Best Vintage Speakers? Better than JBL L100 Classic!? Elipson Heritage XLS 15 Review

JBL L100 Classic vs. Elipson Heritage XLS 15!... Well at least that was the plan...
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:40 Unboxing
04:17 Stand Assembly
05:42 The Reveal
07:57 Employee/Customer Demos
19:53 Review/Summary

[@LennyFlorentine]

For more of my content subscribe to KZbin.com/@ThatGuyWithTheBeard

[@thespotlightkid1011]

In the early 80's, as a low wage working teenager, i got through loads of s/h vintage gear & came to love it compared with what some friends could buy new in the same price bracket, they all loved my sound compared to their own. Pre eBay prices were a treat for me back then. Radford valve amps (2xEL34 per ch ' @ £70) into Quad ESL 57's (£100) via a PS Audio RIAA phono to line level stage (£50) was my first real stereo & ridiculously affotdable compared to what good vintage stuff now in good working order will fetch. My Quads were replaced by Tannoy 15" dual concentrics from a s/h dealer for (£250 in 1989, a typical cost for the day. The Tannoys were made in 1969 according to the signed & dated test-pass cardboard tags stuck on their backs & one started seriously concophonous magnet-rubbing 3 months back ...a mere 52 years after they were made ...engineering par excellance!. I still love much vintage gear i got to know well in my life plus, i could afford it!

[@AudioGearhead]

Watching and playing the tracks on my La Scala's. Love seeing all of the klipsch, wish I could a/b between my AL-3's and the AL-5's. Thanks for the awesome review!

[@revokdaryl1]

An old audio store trick: wire speakers out of phase that you don't want to sell. I talked to a guy that worked at an audio store for years and he always did this when a cheaper speaker outperformed a much more expensive one. To make them sound awful, he'd deliberately wire them out of phase during customer demos. Pretty dirty trick if you ask me.

[@socksumi]

Left ch out of phase with right. But it only works with novices who don't know what they are listening to... for the rest of us it's obvious when a speaker is wired out of phase.

[@empire7179]

@@socksumi Right! You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time but you cannot fool all the people all of the time.🤔 Meaning that trick is not always going to work.

[@AnalogueAndroid]

Just bought a pair of these XLS15 speakers and I'm really happy with them.build quality is far better than I expected and there's no doubt about it...these are quality speakers for the price.woofer looks to have a cast frame basket as what I can tell from the front edge of the driver.sound quality is just what I wanted...I had read a lot of negative comments regarding these speakers because they are not JBL which lured me in more to look closely at these elipson speakers.i read review after review and watched every review video and decided to make the purchase as they are at the top of my price bracket and don't get me wrong I am always lusting over the JBL speakers but they're very pricey for some of us folks so I'm happy to say that these elipsons are worth every penny.ive been using some vintage PA speakers up to now that use a 15inch driver and horn which seemed very bright and detailed with good bass but these elipsons are really opening up more details to me...I've only had them running for a few hours playing vinyl and they're just fantastic.just what I wanted.

[@andrewlast1535]

I worked at a Team Electronics in the early 90’s. I’m getting some ancient memories while watching you walk through the shop? Lol Love the channel.

[@stevesmith1512]

I've got a pair of jbl lx66. Had them for 34yrs love them they rock the foundations.

[@bobslave7063]

as always nice to watch your reviews!

[@James7995]

I love the new vintage trend in speakers. It’s not for everyone, but I love big wide speakers

[@rosswarren436]

Generally they don't image as well as narrower speakers, but they offer a scale in sound that others can't, so at the end of the day we have to choose what is more important to us and go with it.

[@SaintKines]

I wonder how well it would work to hook up both. I've been pairing speakers for years on my pioneer sx 3800 and I've had some great results.​@@rosswarren436

[@ahmadnaseem1874]

Love to see analogue stuff. I think 70's to 90's was best era for real music.

