Audio Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Slim-Shaddy on February 21, 2010, 10:43:12 PM
Title: Glutton for punishment
Post by: Slim-Shaddy 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.
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: paden501 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?
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: Slim-Shaddy 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...
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: paden501 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!
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: BB3 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)
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: Slim-Shaddy on February 22, 2010, 02:02:38 PM
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.
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: Tiga 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.
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: Slim-Shaddy 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.
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: Falcon 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.
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: Kingman on February 22, 2010, 04:05:07 PM
Looks like a sweet combo!!! :P 8) :P
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: mikey813 on February 22, 2010, 07:47:33 PM
Very nice. Those JBL's look pretty cool. :D :D
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: sean283 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.
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: Slim-Shaddy 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. :'(
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: paden501 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?
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: sean283 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.
Title: Re: Glutton for punishment
Post by: BB3 on February 23, 2010, 09:00:21 PM