The end of an Era - JBL USA closing

[Mctwins]

Hi
I am very satisfied with my speakers JBL cinema screen array 3731 and with the subs 4641. Those speakers you have mentioned, 4355 and your speakers Vintages tube looks great, I would love to have them.

I must say, the speakers I have is assambled in Mexico and it looks good and also the quality is good as well. Have recently purchase PRX635 and PRX618S-XLF and the quality is good and sounds great too. It is a little bit sad about the closing of the Northridge facility but this is due to the global economy fault, schould I suspect.

I like the sound of the JBL, just my taste of the dynamics and the punch it produce.
Thanks

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by 5 DG

By that time you could have carried me away (I know it might sound a bit over-the-top, but when you got the JBL sickness, well - let's just say you gotta experience it...)

Anyway, that's the short story and I've probably bored you guys enough already. A lot of good times back then.

5 DG....I think the highlighted phrase really says it all. Yes, the size and driver compliment of the 4350 series created an impact like none other....they were simply an incredible creation, utilizing all of the dream components of the day. Unfortunately, from the practical and financial standpoint, they've been out of my league. Their size alone commands a lot of room. For my purposes and room limitations the L220's have served me very well. I often feel that the L220 didn't (and doesn't) get the recognition it's been deserving of. Its tower design, driver compliment, acoustical alignment of the drivers for superior depth of imaging and coherency, its elegant enclosure with non-parallel sides, all add up to a winning design, IMO. As much as I love the legendary L300, its cabinet is too short and too wide to work with my main system. (I still dream of acquiring a pair and basing another system on a pair of these in another room, another room that I don't presently have ). In 1983 I auditioned the gorgeous L250, and although I was quite impressed, I didn't feel it was superior enough to warrant upgrading my recently acquired L220's.

Well. enough of my L220 rant....believe me, you haven't bored me at all. Reading your post puts a big smile on my face. I'll look forward to seeing the pics of your gear when you get it set up. I've no doubt it will be superb.

Pete

[5 DG]

Hi Pete -

You are 100% correct about the L220 and the chosen shape of the cabinet (truncated pyramid) with regard to internal reflections/cancellations, etc. Funny, that was thought/design and technology (slide rules) back in the late 70's what put those works of art together.

Btw, do you remember a (short-lived) successor to the L220, called the L222? I always wondered what they did/modified the LE14 for increased low freq. response and power handling capability. Not sure if it was a larger magnet or what, but I was always curious.

The only (slight) problem I ever had with my L220's was, with some LF material the woofers would 'fart'. It didn't last long because I would immediately back off the attenuator so as to not damage the driver, but I found it curious nonetheless. I used to try taking some of the 'washers' off the PR, but could really never tell too much difference in sound. They were quick and loud as Hell as long as I stayed above ~40 cycles.

I remember playing a track from Styx back in the day - I think it was called 'Borrowed Time'. During the intro there is some very hard-pounding, punchy drum/bass lines that will push a woofer. This is where I first noticed the 'farting'. Sorry for the lack of proper interpretation, but that is the word that best approximates the sound I heard.

Funny, the intro lyrics to Borrowed Time say: "Don't look now, but here come the 80's."

Arrgghhh....