[@rogerdopp6848]

I would like to see all the drivers pulled out of the cabinet and see what type quality that drivers are and what type of crossover it has cuz if you ask me these look pretty familiar like the kind they used to sell out of the white van down by the river

[@bobkoep2846]

Hey, love your channel! I'm 57 yrs old and lived in audio equipment stores until they vanished in the late 80's. You give me hope for the future of mankind! Ha Anyway I have a request if you have the time. I have the SA 9500 (with the accompanying tuner) and a pair of CS-99A's... spinning a Technics SL-1360... and I just love what that set up can do. I've had a blast finding this, because it was my dream in 1979 to own this. At 15 yrs old it was unavailable for many reasons. So with that, I would enjoy your take and review my audio 'dream' set up! Keep up the good work! Also, I have to say..... I'll bet you make your parents proud!!

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you Bob! Glad you are enjoying the channel! New stuff all the time maybe we will feature some of those in the future!

[@raphaelugha5348]

Bought them, love them.

[@kwd-kwd]

If you perfer something like an acoustic suspension, you should use that port plug.

[@DDLabute-co8wv]

Looking to purchase a new pair of speakers. What is the best sounding for imaging and stageing the Elipson Heritage XLS 15 or the PSB Passif 50.

[@michaeldickson9876]

As a comparison, how would these compare with the Pioneer HPM 100 that are in perfect working order?

[@JukeboxAlley]

Fun fact, the JBL more rare 4310 is the L100 basically, the first version of the monitor line only sold to studios, sold so well they made a public mass produced model, so the birth of the L100 released to the public. The 4310 was also what they originally mixed in the studio on Michael Jackson's thriller album on and the doors also. Phil Collins was mixed on the 4311 back then.

[@jamesclark7630]

Kind of, the 4310 and original in-line L100 have the same drivers but a completely different crossover. Making them produce a very different sound.

[@danieloherrick6332]

It will be interesting to see how these match up with the KLH Model 7 when released.

[@mcplutt]

If KLH Model 7 ever comes.

[@RUfromthe40s]

that's entirelly truth , oops where not in the 70's ,why brands release new models for several thousands of dollars and when 30 years ago , they used to say to me that those were the past , and new mp3 players with tiny speakers and bad sounding headphones were the future now they discover what was average sound in the 70's most of them weren't even born , to end i bought one of those because i had to wait 5 years to buy a pair of better ones ,so surprised with old mans sound , what i've listened about my orange speakers for the last 40 years ,try some tannoys or 10's of other models

[@graham4028]

The bass you're saying is incredible which I can believe , how does the speed and detail performance compare with the KLH 5. Is the imaging better or just because the sound is so large ? Can you accurately place instruments in comparison again to KLH 5 ? I am very interested in both models but trying to find a stockist with both in UK isn't easy. Thanks for all your work and superb videos 😊

[@D_Xavier0]

Just ordered the last pair of XLS15....this is very exciting!!!!

[@LennyFlorentine]

Very lucky on that! Gonna miss those

[@quiksr20]

Speakers look cool, Would love to see them vs some classic HPM100s.. I have the baby HPM40s and enjoy them.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Have plans for a fun video featuring the HPM100s very soon!

[@jerryhall1812]

@@LennyFlorentine come on guys.. you've been saying that for awhile.. I'm waiting!!!

[@hgone7221]

Hi Just Audio. If you don’t mind, what were you using to drive the speakers (hopefully, from your vintage stock👏)? Cheers!

[@AnalogueAndroid]

I've just purchased a second pair of these elipsons.im very impressed with these XL15s...I've been used to horns and found that listening to jazz or acoustic music was very detailed and bright but when listening to rock and metal those horns for me are intense so after buying a pair of elipson XLS15 about a month ago I decided on buying another pair because I like four speakers in my listening room plus these don't sound intense or fatiguing when playing metal and sound just sweet for jazz and acoustic music.im also loving the rumble these speakers produce...10 out of 10👍😁

[@brianmedeiros6845]

Hi Paul, Do you know where I could purchase a pair. That’s impressive 2 pair would buy a ticket to hear that Lol Thanks

[@AnalogueAndroid]

