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post #13261 of 14063
11/16/12 at 9:11pm
My 25 year old L80 t3s need the foam on the woofer replaced. We are considering just replacing them with something a little smaller , mainly narrower. Want to stick with JBL. What are some good bookshelf models and how are the tower models with 6" speakers? Should we consider smaller bookshelf and a subwoofer? This is mainly for music listening rather than home theater.

Thanks for any advice.
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post #13262 of 14063
11/16/12 at 9:55pm
I guess I've gone overboard.

Complement your HDTV without compromising space. The Bluetooth-enabled SB 200 sound bar delivers JBL room-filling sound and thunderous bass.
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post #13263 of 14063
11/16/12 at 10:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dlbritton View Post

My 25 year old L80 t3s need the foam on the woofer replaced. We are considering just replacing them with something a little smaller , mainly narrower. Want to stick with JBL. What are some good bookshelf models and how are the tower models with 6" speakers? Should we consider smaller bookshelf and a subwoofer? This is mainly for music listening rather than home theater.
Thanks for any advice.

I would look at the Studio L series. L820's and the LC2 do a nice job with a sub in the mix while not taking up a lot of space. If you want towers for the fronts that are narrow the L880 or L890 are even better.
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post #13264 of 14063
11/17/12 at 12:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by filecat13 View Post

Blasphemy!! Those E50s are meant to play! eek.gif

Ha! I know that's right! I do the speaker shuffle in the bedroom (man cave) setup. The E80's are the mainstays, and I currently have a pair of E30's on top of those, AND a pair of Energy C-50's that I picked up the other day on top of the E30's! I switch between the 3 depending on my mood. Those little Energy's are nice sounding lil suckers with surprising bass output. I pull out the E50's on occasion and give them a listen. But ya know for whatever reason I prefer the sound of the E30's over the E50's. The E30's are very nice sounding speakers (there is a pair on craigs that I could prolly get for $30 that I am thinking of grabbing! What is wrong with me?!). Plus the 50's are of an awkward size to work into the mix...vertical. horizontal...so they are the ones left out most of the time. I also have an Energy S10.3 sub in this setup. So it is a kickin little 7.1 bedroom setup.
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post #13265 of 14063
11/17/12 at 5:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dlbritton View Post

My 25 year old L80 t3s need the foam on the woofer replaced. We are considering just replacing them with something a little smaller , mainly narrower. Want to stick with JBL. What are some good bookshelf models and how are the tower models with 6" speakers? Should we consider smaller bookshelf and a subwoofer? This is mainly for music listening rather than home theater.
Thanks for any advice.

Frankly, none of the current lines will best the L80. Get the L80 re-foamed and never look back.
If you do get something new, stick with woofer sizes of 6" or larger, but the L80 has better drivers and crossovers than any of them.
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post #13266 of 14063
11/18/12 at 2:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rdgrimes View Post

Frankly, none of the current lines under $400/ea. for floorstanders or under $600/pr for bookshelves will best the L80 for the cost of an inexpensive refoam if you can find someone who can do it right. Get the L80 re-foamed and never look forward.
If you do get something new, stick with woofer sizes of 6" or larger, but the L80 has better drivers, if they were new and up to factory specs, and crossovers, except for those that were designed in the past ten years with parts that have technological advances and improved performance with less distortion, wasted power, and heat, than any of them.

There. I fixed that for you. wink.gif

dlbritton, if you want the least expensive route, rd is right. Since you didn't give an indication of what you want to spend, his advice may be the better choice. If you want a better JBL speaker that meets your stated objectives, then a refoam is irrelevant if you're willing to spend some money. The question is, how much? If it's anything less than the amounts stated above in blue, than rd's advice is the right choice for your budget, but it doesn't give you anything you didn't have before and misses your objective.
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post #13267 of 14063
11/18/12 at 2:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeronesia View Post

I guess I've gone overboard.
Complement your HDTV without compromising space. The Bluetooth-enabled SB 200 sound bar delivers JBL room-filling sound and thunderous bass.

I thought that's why you moved to Micronesia, so you could, you know, go overboard.
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post #13268 of 14063
11/18/12 at 10:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by filecat13 View Post

I thought that's why you moved to Micronesia, so you could, you know, go overboard.

