JBL 4329P Will Rock Your Socks Off!

[@mikefranks2012]

JBL has knocked it out of the park with these new monitors, both passive and active.

[@bobstinker2074]

Is there a passive version of these?

[@richardgrant418]

I’ve much the same question - what are the others in … you’re kind of implying a new range? I only know of the smaller but similar active 4305p

[@kristoffergasmann1526]

@@richardgrant418 Plenty of speakers in the studio monitor range! Currently on sale are the 4305p, 4309, 4329p, 4349 and the monster 4367. These new powered ones are only the tip of the iceberg. Great lineup!

[@mikefranks2012]

@@bobstinker2074 there is the 4309, which uses the same compression driver but a 6.5” woofer. I just meant overall, the passive and active speakers in this new monitor lineup are all awesome.

[@richardgrant418]

@@kristoffergasmann1526Thanks. I’m more into DIY (with excellent components) than mass produced

[@mbrn-wm]

Jeez, that horizontal radiation pattern is so clean you could eat off of it. JBL really knows their waveguides well.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Indeed. One of the best horizontals I've seen.

[@mikefranks2012]

I’ve also done a lot of business with John Schuermann from The Screening Room AV. Fantastic people to work with and they fully embrace the science in both audio and video. Pretty awesome they are able to provide speakers for testing.

[@awsomenesscaleb]

That horizontal directivity graph is a work of art

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Indeed.

[@jorgenavas6704]

What beautiful speakers! Could an Ifi DAC be connected via 3.5 or USB and to an OLED via Digital? It is for watching movies and music at home via streaming in a 20 M2 living room. Or do you think that 4305p is more than enough? Greetings from Argentina!

[@cueball981]

Having heard both these and their little brothers, I was blown away! JBL for the win!

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

Awesome job as always, Erin. Super interesting to see the data on these versus more consumer focused products. Looks like the cross over is right at 1675 Hz according to the spec sheet. That bass is impressive for sure. The slope on the low frequency roll off is very steep. I'd be interested to learn more about the engineering that goes into the design of these cabinets for low frequency performance.

[@Artcore103]

the box size and port are probably tuned to around that 31hz area, simple as that. bass reflex designs can extend the bass much lower but lead to steep roll-off past the port. and they're probably flattening things out with DSP too, and protecting it from over-excursion below the timing frequency where the box ceases to properly load the driver, lowering the safe power handling - makes you wonder why they didn't boost around that 1.6k area.

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

@@Artcore103 That makes sense. The total output is the sum of the drivers and the ports (ignoring directivity or other effects like diffraction). Hopefully no resonances of the cabinet are in there. I guess the ports can be difference lengths depending on the requirements. The rolloff surprised me, not because I think it is advantageous for any particular reason, but just by how steep it is. Seems like they had to try to do that, but I guess you are saying that just happens with bass reflex designs. I suppose the port design is providing most of the energy at those bass frequencies so as soon as it falls out of its tuned range the magnitude of its output drops quickly. DSP also explains a lot, but like you said it raises another questions. Why don't they try to fix those spots in the anechoic response or at least provide you with REW integration to allow you to setup a PEQ once you have the speakers in your room. Maybe that's reserved for higher price models, but damn, these are already $4500 a pair. Maybe they expect uses of these speakers to apply those types of corrections using an external DSP, but it seems like that capability should be built in. I would still like to hear Erin interview a designer to learn more about the details (i.e. math) about selecting drivers and combining them with an enclosure, setting the crossover frequency and design, selecting the port or ports and their dimensions, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a simulation step in there. Of course once prototypes are built problems are found and overcome. I do realize not everyone wants an engineering lecture on designing speakers, but I think it would be awesome.

[@Artcore103]

@@Fix_It_Again_Tony I edited my above comment to add a point that may further address the steep roll-off. If the roll-off is faster than what the physics of a ported enclosure would normally suggest, then I assume they're using the DSP to protect the driver from over-excursion below the tuning frequency, and keep distortion and compression down.

[@duroxkilo]

@@Artcore103 that's a great assumption... the physics of ports give a slope of -12dB per octave (so that's box "EQ"), the drivers themselves have roll offs (driver "EQ"), and to optimize/protect drivers, crossovers or DSP also shape the response curve (actual EQ, active or passive). ALL together can sum to some Very steep roll offs. that also facilitates the addition of subwoofers where needed as there's less freq overlap. about the design aspect, large companies don't necessarily 'select' drivers, but build or order them specifically for the application/project... and when it comes to monitors, the engineering is impressive. ------------------ 31Hz is quite deep for music and these speakers appear to be able to satisfy the need for a 'flat' response...they're monitors after all. that being said, most ppl prefer an even greater boost for the lows, studies point to something like +5dB starting somewhere around 150Hz, and for that, additional drivers are needed as the power required is impressive... keep in mind that 'concert flat' sound has even more energy in the lows, something like +10dB.

