps, I economically replaced both the missing and existing straps with a scrap of 12 AWG speaker wire. Immediately I was bothered by some sort of incongruence between the speakers.

Not being a scientist (and comfortable admitting such), I tried an unscientific test, not on the L7s but on a set of speakers I was very familiar with, the Performance Series PT800/PS1400 stack, as joined by the attractive "gold plated" connecting straps. When I swapped one set of straps with a short run of 12 AWG wire, I heard the same incongruence.

At the time I had the capability to sum both channels to mono and to reverse the channels, which I randomly did until I really couldn't remember which setting I was on, then I started taking notes on each flip of the switch. Of course, the summed mono was obvious and easy to take out of the equation, but the other two settings presented quite a contrast. I also switched seating position so I was 180 degrees from my original position and made notes accordingly.

Since "What sounds better" can be a subjective evaluation I wont' make a value statement; nonetheless, it was clear when I tracked my recorded responses in comparison to the computer log, I was able to identify the speaker wire from the straps over 90% of the time, and all but one of the identification "errors" occurred in the last 20% of the sample, when listener fatigue and boredom became major factors. (I was, like, "Okay maybe I should do 20 more just to be sure" which is a recipe for second guessing everything.

Anyway, I have no science of any replicative significance, but subjectively there was a distinct difference. Whether it matters is anyone's guess, 'though I can categorically state that my K2s came with speaker wire between the speaker LF and HF binding posts and not with straps.

Outstanding answer--surprising to me as well. You make me aspire to be a more "enthusiastic" enthusiast.

Thanks to all for your responses. Looks like I'm back in the speaker wire market...
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post #12308 of 14058
1/28/12 at 7:59am
Ordered myself some cheap silver plated copper wire (insulated) from ebay. Thanks guys.

I'll A/B them after a few weeks of breaking in to see if there is a noticeable difference. Got my 120 center, just waiting on the 190s, the 130s, and my Seaton Submersive HP to arrive. UPS and Fedex hate me.
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post #12309 of 14058
1/28/12 at 9:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bhazard View Post

UPS and Fedex hate me.

If it's any comfort, I hate them. I just receive a JBL Synthesis® S2S sub that had all eight corners crushed and the bottom front seam of the enclosure cracked open. What a mess!
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post #12310 of 14058
1/28/12 at 10:57pm
JBL Studio 120c Dual 4-Inch Center Channel Loudspeaker - Black » only $72.86

Super Hot ~ Huge Coupon Offer ~ May NOT Last Long

http://www.wwstereo.com/JBL/STUDIO120C

World Wide Stereo is carrying this Center Channel Loudspeaker for $199.00
Apply $126.14 off coupon code "EMPLOYEE" on it (Limited Time)
This item receives Free Shipping
Final Price: $199.00 - $126.14 = $72.86 + Free Shipping

http://www.avhub.com.au/index.php/Ne...isa-award.html

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/art...eaker?page=0,2

Pulled the trigger on this, the following links made me pull it. Center speaker down, more to go!

Posting this for anyone that might be interested. Hope I did good...
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post #12311 of 14058
1/29/12 at 7:34am
You can use that coupon code to get 40% off anything on their site as well. Expires today though.
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post #12312 of 14058
1/29/12 at 7:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by filecat13 View Post

If it's any comfort, I hate them. I just receive a JBL Synthesis® S2S sub that had all eight corners crushed and the bottom front seam of the enclosure cracked open. What a mess!

Sounds like the sender did not pack that sub very well.
I have found if its packed in original boxes, they tend to be quite resistant to damage.
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post #12313 of 14058
1/29/12 at 7:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by filecat13 View Post

Whether it matters is anyone's guess, 'though I can categorically state that my K2s came with speaker wire between the speaker LF and HF binding posts and not with straps.

That fact would pretty much tells us all we need to know about what works best.
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post #12314 of 14058
1/29/12 at 9:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkeener71 View Post

JBL Studio 120c Dual 4-Inch Center Channel Loudspeaker - Black » only $72.86

Super Hot ~ Huge Coupon Offer ~ May NOT Last Long

http://www.wwstereo.com/JBL/STUDIO120C

World Wide Stereo is carrying this Center Channel Loudspeaker for $199.00
Apply $126.14 off coupon code "EMPLOYEE" on it (Limited Time)
This item receives Free Shipping
Final Price: $199.00 - $126.14 = $72.86 + Free Shipping

http://www.avhub.com.au/index.php/Ne...isa-award.html

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/art...eaker?page=0,2

Pulled the trigger on this, the following links made me pull it. Center speaker down, more to go!

Posting this for anyone that might be interested. Hope I did good...

