jbl hls610

[erniejade]

I am thinking of picking up a pair. From what I am reading on the internet on them, they seem to have some great reviews. Has anyone on here used them? I tried using the search but didnt pull up anything on this forum.

I am thinking of using them in a 11X12 room, McIntosh amp, Velodyne spl1200 subwoofer.

Any opinions on them at all good or bad?

[jdandy]

Ernie.......This particular model of JBL speaker was designed to hit a price point for the big box stores. I don't imagine it sounds terrible, but I wouldn't expect the JBL HLS610 performance to be up to your McIntosh amplifier's capabilities. Using a pair of these speakers with a sub will improve the bottom end because the HLS610 rolls off quickly below 55 Hz. I haven't heard this model JBL but just looking at JBL's spec sheet I would not expect a lot of transparency from the polycarbonate dome tweeter, either. You didn't mention a budget but I believe you can do much better by going up the JBL line a little higher.

[erniejade]

Lots of amazing reviews on them for the $. This is going to sound crazy but, ( aren't we all a bit crazy? ) here it goes.

I was thinking of just trying them out just to see how a set of bookies sound in the room. Locally I can pick them up for 50$. I figured I can re-sell them for what I paid so I'm not too worried about that part. I used to have my basement 26x29 for my equipment till I got married and my wife has 2 kids. My townhouse was only a 2 bedroom so, we split the basement up for a bedroom and a den. So my gear is now in a 11x12 room that I cannot get my Legacy focus to sound right in. So i figured this might be a cheap way to see if bookies would just work out better. If it did, I might sell the legacy focus, and go with maybe some Joseph audio, or Spendor, or a lot of people seem to like the Polk LSI7 or LSI9 because of the back plate where the port is, lets you put it closer to the back wall.

When I had the basement, I had carver amazing for classical and jazz, and I would switch off between a set of Polk 2.3 sda and the legacy focus for rock and other music. Love my wife and step kids but, I miss my basement!

So long story short, I was thinking just to try them out to see if bookies might work out better without killing the bank and able to resell for what I paid. I do have a set of Bose 301's at work I guess i could try out to see but i never really liked them for music.

[jdandy]

Ernie.......You're right, $50.00 isn't gong to break the bank.

Another set of speakers came to mind. The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers are an exceptional value. Andrew Jones designed the SP-BS22LR speakers, the same Andrew Jones who created the TAD Reference One. I bought a pair for my workshop and use them with a 10" Dayton subwoofer. They perform way beyond their price point of $129.99 a pair.

[erniejade]

I just did a quick search on the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR. Wow. Lots of amazing reviews for a 4" woofer.

The other one i was thinking of trying out is a little more $ but the polk lsi9 used can be had for around 400$. I only worry about resale on that where the jbl or the pioneer would be close to a wash. Its funny, all my life I have had bigger floor standing speakers so when it comes to bookies, I am new at it again LOL.

[erniejade]

HH Greg has the Pioneer for 100 for the set. I might need to take a ride after work and check them out.

[jdandy]

Ernie.......Make sure the Pioneer speakers for $100.00 are the SP-BS22-LR. Pioneer also has a SP-BS21-LR. It is not the same.

[erniejade]

Yep its the 22. Way better then I thought but in the the store, felt like something is missing but it could be because they had a crapy setup. I'm leaning in trying the polk lsi9. Its hard not being able to hear them and 50-100 $ to loose is nothing vs 400+ if I don't like them and hopefully I can resell them.

Either way I'm keeping the legacy focus so when I get my basement back in a few years I won't have to go looking again.

[jdandy]

Ernie.......That's a great price on the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR speakers. These speakers need to be played with a subwoofer. With your Velodyne SPL1200 subwoofer they will present a very believable and rewarding performance.

[erniejade]

WOW the floor standing version are impressive
Pioneer SP-FS52-LR for $127 each. Im in shock. Definitely up there with 1000$+ speakers.

I Debated a while but, I think i am just going to pick up the 22's and try them out. The polks keep calling my name though and do dig a little deeper but, with the 1200 taking care of the bass... Guess this means I need to put the electronic crossover back into play so I dont kill the 4" woofers.

BTW Thank you for the help and for not saying I'm completely nuts for trying this out. It seems crazy to go from some $6000+ 185 lb speakers to a bookie no matter if its the pioneer or polk, I think the legacy are just too big for the room and time to look into other options without breaking the bank trying.