Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

Joe Mac said:
With studio monitors like these something like a makie big knob would probably not be a bad idea too to make volume control a bit easier and more uniform across the two speakers. Also I just like to cause myself to laugh every time I type out big knob 😂
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I had to look up the Makie big knob; I think it only works with balanced inputs and outputs.
Joe Mac said:
With studio monitors like these something like a makie big knob would probably not be a bad idea too to make volume control a bit easier and more uniform across the two speakers. Also I just like to cause myself to laugh every time I type out big knob 😂
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I have a Vincent Pho-700 with an upgraded tube and am considering the Darlington MP-7, does anyone have thoughts on whether this would be enough of an upgrade to justify the expense? I'm hoping to get Wharfedale Lintons by the end of the year and likely upgrading my table next year.
 
Just popping in here to say I liked the idea of and reviews of the Andover spin base so I went ahead and ordered one from target (red card ftw). It arrived today, set up was super easy. I’m not an audiophile by any means (obviously) but I think it sounds pretty good. I tested out VMP ATLiens and felt no vibrations at half volume, which is probably louder than I would normally play it anyways. Also tested newbury pressing of a Strife album and it sounded good as well. Looking forward to spending some more time with it

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Edit: the blue on my tone arm is painters tape so the arm didn’t move when I moved my turntable 🤫
 
Okay so, question for all you hardware experts. I'm currently running Revel F35s with a Rebel B10 sub to fill in the low end. I find they mesh very very well.
I'm looking at upgrading to the JBL Synthesis L100s. Now considering that part of the appeal of these speakers is the low end coverage with the burly woofers and hefty cabinet, and considering I already have a very good sub, are these going to be able to vastly outperform my F35s? I see nearly all comparison's made between them and the Revels immediately go to the 208s or 226s which are a significant jump over my F35s.

@displayname maybe you might have a thought about this?
 
Mather said:
Okay so, question for all you hardware experts. I'm currently running Revel F35s with a Rebel B10 sub to fill in the low end. I find they mesh very very well.
I'm looking at upgrading to the JBL Synthesis L100s. Now considering that part of the appeal of these speakers is the low end coverage with the burly woofers and hefty cabinet, and considering I already have a very good sub, are these going to be able to vastly outperform my F35s? I see nearly all comparison's made between them and the Revels immediately go to the 208s or 226s which are a significant jump over my F35s.

@displayname maybe you might have a thought about this?
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My best advice is to go hear them Mather (If you haven't). I will check with my freind in Toronto to see what might be the best place and get back. If they float your boat and musical tastes and you think they will work well with your electronics (L100 usually need some good power) then go forward. They are two different speakers, there is the updated classic JBL Northridge sound (some love it, some don't) and the Revel is more modern/revealing design I believe. For me I find them awfully expensive. If the JBL sound is not your thing I would think about and listen to Harbeth's but thats another rabbit hole.

Here is what Darko had to say, he calls the JBL a very balanced speaker.
 
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JohnnyCashFan said:
My best advice is to go hear them Mather (If you haven't). I will check with my freind in Toronto to see what might be the best place and get back. If they float your boat and musical tastes and you think they will work well with your electronics (L100 usually need some power) then go forward. They are two different speakers, there is the updated classic JBL Northridge sound (some love it, some don't) and the Revel is more modern/revealing design I believe. For me I find them awfully expensive. If the JBL sound is not your thing I would think about and listen to Harbeth's but thats another rabbit hole.

Here is what Darko had to say, he calls the JBL a very balanced speaker.
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Thanks mate, the big thing is I can get these at 50% off due to dealer connections. So the price is no issue. I'm likely going to go listen to them at Bay Bloor downtown, I've been going there for years. From what I can tell they aren't as technical at the 208 or 226s however their staging and presence and fullness are on par or better than those. And I suspect that my room correction suite will likely tighten up some of that mid and high end sound which might find a nice balance between my hyper technical sound that I currently have, and a slightly warmer fuller sound that I'd like to achieve. Although to be honest I am pretty happy with how everything sounds right now. But with such a screaming deal on these I think it's kinda a no brainer. They're kinda end game speakers for me I think.
 
Mather said:
Thanks mate, the big thing is I can get these at 50% off due to dealer connections. So the price is no issue. I'm likely going to go listen to them at Bay Bloor downtown, I've been going there for years. From what I can tell they aren't as technical at the 208 or 226s however their staging and presence and fullness are on par or better than those. And I suspect that my room correction suite will likely tighten up some of that mid and high end sound which might find a nice balance between my hyper technical sound that I currently have, and a slightly warmer fuller sound that I'd like to achieve. Although to be honest I am pretty happy with how everything sounds right now. But with such a screaming deal on these I think it's kinda a no brainer. They're kinda end game speakers for me I think.
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I bet you will like them.
 
JohnnyCashFan said:
I bet you will like them.
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I think so? I'm just trying to make sure I don't play myself and grab them just because I ADORE the look of them and I can get a good price. I mean they are undoubtedly better speakers than my F35s, but I'm just not certain how much better considering my setup.
 
