JBL ES20 or 30 bookshelf speakers, anyone experienced with these?

[Yamaheart]

The JBL ES20 and 30 are on sale now. I can get a pair of JBL ES20 for $129 or ES30 for $199. I'm going toward 11.1 or maybe 11.2 setup. My current set up is 5.1 with Yamaha Soavo-1 for front, Yamaha NS-C444 for center, and Yamaha NS-333 for Surround. I wanted to get the NS-333 to complete my 11.1 but they are still $249 a pair when a pair of JBL ES20 can be get for $129. Will this set up with JBL ES20 or 30 affects my overall sound? Is the JBL ES20 is any good? Thank you...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yes, the JBL sound very good like the Infinity P163, except the JBL have much better aesthetic.

But since you own and love your Yamaha speakers, I think you should stick to Yamaha.

 

[rojo]

Jbl es20 has an old-timey radio timbre in the female vocal range, but has great highs. I've read the es30 is similar -- no surprise, as series tend to be timbre-matched.

 

[zieglj01]

For surrounds the JBL will be OK - however, for front channel serious listening, I would pass.

Jbl tends to fall short with their consumer entry level stuff - I have owned a few.

 

[Yamaheart]

Yes, the JBL sound very good like the Infinity P163, except the JBL have much better aesthetic.

But since you own and love your Yamaha speakers, I think you should stick to Yamaha.

First of all, thanks to all for replying. I'm anxious trying to get 6 more bookshelves to get it to 11.1 or 11.2. I do love Yamaha and there is not a doubt about that. Like I was saying the JBL ES20 is $129 a pair right now and I can get all 3 pairs for couple dollars shy of $400. When the NS-333 is $219 a pair now. Hard decision, but I'll think I will wait for good deals for the NS-333. I bought a pair of NS-333 about 3-4 years ago and they weren't that expensive. I dont know why they jacked up the price on these. Thank you once again...

 

[zieglj01]

There are some refurbish Yamaha speakers here - which are most likely returns,
due to change of mind or a minor cosmetic flaw.

It is rare for a speaker to break-down, or need repair

It is an option, and a good price
YAMAHA NS-333 5" 2-Way 150 Watts Bookshelf Speaker Pr. Black | Accessories4less

 

[Yamaheart]

There are some refurbish Yamaha speakers here - which are most likely returns,
due to change of mind or a minor cosmetic flaw.

It is rare for a speaker to break-down, or need repair

It is an option, and a good price
YAMAHA NS-333 5" 2-Way 150 Watts Bookshelf Speaker Pr. Black | Accessories4less

Thanks bro, I did check that website about 2 weeks ago. Their shipping price is steep, almost at $30 for shipping which is too much. Don't know with Tax or not, so that is gonna be almost $180 a pair for USED/Refurb. Thanks once again.