Touche. biggrin.gif
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post #13269 of 14063
11/21/12 at 8:49pm
Retracted.
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post #13270 of 14063
11/21/12 at 8:50pm
Worth sharing purely for drool factor, 4348 pair with B460 sub:

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post #13271 of 14063
11/21/12 at 9:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by filecat13 View Post

Originally Posted by rdgrimes View Post

Frankly, none of the current lines under $400/ea. for floorstanders or under $600/pr for bookshelves will best the L80 for the cost of an inexpensive refoam if you can find someone who can do it right. Get the L80 re-foamed and never look forward.
If you do get something new, stick with woofer sizes of 6" or larger, but the L80 has better drivers, if they were new and up to factory specs, and crossovers, except for those that were designed in the past ten years with parts that have technological advances and improved performance with less distortion, wasted power, and heat, than any of them.


dlbritton, if you want the least expensive route, rd is right. Since you didn't give an indication of what you want to spend, his advice may be the better choice. If you want a better JBL speaker that meets your stated objectives, then a refoam is irrelevant if you're willing to spend some money. The question is, how much? If it's anything less than the amounts stated above in blue, than rd's advice is the right choice for your budget, but it doesn't give you anything you didn't have before and misses your objective.

Thanks all for the feedback. I can afford $400-700 per speaker. I have been searching the web a little more and have found the Studio 500 series and the L800 series (580 or L880 would be best width wise). The prices seem comparable but I see the 880 has bass, midrange and tweeter where the 580 has bass and tweeter.

Are the 500 series in the same league with the 800 series?

I am also considering replacing my Onkyo TX866 with an Onkyo TX NR 717 (want phono input). Is this a good match for either the 580/590 or the 880/890? Any other receiver recommendations. I can afford $2500 for speakers and receiver.

I see that L890s seem to be cheaper than L880s (at least in Cherry). Are the 890s being discontinued or is there some other reason?
They are a little wider than I want but might be an option for the price.
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post #13272 of 14063
11/22/12 at 3:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dlbritton View Post

Thanks all for the feedback. I can afford $400-700 per speaker. I have been searching the web a little more and have found the Studio 500 series and the L800 series (580 or L880 would be best width wise). The prices seem comparable but I see the 880 has bass, midrange and tweeter where the 580 has bass and tweeter.
Are the 500 series in the same league with the 800 series?
I am also considering replacing my Onkyo TX866 with an Onkyo TX NR 717 (want phono input). Is this a good match for either the 580/590 or the 880/890? Any other receiver recommendations. I can afford $2500 for speakers and receiver.
I see that L890s seem to be cheaper than L880s (at least in Cherry). Are the 890s being discontinued or is there some other reason?
They are a little wider than I want but might be an option for the price.

IMO, I would never use an Onkyo with any JBL. And having used a Yamaha years ago, I'd eliminate it to.
My go to electronics for JBL are HK, Marantz, Parasound, Pioneer, Denon.

The Studio L series (L810, L820, L830, L880, L890, LC2, LC1) have been available since early '06.
The Studio 580, 590 are brand new, only been out a short time. And going by price alone, would be similar in quality to the L series. Although there is quite a difference between them.
The newer 500 series are horn loaded, that use a 1" compression driver, as opposed to the standard dome tweeter used in the Studio L series.
Both series use the same PolyPlas™ woofers.

I would personally, be interested auditioning these 580, 590. But that is not going to happen, considering where I live
Edited by 4DHD - 11/22/12 at 3:19am
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post #13273 of 14063
11/24/12 at 2:47pm
4DHD when you say "IMO, I would never use an Onkyo with any JBL." Would you explain why? Just curious.
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post #13274 of 14063
11/24/12 at 2:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gferrell View Post

4DHD when you say "IMO, I would never use an Onkyo with any JBL." Would you explain why? Just curious.
The few times I've heard Onkyo matched with JBLs, the highs were to edgy, too ruff. Even worse than Yamaha.
HK, Marantz, Parasound matched to JBLs has a synergy not obtained by the others. Smoother highs, detailed midrange, more pronounced mid-bass.
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post #13275 of 14063
11/24/12 at 6:15pm
Hey I know this has probably been discussed before, but I was looking at buying a new set of Speakers for my home theater system. Current ones are very old LX500's up front with a cheap Polk Audio Center and 2 old Advent surrounds. I have a 5.1 Speaker set up with a sub as well. Was considering upgrading my speakers across the Line so thought this would be the best place to come ask for advice.

