JBL L300 Speakers - A Masterlu Experience
 

I recall joining AudioAficionado (“AA”) in February 2017, after which I visited the forum frequently, reading attentively, for roughly one year before posting. Evident immediately to me was Masterlu’s (Ivan’s) enthusiasm for advising members and sourcing top-quality equipment. I remember sending a Private Message to Ivan in early 2018 inquiring about an item, which prompted a highly enjoyable phone discussion about our journeys in audio and other topics. Bonds of trust were formed, and I began allocating a portion of my audio purchases to his fine operation, Legend Audio & Video. Ivan has expertly completed many transactions with me since 2018, providing exceptional service before and after delivery in each case.

Shortly after the 2022 new year, I inquired of Ivan regarding an ambitious audio venture: purchasing a second pair of speakers for my two-channel audio system that would provide substantive contrast to the excellent sounds of my Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT’s. Compared to the Vandersteen’s, I sought a larger listening sweet spot, greater dynamic swings, and a more lively presentation from mid-bass up, possibly giving up some overall resolution, transparency, and stereo imaging which the Vandersteen’s deliver beautifully. I had been researching various products from JBL, Klipsch, Tannoy, Fyne, and PBN, and inquired of Ivan regarding his views on and ability to source JBL K2 S9900’s, which currently retail for approximately $48K to $55K depending on the cabinet finish. Ivan responded to my inquiry promptly and advised that he could source a pair of JBL K2 S9900’s, but then also asked if I had heard the JBL L300’s, which JBL has not produced since the 1980s. I had not, until earlier this week thanks to the incomparable Masterlu!

Ivan’s diligence, care, and communication throughout the purchase and delivery process was exemplary, and despite me having the speakers in my system for only a few days, I am utterly thrilled with the sounds, including how they contrast in all the ways desired from my Vandersteen’s. The speakers may be roughly 40 years old, just slightly younger than me, but they deliver an intoxicatingly refined and live sound with my equipment, listed as follows:

- Balanced Audio Technology (“BAT”) VK-76SE power amplifier
- BAT VK-255SE power amplifier (solid-state alternative to the VK-76SE)
- BAT VK-33SE preamplifier
- MOON (Simaudio) 610LP phono preamplifier
- Rega Planar 10 turntable with Apheta 3 cartridge
- Bryston BCD-3 CD player
- PS Audio DirectStream DAC
- AURALiC Aries G2 streamer
- Naim Uniti Core server
- Bryston and Torus power isolation transformers
- REL 212/SX subwoofer
- Cables by Wireworld, Shunyata Research, Nordost, Audioquest, and Morrow Audio
- Room treatments and equipment isolation by Stillpoints, Acoustic Sciences, Shunyata Research, A/V Roomservice, and Herbie’s Audio Lab
- Equipment racks and stands by Quadraspire
- AC receptacles by Oyaide

As Ivan can corroborate, the subject pair of JBL L300’s were an unopened example prior to my purchase. Ivan and I agreed that, prior to shipping the speakers from Massachusetts (Ivan’s location) to Oregon (my location), he would unbox the speakers, replace the stock binding posts with more robust Furutech’s, and test the speakers using his equipment. These proved to be very worthwhile steps, as after delivery I was able to situate the speakers, connect them to my equipment using my speaker cables of choice (Wireworld), and enjoy mesmerizing sounds within a couple of hours.

I am in no way a vintage JBL speaker aficionado, but I am ecstatic with the advice and offer by Ivan to purchase his spare set (he has another flawless example in use), which after activation in my system almost immediately made me a believer in the prowess of the designers and engineers behind the wonderful L300’s.

These speakers are just incredible.

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...1&d=1644616025

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...7&d=1644616223

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...2&d=1644616141

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...3&d=1644616163

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...4&d=1644616172

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...5&d=1644616194

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...6&d=1644616207

I see that my attached photos may not be displaying properly. I am working on it - apologies.

JoyfulNoise....aside from the pair of L300's I knew Ivan had in one of his Cape systems, I was unaware of another set being available. You never do know what Ivan will pull out of his hat....

Congratulations...the L300 is a great speaker indeed. :yes:

Very, very nice looking room and setup. The L300's fit in beautifully. :thumbsup:

Pete - I sense that the contents of Ivan's hat are mysterious and ever-changing. I defer to Ivan to explain the circumstances leading to his acquisition of a spare pair of L300's. I have no doubt that I expressed interest at just the right time. I feel truly fortunate, as the speakers are practically flawless and sound magnificent.

Mark… it pleases me greatly to know that you are enjoying these in your home now. Owning rare/expensive gear simply left in Storage brings no one pleasure.

I also enjoy keeping the new buyer fully informed, with as many photos along the way is something else I enjoy doing.

It just seems today that customer service is a lost art. :dunno:

Enjoy them in the best of health!

Pete - Since taking the photos appearing in my original post, I have relocated the Vandersteen's to allow for experimentation with placement of the JBL L300's. Perhaps just a coincidence, but I am experiencing the best sound in my room, so far, with the L300's placed roughly where the Vandersteen's were. The controlled body and impact of sounds emitted by the 15" woofers are spectacular, and the presentation of the midrange on up is exciting and highly detailed without hardness or brightness. I sense that the BAT tube amplifiers - preamplifier and power amplifer - are an excellent match.

Ivan - Hopefully I have adequately conveyed my appreciation for your approach to customer service. I could not be more pleased with the entire experience.

I don't think I could have said that better...

I've been there and done this with Ivan many times; almost like there is some weird force at work with that timing sometimes. I too feel very fortunate to know Ivan; indeed we all are. :yes:

How very kind of both of you. :redface: