JBL Venue Stadiums

[3db]

You should buy what you are familiar with, what you are comfortable with. Since you are already familiar with JBL's sound signature, and like it, you should consider sticking with the JBL's. Don't let other people sway you.

I have auditioned JBL bookshelves and big floorstanders side by side. To my ears, I much preferred the big floorstanders. The big floorstanders with the big woofers simply have an uncanny effortlessness when playing any kind of material. You simply can't get that from a smaller speaker using a single much smaller woofer.

And forget about adding a separate sub. To get decent bass that is not sloppy, bloated, you will need to spend close to $800 for a decent sub. It is far better to buy a pair of floorstanders that are capable of putting out decent amount of bass in the first place.


Again, don't let other people on the net sway you towards those internet direct brands. Those internet direct companies need to advertise in order to sell their stuff. And god only knows what kind of advertising tactics those companies are willing to engage in in order to make a few bucks.

The OP should go out and audition other speakers to make an informed decision. If he auditions the other makes mentioned and returns back to JBL, then he's more likely to enjoy the JBLs more because he's not 2nd guessing his decision. Its not about swaying a decision. Its about opening his options and making him feel good about his final decision.

 

[mazersteven]

And forget about adding a separate sub. To get decent bass that is not sloppy, bloated, you will need to spend close to $800 for a decent sub.

Are you kidding me?

SVS PB10-NSD $429
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

SVS 25-31PCi $549
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pcpow3.cfm

SVS SB12-Plus $699
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

HSU STF-2 $349
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

HSU VTF-3 MK3 $629
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3-mk3.html

Martin Logan Dynamo $599
http://www.us.martinlogan.com/speaker_intro/dynamo.html

PSB SubSeries 6i Subwoofer $749
http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Subwoofers/SubSeries-6i-Subwoofer

Rocket UFW-10 $599
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=1.1

Acculine ASub $289
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=68

 

[furrycute]

Again, don't let other people on the net sway you towards those internet direct brands. Just dig up those 100+ page threads from the past, read them, and judge them for yourself. It always goes like this. Die hards of those brands will always stuff those brands down your throat. It doesn't matter if you express doubts about those brands. They always bombard you with hyper-inflated glowing reviews on the supposed sonic qualities of those brands. Then some people cave in and buy them. Then a few sane people start to honestly question the supposed sonic superiorities of these internet direct speakers, then hordes of those brands' die hards will come out of nowhere and literally start to crucify those unbelievers: initially with unbelief (something is wrong with the doubters' ears), then with sarcasm, then with outright hostility. What few voices of sanity there are are drowned out in a sea of malice and foul language.

 

[3db]

Again, don't let other people on the net sway you towards those internet direct brands. Just dig up those 100+ page threads from the past, read them, and judge them for yourself. It always goes like this. Die hards of those brands will always stuff those brands down your throat. It doesn't matter if you express doubts about those brands. They always bombard you with hyper-inflated glowing reviews on the supposed sonic qualities of those brands. Then some people cave in and buy them. Then a few sane people start to honestly question the supposed sonic superiorities of these internet direct speakers, then hordes of those brands' die hards will come out of nowhere and literally start to crucify those unbelievers: initially with unbelief (something is wrong with the doubters' ears), then with sarcasm, then with outright hostility. What few voices of sanity there are are drowned out in a sea of malice and foul language.

Wow, Your being somewhat cynical here. Not all people who recommend internet brands are as you described them. There are also a few die hards like myself who truly like a certain brand, (I'm into PSB which is not an internet site) but I also recognize that individuals hear differently from one another and what is right for one person is not right for another. I mention that in my posts when recommending PSB.

Doyou think that the OP better off burying his head in sand and making an uniformed decision based on your bias? I wonder who is really trying to sway here.

 

[Matt34]

Wow, Your being somewhat cynical here. Not all people who recommend internet brands are as you described them. There are also a few die hards like myself who truly like a certain brand, (I'm into PSB which is not an internet site) but I also recognize that individuals hear differently from one another and what is right for one person is not right for another. I mention that in my posts when recommending PSB.

Doyou think that the OP better off burying his head in sand and making an uniformed decision based on your bias? I wonder who is really trying to sway here.

I would wage a hefty bet to find a $600 B&M sub that can trounce my HSU or a $160pr of floorstanders that has the fit and finish of my X-SLS.