@@brianmedeiros6845 hello,thanks for your your message with kind words.i live in the UK and purchased both pairs from Audio Affair.i hope this helps... I'm very impressed with these speakers and would love to hear the smaller XLS 11👍😁

[@brianmedeiros6845]

I’m researching on where to find them in the US I had seen 2,000 to 4,000 a pair? Thank You

[@ThecrosseyedTexan]

I have a set of cue acoustics 3020s from a desktop system and I actually use the port plugs because they are about 4 or 5 in from the back wall

[@ChessIsJustAGame]

The port "filter" is to keep critters out of the inside of the speakers. I used to live in Houston, TX. Insects, rodents, and even small reptiles love dark caves with built in nesting materials. I helped someone move once and was totally grossed out at what came out of the rear facing ports on his cheap speakers. Dozens of roaches and the dirt they leave behind. 😝 I moved away in 1986 and never looked back. My favorite test song is Spoonman. Deep powerful bass and the "clacking" (?) of the spoon(s) playing tests the highs. Plus Chris Cornell's vocals. Yeah, I moved to the Pacific Northwest and was captured by the Seattle sound, AKA: Grunge. My equipment is all early 80's to early 90's.

[@justaboutsound]

Nice video. Keep it up.. Currently owning whalfdale Lintons.. Please suggest upgrading XLS 15 over Lintons.

[@lidenlund1439]

How about a compare to one of their other line of speakers, like the Elipson Prestige Facet 34F I think standing in the background ?

[@vapingwithjames3370]

Can you do a comparison of the JBL 100 classic and the JBL 4312G? From what I understand they are almost the same speaker but the 4312G has subtle differences like the cabinet isn’t braced, it uses vinyl to wrap the cabinet instead of wood veneer and small differences between the drivers and they are only $2;000. A pair at some places like Upscale Audio verses $2,200 per speaker like the 100 classic. I myself can’t bring myself to pay almost 5grand after taxes for a set of speakers but I’m going to buy the 4312G for $2grand. Love the channel thank you

[@JukeboxAlley]

You guys are doing really good realistic reviews, and like it alot, quickly becoming one of my favorite channels. These arent my cup of tea for the price and the somewhat unknown brand, but nice to see new brands swinging for the fences, they definitely look almost just like the new jbls, i still like the old jbls best just my preference. Keep up the good work and keep it honest. Note, i do see where those mids could possibly have the ads sound signature by the looks of it, a very good thing. Something in me also wants to say id rather have the new klh model 5, just the henry kloss talkin i guess, but these are nicely done ill admit.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Much appreciated! We always try to keep it reel!

[@cremersalex]

New brands? Elipson is making speakers since 1938.

[@sdr6950]

Nice speakers. From the video, it appears that the cabinets have a vinyl veneer. Any chance it could be real wood veneer?

[@defenseandsafety]

If the pair were mirrored - tweeter and mid on the inside of left and right speakers - I would consider them. I do not think I could look at them and feel like I had two left speakers.

[@adambrown8867]

Exactly.

[@sergeysmelnik]

Theyre not mirrored? Fail

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

Just put the grills on!

[@thomasschafer7268]

@@user-xg6zz8qs3q most better Sound without Grills.

[@cremersalex]

I had a pair of Pioneer HPM-100 speakers when they were fresh off the truck. Don't remember how they sounded but I always listened to my records with 'Loudness' on. That button or switch (found on most Pioneer receivers and amps of the '70s) added salt & pepper to the music. Everything sounded better! At least, that's what I thought when I was a teenager. Using the 'Loudness' button today would be out of the question for me, but back then, it made sense.

[@manFromPeterborough]

What I hate about loudness is it's taper off syndrome past #6 on vol dial, mids go honky, then if vol is maxed out, loudness is completely bypassed. This was mainly issue on low power record players. I tear out the full time loudness on these so I get consistent sound throughout the control range. Mini Realistic amps are notorious for full time loudness SA10 SA102 150 & 155

[@cremersalex]

@@manFromPeterborough I know Loudness was only meant for lower volumes but I never actually noticed that it tapered off when you increased the volume.

