JBL HDI-3800 Loudspeaker Review w/ Upscale Audio's Kevin Deal

upscaleaudio.com/products/jbl...
Say goodbye to Wimpyvision bass with this 2 ½-way design with three 8" aluminum matrix woofers. Designed and engineered in JBL’s world-famous acoustic engineering facility in Northridge, California, the HDI-3800 is the flagship of the JBL HDI Series, with the highs supplied by a patented 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver.

[@bigadventure3797]

Listened to these the other day at my local stereo shop and WOW I was completely floored. When he said these speakers are BADASS he was not kidding. The car audio guy in the next room over got out of his chair to check these out during the demo. These speaker lit up the entire store! He was running them on two Mcintosh 300 watt mono blocks.

[@jrsinspections3280]

Ordered these today after a mindblowing Demo with the matching center channel. I'm super stoked!

[@jstoli996c4s]

I just ordered them myself! How long did your break-in period last?

[@S.L.1211]

These product reviews are getting better. Please more B roll product footage in the background as Kevin speaks. I like the quick cuts and the alternating zoom cuts. Makes the review more enjoyable and polished to watch.

[@labalo5]

The grading is so good in the new vids. Kevin is the man! His energy is amazing. “Horns are honky” rofl my buddy used to always say that many ages ago!

[@Teachering]

LOL I am always entertained by Kevin Deal. A good guy! And, he teaches me a lot about audio.

[@acehanke8916]

I love my HDI'S! Thanks again Upscale

[@DuanePortal]

Your the BEST Kevin, Love your enthusiasm for keeping the dream alive

[@jazzkatt7083]

Those match my vintage setup and they look impressive 😎👍

[@MrSzeryfx]

Great Review mate.

[@Modeltrainscarsstereos614]

Love the energy in this one those are nice speakers.

[@jeffadams9699]

I was already on the fence for giving these a try with their HDI-1600, I’m going to have to take the plunge!

[@garrett_m_m]

Great review. I hope you release a podcast in the future.

[@creativeslink]

I love his passion.

[@garygrice921]

I want a pair. Already have the 4367 and l100 classic. No matter what your wife says, you can never have enough speakers

[@asplmn]

Curious to know if you've heard the 3800's. I've seen comments from owners that they're actually quite close to the 4367. Of course, space permitting, the 4367 is the better speaker, but is also much more expensive lol. I guess there's also the law of diminishing returns to factor in as well.

[@Novilicious]

Cannot wait till Kevin reviews the newly announced Klipsch forte iv ‘s. That plus the PM amp will be bliss

[@peace-yv4qd]

My first stereo system back in the 70's was a Sansui receiver and I think a Sansui turntable with two Cerwin Vega speakers. Back in the day you would go to the local stereo shop, it seems like there was one in every town with around five hundred bucks and get a quality system. A few years later it was stolen by burglars. I still miss that system.

[@crimsonghost6454]

Kevin you are the best.

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

In the mid 80s I drove a delivery truck and took out a loan to buy a pair of L112's. Bought a Soundcraftsmen amp for them. Killer.

[@georgelydakis2652]

Kevin another great video! In your opinion , what sounds better with an EVO 400 Cornwall IV's or these JBL HDI-3800's playing Punk, Rock, Jazz, Classical? Thanks

[@jstoli996c4s]

The Cornwalls will sound much more aggressive and in-your-face for sure. The JBL's will sound more balanced and refined, yet still have excellent snap and presence. Both will sound great; it's just a matter of what your ears prefer ;)

[@epi2045]

James B. Lansing (JBL) and Klipsch are certainly cashing in on the nostalgia of their brands.

[@mmdusa]

Kevin really is living the dream. Read, very jealous.

[@V1ralB1ack]

It's an engineered speaker relative to others in the past but it definitely will interact with the room. If you don't want it to you need to buy a dipole speaker. Like an open baffle, magnepan or esl speaker. They tend to beam sound at you minimizing the room interactions and honestly all 3 options are probably better for the money by far.