My Receiver is a Yamaha RX-V467

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx/rx-v467_black__u/?mode=model

Was considering

(2) JBL Studio 190 Towers
Pair JBL Studio 130 Bookshelf for surrounds
and the Center Studio 120C

basically replacing all my current speakers.

Was wondering if anyone had any advice on these speakers as well as any reviews or impressions, because it seems to be hard to find many reviews for these models. Also can someone please let me know if my receiver will be able to power these speakers adequately.

The room It goes in is my living room with a 168 inch projection screen (wall) + about 24 feet wide 18 feet long 8 feet high. So any help or advice would be great. Also if anyone knew where I could get the best deal on this collective package please let me know.

Thanks in Advance for any help you may be.
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post #13276 of 14063
11/25/12 at 1:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DHD View Post

The few times I've heard Onkyo matched with JBLs, the highs were to edgy, too ruff. Even worse than Yamaha.
HK, Marantz, Parasound matched to JBLs has a synergy not obtained by the others. Smoother highs, detailed midrange, more pronounced mid-bass.

I have been using an Onkyo home theater receiver as a preamp and have not been that please with the quality (sound or reliability). Glad you mentioned Marantz because that is what I was thinking of replacing it with as soon as I can afford it. I like what I have been hearing about the Marantz AV pre/pro products. The prices seem reasonable.

Thanks for the opinion.
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post #13277 of 14063
11/25/12 at 1:44pm
I'm about to pick up a HK AVR 3600, just brought in to Ecuador from the States by the local Harman dealer.
If I wanted Marantz, I'd have to go to Guayaquil, which is only a 3 hour ride. But have no idea what models are available there.
I know the latest Marantz AVRs either do not have pre-outs or only the L/R mains of the ones I've looked at online.
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post #13278 of 14063
11/25/12 at 5:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gferrell View Post

I have been using an Onkyo home theater receiver as a preamp and have not been that please with the quality (sound or reliability). Glad you mentioned Marantz because that is what I was thinking of replacing it with as soon as I can afford it. I like what I have been hearing about the Marantz AV pre/pro products. The prices seem reasonable.
Thanks for the opinion.

I'm using a Marantz AV7005 with my JBLs and am very happy with the combination.
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post #13279 of 14063
11/25/12 at 7:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EZ-Rhino View Post

I'm using a Marantz AV7005 with my JBLs and am very happy with the combination.

That's a really nice unit. Congrats on a good choice. smile.gif
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post #13280 of 14063
11/25/12 at 8:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KBS756 View Post

Hey I know this has probably been discussed before, but I was looking at buying a new set of Speakers for my home theater system. Current ones are very old LX500's up front with a cheap Polk Audio Center and 2 old Advent surrounds. I have a 5.1 Speaker set up with a sub as well. Was considering upgrading my speakers across the Line so thought this would be the best place to come ask for advice.
My Receiver is a Yamaha RX-V467
http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx/rx-v467_black__u/?mode=model
Was considering
(2) JBL Studio 190 Towers
Pair JBL Studio 130 Bookshelf for surrounds
and the Center Studio 120C
basically replacing all my current speakers.
Was wondering if anyone had any advice on these speakers as well as any reviews or impressions, because it seems to be hard to find many reviews for these models. Also can someone please let me know if my receiver will be able to power these speakers adequately.
The room It goes in is my living room with a 168 inch projection screen (wall) + about 24 feet wide 18 feet long 8 feet high. So any help or advice would be great. Also if anyone knew where I could get the best deal on this collective package please let me know.
Thanks in Advance for any help you may be.

Can anyone please help me out here? Thanks

Btw Newegg has the 190's at 249.99 each free shipping does anywhere else have cheaper?
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post #13281 of 14063
11/26/12 at 10:25am
IMO, the set up you're contemplating could be marginal for two reasons:

1. Your room is about 3,500 cubic feet as stated. If there are open doorways or wall openings into other rooms, then the audio space is even larger. The 190s and 130s will be challenged in that spatial volume. Your current LX500 has a higher sensitivity, a bigger woofer, and a pure Ti tweeter that the 190 won't have.

