Author Topic: Glutton for punishment  (Read 11151 times)

Offline Slim-Shaddy

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Glutton for punishment
« on: February 21, 2010, 10:43:12 PM »
Based on my review of the old JBLs, you'd think I would be steering clear, right?
Nope.
I picked up a pair of s38II "studio series" bookshelfs today. They almost still had that "new speaker smell" they were so clean, and they were at a price I couldn't refuse.
For those who aren't in the know, these are post y2k 3 way ported bookshelf speakers with an 8" woofer, 4" mid, and 1" dome tweet. The drivers all bear an odd resemblance to Infinity's Interlude series ::) . Thanks HK.
 I've only been listening to these for 1 cd so far (Freedy Johnston's This Perfect World) so my findings are very much subject to change.

For the main part I am happily surprised.
These are very smooth sounding speakers. The bass response is impressive, although this cd isn't the best choice for bass response. All the bass notes offered are defined well.
Highs are OK. I prefer a brighter sound. What they do produce is, again, very smooth and balanced.
Low mids seem a little exaggerated.

The most impressive thing about these speakers so far is the soundstage. I have them in the horizontal position (recommended in the manual) and they produce a very deep and wide stage. A blindfolded person would assume these were much bigger speakers.

All for now. more to come.
I am confident that an SL-1200 is capable of outperforming turntables of much higher expense with minor modification.

Offline paden501

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2010, 09:48:38 AM »
Sweet Ed.  Put up some photos and opinions once you've had a chance to put them through their paces.


Also what are you driving them with?
~Matt
--- My System ---
Front L/R: Polk Audio SDA-1C w/ Modified xovers
Amp: Carver TFM-24
CD: Jolida JD100a
HTR/Pre: B&K Reference 20
Turntable:Pioneer PL-516 W/ Shure M97xe
Surrounds -Polk Audio Monitor 4As

Offline Slim-Shaddy

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2010, 11:49:55 AM »
Driving them with my Carver TFM 22. Way more power than necessary, but that's all I have. I have about 5 cds listening time on them and my original sentiments remain. Very open and smooth sounding. They take string bass tuned a step low with no problem. I had the volume at 1:00 and they kept on rolling. For a pair of bookshelf speakers that retailed at $600 originally, people could pick them up for $300 when they were on sale. Quite a bargain. Maybe I'll bring them with me to the meeting Saturday and put them up against the B&Ws and Paradigms...that is if Tom is OK with it ;).
Here's a pic...
I am confident that an SL-1200 is capable of outperforming turntables of much higher expense with minor modification.

Offline paden501

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2010, 12:29:07 PM »
Those look pretty nice.  I like the horizontal stance. 

You've put together a pretty impressive basement setup!

~Matt
--- My System ---
Front L/R: Polk Audio SDA-1C w/ Modified xovers
Amp: Carver TFM-24
CD: Jolida JD100a
HTR/Pre: B&K Reference 20
Turntable:Pioneer PL-516 W/ Shure M97xe
Surrounds -Polk Audio Monitor 4As

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2010, 12:57:22 PM »
ED,

I really like those JBL's, I mean REALLY like them, and that setup that you've got on downstairs just keeps getting more and more impressive Sir.

As Always ED..........Sincerely, BILL(BB3)

Offline Slim-Shaddy

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2010, 02:02:38 PM »
ED,

I really like those JBL's, I mean REALLY like them(BB3)

I might be willing to trade them for a pair of your SDAs  ;) ;)
Just Kidding of course.
 I'm glad you like them too. I'm still surprised at how nice they sound.

Thanks for the compliments on the basement guys. It's always nice to hear someone appreciates it.
I am confident that an SL-1200 is capable of outperforming turntables of much higher expense with minor modification.

Offline Tiga

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #6 on: February 22, 2010, 03:00:53 PM »
Very nice looking set-up.  I noticed the drop down screen - what kind of projector are you using?

Oh - the JBL's are pretty sweet too.

Offline Slim-Shaddy

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2010, 03:09:34 PM »
Thanks Tiga. The projector is an optoma. Not sure the model, but it's a 720p high def model. It looks pretty sharp.
I am confident that an SL-1200 is capable of outperforming turntables of much higher expense with minor modification.

Offline Falcon

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2010, 03:21:29 PM »
Very nice, I remember reading the review of those speakers in Stereo review magazine. I believe they were very highly regarded.

Offline Kingman

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2010, 04:05:07 PM »
Looks like a sweet combo!!!  :P  8)  :P
IN REALITY IT ONLY MATTERS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE TO YOU!!!!!

Offline mikey813

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2010, 07:47:33 PM »
Very nice. Those JBL's look pretty cool. :D :D
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Offline sean283

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #11 on: February 22, 2010, 08:23:04 PM »
looks like a winner, really gonna bring them Saturday?

I know I wouldn't mind hearing them.
SS system 1 - Conrad Johnson PV-10AL  Carver TFM-25 Carver DTL-200 MKII Carver C9 River Current RC8- Yamaha NS-690II Yamaha NS-670
SS system 2 - Sansui 9090DB Snell EII  Tascam CD-RW700
Tube system - Akai X-150D H.H. Scott 99-D (2)  Sony MDS-JE510 Bozak B-302A

Offline Slim-Shaddy

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #12 on: February 22, 2010, 09:14:43 PM »
I'm thinking I will bring them with me Saturday. My only concern is that nobody else will like them and my audio credibility will take a shot. :'(
I am confident that an SL-1200 is capable of outperforming turntables of much higher expense with minor modification.

Offline paden501

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2010, 09:27:08 PM »
I wouldn't worry about that Ed.  I think that everyone here just likes to hear all kinds of different equipment.


Besides, what's not to like about them?

~Matt
--- My System ---
Front L/R: Polk Audio SDA-1C w/ Modified xovers
Amp: Carver TFM-24
CD: Jolida JD100a
HTR/Pre: B&K Reference 20
Turntable:Pioneer PL-516 W/ Shure M97xe
Surrounds -Polk Audio Monitor 4As

Offline sean283

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Re: Glutton for punishment
« Reply #14 on: February 23, 2010, 12:23:51 AM »
yeah, I don't think I'd worry.
Besides, If you like 'em that's all that matters.

Personally, I'm on a mission to hear as many different pieces of equipment as possible before I keel over.


 
SS system 1 - Conrad Johnson PV-10AL  Carver TFM-25 Carver DTL-200 MKII Carver C9 River Current RC8- Yamaha NS-690II Yamaha NS-670
SS system 2 - Sansui 9090DB Snell EII  Tascam CD-RW700
Tube system - Akai X-150D H.H. Scott 99-D (2)  Sony MDS-JE510 Bozak B-302A