[@michaelb7437]

Unless you plan on moving your head all of 6 inches and find you are now off axis.... Dual concentrics are the ideal compromise here. Better off axis than dipoles with some of the room interaction minimization though admittedly with some of the mid-bass boominess of horns.... Not perfect but nothing in audio is.

[@V1ralB1ack]

@@michaelb7437 Coincidentally that's what I own lol. Am wanting to get some dipole speakers though.

[@gerry1970may3]

Great video Info as always, I got My Prima Luna Intagreted Amp EVO300, with a phenomenal Help from Joel, now I'm looking for the best pairing speakers, I need to start looking on. The PrimaLuna Evo I got i have connected to a KLH Speakers for now and souds so freaking beautiful

[@sergeygorodnyak]

Can a single-ended tube amplifier with an 845 tube and 12 watts of power cope with the JBL S 3900 speakers? Which speakers are better: JBL S 3900 or Klipsch RF 7 III?

[@greatestsuccessstoryofalltime]

Thank you! Been waiting for a good video on these. So for your money hdi 3800, 703s2 B&w, or martin logan motion 60 xti? Which one would you choose?

[@chriss881000]

Im also looking for new speakers in the 5k range. But these jbl cost 6500$ in my country. I have B&W 603 now, and gonna pick up the 702 s2 soon to keep them over the weekend. But can these hdi series rly compare to B&W dedicaded midrange? Im afraid these jbl hdi 3800 is just very "boomy" and not very revealing like the b&w

[@andreasmoller9798]

I find the jbl hdi 3800 very badass but i can’t listen to them, i am going for b&w 702S2, but from what i understand b&w will be more detailed and transparent, but i guess the jbl is better suited as hole pagage if you want to not. Worry about playing all kinds of music and no limits on loud volumes

[@asplmn]

How would these do in medium-sized room? Say around 12'x18'?

[@willbrink]

Saw them, I didn't get a chance to listen to them however, but I may go back and do that some time.

[@FOH3663]

Aren't they $2500 each?

[@jeffadams9699]

They’re $5000. And that seems a little more in line with their finish. But I bet they sound better than a lot of $10,000 speakers!

[@willbrink]

Edited comment. I had thought they were 5k each. At 5k per pair, I agree, as good or better than others fit/finish wise.

[@jeffadams9699]

@@willbrink I am beyond tempted to buy a pair! They look to be some pretty serious speakers.

[@willbrink]

@@jeffadams9699 Hard to see how one could go wrong at 5k a pair if you have a room large enough to really get the most from them.

[@GrazerPitbull]

Wie groß sollte der Raum sein für diese Boxen ?

[@BobFonseca]

Did anyone else have an anxiety attack when Kev was swinging that valuable mug around???

[@mattbishop1093]

Why do you place your coffee mug on top of the fine furniture?

[@kozmiczian795]

Kevin's 'The Real Deal' !

[@jstoli996c4s]

Any thoughts on these 3800's vs the Klipsch RF7iii? I haven't heard either one. My only point of reference is having owned the RF7i's for 13 years, and while they are badass speakers, they are horribly bright. My understanding is that the newer RF7iii's have completely smoothed out that brightness. But I'm also intrigued by these JBL's, they look very impressive. EDIT 10/1/21 - I ordered the 3800's in the Satin Grey, waiting for them to arrive, can't wait!

[@stevehoang5289]

May I ask how much you pay for it and where did you ordered it from ?

[@jstoli996c4s]

@@stevehoang5289 $5,000US for the pair. Bought in Daytona Beach, Fl

[@John-no3ie]

@@jstoli996c4s Do you have the HDI 4500 center also? I'd love to listen to these speakers being close to Daytona myself.

[@jstoli996c4s]

@@John-no3ie no I don’t. And I don’t think Stereotypes has the center channel either. But I’m sure it’s a good match for the towers in the HDI series.