[@Artcore103]

@@duroxkilo yep... I have a custom pair of speakers with a 15" jbl 2225h and some akai horns with an 11x4 mouth, and JVC ribbon tweeters above that. The crossover which I did not design I'm sure is not a properly calculated design especially since I replaced a different set of woofers with the JBL's. Even though the 2225h speaker is sensitive, low bass was not it's design goal. But they are in large low tuned ported cabinets, and I use a 5 band parametric DSP eq with a bass boost that starts boosting around maybe 160-200hz, is around +6 at 120hz, and by 30hz is +18db, with a little high q notch cut out at around 55hz where the bass is naturally elevated. This gives a non flat in room response with boosted bass down to a solid 30hz after which the roll-off is extremely steep.

[@willbrink]

Get those speakers, use a phone as pre/streamers, and done. Likely sound better then many systems people spend big $ on.

[@trey81373]

Another great review! Thank you. Curious how these compare to the Klipsch - The Nines…?

[@TheSpiritVideo]

Did you ever find out?

[@jeromepinson5729]

I am deciding between the two now and would love to know. Big price difference but if quality is better I can justify it.

[@stuharrison1]

Interesting review Erin. These or the Kef LS50 wireless 2? Considering these two…thanks in advance for your excellent reviews.

[@IRON_PANDA]

I own the passive HDI-1600. The pretty much superb punch/dynamics of those speakers is something else. Also the build quality is very nice.

[@CONVID-xy4ur]

Erin, how would this do against the 708p, in terms of sound quality. Does it justify the price?

[@johnsimmons5056]

Did you happen to test this speaker with the grills on ? I wonder if some of the issues you discovered would change with the grills on ?

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

I wonder how these stack up against the 708p? Looks like they share the same tweeter.

[@Audiomainia2310]

31 hz has me impressed big time. Would have bought them today, but without HDMI for the cost I'll have to pass. Great honest review Erin / great seeing you back on your game brother!!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks! Looks like you changed your name?

[@Audiomainia2310]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Yeppers - was having issues with my other name brother. Does the dealership you got the JBL's from ship to New York?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@Audiomainia2310 yessir. I asked him and he said to shoot him an email if you’re interested and they’ll get back to you asap. [e-mail]

[@Audiomainia2310]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Dynamite! Thanks Erin.

[@bobtowncarguy82]

Just got a great deal on a pair of these yesterday. Should be here on Friday.

[@frederf69]

How are they sounding?

[@bobtowncarguy82]

@frederf69 They are amazing. 👍

[@likelydaily6767]

These are designed to be studio / PA speakers with a flat plate amp on the rear. As such I find it odd that so many expect there to be a HDMI input on these. It’s not a speaker aimed at home hifi and av users. Regardless, love your reviews. You’re now my favourite and first pick for speaker reviews. No BS. Just facts.

[@thomas21000]

They call it studio monitor, but they're not made by JBL Pro. It's a consumer speaker.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

As Thomas mentioned, while these are called "studio" they are part of their consumer line and not their JBL Professional line. That said, I hear you. An HDMI to optical converter would do the trick but I just wish they had native HDMI.

[@bulang]

I'm very curious if it's possible to connect a projector or a computer using a USB Type-B/A cable when watching movie. thx

[@officialpoa3171]

*After listening to this what are thoughts on the JBL 4412A's? ...For mixing and reference*

[@DanielLeal-lc1lj]

Great review. I have a question. If you stream directly to them via tidal or chromecast, will you be getting lossless quality? Or do you need an external streamer to do this?

[@ThresholdZhor]

Erin which are your home speakers at your home and which are your dream speakers ?

[@SpikeP100]

Could easily be wrong but I get this dip on some of my 3D printed drivers due to the surround going out of phase with the cone when the ratio of surround to cone surface area increases. Different surround styles and patterns definitely can help out. As you mention though, the lip or other small aspect like compression issues under the dome if no vented pole piece. Whats great is there working on getting things good and clearly are making steps continuously. It is a set of compromises after all. Great video as always! - Paul - Polymate3D

[@markwaycaster8273]

Hello Erin. Love your stuff! Thanks for another fine video. Would you expect these to signature similar to the passive 4309’s?