[@manFromPeterborough]

@@cremersalex the taper off occurs at 60% onwards, at 70% it's midrange honk that sounds like a hailer speaker

[@stimpacat]

Like the show, I have a set of Harkness C-40s but did you guys ever research the King Kong of the day, AR-9s. I have AR-18 I bought in 1985 but the AR-9s my friend has.

[@plantfeeder6677]

I have a dilemma. I have half a dozen amps and recievers and am trying to pick one to be my bedroom power source. These include a Kenwood KA-88, Technics SU-G70, Yamaha A700, Sony STR-D550Z, a vintage Yamaha CR-220, Hitachi hta-5001, and a JVC s201. All either high wattage or low to medium. Speakers are Klipsch KG2s. Any input on what you'd keep and why would be appreciated.

[@davidcroteau510]

HI so how would you compair them to the XLS 15 to the n forte iv

[@chaquichan1968]

En España el precio de los Elipson es de 2000 €, mientras que el de los JBL L 100, está cercano a los 6000 €.

[@thomasschafer7268]

Ich dachte in Spanien hört man nur mit beyma oder d.a.s.😅😅👍🇩🇪

[@spooner1]

All of you are having way too much fun. Wish I had that fun when I was working.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Haha it's important!!

[@spooner1]

@@LennyFlorentine Important it is. Have you guys listened to any vintage looking speakers like the German made Transpuls 1500 or Transpuls 1000. Good reviews from you guys. They say to me "The show must go on!"

[@ze_german2921]

How do you feel about the Klipsch KLF-30?

[@jasonmoore7751]

I have a set of Realistic Nova 7 speakers. I tried hooking one of them up and it sounded blowed or surround gone or something. Are they worth fooling with?

[@MrAlistar99]

Wish these were available widely throughout the UK

[@mirzadedic333]

i think that you guys have the best job in the universe!!!

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you!

[@josephcleaver6269]

Have you tested them with a classic tube amp ?

[@cmpgoa]

Hi all, Did anyone test with electronic genres? Pure techno, osy-trance, Goa. I'd like to get an idea how they perform in those.

[@ThriftShopReviews]

I want to see the hpm 100 comparison. They are my reference speaker and plan to review on my channel. I might want to buy a pair of these. Love my hpm 100’s but…. New speakers…

[@LennyFlorentine]

That comparison is coming

[@frenkoutdistrict8160]

First i give a👍than i watch the video, becourse i know that every video is good, full information.

[@mhpt74]

Are you also getting the smaller speakers in the Ellipson Heritage series?

[@kentonwatts504]

Nice review, I rarely buy new as in brand new when a brand is more or less unknown or new to the states. I don't need another set of speakers and yet I'm always looking for the next best thing. US Audiomart and Ebay are for the most part where I find most purchases. Again generally speaking what I buy is barely USED at a price I am quite comfortable with. Lately I have considered either a set of Klipsch Forte/Heresy or the JBL Classic 100. Yet every pair I come across on US Audiomart the seller's are unwilling to ship due to the possibility of damage. If I'm honest that frustrates the hell out of me! Now the cost of shipping once added puts a lot of these purchases closer to buying new with free shipping. So now I'm intrigue with a set of these Elipson's. Those sellers on audiomart need to be catergorized with a check box like (local sale only). Much like you can check on "WANTED" items so they don't appear in your search. Damn I wish ya'll were closer to TEXAS! At that price point and your comparison to speakers I've mentioned here I think I'm going to have the trigger on a set soon.

[@kentonwatts504]

"PULL" the trigger, even considering trading some vintage pieces if that's possible?

[@LennyFlorentine]

We accept trades, and ship free!

[@fernandocoelho1334]

Whow!! Very beatiful.

[@aarongunter5582]

Love to have the stands

[@chrisbullock5488]

Do they have a US warranty and is it 5 Years?

[@Monza62000]

what do you think about ess rockers ...

[@obtugtxivtub]

It would be nice if those were mirror image

[@pullrich001]

Can you get the smaller XLS 11's?