Huge savings on the center speaker, but only 40% off the bookshelves. Still a pretty good deal.
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post #12315 of 14058
1/29/12 at 10:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DHD View Post


Sounds like the sender did not pack that sub very well.
I have found if its packed in original boxes, they tend to be quite resistant to damage.

It was in its original box, which didn't look too bad on the outside. The S2S box is not one of JBL's best, as it is all cardboard, even the end caps for the top and bottom. Once it's been dropped hard enough to knock the enclosure out of the end cap, it just slides around inside the box. Now it would have to be dropped VERY hard, but if the bottom of the cabinet splits at the seam, I'd say UPS did its job with the dropping part.

This is the second S2S I've received damaged in the original carton. I had a chance to get a third one, but won't take the risk again.
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post #12316 of 14058
1/29/12 at 10:27am
I know reviews are hard to find. Not sure if posted yet...

http://www.avhub.com.au/index.php/Pr...30/Page-1.html
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post #12317 of 14058
1/29/12 at 11:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by filecat13 View Post

Now it would have to be dropped VERY hard, but if the bottom of the cabinet splits at the seam, I'd say UPS did its job with the dropping part.

This is the second S2S I've received damaged in the original carton. I had a chance to get a third one, but won't take the risk again.

I still clearly remember when I had a pair of L150A shipped by Fed-Ex freight. I stood and watched the delivery driver deliberately drop the cartons off the end-gate of the freight truck. (too heavy to let them down gently) Even inside double boxes and double foam cocoons there was damage.

I've also received several different studio-L series speakers and subs in original JBL packing with considerable damage. The factory foam is so hard and brittle that once damaged it just disintegrates into tiny foam bits. No flex at all.
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post #12318 of 14058
1/29/12 at 12:04pm
New: JBL 5-Channel Home Theater Speaker System for $586 + free shipping
Bob and Ron's World Wide Stereo offers this JBL 5-Channel Home Theater Speaker System for $585.88 with free shipping. That's $547 under the lowest total price we could find for these purchased elsewhere separately, although we saw a similar bundle three weeks ago for $86 less, since expired (it had JBL Studio 180 speakers instead of the current offer's slightly taller JBL Studio 190 speakers). It includes two JBL Studio 190 floorstanding front-channel speakers, a JBL Studio 120 center-channel speaker, and two JBL Studio 130 bookshelf surround speakers. To get this deal:

Add a JBL Studio 190 Floorstanding Speaker to your cart for $342.02
in cart, adjust the quantity of JBL Studio 190 Floorstanding Speakers to "2"
add a JBL Studio 120 Center Channel Loudspeaker to your cart for $199
add this pair of JBL Studio 130 Bookshelf Loudspeakers to your cart for $199
proceed to checkout
apply coupon code "EMPLOYEE" to cut the total to $585.88

Its such a damn good deal for the price. Mine will be set up Monday.
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post #12319 of 14058
1/29/12 at 12:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bhazard View Post

New: JBL 5-Channel Home Theater Speaker System for $586 + free shipping
Bob and Ron's World Wide Stereo offers this JBL 5-Channel Home Theater Speaker System for $585.88 with free shipping. That's $547 under the lowest total price we could find for these purchased elsewhere separately, although we saw a similar bundle three weeks ago for $86 less, since expired (it had JBL Studio 180 speakers instead of the current offer's slightly taller JBL Studio 190 speakers). It includes two JBL Studio 190 floorstanding front-channel speakers, a JBL Studio 120 center-channel speaker, and two JBL Studio 130 bookshelf surround speakers. To get this deal:

Add a JBL Studio 190 Floorstanding Speaker to your cart for $342.02
in cart, adjust the quantity of JBL Studio 190 Floorstanding Speakers to "2"
add a JBL Studio 120 Center Channel Loudspeaker to your cart for $199
add this pair of JBL Studio 130 Bookshelf Loudspeakers to your cart for $199
proceed to checkout
apply coupon code "EMPLOYEE" to cut the total to $585.88

Its such a damn good deal for the price. Mine will be set up Monday.

I've convinced a couple people to grab these over on the Slickdeals thread earlier today. More JBL owners on the way!
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post #12320 of 14058
1/29/12 at 12:50pm
$480 for the 180 set too.
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post #12321 of 14058
1/29/12 at 1:12pm
How would the Studio 130s do as surround speakers? I have had some old stock Onkyo HTIB speakers sitting as place holders as my surrounds for almost a year and this seems like a great deal to replace them.

My current setup consists of
Fronts: Jamo C603
Center: Jamo C6CEN
Surrounds: Stock Onkyo HTIB front speakers
Rear Surrounds: Jamo C400 surround
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post #12322 of 14058
1/29/12 at 1:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by enphenate View Post

How would the Studio 130s do as surround speakers? I have had some old stock Onkyo HTIB speakers sitting as place holders as my surrounds for almost a year and this seems like a great deal to replace them.