[@naveennegi1885]

What’s your assessment of these relative to 4367 ?

[@gainstage4497]

I love your channel, I’m stuck loving my Genelec active monitors and when I throw a small party I bring out my Renkus Heinz Thank you for all you do and provide to us viewers

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Hey! Thanks!

[@noahnovotny2100]

In my experience compression measurements and distortion past 300-400hz or so are overquoted as negatives in the performance. We have to remember that low frequency information is what is highest level in music, by the time we actually get to 900hz or even more 1500hz, the level is so low comparatively that it rarely matters. Yes we are more sensitive to the distortion, but if a speaker can only play 86dB bass, then you really shouldn’t expect it to need to play more than 70-75db high frequency information. Especially if being used full range with no sub.

[@brannonmcevers1854]

Hi Erin. Love the channel. Do you think there might be a series electrolytic capacitor in the crossover that could be causing the peak in distortion at 1khz? Just a thought..

[@avnut5517]

Thank you for your review and testing. I wish I could fit these in my main listening room.

[@noahblorm2990]

These JBLs have my interest now, thanks for the review, you do great work! If you can get your hands on a pair of the Edifier S3000Pros, I'd love to see your review on them. I have a pair, they are my favorite so far. I tried a pair of Emotiva T2+ paired with the Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 3 amp and their DAC. I did my comparisons with the speakers side by side switching back and forth between the sets. The Emotiva T2+ got louder while remaining crystal clear, but the S3000pros had better high end detail in my room at normal listening volume. My listening level is around 80db max and 65-75db average, and the Edifiers sounded better to my ears in this range. The bass was almost identical between the pair except above 85db where the Emotiva easily edged out a win. The price of the Emotiva gear was ~$2600 vs the Edifiers at $800. The Edifiers with "Dynamic" mode selected and the bass nob turned to -4db is close to flat in my listening area and they are nothing short of amazing to my ears. If I had the money, I'd be looking to get the Buchardt A700 for the room correction and flat response through the full 20hz to 20khz range.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I'll try to keep the Edifier in mind. Thanks!

[@vitalii1372]

Like these little brothers of my 4367. Want to listen ‘em

[@lancebartlett3892]

Request for 2 speakers to be reviewed: KEF LS60 (a 60deg radiation coax), and the Neumann KH150, as it has a purifi level bass driver and almost perfect FR on axis, but I would like more detail on distortion factors and higher SPL test than amir offers given it's alleged ability. We know the Purifi bass drivers are very hard to implement with port noise at high SPL (for instance)

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I'll ping Kef on the LS60 again. I did last year but don't recall why it didn't work out.

[@idray986]

@@ErinsAudioCorner while your at it please ask for a reference 5 meta

[@charleskatz2606]

Excellent review of a real competitor for Klipsch Forte

[@rachelnewyorktruth2564]

I''ve got 4309s in my bedroom and 4430's in the living room. I love JBL. Going out of your DAC into the 4329P's analog inputs is causing another conversion. But that's the downfall of these speakers in a way. No way to avoid using the JBL's DAC.

[@marcobiagini1735]

Excellent excellent review. Very weird compression behavior. Will JBL ever provide some comments or explanation? I guess does not impact overall sound but still..

[@FOH3663]

I own both passive and active JBLs, ... they're truly killing it these days.

[@jonathanh5258]

Thanks for the great review! I'm strongly considering compression driver / horn speakers for my home theatre.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks for the support!

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

Do it. Horns are the best when done right. I made the change this year and I am happy with the change.

[@FOH3663]

Agreed If it's mixed use music/home theater, I'd strongly recommend compression driver/waveguide systems. High crest factors and 30dB swings of peak energy that accompanies so much material, ... 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 the domain of well executed compression driver platforms. JBL's anular diaphragms don't possess the break-up non-linearities that plague typical compression diaphragms. Plus their waveguides are superb.

[@audiolover]

You should 👌

[@okay1904]

Thanks . Great objective review

[@BuffSquadBigBenni]

Another quality review ❤

[@steakhoux]

Would it be possiblem to try and put some foam under the wedge to see if it dampens the diffraction?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I should have tried that. Unfortunately they're already boxed up and ready to go back.

[@richardgrant418]

I was thinking similar. A fair probability

[@bartoszp2135]

Could you review some bluetooth speakers just for fun and comparasion how bad they are? Soundcore Motion Boom/Motion Boom+ are popular for cost/sound ratio.

