So, I talked with the Harman rep at an event a few months back, and he assured me that the 500 series was still very much available. But, despite the great things that JBL has to say about them, the lack of stock at outlets like Amazon, and the continuation of the Studio L series and the apparent dilution of the "studio" brand with the 2 series, seems to carve out a strange future for these speakers. It's too bad because, as a JBL fanboy, I was really excited to see the trickle down of Timber Everest design to the mass market. And, I do like the look...as long as it's not form over function.
Maybe I'm reading into the tea leaves too much. Many thanks to those who have laid ears on and provided their impressions. I hope there is a future for these speakers, perhaps in a true "Everest Ultra Light" positioned above the Studio L to compete with/compliment the mid- and upper-tier Revels.