2. The two-way 120C is likely to struggle to keep up with the three-way 190s.

Having written that, this set up will still provide much better consistency in a surround system than what you currently have, and the surrounds will likely perform better. Nonetheless, if you're going to make the move to improve, I'd recommend thinking about a longer term investment that will fill your room and keep you content for years. This means moving up the JBL food chain a little if you can afford it. Check out harmanaudio.com for JBLs models. Look at the clearance and refurbished sections for some pretty good deals, click on the images to get more info, then check with NewEgg, B&H, J&R, ebay, and others to see what the better prices are. Sometimes it's the Harman Store.

If you've heard the Studio 190s, like them, and know they can fill your room, then by all means move ahead. In my experience based on the size of your room, I know I'd be second-guessing myself in 6 months or a year with "I should have gone a little bit better."

Good luck.
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post #13282 of 14063
11/26/12 at 10:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by filecat13 View Post

IMO, the set up you're contemplating could be marginal for two reasons:
1. Your room is about 3,500 cubic feet as stated. If there are open doorways or wall openings into other rooms, then the audio space is even larger. The 190s and 130s will be challenged in that spatial volume. Your current LX500 has a higher sensitivity, a bigger woofer, and a pure Ti tweeter that the 190 won't have.
2. The two-way 120C is likely to struggle to keep up with the three-way 190s.
Having written that, this set up will still provide much better consistency in a surround system than what you currently have, and the surrounds will likely perform better. Nonetheless, if you're going to make the move to improve, I'd recommend thinking about a longer term investment that will fill your room and keep you content for years. This means moving up the JBL food chain a little if you can afford it. Check out harmanaudio.com for JBLs models. Look at the clearance and refurbished sections for some pretty good deals, click on the images to get more info, then check with NewEgg, B&H, J&R, ebay, and others to see what the better prices are. Sometimes it's the Harman Store.
If you've heard the Studio 190s, like them, and know they can fill your room, then by all means move ahead. In my experience based on the size of your room, I know I'd be second-guessing myself in 6 months or a year with "I should have gone a little bit better."
Good luck.

Thanks for the response for a room my size what would you suggest in terms of model? And I do have a pretty wide opening to the back left of my room which makes the room less then balanced. Also I assumed a 120C would be designed to keep up with a 190 as they seem to be from the same line in JBL.

Could you recommend a model you think would be more ideally suited to my room. I may start by just replacing my surrounds and center as they to me feel like the weakest link in my current set up. Thanks in advance for any additional help.

I use my speakers for more home theater than music like 75/25 if that helps. Also sports.

Currently my set up leads to the audio not being all that crisp or the volume of the voices being droned out or requiring raising the volume more that I would like. Would like to rectify that if possible.

Thanks again
Edited by KBS756 - 11/26/12 at 10:56am
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post #13283 of 14063
11/26/12 at 10:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KBS756 View Post

Can anyone please help me out here? Thanks
Btw Newegg has the 190's at 249.99 each free shipping does anywhere else have cheaper?

As filecat mentioned, that is quite a large room. You might want to consider the 500 series, which have horn loaded compression drivers. Also you might want to consider a power amp. I was using a 220w amp in a room about the same size.
The 500 series is more expensive, but should be worth the extra money. And if necessary, buy in pieces, instead of all at once.
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post #13284 of 14063
11/26/12 at 11:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DHD View Post

As filecat mentioned, that is quite a large room. You might want to consider the 500 series, which have horn loaded compression drivers. Also you might want to consider a power amp. I was using a 220w amp in a room about the same size.
The 500 series is more expensive, but should be worth the extra money. And if necessary, buy in pieces, instead of all at once.


If I were to buy in pieces which components would you suggest I go with first? Also as filecat mentioned with the studio 1 series where he said there may be an issue between the towers and the center channel does any such issue exist with the 500 series?

Thanks I appreciate the help in making an informed decision.
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post #13285 of 14063
11/26/12 at 11:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KBS756 View Post

If I were to buy in pieces which components would you suggest I go with first? Also as filecat mentioned with the studio 1 series where he said there may be an issue between the towers and the center channel does any such issue exist with the 500 series?
Thanks I appreciate the help in making an informed decision.