[@RennieAsh]

They will have compression and distortion in the bass as you turn them up as they boost that heaps at low volume. All that waterproofing and inset drivers would have an interesting effect

[@erics.4113]

These can rock. I had a quick demo of them, haphazardly setup and they sounded really good. Would love to spend more time with them. Hard to think of beating these with separates and a $4k budget

[@joelopez7459]

Hugungous, i have noticed that a lot of bookshelves fall off around 70hz in reality, i think i get what the big deal is with these speakers.

[@gajju6222]

Hello sir big fan of u from india small clarification needed from u sir i am having a pioneer subwoffer in specification they have mentioned Frequency responce 20hz to 125 hz ( -20db in car, input: 1 w) wat does it means sir

[@Artcore103]

How do these compare to some of the more affordable jbl offerings? 500 series, their cheaper monitors, etc. And how do they compare to some Klipsch offerings like the reference series, or rp-600 mk2, etc.? If I want a horn speaker, what's the best option for around 500-1000, or 1000-2000? (considering sale prices, like the crazy good deal on the jbl 500 series right now i saw on ebay)

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

I own the JBL 590s, Klispch RP8000F and JBL 4367. The 590s have better bass definition and texture than the RP8000f. The 8000f lack definition even though it goes low. Mids are about the same. The RP8000f is a bit more recessed in room. Same level of detail. The highs on the 590 are much harsher. I think the Klispch has better cleaner highs. For music I would chose the Klispch as they are more enjoyable and less grating… but I use subs highpassed at 60hz (JL audio subs and crossover). Without subs I would choose the JBL 590s. The 4367 simply outclasses the other two and my revel 228be. It has more detail than anything I have heard (I mean anything) and has silly dynamics and a silly price to match. Their only flaw is they are super ugly and cost a lot, still need subs…

[@Artcore103]

@@JamesWilliams-gf8gm thx for the feedback. While it may not solve the issue completely, I have a theory about the 590s horn... They screwed up the flare on the bottom because of how they wanted the speaker grill to fit/look. When you take it off you can clearly see it's not ideal and doesn't match the intended geometry of the rest of the horn, and has abrupt edges. Thoughts? If I had a pair I would come up with some material to fill in what they took out for the grills, to correct the shape back to what it should be. That could help with the smoothness, though obviously the compression drivers are not of the 4367 caliber. I lean towards pure two channel for music, but if I was going to run a sub or two anyway, do I really need floor stranders with two woofers? Any experience with the rp600 MK2? The smaller cabinet with higher tuning, as well as only running a single bass driver (over 60 or 80hz), I wonder if it might achieve more definition/tightness in the midbass compared to the towers. At the sale price it's certainly a lot cheaper. You could also upgrade the crossover parts quality on the 590s... I wonder if Danny from GR Research has designed any 500 series kits... Not sure but if he hasn't yet, it's a free service he offers, the design of it that is. If you don't know the channel/company, / GR Research designs and sells speakers, but he also takes in speakers that people send in for testing and then designed crossovers upgrades and other tweaks (e.g. cabinet requires) for then, and then offers that same kit for sale to anyone. He has an rp-600 kit for example. You might also play with foam of various thickness, density, etc. placed into the throat of the 590 horn, that's free to try. Or, you know what? They really sound like they suck and can't be fixed so you could just sell them to me, I'll take them those plebian entry level JBL's off your hands...

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

@@Artcore103 the 590 comes with a plate to install if you take off the grills. I have never taken the grills off. I just use them as rears (playing with 7.1, went back to 5.1…) with my 4367s but played with them for a week or so in my main system and did direct A\B with the Klispch rp8000f and 4367 in the same system. The 590 is a very good speaker. It’s flaw is the low quality compression driver. Just sounds a bit hard at high volume (90+db) where the 4367 and 228be (also same system) just cruse at 95db like they are just getting started. The Klispch is not amazing at high volumes either. It seems best at mid volume (80-90db) quieter it is kind of dull. It is odd when you play the RP8000f loud 90+db . It just get louder and the sound stage does not grow like the 4367 or 228be. The higher end speakers sound stage just gets bigger and bigger the louder you go. It must pull in more side reflection. But honestly if you are not use highend stuff you will never notice. It to not fair to compare them to some of the best tweeters ever made. I have never hear the RP600m. I think it is a myth that smaller speakers are more textured/tight. I have never heard a smaller bass driver sound better than a larger one. The small cabinet might have less noise due to it being stiffer and simply less surface area. Getting RP600m over the 590 would be a tough sell. The 590 is huge and has real bass output, Real dynamics, it is just a bit grating and not in an overly bright way. For what it is worth I have a friend that thinks his 580s sound as good as my Revel 228be. Which just show it is all about how you listen and how closely you listen. To me the 228be smokes that lower end JBLs but l listen for the finer things I guess. To sum it up the JBL 590 has much better bass drivers than the RP8000f. Just seems like a better motor structure. But the Klispch are easier to listen to for long lengths of time with a subjectively better highs even though they are not a flat in frequency and probably less accurate/good technically. At $800 the 590 is a very good buy. I bought the Klispch for $1100 brand new in piano black which I also though was a good deal for the sound. Both hold their own ok next to speakers 10x the price. It is kind of line TVs. A $1500 tv is honestly close to a $5000 tv but the difference are there if you care about them. I sold the Klispch and kept the 590 as I though the 590 match both sonically and visually better to the 4367s. For movies the 590s are all you would ever need.

