JBL ES Series

[HeyJay]

Hey all-

Just plunked down a wad 'o cash on a Pioneer Elite VSX-33 after checking out the competitors. Now comes time for a speaker upgrade! To give a point of reference, I am using Sony SS-MF515 towers (dont laugh ), and the same family sub/surround/center channel.

The original plan was to shop around and take my sweet time finding the right speakers, but I noticed JBL has the ES series on clearance (cherry color only). The ES90 towers are down to $210. Problem is, I'm not sure of anywhere locally that I could test them out, and also since they are on clearance I assume my time is limitted. Are they a worthy upgrade?

To answer what I can ahead of time: Movies/Home theatre is my primary concern, though I still do listen to a good bit of music (classic rock mostly). The living room is 13x23, and the tv/fronts are going across the 13. And as much as I love a good audio setup, I'm a bargain hunter first and foremost

 

[tom67]

JBL, once a giant in the industry has been running in place for years.....the new ones look like their offerings 10 years ago...last heard this series about 5 years ago and just ok....at half price, I might bite.....need to know what you have to venture a guess as to whether it is an upgrade....and it would be just that, ...a guess

 

[Theresa]

I concur

JBL speakers are great for pro audio, but for consumer speakers they don't offer much that's really good. Trying to find good speakers especially for a big room in that price range will be very difficult. Even building my own I spent several times as much per speaker as the one's your looking at. The sad reality is that good audio costs money often more than we can afford, its an expensive hobby. Some classic rock can be demanding too, such as Pink Floyd.

 

[HeyJay]

Thanks for the quick reply Tom. I referenced my speakers above... Sony MF515 towers and center/surrounds from the same family. I'm certain theyd be an upgrade, but sounds like there will be better options even with the low price

 

[HeyJay]

JBL speakers are great for pro audio, but for consumer speakers they don't offer much that's really good. Trying to find good speakers especially for a big room in that price range will be very difficult. Even building my own I spent several times as much per speaker as the one's your looking at. The sad reality is that good audio costs money often more than we can afford, its an expensive hobby. Some classic rock can be demanding too, such as Pink Floyd.

I have more than that to spend, but I like saving money where I can I'd be comfortable around $1000 for a center and 2 towers

 

[zieglj01]

Hey all-

Just plunked down a wad 'o cash on a Pioneer Elite VSX-33 after checking out the competitors. Now comes time for a speaker upgrade! To give a point of reference, I am using Sony SS-MF515 towers (dont laugh ), and the same family sub/surround/center channel.

The original plan was to shop around and take my sweet time finding the right speakers, but I noticed JBL has the ES series on clearance (cherry color only). The ES90 towers are down to $210. Problem is, I'm not sure of anywhere locally that I could test them out, and also since they are on clearance I assume my time is limitted. Are they a worthy upgrade?

To answer what I can ahead of time: Movies/Home theatre is my primary concern, though I still do listen to a good bit of music (classic rock mostly). The living room is 13x23, and the tv/fronts are going across the 13. And as much as I love a good audio setup, I'm a bargain hunter first and foremost

The JBL will sound better - however, they will still have that famous
JBL entry level sound and resolution - which is not a whole lot to write
home about.

Just for exploration - look at this, they sound good for the price
and better to me. The Boston VR series.
http://www.onecall.com/product/Boston-Acoustics/VR1-Speaker-Trio/Home-Theater-System/_/R-104909

And look at the KEF
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFIQBLKPK/KEF/iQ10-s-iQ60C-iQ70-Home-Theater-Speaker-Package/1.html