[@ThresholdZhor]

I have not heard the Heresy's but using rigid woofer suspension I don't think I would like their sound, rigid suspensions boos 150 hz levels but lower 40 hz so that was a mistake from Klispch

[@vks4392]

Great 👍 video 😀 Loved every second watching it. Thx for introducing a new Vintage Speaker 🔈 it would be an interesting comparison b/n Pioneer HPM-100 / Elipson Heritage XLS 15 / Magnat Transpuls 500 Speakers. Keep up the good work. 👏

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thanks. I must admit I'm extremely partial to the HPM. But would be a fun companion!

[@RUfromthe40s]

that´s my taste in speakers look ,huge . i have a pair of KLiPsch and use them in my room and once a girlfriend of mine was looking for the drawers in my next to the bed cabinets where i have the reading lights, i told her those were speakers and she was like not believing and asked me again ,how to open the drawers

[@RUfromthe40s]

real nice coments in the video about the speakers

[@Freedom89984]

Elipson has a nice history of making very good sounding speakers. These look great, and the price is also very nice!

[@user-gd8gb4le8q]

First time I heard JBLs in the wild was watching " Live and Let Die " at a Theater .UP To that date , the 1st release of L and LD , were the best I heard so far .

[@Jimgress]

I wish I wasn't on the opposite side of the country cause I absolutely am stuck between choosing the XLS, the Heresy IVs, the Lintons and the Model 5. I just wish I could audition them but nobody in Norcal has all 4 under one roof!

[@LennyFlorentine]

Jim, Give us a call we can help you decide. Spencer is very good at matching the right one to a persons taste, ask for him!

[@silasadams8053]

These elipson speakers look so nice

[@The101stEagle]

Joking aside, what system and speakers do you use currently in your home? Some of us would like to know ! I am running a KR-9600 with HPM-100's. Curious.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Will be answering this in an upcoming video! But I have HPM-100s in my office 😁👍

[@DeVoN420zz]

8:10 there are a lot of passive radiators in that room, most likely effects sound quality

[@budgetking2591]

Are the JBL lx2001 any good?

[@richardbrownjr3268]

How are. k L H 4 way speakers rated they are old school made in California

[@prayhenkumar229]

Sir I want know Kenwood 600amp it nice amplifier

[@Techrewinds]

Do do love these CLASSIC JBLS 🥰🥰🥰

[@TomaszMadejski777]

Hej,jak brzmienie czy warto kupić JBL do stereo?

[@gildasguillaume251]

The name is "15" because 12 (bass) + 2 (mid) + 1(high) =15. Thanks for the video 👍

[@RUfromthe40s]

i remenber buying a orange sofa with some design almost not seen or patern because of the covers of the speakers when they were released. altec lansing was my first favorite brand than JBL(L from lansing) then the HPM´s from Pioneer

[@daveyurkovich9459]

What amplifier were you using?

[@empire7179]

I brought a pair of Tower JBL L150 back in 1980 for $700 a pair are they better than the JBL L100??

[@Buzdu22]

How about the Tannoy Legacy line 😉

[@bpalpha]

I spy a Paradigm Founders series 70b bookshelver in the background and I've seen so little coverage on that new series! 😡

[@johnshore3095]

If the mids and highs were handed L and R I think they'd be even better.

[@mrbrownkayumanggiusa1748]

I dont have L100 but love my L112’s.

[@Staybrown11]

When do they ship? Will it take 5 months like the KLH?

[@LennyFlorentine]

They ship right out, in stock.

[@jackvanstrien]

What about AR 3 improved?

[@billenright2788]

cool speaker.

[@joaquinrubio3230]

I want to ask, do you think 🤔 these speakers could be my cerwin vega sl-15 I am not being a smart ass I have tested out a lot of speakers

[@LennyFlorentine]

Wouldn't beat the bass

[@cruise2023]

The binding posts look more vintage than what the speakers look 🙁certain upgrade needed! but what at #4,000 they should have quality PB. Love to look at the crossovers, even speakers at $4,000 can can have low quality components.

[@HEMITKN]

Would like to hear these paired to say a SX-1050.