[@frederf69]

If JBL did a 3 way like this, but with hdmi & without the lip which causes problems I'd definitely be interested

[@steverosales2616]

I didn’t need any measurements, first time I heard these, I know they were special

[@chinmeysway]

Be more specific I mean that’s just more lazy than adjectives are

[@steverosales2616]

@@chinmeysway 😢

[@alexorigoni8626]

Thanks as always.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

My pleasure!

[@michaelj.akaswifty]

sending love and peace to everyone...

[@summerforever6736]

World hold on....

[@JayHaider]

Really great review (and thanks to John, who is always a class act!). My takeaway as someone who was so bowled over by the JBL 705i and 708i monitors after hearing them that the credit card came out is, I want this cabinet size/finish but with a smooth baffle, the 708i/P's woofer and limiting scheme, and none of the streaming junk . :) However, I do take a little bit of issue with one thing you said - a speaker with constant fairly wide dispersion and linear treble is inherently bright. The sample size of such speakers is admittedly small (JBL 705/708 and Synthesis SCL in-walls with the same tiny-exit compression driver, Philharmonic Audio, and? - I'm not sure who else uses tweeters with small enough diaphragms or super-tiny exit compression drivers to have a chance at CD over the 10-20 kHz octave) but my experience is not that. Yes, the synthetic "predicted in-room response" (probably the most overrated thing in the measurement battery - but that's another discussion...) is less downwards-sloped. But in a real room the treble will lose energy due to air absorption and reflecting. The practical effect, I've found, is simply natural sounding treble over a wider seating area. That said, it's clear JBL consciously chose to design a subtly sloping treble directivity into this waveguide, as opposed to their previous variants that were more CD. Chances are they know something I don't. :)

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Hey, Jay! Two other designs that come to mind: Kef R3 (original) and D&D8c. The latter having true constant directivity (flat above/below the crossover region). Both sounded a bit treble int nose to me in their native states.

[@citroeniste2011]

@@ErinsAudioCornerinteresting. I haven’t actually had much time with either one of those - believe it or not, never even heard R3’s! - but my experience having a good speaker with constant treble directivity at one end of the house and a good speaker with progressively narrowing treble directivity at the other (respectively, JBL 708i - the separate amp version of the 708p you measured - and Revel Ultima Gem2) the biggest treble difference in mono is the wider listening area of the JBL.

[@4thewinir344]

Thanks Erin for another great video! I wonder why JBL can’t market these speakers for consumers rather than professionals? I also wonder how these compare to the L100 classic w/quality amplification?

[@FOH3663]

I don't understand, ... they are marketing to consumers, right?

[@FOH3663]

Crutchfield offers these.

[@4thewinir344]

@@FOH3663 yes your right, they’re available to everyone -professionals and Joe six pack through Crutchfield, but my point was that this was the first youtube review of this speaker that I’ve seen. And JBL didn’t even send it to Erin. JBL isn’t pushing this speaker out through the social media channels or the audio shows like competing powered bookshelf brands have (Klipsch, Buchardt, Elac, to name a few) On the other hand, JBL’s passive L100 Classic has been pushed out and reviewed by many and is considered a home audio staple and endgame speaker. It’s marketed specifically for the home audio enthusiast. This one, we’ll it’s a mystery. Looks prosumer to me. Now I want one, which is good for JBL and bad for me🤣

[@FOH3663]

@@4thewinir344 All great points! JBL is killing it right now. Their research is reaping fruit, hit after hit, top to bottom. From the ridiculously killer, $250 active 8" two-way, the 308p ... all the way up all their lines. Best in class waveguide pattern control, dynamic capability, subjectively appealing voicing. Their cost no object projects and R&D have catapulted their driver tech and targeted parameter benchmarks they strive for. It's all a mammoth success, plus their positioned well in the mass market consumer sector via their reputation. Headphones, in-ears, Bluetooth mini boom-boxes.