I just looked at the C120, very small. Another series besides the 500 is the Studio L. The LC2 has pure Ti tweeter and dual 6" mid-bass and a midrange the same size as the C120 duals.
Comparing just the centers, the Studio L seems like the better series. I had a pair of the Studio L890s, very good towers and the LC2 can ride along with them with no problem.
The 500 series is newer so higher priced. the 590 is listed @ $799, the L890 @ $699. But being the Studio L has been out since '06 you can find them a various prices online.

Normally, I would say to buy the mains first. But in your case, I'd replace the center/surrounds first.
So if you decide on the Studio L series, then a LC2 and a pair of L820. Or even 3 LC2, to use for both center/surround.
The LC2 is a L820 with a second 6" driver.

With the Studio L series, JBL did a good job on the center. Looking at the Studio 520C, I think they dropped the ball.
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post #13286 of 14063
11/26/12 at 12:22pm
Are there any issues if you match between 2 series? say 530 surrounds 580/590 towers and a LC2 Center Channel?

Also would the receiver I mentioned before be able to handle the 500 series? or would I have to upgrade that as well.

Thanks again to all for the insight
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post #13287 of 14063
11/26/12 at 12:34pm
Hi. I'm a newbie as of a few minutes ago. I just purchased a rough pair of JBL L212's. All of the drivers work except for one 8" woofer, model 112H. The voice coil moves in the gap freely, of course the foam surround is rotted...can this be reconed, or am I in seriouse trouble? I understand this woofer was only used in the L212, which weren't produced in large numbers. I've contacted several reconers on the internet, and so far no one can help me. Any suggestions? smile.gif
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post #13288 of 14063
11/26/12 at 12:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KBS756 View Post

Are there any issues if you match between 2 series? say 530 surrounds 580/590 towers and a LC2 Center Channel?
Also would the receiver I mentioned before be able to handle the 500 series? or would I have to upgrade that as well.
Thanks again to all for the insight

I would say you either have to go all dome tweeter, or compression driver models in the same system.
Another thing I did not notice before about the 500 towers is they are only 2 1/2 way speakers. The L890, L820, LC2 are 4 way models.
As for price, a pair of L820s are the same and even cheaper than the 530s.
I do like the look of the 500s, at least online, but for surround/center, at least, the Studio L is better.
I would like to hear the 590, though.
As for the Yamaha, I've had them bottom out on JBLs, in the past. If it has pre-outs, then add an amp.
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post #13289 of 14063
11/26/12 at 12:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by windsor202 View Post

Hi. I'm a newbie as of a few minutes ago. I just purchased a rough pair of JBL L212's. All of the drivers work except for one 8" woofer, model 112H. The voice coil moves in the gap freely, of course the foam surround is rotted...can this be reconed, or am I in seriouse trouble? I understand this woofer was only used in the L212, which weren't produced in large numbers. I've contacted several reconers on the internet, and so far no one can help me. Any suggestions? smile.gif

I think most of not all driver repair kits for the L212s gone. You might check with Orange County Speaker repair. That is where I sent in my 112A's from my old L212s. But that was a decade ago.
You could probably still find the 112A on ebay, etc. I never found any 112H when I was looking 10 years ago.
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post #13290 of 14063
11/26/12 at 2:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by windsor202 View Post

Hi. I'm a newbie as of a few minutes ago. I just purchased a rough pair of JBL L212's. All of the drivers work except for one 8" woofer, model 112H. The voice coil moves in the gap freely, of course the foam surround is rotted...can this be reconed, or am I in seriouse trouble? I understand this woofer was only used in the L212, which weren't produced in large numbers. I've contacted several reconers on the internet, and so far no one can help me. Any suggestions? smile.gif

Run, don't walk, over to the forums at http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/ . You'll find lots of good info there.

I hope you got the Ultrabass unit too. The 112H can easily be re-foamed with a fresh surround. Orange Co Speaker will do it as will a number of others. AVOID garden variety shops who say they can do it and go with someone that has a proven record. Re-cone should not be needed unless the coil is damaged.

Anyhow, do not run those satellite speakers full-range, they are designed for a 70-80 Hz crossover to a sub.
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