 

[mazersteven]

Again, don't let other people on the net sway you towards those internet direct brands. Just dig up those 100+ page threads from the past, read them, and judge them for yourself. It always goes like this. Die hards of those brands will always stuff those brands down your throat. It doesn't matter if you express doubts about those brands. They always bombard you with hyper-inflated glowing reviews on the supposed sonic qualities of those brands. Then some people cave in and buy them. Then a few sane people start to honestly question the supposed sonic superiorities of these internet direct speakers, then hordes of those brands' die hards will come out of nowhere and literally start to crucify those unbelievers: initially with unbelief (something is wrong with the doubters' ears), then with sarcasm, then with outright hostility. What few voices of sanity there are are drowned out in a sea of malice and foul language.

How about the Martin Logan or PSB subs I listed? I'm sure I could list a few more subs from Velodyne under $800, but I'm not familiar with their line.


Seems to me that you have been the one that has been so vocal about bashing ID companies lately. So is this not that same as what you are accusing the ID companies of doing? Seems like someone needs an attitude adjustment. Look in the Mirror.

 

[3db]

I would wage a hefty bet to find a $600 B&M sub that can trounce my HSU or a $160pr of floorstanders that has the fit and finish of my X-SLS.

Just curious, are you replying to my post or just in general?

 

[furrycute]

... or a $160pr of floorstanders that has the fit and finish of my X-SLS.

First of all, that sls is $300 a pair.

Second of all, if you want pretty furniture, you should look at real furniture.

Third of all, what matters in speakers is audio quality. If a manufacturer devotes all the money towards making pretty cabinets, how much money there is left over for decent quality drivers, crossovers, etc.?


Low cost speaker manufacturers who place so much emphasis on making pretty cabinets have only one thing in mind, to attract potential buyers with visual appeal. Because of budget constraints, audio quality is only a remote secondary consideration.

Many reputable companies make decent sounding speakers that only have a vanilla black ash finish. Yet those speakers are very good bang for the buck. Because those companies spend the money on using quality drivers, crossovers, etc., and not on fancy cabinets.

 

[furrycute]

Look in the Mirror.

I have looked in the mirror. And I sleep well at night knowing that I am speaking with conscience.

 

[mazersteven]

Third of all, what matters in speakers is audio quality. If a manufacturer devotes all the money towards making pretty cabinets, how much money there is left over for decent quality drivers, crossovers, etc.?


Low cost speaker manufacturers who place so much emphasis on making pretty cabinets have only one thing in mind, to attract potential buyers with visual appeal. Because of budget constraints, audio quality is only a remote secondary consideration.

You my friend have no clue. You wouldn't call the Peerless India driver decent? Or the tweeters?

How about the crossovers designed by Danny Richie or Sean Parque?

How about the drivers and tweeters SVS is using in the new MTS series?

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-mts01.cfm

 

[no. 5]

Again, don't let other people on the net sway you towards those internet direct brands. Just dig up those 100+ page threads from the past, read them, and judge them for yourself. It always goes like this. Die hards of those brands will always stuff those brands down your throat. It doesn't matter if you express doubts about those brands. They always bombard you with hyper-inflated glowing reviews on the supposed sonic qualities of those brands. Then some people cave in and buy them. Then a few sane people start to honestly question the supposed sonic superiorities of these internet direct speakers, then hordes of those brands' die hards will come out of nowhere and literally start to crucify those unbelievers: initially with unbelief (something is wrong with the doubters' ears), then with sarcasm, then with outright hostility. What few voices of sanity there are are drowned out in a sea of malice and foul language.

Are you insinuating that only well known name brands know anything about how to build a speaker? Are you saying that if something doesn't come from a B&M store, or cost the same as something that does it is guaranteed to be garbage?

I agree, a person should not be talked into buying something for the reason that someone else likes the product, a person should audition to find what they like.

Have you read Ilkka's subwoofer tests? Many ID brands perform very well.
Have you read Audioholics Bookshelf Speaker Faceoff 2007?

 

[Matt34]

First of all, that sls is $300 a pair.

Second of all, if you want pretty furniture, you should look at real furniture.

Third of all, what matters in speakers is audio quality. If a manufacturer devotes all the money towards making pretty cabinets, how much money there is left over for decent quality drivers, crossovers, etc.?


Low cost speaker manufacturers who place so much emphasis on making pretty cabinets have only one thing in mind, to attract potential buyers with visual appeal. Because of budget constraints, audio quality is only a remote secondary consideration.