[@davidelmquist8670]

About 'speakers in a room' ever heard about Larsen ortho acoustic?

[@johanneswolff6732]

The limiter sees lower levels at the crossover frequency set's why the Limiter isn't kickings in you need to limit them too together to solve that

[@andrewmichael6615]

Does anyone know how loud can these get compared to the klipsch nines? The nines are 240 watts total while these are 600 watts total, but they’re similar in size. I liked the nines but wanted a bit more headroom in the volume department. Does anyone have any insight? Thanks!

[@sambridges7112]

Im gonna get these in November yeeeeeeee

[@SuperHinckley]

Hi, how do you like them?

[@Relayer6a]

That 1.6KHz compression is where the crossover is. Maybe that's causing it?

[@lukeselker5175]

3:40 You just gave exotic cable manufacturers everywhere a rush from mentioning the fact that the cable was elevated off the floor 😂😂😂 did you notice the soundstage magically improve?

[@FOH3663]

You know, ... the physics would suggest it's plausible. I don't believe I've ever said that out loud, but yep. No, I've not experimented with it. But yes, I believe it is plausible that it makes a difference. Audibility? No idea. I suspect it's certainly at the lowest low priority in the hierarchy of elements that need attention!

[@Noscrap909]

The 900hz suck out could also be from an internal resonance in the drivers themselves.

[@alfredjarry503]

These are $3500 a pair.😐 I paid $1000 for a pair of KRK G103's... They are huge with 10" woofers. 150 watts of crystal clear audio.

[@masoncnc]

Klipsh ‘the nines’ an equal choice?

[@andrert2178]

So many hundreds...! Now some listening tests.

[@TD05SSLegacy]

Love that it’s good. Has to be the ugliest horn ever. The wood finish makes it even worse. If your deco is ‘late 2000’s recording studio’ these should work. But regular furniture, blarg! 😢😅

[@johto]

Toe speakers out??? Why? Maybe toe them in would be better, better phantom center and also remove side reflections, LOL 🤓

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

I would take some passive version of these. I could use them as heights and or rears with my JBL 4367s. I wonder how big a down grade the 2409H tweeter is in these vs the duel diaphragm models in the 4349 and 4367.

[@MrKelvinAC]

It's not a big downgrade. You'll get less output than a dual diaphragm but other than that there's not a big downside to them. The 2409H is the compression driver used in the 7 series professional studio monitors so it's a pretty good compression driver that can still get some pretty high output.

[@Artcore103]

@@MrKelvinAC Fidelity and smoothness wise I suspect there is little to no downgrade as you said, at normal home listening levels. The difference is a matter of intended application or design goals... the 4367 for example is crossed at 700hz, not 1675. And the 4349 which is a different driver than the 4367 is crossed at 1500. They would be able to play louder and stay clean. I'm a horn fan... the lower your crossover can be the better. The speed, detail, and effortless uncompressed dynamics and low distortion that a horn mounted compression driver can produce compared to giving that frequency range to a larger cone speaker is huge. Without getting into huge bass horns, the average horn lover still ideally (money/size not a problem) wants their horn to cross to the woofer at 300-500hz. 700hz is quite respectable as well. To match a super efficient horn, you need a super efficient woofer... big drivers are the answer. But big drivers mean beaming happens at lower frequencies, so even though 15" pro drivers, as in PA speakers, can often play to 2khz or higher, you wouldn't want them doing that duty in a hifi system, due to the beaming, and due to the relative lack of speed detail and impact they have at those higher frequency ranges compared to a small driver or especially a horn. Under 1k you're doing alright. Since this has an 8" woofer not a 15", the 1675hz crossover isn't bad at all, that's lower than your average 2 way bookshelf/monitor. But the price for these is absurd, to get a measly 8" woofer. This speaker may measure great but if you like the character of sound it produces, then really you should just go for the real thing - i.e. a BIG speaker. Nothing presents the sense of size and scale and effortless dynamics like a big speaker. Plus then that 102db (which is insane anyway) compression line would be way way down, and that 30hz bass could be played much louder and with more authority, speed, detail, lower distortion etc.... because you'd only need like 1/4 of the cone movement, which means lower actual travelling speed of the cone, which means more precision. You could easily DIY such a speaker for half the cost of these, and have a superior result, including amps if you wanted.

