Are JBL Speakers any good?

[WorldLeader]

I know back in the day that JBL made some nice speakers, but from the lack of positive comments (or any comments) about them I'm starting to wonder. I was looking for a pair of mains for my attic project and my dad recomended looking at the JBL site. I came across the Northridge E series and was impressed at first, but I'm a bit warry.

Does anyone use JBLs or is there some insider knowledge that says that JBL Speakers are a joke?

Please help!

 

[mtrycrafts]

I know back in the day that JBL made some nice speakers, but from the lack of positive comments (or any comments) about them I'm starting to wonder. I was looking for a pair of mains for my attic project and my dad recomended looking at the JBL site. I came across the Northridge E series and was impressed at first, but I'm a bit warry.

Does anyone use JBLs or is there some insider knowledge that says that JBL Speakers are a joke?

Please help!

Certainly their research program is one of the best, next to CRC in Canada

It might be difficult to get an unbiased opinion. I suppose you need to find a place where you can listen. And if you were able to listen, from what I am reading and impressed you, not much else needs to be said, right? You are getting it for you, not the next door neighbor

 

[ruadmaa]

JBL Speakers

I know back in the day that JBL made some nice speakers, but from the lack of positive comments (or any comments) about them I'm starting to wonder. I was looking for a pair of mains for my attic project and my dad recomended looking at the JBL site. I came across the Northridge E series and was impressed at first, but I'm a bit warry.

Does anyone use JBLs or is there some insider knowledge that says that JBL Speakers are a joke?

Please help!

I have a pair of Northridge E20's in my rec room and find them to be excellent. I have them paired with a 10 powered sub and have received quite a few compliments on how good the "little" speakers sound.

 

[Geno]

In my experience, JBL, like most all current mass-market brands, has pretty forgettable dime-store stuff at the bottom end and very good stuff at their upper end.

 

[WorldLeader]

In my experience, JBL, like most all current mass-market brands, has pretty forgettable dime-store stuff at the bottom end and very good stuff at their upper end.

How high-end do you have to get before they get good? $500? $1000?

I was just wondering because I don't really want to pay too much more than $1000 per pair.

 

[Geno]

IMHO, the $1K/pair range gets you into the "sweet spot" of speakers - there's a lot of worthy competition there. It really depends on your perception of "good sound". I know people who are perfectly happy with small bookshelves, while others will turn up their noses at anything short of huge, full range towers. Pretty hard subject to generalize - depends on your income level and degree of insanity about this hobby.

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker shopping

If you are planning on spending $1k per pair, then stick to internet direct manufacturers or B&M audio dealers and not Best Buy and Circuit City. That being said, I don't think you will find JBL at any B&M audio delaers.

For example, look for the Klipsch reference series at the dealer vs. the synergy series at BB.

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

If you are planning on spending $1k per pair, then stick to internet direct manufacturers or B&M audio dealers and not Best Buy and Circuit City. That being said, I don't think you will find JBL at any B&M audio delaers.

For example, look for the Klipsch reference series at the dealer vs. the synergy series at BB.

Agreed!!!.....you have ALOT of options at the $1000 mark!