I am about to buy speakers without having ever heard them?!

M

mibson

Audioholic
I have heard good things about JBL L890 and 880s.

My brother is a knowledgeable "stereo audiophile"
He thinks they are the best speaker for my price range, and music tastes.(mostly hard/progressive rock), plus they have rave reviews.

They dont sell these anywhere I live, but do for a good price on ebay.

Should I buy them and never heard them?
 
Last edited:
J

jamie2112

Banned
1st off how much is your budget? Where do you live? Internet only companies are really great for speakers and if you are ok buying used www.audiogon.com is a killer place to shop speakers.
 
M

mibson

Audioholic
my budget? About $1300 for speakers

with that budget and my musical tastes (hard/progressive rock) I really like the details and reviews of the JBL L890s....I live in Edmonton, Canada..


Any thoughts?
 
Quickley17

Quickley17

Audioholic
Have you ever owned JBL speakers before, or listened to someone elses JBL speakers at length? Do you know anyone that owns JBL speakers or other speakers in that price range that you could spend time listening to?

I recently (within the last three months) began to get serious about Home Theater and HiFi sound and have spent a lot of time listening to many different speakers. One of the most interesting things so far is how different some speakers sound from others that cost the same amount. If you aren't familiar with the sound of a JBL speaker, I really think its a good idea to find somewhere to listen to them to get an idea of what you like and dont like. Around here you will see many people talking about "neutral", "tinny", "fatiguing", "muddy", "boomy", and a whole host of other sounds that they hear in speakers. Everyone hears different things that they like and don't like from all sorts of speakers, and many of them are talking about speakers that other people swear by. Ultimately it is a deeply personal preference which speaker or sound you will get the most enjoyment from.

You cant please everyone, especially not around here, but you're the most important one, so I think you should do whatever you can to have a listen first.
 
M

mibson

Audioholic
Well said...

I do agree and understand. Im frustrated because listening to speakers in my city, seems to mean either listening to audiophile $2500+ speakers, or going to futureshop or best buy; Im not happy with either situation.

I have also heard the difference between different amps/cables etc on my brother’s setup and it is astounding. I wish I could hear 5-10+ different speakers on the same setup, but cant....

My brothers full rage Sonus Faber do sound nice....way to pricey for me

Im tempted to just buy the JBL L890s and take a loss if I dont like them...
 
Guiria

Guiria

Senior Audioholic
I enjoy building my own speakers and I understand your concern for committing to something you have never heard. Building a speaker (atleast for me) involves trusting in other people's designs and reviews. I don't have the luxury of listening to something before I commit the time, effort, and $$ to a DIY project. They always turn out well enough though. Get your brother to tell you why he thinks they are a good fit for you (ie, listening room, style, speaker size, amplification) etc. Maybe that will ease you walking out on the plank of not listening before you buy...good luck.
 
3db

3db

Audioholic Slumlord
I do agree and understand. Im frustrated because listening to speakers in my city, seems to mean either listening to audiophile $2500+ speakers, or going to futureshop or best buy; Im not happy with either situation.

I have also heard the difference between different amps/cables etc on my brother’s setup and it is astounding. I wish I could hear 5-10+ different speakers on the same setup, but cant....

My brothers full rage Sonus Faber do sound nice....way to pricey for me

Im tempted to just buy the JBL L890s and take a loss if I dont like them...
For 1300, you can do alot better than the JBL. Edmonton is not a small town and should have at least 6 to 7 audio stores located there. I'm using Ottawa as a comparison and there are at least 10 15 audio stores not including the Best Buy and Futur Shop. In Futur SHops' defence, they are selling the Enery RC line of speakers which you should definately audition. Also look for Paradigm dealers as well as my favourite Canadian speaker, PSB. Speakers from them in that budget will be more accurate then the JBLs.
 
JerryLove

JerryLove

Audioholic Ninja
It depends.

If your brother really knows your taste in speakers and how these sound then... well then "why ask us" actually.

If you accept that these may not be what you want and you may resell them (These days, if I see a good price on Craigslist of something I've not heard I buy it: if I don't like it, it goes on ebay), then think of it as a risky audition.

Otherwise: go buy speakers you can listen to first or (better) audition at home.
 
M

mibson

Audioholic
I have a limit of about $2500 for a 2ch system for music, what should I do?

I am going to take the advice given so many times and get out and listen to more speakers, but I find pressure sales people really bother me.

Im leaning towards a emotive 2 channel amp and preamp.

What speakers I cant decide?

I will eventually upgrade so I can have a 5.1 or 7.1 system but 2 channel stereo is definitely my priority...