[@FOH3663]

​@@Artcore103 Many solid observations, and I share the sentiment regarding diy'ing a nearly identical platform. But here's the rub. If you could source 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 ... done, just iteratively back engineer the signal shaping. One could easily execute an active clone likely for less. However, to achieve those killer controlled coverages all the way up its about the small details; 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 waveguide, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 driver, with 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 overall baffle dimensions. You're right, ... there's many established best practices avenues of diy'ing low distortion, high-output, controlled directivity compression based two-ways. Everyone should have a set. They are the best of their type. They simply do things other approaches cannot achieve (ie., similarly, well executed dipoles throw a three dimensionality magic act ... that other approaches simply can not achieve).

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

The no ARC in is kind of lame, a high-end “sound bar” would be a good use case for these.

[@stevenswall]

These seem good but not great... Which would be fine for a younger company, but man JBL doesn't seem to be making a state of the art speakers or innovative immersive solutions. More loud, good speakers with some convenience features... I'd love to see these released with Wisa as a better alternative to Klipsch, but they'd need to have some forgiving ceiling speakers that are easy to place. Would definitely be happy seeing anyone with these for their media room though vs soundbars and low end studio monitors.

[@richardgrant418]

It’s not exactly there top model

[@stevenswall]

@@richardgrant418 The M2 is a dated two way with performance not commensurate with its size... As far as I know JBL has more resources than Genelec, and Genelec has incredible speakers as small as you need and as large as you need, and most of them can all be used as any sort of speaker in an immersive setup and you don't have to worry about ceiling reflections for ceiling mounted speakers or floor reflections so much because the directivity is great horizontally and vertically. Unfortunately JBL only has extremely low-end models with coaxial drivers, and has not made a three-way or a cardioid JBL M2. Dutch and Dutch and Kii also come to mind for pushing boundaries. Not seeing that from JBL for any of their models... Besides some headphones that follow the Harman curve and aren't terribly expensive.

[@robg8963]

What dac do you use?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’m using the Motu M2 off a laptop streaming lossless.

[@jsharp9735]

Those guys are Perlisten dealers ! I wanna see the Perlisten s7t, r7t, s5m and r5m !! Make it so ! :)

[@crazydwarfer]

Awesome

[@RennieAsh]

Maybe it's some kind of cone surround resonance?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Possibly. It's at the right frequency for it. However, it doesn't change with frequency in the horizontal plane so I'm holding tight to my thought that it's the control panel lip protruding over the baffle.

[@pioferro]

I use the 708P and absolutely love them. It's 4329's "pro" cousin which also uses an 8" w/ the D2 derived high freq driver. - different cabinet / amps / port. They don't go as low as the 4329, but the lack dynamic compression for the 708P vs these is interesting. The 708P has 2 250W amp per driver per speaker. How much power do these have? Could the compression be lack of power? Also, the dip in frequency response is very similar to the dip in the 705P, that dip happens at 758 HZ - could this be crossover related? Thanks for all you do my brother, always love and look forward to your content.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

First off, thanks for supporting me for so long! It means a whole lot to me. Plus, maybe one day you can get me an autograph from Lloyd Banks. :) This speaker does have 250wpc for each midwoofer and 50wpc on the tweeter. I see what you mean about the compression/limiting difference between this and the 708p. I find that interesting as well. The 708p was a great speaker but this one has some clear pros that give it the advantage IMHO. The bass extension is one but also the horizontal radiation being a bit wider is something I personally appreciate of the 4329P as well. The directivity is better with this speaker which gives it a better estimated in-room response without the flattening out of the HF like the 708p has.

[@veroman007]

How in the hell could they let this thing out knowing about those dips??? the protruding lip just above the woofer makes zero sense. this is not a cheap speaker. great review but for that money i would expect a lot more even response curve. great review.

[@lsaideOK]

Excellent review. Not a speaker that interests me but an interesting listen nevertheless

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I appreciate that!

[@小卜-i6b]

 airplay 2 可以在 4329P上播放24-bit/192kHz 吗？

[@드라이브해운대]

Airplay2 can send only aac.

[@billd9667]

It seems that Harman has remembered what JBL is all about. The professional series is the modern manifestation of that and it’s good to see. The consumer line needs a redo next.

[@thomas21000]

This is the consumer line.

[@billd9667]

@@thomas21000 it’s a studio monitor.

[@thomas21000]

@@billd9667 This is not a JBL Pro product but a consumer one (it’s got airplay, chromecast, roon, mqa, etc). The consumer line is what is being redone.

[@christofferjonsson]

I just hate what Harman made with Jamo. Basically dead by now.

[@thomas21000]

@@christofferjonsson Did Harman buy Jamo ?