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Mather said:
I think so? I'm just trying to make sure I don't play myself and grab them just because I ADORE the look of them and I can get a good price. I mean they are undoubtedly better speakers than my F35s, but I'm just not certain how much better considering my setup.
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That "how much better" question is a booger, and best put aside for the better questions of how much enjoyment can/will you get from the Classics, and how much fun will it be to explore their sound and gradually discover all the nuances of what they have to offer? If you were trying to decide between two different (new) speakers, I could understand some concern about making the 'wrong' choice, but I don't see how you can go wrong here. Unless you somehow hate them, which you're not going to because if nothing else you love how they look, it's a solid step on the path to, well, wherever it is we try to get to with all of these trying expenditures decisions.
 
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Russ I said:
That "how much better" question is a booger, and best put aside for the better questions of how much enjoyment can/will you get from the Classics, and how much fun will it be to explore their sound and gradually discover all the nuances of what they have to offer? If you were trying to decide between two different (new) speakers, I could understand some concern about making the 'wrong' choice, but I don't see how you can go wrong here. Unless you somehow hate them, which you're not because if nothing else you love how they look, it's a solid step on the path to, well, wherever it is we try to get to with all of these trying expenditures decisions.
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Haha yeah, I think realistically with the 50% discount this is about the max I could ever justify spending on a pair of speakers unless I suddenly win the lottery or start making significantly more money. At full price there is no chance I can get these. I don't think there's much question that they aren't fairly handily above my Revel F35s in most if not all categories. And the only other comparable speaker in quality that I'm able to get a deal on would be the Revel 226 and at $7000 USD that's just way out of my price range even after discount. But also I don't like the look of those with the black grill on the white speaker cab. I think the name of the game with the L100's is "fun". And that's probably something my system is lacking in a little bit.
 
Mather said:
I've informed NM that he will LIKELY get his shiny new toy but he HAS TO WAIT FOR THE ADULT IN THE ROOM TO LISTEN TO THEM FIRST or so help me god I will head STRAIGHT to therapy to get him FORCIBLY REMOVED.
He seems to have understood the gravity of the situation.
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Glad that’s sorted.
Now which color?
 
Mather said:
are these going to be able to vastly outperform my F35s
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They are going to be different. JBLs kind of define the fun and forward sound. Black Sabbath will never sound better than they do on a set of good JBLs. But long term, I personally find them tiring when using them across the board. I haven't heard the L100 myself, but based on people I've spoken to, I feel confident in that feedback.
 
displayname said:
They are going to be different. JBLs kind of define the fun and forward sound. Black Sabbath will never sound better than they do on a set of good JBLs. But long term, I personally find them tiring when using them across the board. I haven't heard the L100 myself, but based on people I've spoken to, I feel confident in that feedback.
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Mather said:
Thanks mate, the big thing is I can get these at 50% off due to dealer connections. So the price is no issue. I'm likely going to go listen to them at Bay Bloor downtown, I've been going there for years. From what I can tell they aren't as technical at the 208 or 226s however their staging and presence and fullness are on par or better than those. And I suspect that my room correction suite will likely tighten up some of that mid and high end sound which might find a nice balance between my hyper technical sound that I currently have, and a slightly warmer fuller sound that I'd like to achieve. Although to be honest I am pretty happy with how everything sounds right now. But with such a screaming deal on these I think it's kinda a no brainer. They're kinda end game speakers for me I think.
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Mather, Have you heard the Linton's btw ? Those are also, fun, smooth, warm, full, musical. As you know they are the pet speaker around these parts.
 
displayname said:
They are going to be different. JBLs kind of define the fun and forward sound. Black Sabbath will never sound better than they do on a set of good JBLs. But long term, I personally find them tiring when using them across the board. I haven't heard the L100 myself, but based on people I've spoken to, I feel confident in that feedback.
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That's interesting, of all the reviews I've found that's not a criticism that I've come across with the L100s. But I'll definitely keep that in mind. I think that one of the advantages of using Dirac is that I am able to tailor things a bit and remove traits like that. Perhaps, maybe...
JohnnyCashFan said:
Mather, Have you heard the Linton's btw ? Those are also, fun, smooth, warm, full, musical. As you know they are the pet speaker around these parts.
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I haven't demo'd anything since my Revels but I think the Lintons would likely be a side step from my F35s. But also their look wouldn't fit with my setup, needs a bit more... flair. 😬
 
Mather said:
of all the reviews I've found that's not a criticism
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I would call it a characteristic more than a criticism. Some people love the sound. I personally prefer something a little more laid back. But it is very much the JBL signature sound from what I understand. One of best positive trade-offs is it usually can do very wide soundstaging. It's worth a demo. I think you'll almost instantly understand.
 
displayname said:
I would call it a characteristic more than a criticism. Some people love the sound. I personally prefer something a little more laid back. But it is very much the JBL signature sound from what I understand. One of best positive trade-offs is it usually can do very wide soundstaging. It's worth a demo. I think you'll almost instantly understand.
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Yeah makes sense. I'm hoping to hear them tomorrow before work.
 
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