Notes:
1) My room is 21 x 19 feet with a vaulted 11 foot ceiling, it is a loft so one side of the room does not have a wall(drops down to living room). The room is all wood walls and ceiling but I will do sound treatments eventually.

2) I listen to mainly hard/progressive rock (TOOL, RUSH, Porcupine Tree) but I do listen to all types of music and really enjoy instrumental east Indian music.

Thanks for any tips on speakers I should be trying to listen to...
 
JerryLove

JerryLove

Audioholic Ninja
If you are thinking UPA-2, that's $600 for pre/pro and amp... so about $1900 for two speakers. It's a reasonably sized room. I'm running a pair of Infinity RSIIb in a similar room that cost me about $200. I'm still hunting for an older B&W 800 or 801 (I saw a pair of 802 mk3 for $1800, but was steered away from them).

I'm sure there are any number of threads (and likely more than one Audioholics article) discussing speakers in the price range: and in the end every one will tell you to audition anyway.

You've decided what to spend pre-speakers, you know what you have left, go audition.

Me right now? I'd get a heavier amp (Yamaha pro?) and a pair of the biggest Maggies the remaining budget would allow.. but mileage varies.
 
J

jamie2112

Banned
Me right now? I'd get a heavier amp (Yamaha pro?) and a pair of the biggest Maggies the remaining budget would allow.. but mileage varies.
He said he listens to prog rock.I would NOT get Magnaplaners for listening to 2 channel music especially prog.I would however suggest that you buy from www.audiogon.com as there are some amazing deals on used speakers there.If you are looking to buy new there are a boatload of speakers in your price range.The best thing you can do is figure out what you need AVR wise or pre and amp scenario,then look at speakers and subwoofers.Buying used will open up your possibilitys greatly IMO.
 
J

JJMP50

Full Audioholic
You've already been given the best advice. Speakers are very subjective. That being said, the JBL 890s & 880s are a very good deal these days. You would be hard pressed to find a better deal but try to audition them first. I've been using JBLs for years and currently am running L830s/810s/C1 with an Outlaw LFM1c sub and they work very well together. Keep in mind the Studio L series run a little bright due to the ultra high tweeter and a horn at that.
 
Quickley17

Quickley17

Audioholic
On another thread you mentioned that your pinnacle for speakers was set by a pair of Sonus Fabers. I looked up stores near Edmonton, and there is a place called Audio Ark that sells Sonus Faber as well as Paradigm, Magnepan, and a host of other speakers. You also mentioned that you really don't like pushy salesmen, so if this store is like that, disregard what I have to say, but if the people at that store are cool, see if you can compare the sound of the Sonus Faber to some of the other speakers they have. This might help you get a better idea of what brands may have a sound you like and dont like... or it might annoy you because you cant afford your brother's speakers (My brother has Sonus Faber towers as well).
 
M

mibson

Audioholic
On another thread you mentioned that your pinnacle for speakers was set by a pair of Sonus Fabers. I looked up stores near Edmonton, and there is a place called Audio Ark that sells Sonus Faber as well as Paradigm, Magnepan, and a host of other speakers. You also mentioned that you really don't like pushy salesmen, so if this store is like that, disregard what I have to say, but if the people at that store are cool, see if you can compare the sound of the Sonus Faber to some of the other speakers they have. This might help you get a better idea of what brands may have a sound you like and dont like... or it might annoy you because you cant afford your brother's speakers (My brother has Sonus Faber towers as well).
Yes, I know Audio Arc, I will audition there but I do feel bad about auditioning when I know Im going to buy online, oh well I just get over that.

Full range sonus fabers are way too much money for me....but yes, it is a great idea to audition there, find out the sounds i like.

I have decided that I will audition as much as I can here in Edmonton and then buy online, perhaps Ill buy used Im not sure. I dont like the idea of setting up a new stereo with scratches on it because its used....I have to be honest I did like the sound of some Polk RTI a9 that I listened to...
 
M

mibson

Audioholic
"Warm" sounding speakers for $1800 max

I know I like "warm" sounding speakers, without harsh treble. Any ideas for brands that I should audition?

Thanks
 
M

mibson

Audioholic
You've already been given the best advice. Speakers are very subjective. That being said, the JBL 890s & 880s are a very good deal these days. You would be hard pressed to find a better deal but try to audition them first. I've been using JBLs for years and currently am running L830s/810s/C1 with an Outlaw LFM1c sub and they work very well together. Keep in mind the Studio L series run a little bright due to the ultra high tweeter and a horn at that.
Yes, Im going to spend time auditioning, "bright" is not what I want I need "warm"...

Thanks for the ideas! I do like the description of the Salks Ive read....
 

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