General Asylum: REVIEW: JBL lsr6328p Speakers by robotk

Model:	lsr6328p
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$3200
Description:	active monitor
Manufacturer URL:	JBL
Model Picture:	View

Review by robotk on November 06, 2007 at 19:11:18
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for the lsr6328p

This speaker has been an eye opening experience for me and has, personally, put the audiophile thing into perspective. For a street price of roughly $2000 for a pair, these JBLs provide the kind of flat frequency response, detail, dynamics and sheer horsepower that would cost a substantial amount of money to recreate with high end components. In the end, I've come to realize that I miss nothing and the performance/price ratio puts most hifi components to shame.

This is a pro monitor with dual amps built into each cabinet. A 250w for the 8inch carbon fiber composite woofer and 120watt for the 1 inch Ti tweeter. All components and transducers are built in house and in America.(!)

There are a couple of reasons why these JBLs provide remarkable performance for such a (relatively) affordable price. First there no frills - no pretty veneers/finishes. You get basic black with a soft touch rubberized type finish. Handles are built into the sides to facilitate movement. Personally, I think it looks very purposeful and handsome. My wife thinks the overly square look is "cute". The speaker is surprisingly large: 17X13X13 and 40lbs apiece.

The second price advantage is the fact this was built for the pro market -- prices are competitive and manufacturers don't have the luxury of a 200% audiophile markup, particularly when Guitar Center and the like regularly blow out prices way below retail.

Pros:
1)Extremely flat frequency response - renowned in the recording industry for this
2)Sweet, extended highs
3)Natural, balanced mids
4)Awesome bass -- really incredible for the size of this speaker. Exceedingly well controlled and damped with impressive extension. This is my favorite aspect of this speaker. No sub needed, IMO.
5)Essentially no sonic signature -- very balanced with no obvious colorations
6)Uniform and very wide dispersion
7)Excellent low volume dynamics - sounds the same from very low to ear blowing SPLs (minimal distortion)
8)These will absolutely ROCK when called for, but are able to convey delicate subtle details faithfully and accurately
9)Dynamic - attacks are powerful and quick.
10)"All in one" - nothing to upgrade, so upgraditis a thing of the past.
11)Great recordings sound glorious
12)Will probably live through a nuclear holocaust

Cons
1)Some may not like the looks. My wife and I really like the unique square look
2)Will not lie to you -- no veiled highs or colored signature. Crap recordings are revealed (though not in a fatiguing manner like some Thiels, etc.)
3)Nothing to upgrade - not ideal for the gearhead who loves to upgrade
4)Neutrik inputs take only 1/4phono or balanced connections.
5)Snob appeal? JBL doesn't have cachet for some people who don't appreciate the history

These speakers are the real deal - a real testament to JBL engineering and a reminder of how this company was once among the best in the world. I firmly believe that one cannot get sound quality like this anywhere remotely close to the average street price with standard hifi components.

Product Weakness:	-
Product Strengths:	-

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: -
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Apple Express; Entech DAC
Sources (CDP/Turntable): -
Speakers: -
Cables/Interconnects: -
Music Used (Genre/Selections): jazz, indie, rock, ambient
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): -
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	-
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Apple Express; Entech DAC
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	-
Speakers:	-
Cables/Interconnects:	-
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz, indie, rock, ambient
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	-
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner