JBL L36's & Bose 301 series2

[chufar]

I've got 2 questions concerning old speakers:
1) I have a set of mid-70's JBL L36 that are in poor cond. They have Radio Shack replacement woofers & original midrange/tweeters are trashed(holes in cone & ctr caps missing). Cabinets are stained & dinged but structurally solid. Are these worth salvaging or ready for the woodpile?
2) I also have a set of Bose 301 series 2 that are in good shape but w/1 woofer in need of refoaming ( can get it done for around $35 locally). I spoke to the people @ Bose about new driver & they offered to sell me a new set of 301 series 5 for 1/2 price ($190/pr). What's my best option?

Would appreciate some input.

 

[j_garcia]

What is your budget? The 301s repaired at $35 is cheap, but isn't going to net you spectacular sound, but a working speaker for $35 is better than no speaker if all you have is $35.

The JBLs probably aren't worth repairing. The tweeters *may* still be around or you could find something similar, but I'd probably just buy something new vs repairing them.

 

[CDogg]

If you have the money and if you are aiming for good, quality sound, your best bet is getting new speakers.

 

[afterlife2]

If you have the money and if you are aiming for good, quality sound, your best bet is getting new speakers.

X2 Newer speakers are the key. Some new JBL's would be nice.
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-L830-6-Inch-Bookshelf-Loudspeaker/dp/B000FYZARY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1335217990&sr=8-4

 

[zieglj01]

Some new JBL's would be nice.
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You seem to be a JBL fan - this is an entry level consumer
speaker, that I liked from them.
JBL HLS610
jbl hls610 | eBay

 

[afterlife2]

You seem to be a JBL fan - this is an entry level consumer
speaker, that I liked from them.
JBL HLS610
jbl hls610 | eBay

Yeah I like JBL's, but I like other brands as well. What did you like about the 610's? Did you own them? I see they have a horn, DARNIT.

 

[zieglj01]

Yeah I like JBL's, but I like other brands as well. What did you like about the 610's? Did you own them? I see they have a horn, DARNIT.

Yes, I did own them.
They were nice for home theater and music - you could listen to
music with them. No harsh highs, no artificial bass bump. They
were open and not muddy, and had decent midrange and imaging.
Question is, can you guess how to open and unscrew the woofers?

 

[chufar]

Thanks for the info! What do you of think Bose 301 series 5 for $190? Is there anything (i.e., crossovers) worth salvaging out of the JBL's?

 

[afterlife2]

No BOSE. I'd go for what was advised.
This is a good deal too. Sold by harmanaudio: http://www.ebay.com/itm/JBL-ES20-3-Way-5-Bookshelf-Speakers-Pair-/180865870819?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item2a1c722be3

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks for the info! What do you of think Bose 301 series 5 for $190?

No, No and No.

 

[Seth=L]

The JBL L36 may not be worth YOU salvaging, but they are worth something none the less. Do not discard them. There are people out there that would be very interested in having your speakers in whole or maybe parts.

As far as the Bose 301s go. Get the series II repaired for the $35. They can be worth up to $200 to the right buyer if they're in good condition and the grill posts aren't broken. The Series II and Series III are the most sought after of the Bose 301 speakers. While one would not think that Bose could reduce the quality of their product they succeeded by producing the junk they sell today. By no means are the 301 Series II a good speaker but they have a value and they have been a good intermediate speaker in their day but there always was and always will be much better than Bose for the money.

 

[chufar]

Thanks for the input! I'll have both the Bose refoamed & check out availablility on 2nd-hand JBL drivers. If I were to sell the L36's as is (trashed drivers but solid cabinets), what might they be worth?

 

[afterlife2]

Look on ebay and craigslist for prices. You never know what something is worth until it's worth alot to some people. Catch my drift? Looks like you don't want an opinion, so I guess you made up your mind before you asked us a question. Now if I'm wrong forgive me and good luck.

 

[Seth=L]

Look on ebay and craigslist for prices. You never know what something is worth until it's worth alot to some people. Catch my drift? Looks like you don't want an opinion, so I guess you made up your mind before you asked us a question. Now if I'm wrong forgive me and good luck.

What you should consider is that it only costs $35 o refoam each woofer, where he's likely to spend $200-300 on speakers to replace the non- functional ones.