[@ordinaryjoe2247]

Surprising that they have such a big woofer, yet only good down to 40 Hz.

[@BigSaulo]

I cast a vote for the pioneer cs-r700. Especially since I just got a nice pair today for $50! A lot of people like them better than the hpm 100.

[@willofomphalosgroomslll]

I’m almost tempted to get them..,,. Do you have to order them, if so how long would it take….?

[@LennyFlorentine]

In stock, ships next day

[@willofomphalosgroomslll]

@@LennyFlorentine cool, I’ll have to give ya a call they probably would sound kick ass with the Model 5’s

[@mikeschaid959]

How is there no follow up????

[@abeltasman225]

Where r u located

[@rehmanmalik8862]

I like infinity over jbl cos of its crispy sound

[@chrispike5773]

I fancy the smaller XLS11's. Hopefully they are great too.

[@trevchumby]

I’m eyeing up the 11’s - don’t suppose you’ve got your ears on them?

[@nerijusmorkunas9482]

forgot to say, what amplifiers you used to it, maybe 7 trillion eu?

[@rdyork41]

In the UK the Elipson is half the price of the JBL's...£2000 v £4000

[@stewstube70]

Interesting speakers, about half the price of the JBL L100's here in the UK.

[@terryhill6935]

Things I’d ask…How much $….Types of problems..what do you like, what you don’t, and what you’d change..and what would make it better..ex..type amp..and things I don’t get like why preamp..all this other things that make you scratch your head

[@JosephPerry-cm2us]

It's called book match when the grain lines up.

[@shahnawajmalik7866]

Sir I an happy nice video

[@nicoastylehifiman]

French power 🇨🇵 but i think the l100 classic is better. the prices are not comparable, the l100 are worth 5000 euros and the xls15 1800 euros. you just have to see if the price difference is worth listening to what you expect is double the performance, this is called the price quality pleasure ratio

[@SuperTerminator83]

En rapport qualité / prix je pense que les Elipson sont imbattables... J'attends patiemment d'en trouver une paire en destockage

[@nicoastylehifiman]

@@SuperTerminator83 c'est clair ✌et d'ailleurs il me semble que sur ce segment il n'y a aucune concurrence en matiere de grosses biblio, un comparo avec des anciennes klipsch heresy aurait ete plus justifier 😉

[@daymondcain2903]

This must have been filmed a few weeks ago. Pretty sure I listened to these during the last record show. Totally agree with the review. Best speakers I've heard in YEARS! The imaging was insane! The French thing kinda bothered me though. When I think French I think Fries and Renault... If they would have only fit in my Mustang....LOL!

[@bellrobert1978]

The French make great audio i.e Focal. The cars are a bit ropey though.

[@James7995]

Focal, Triangle..the French can make great world class speaker

[@RUfromthe40s]

in the U.S is the only place in the worls they call them french fries ,in france it´s De Pomme frite or fried potatoes in england or batata frita in Portuguese or spanish, i also don´t like renault but i own 3

[@matejpodlesnik6538]

They also say american football, where they hardly ever use their feet for kicking, and there is no ball. So go figure.

[@RUfromthe40s]

des pomme frite, it´s one of my favorite snacks but the potatos have to be the right type only two in diferent monthes of the year, when i think french i see not dead people but i c lot´s of naked girls i met on the beach with beautifull everything ,i think i can´t remenber all , those were the days

[@ilpythe]

Sorry, I'm from Italy and little understand English. And, sure, I'm stupid... but... where direct listening JBL/Elipson? I try 2 time in that video, and look (in "Listening" section) You, never the speaker playng... The video name is "... Better than JBL L100 Classic!? Elipson Heritage XLS 15". Where is it?

[@5adam8]

Oh come on, why do you guys cut the audio

[@jasc4364]

I had an opportunity to listen to a pair of JBL-100 recently and I was so disappointed. I almost spent a fortune (a fortune for the student I was a few decades ago). Anyway, after that crush, I fell in love with the JBL-65, this time the price was definitely insane. In the 70s JBL was so overpriced.

[@Cimone90]

L100 or the new L100 classic?