My current setup consists of
Fronts: Jamo C603
Center: Jamo C6CEN
Surrounds: Stock Onkyo HTIB front speakers
Rear Surrounds: Jamo C400 surround

They would blow the Onkyos away by far. They aren't the best bookshelf speakers you can buy, but they are worth their $250-300 retail price.
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post #12323 of 14058
1/29/12 at 1:54pm
I just took the plunge and picked up 2 JBL 190s, a pair of JBL 130s, and a JBL 120c. I'm hoping I made the right choice. I'm stepping up from a set of bose acoustimass 6 series II speakers (craigslist for $300) that I paired up with an infinity PS8 ($150 on sale 4 years ago) and a Denon 1712 that I picked up for $250. I always thought that what I had was great but, after reading all of the bose hate, and listening to Home Theaters systems displayed in stores, I realized that I had room for improvement.

Total Cost came out to $585.88 with free 3-5 day shipping from wwstereo.com. I was going to get the JBL 180s, but for $85 more, the price difference for the JBL 190s seemed nominal. Let's see how much of a difference it's going to be. I'm thinking about upgrading my subwoofer, but not sure if it's going to be needed. Any one have any suggestions in regards to replacing my subwoofer?
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post #12324 of 14058
1/29/12 at 2:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by phoreverphantom View Post

Any one have any suggestions in regards to replacing my subwoofer?

http://www.nothingbutsoftware.com/ca...175658&ai=1550

I ordered it from them and it came fast and works great.

I already purchased the Studio 120c (Center) which is on its way...

I'm about to pull the trigger on the following:

Pair of Studio 190s (1 L, 1 R)

Pair of Studio 180s (1 SL, 1 SR)

Pair of Studio 130s (1 SBL, 1SBR)

= $812 Shipped

I'm thinking that is pretty good bang for my buck, but then again, I'm no speaker expert.
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post #12325 of 14058
1/29/12 at 2:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkeener71 View Post

http://www.nothingbutsoftware.com/ca...175658&ai=1550

I ordered it from them and it came fast and works great.

I already purchased the Studio 120c (Center) which is on its way...

I'm about to pull the trigger on the following:

Pair of Studio 190s (1 L, 1 R)

Pair of Studio 180s (1 SL, 1 SR)

Pair of Studio 130s (1 SBL, 1SBR)

= $812 Shipped

I'm thinking that is pretty good bang for my buck, but then again, I'm no speaker expert.

Damn, now you got me thinking about using 180s as side surrounds. Ugh. lol
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post #12326 of 14058
1/29/12 at 3:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bhazard View Post

Damn, now you got me thinking about using 180s as side surrounds. Ugh. lol

My bad, haha.

Its just this deal ends today, and you know how it is before you pull the trigger, you wanna make sure you made the right choice(s)...
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post #12327 of 14058
1/29/12 at 7:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkeener71 View Post

I ordered it from them and it came fast and works great.

Thanks for the suggestion of the F-12, the specs seem great, especially for the price.

On a side note, does anybody have any experience with the Premier Acoustic PA-120? How does it compare to the F-12 in terms of bass output and "boominess," per se? Which has a cleaner output?
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post #12328 of 14058
1/29/12 at 8:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LowellG View Post

I am looking at changing my HT set up and get a larger flat panel on the wall. To move the TV into better viewing range by lowering it I am considering giving up the center channel since I would have the bottom of the TV at about 24" which is probably to low for a CC. Are any JBL LC2 or L820 owners running a pair of them in phantom center mode? How do these speakers image?

Thanks,

Bumping up to see if anybody has any thoughts.
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post #12329 of 14058
1/29/12 at 8:43pm
I have a SC305 center channel speaker that I would like to keep. What would be a good cheaper L/R match to it in the JBL line ? This is a mid 90's speaker and here are the specs.

Specifications SC305
High Frequency Dome Transducer 14mm Titanium Laminate
Low Frequency (High Polymer Laminate) 5"(2)
Crossover Frequency 2.7 kHz
Frequency Response (- 6 dB) 100 Hz to20 kHz
Sensitivity(1 Watt/1 meter) 87 dB
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power* 10 to 100 Watts
External Dimensions (HxWxD) 7"x 20"x 6-1/2"
External Dimensions (millimeters) 178x508x165
Weight (each) 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
Made In USA
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post #12330 of 14058
1/30/12 at 6:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkeener71 View Post

I already purchased the Studio 120c (Center) which is on its way...

I'm about to pull the trigger on the following:

Pair of Studio 190s (1 L, 1 R)

Pair of Studio 180s (1 SL, 1 SR)

Pair of Studio 130s (1 SBL, 1SBR)

= $812 Shipped

Bang, BANG!
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