Many reputable companies make decent sounding speakers that only have a vanilla black ash finish. Yet those speakers are very good bang for the buck. Because those companies spend the money on using quality drivers, crossovers, etc., and not on fancy cabinets.

The mention of the finish was just an example. They sound excellent for what they are, I have no misconceptions about their capablities.

I paid $160 plus shipping, want to see the receipt.

As 3db has stated along with others, your the one coming off as the very person you described in your first post.

 

[furrycute]

I paid $160 plus shipping, want to see the receipt.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=94.1 $299 plus shipping and handling.


I sure would like to know what kind of deal av123 made with you.

 

[Tomorrow]

Boboi,

Please be advised that there is a law of nature that demands that a spitting contest be held in all internet forum loudspeaker threads. These posters are all really nice people who are just passionately expressing their heart-felt opinions.

The suggestion for you to audition speakers that meet your requirements for acceptability is the wise one. That is somewhat difficult to do with ID brands, and can be an expensive proposition if you have to return them. Aperion is one company that will pay for shipping both ways if you don't like them.

If you can identify the style of speaker or sound signature that you enjoy, we can probably make more meaningful recommendations toward ID brand alternatives. If indeed, you enjoy the JBL sound (I do), the Venues are a good value. The AV123 speakers will sound quite different...but preference for either is quite subjective. Again, if you enjoy JBL, go on Ebay and look for HarmanAudio. They are the official online seller for JBL/Harman Kardon receivers/Infinity speakers. You can find some GREAT deals on the highly rated Studio L-series. These should clean up most of the shortcomings of the Venue series...and at equivalent prices. L890's frequently sell for less than $400/pair. By the way, these are sold as "refurbished" but I believe most of them are BRAND NEW!!

Happy hunting.

 

[boboi]

Thank you all for your insightful feedback. Upon reading these posts, I can sense the passion behind the replies, and I think it is great to see what each person has to say about certain speakers and such. Each reply is highly respected, by me, and I really do take into account what is said here. With that said, I'll continue shopping around- it's good these forums exist for the sake of those like me who are new to this.

 

[3db]

Thank you all for your insightful feedback. Upon reading these posts, I can sense the passion behind the replies, and I think it is great to see what each person has to say about certain speakers and such. Each reply is highly respected, by me, and I really do take into account what is said here. With that said, I'll continue shopping around- it's good these forums exist for the sake of those like me who are new to this.

Thats all we're suggesting. Now if you end up with the JBLs, then thats OK too becuase at least you did your home work and went out auditioning other speakers. You're making an informed decision.

 

[Halon451]

Not all threads have to degrade into a meaningless pissing match to be sure, as all anyone here is trying to do is offer suggestions and not "sway" you in one direction or another. I've received tons of help from this site since joining, and I can tell you that I am in a much better position to make speaker purchases now, on account of the many suggestions I've been given.

My earlier post was in reference to the JBL Venue line itself - I haven't had the luxury of auditioning many speakers (yet), so I can really only comment on the Venues since I have owned them, and as it goes - you get help, you try to give some in return, where you can. I did not like the JBL's, period.

But in the end it comes down to you and your ears only. If you are satisfied with the JBL Venue sound, then you have absolutely no reason to distrust your own instincts despite who says what, whether they are a newbie with 5 posts or a Spartan with 6,000 posts. It seems that there are better choices for the money out there as many here would attest, but best of luck in your speaker search and I do hope you enjoy what you end up getting!

 

[mazersteven]

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-audio-speakers/2225-jbl-venue-balcony-mini-review-56k-beware.html

 

[boboi]

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-audio-speakers/2225-jbl-venue-balcony-mini-review-56k-beware.html

Thanks for that! I saw the JBL Balcony at BB and they do look very small, but the reviews on the forum showed them to be favorable dispite the size. I've never heard a system with rear surrounds mounted onto a wall. Does it make a noticeable difference as comapred to surrounds that are just fixed above ear level on a pair of stands or shelves?

 

[Halon451]

I still have my JBL Balcony's mounted to the wall behind me for my surround speakers. I have to admit that even though I don't like the JBL Venue line, these do a pretty fair job of pulling surround duty, maybe because they are not handling the brunt of the sonic load. I'll probably keep them in my setup for a while, because the lower end frequency response matches the AV123 x-cs's I'll be using for my front L/R and center channels (65 Hz), and they are the JBL's I've had the least complaints about.