[@alfa0mega74]

and lm watching all ur videos with 15 years old 10$ speakers. one of them hums so much, l sticked duck tape to stop.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

LOL. I can completely relate to those kind of issues. Sometimes I get so mad at my systems over the years that I just resort to using a Bluetooth speaker for a period of time until I have the patience to fix the issues.

[@ScottGrammer]

I'm a HUGE JBL fan. That said, I've never seen any loudspeaker with a plate amp that lasted more than 5-6 years of normal use.

[@59seank]

That's why I don't buy active speakers.

[@hom2fu]

i read comment some last 1-2 years period. of course, 1 speaker always fail first

[@richardgrant418]

Probably lack of heat sinking compared to separate amps. In which case a slow running fan behind each speaker could fix the problem

[@ScottGrammer]

@@richardgrant418 I'm sure you're right, heat plays a part in it. But I think vibration is the key issue. I haven't really studied it so I'm not sure.

[@richardgrant418]

until recently most plate amps (any amp) were class A/B. While almost certain these amps are class D. Which runs cooler so the components would have an easier life. If any type of amp fails, it’s likely the components that failed won’t be that much. Especially compared to the cost of most JBL speakers!

[@YuppieMike]

Outsourcing your editing might be worth it - do what you like, find someone else to edit. Some major channels have said that was the best thing they ever did.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Maybe one day. As it is, the income generated by my videos wouldn’t cover the cost of editing.

[@kobush18]

Great review 💯👍

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you 🤗

[@midbass.maestro]

I would love to let you hear my car audio setup and my h t and nitpick the shit out of it. Where is your favorite car tweeter placement?

[@stuartwiner7920]

There are a lot - a lot - of options at that pricepoint. That's a bit too much.

[@CHNtentes]

they actually sells below $2k in some places

[@super-z8943]

I bet the dip at 900Hz is cone breakup. I design speakers.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I'm going to hold tight to my believe if is due to the edge of the control baffle. But that doesn't mean I'm right.

[@super-z8943]

@@ErinsAudioCorner SB23nrx, Seas Exotic W8, Scanspeak 21WE. Breakups like that are typical for paper 8 inchers. Had it been edge reflection/ diffraction, location of that dip would have changed much more off axis, and you have taken quite a lot of off axis responses. Imagine the team designing this. That control panel lip and cabinet design is still in their hands but that woofer cone design is most likely out of their hands already. And I bet they are very very aware of that dip.

[@Grommet2007]

Ah, it's an amplified speaker. They're probably using some sort of DSP to flatten that response curve to meet a particular target, and extend the response down as low as measured. Nice pair of speakers..!

[@magnusdanielsson2749]

Id say that issue around 1500 is the horn. The fact that it shows up in the IM also make me think it. Horns do have alot of artefacts most of the time. Thats why if one want really really low dist in the tweeter one need a dome without a deep waveguide.

[@saber5401]

I don't wear socks... now what 😂

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Yeah, well, I have 6 toes on my hand. Now what?

[@brianchristopher4666]

Good ..good. Ya know what else will rock your socks off?! Multiple driver efficient audiophile grade loudspeakers crossed over to super fast active woofers crossed over at 150 hertz or higher!! Horns are booooring! ..and colored sounding (usually)...and they sound like crap off axis too

[@thomas21000]

Well if you watched the video, the data shows that these are not colored and have great off axis response...

[@brianchristopher4666]

@@thomas21000 Did watch it, thx! Also notice I said "ya know what ELSE rocks?!"...and also horns are "usually" colored sounding! ....and those usually sound like crap off axis (horns in general!). And you can't get better dynamics than active dedicated woofers in their respective frequency range! Horns or no horns. In fact, cross these same mentioned "horn" speakers over to 100hz and integrate some better active woofers and then tell me which is more dynamic and powerful sounding! These speakers probably sound pretty descent, didn't say they didn't

[@richardgrant418]

Send a pair to Erin

[@popeyeseamaster87]

Rock your socks off and wallet out of your pocket.

[@nexus4googleplay612]

Needs an orange magnetic grill that covers the horn too. So ugly!

[@nickwilson2318]

why are you drinking water from a blender container? This automatically invalidates your judgements sorry

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’m a bachelor. Be happy it’s not a toilet I’m drinking from. 😂

[@chinmeysway]

What kind of small minded wanna be snob has any place caring about data anyways so go away bye 🎉

[@fredsanke8710]

Too technical for me... Let the ears decide.

[@chinmeysway]

Just eat alone is not that informative. It’s good to use ear obviously. But to conclude what one ears w some data means you can trust your ear and decide before purchase etecetc if it’s gonna ear well, no?