[@maconpatton]

I own theses speakers.They rock. They work with my Venti TT very well. I play my HDI3800 thru solid state and it’s indeed easy to drive. The black is deep. These speakers have a refined JBL sound. These are more tame than “horn speakers” sounding. Bottom line is these speakers just plain rock. No need for subs. Not at all.

[@maconpatton]

I just can’t believe it took me so long to buy JBLs. These might not be considered “audiophile” speakers and who cares? I own Magnepan LRS, Zu Audio Omem II DW, Harbeth P3ESR, MBL 101 and the HDi3800. I think I know speaker “sounds”. Those are some good speakers but NONE are as fun and people just expect they are $15,000 pr when they see the Pass, Schiit, Dr. Freikert and Denafrips Terminator Plus gear. Too much fun.

[@jstoli996c4s]

Any thoughts on comparisons to the Klipsch RF7iii? I had the original RF7’s for a long time, fantastic speaker but very bright. The new version has supposedly cured the brightness. But I haven’t heard these 3800’s.

[@maconpatton]

@@jstoli996c4s I have not ever compared the models. My guess is the Klipsch would be very aggressive vs the JBLs. That is a comparison id like to hear.

[@jstoli996c4s]

@@maconpatton thanks for the feedback!

[@jstoli996c4s]

@@maconpatton I bought the 3800’s about six months ago. They are indeed great speakers! Two things to keep in mind: 1) bass is solid but not mega deep; a sub is definitely needed for full range sound. 2) the compression drivers need a good break in period to open up and sound their best, as they will sound lifeless at first and then come to life during break in 🔊🔊🔊

[@thebigdoghimself]

Why is no one discounting or putting on sale the JBL HDI's or the Polk legends line?

[@jstoli996c4s]

The HDI's are being discounted now - $3800/pair for the top line HDI 3800. That's a good deal.

[@dougg1075]

Man they should have done some nice paper on dem cones. They are fine looking speakers

[@bobkrueger194]

What are your thoughts on these vs the Focal 936 Aria? Pricing is similar.

[@peterprimes497]

Right now they are both on a Big Sale. 936 Arias 40% off, these 30% off at Crutchfield. The Focal sale ends today at Midnight though.

[@jeffadams9699]

Would these be overkill in a 12x10room?I like to rock!

[@jstoli996c4s]

Heck no, these JBL's will crank in that room!

[@lickmygloves]

I own the HDI 1600s. Some of the best speakers I’ve heard regardless of price. That compression driver is something special. So dynamic, wide and ruthlessly revealing.

[@lickmygloves]

@Dude Man Nah just the 1600s. My room is too small for huge towers and the stand mounts measure a bit better.

[@brauliogarcia2493]

I also have 1600 in a not big room. The sound is amaizing, clean and powerfull. High frec. 9.5 Mid range 8.75 Low range 8.75 Overall 9, because they are not cheap. And some plastics in the waveguide that they are inappropriated...

[@davidshowslsu]

These or focal aria 948?

[@arobinson22833]

Hi Kevin, you brought back memories when you mentioned the JBL L112s. I’m still regretting that I sold them. However, a few years ago I was able to find a mint pair of JBL L150a and they are still one of the best sounding speakers that I’ve ever (Klipsch, Magnepan, Martin Logan, Quads, and Meridian DSPs just to name a few) owned. So my question is how do these newer JBLs compare to L series? Thanks Anthony

[@juneenriquez1311]

Hi Kevin! Love all your reviews... question for you though... which one do you prefer this HDI-3800 or Klipsch's Forte III/IV? thanks.. btw my primaluna 200 is on the way from u to my house...thanks

[@V1ralB1ack]

Forte

[@juneenriquez1311]

@@V1ralB1ack thank you

[@garygrice921]

3800

[@lickmygloves]

3800

[@angeloferrer398]

😂 Dev and the Cataracs! Pure Awesomeness

[@filmstylehd]

Wondering how you compare those to the Cornwall fours

[@seanlobdell502]

The Cornwall 4s are a much much better sounding speaker IMO. I've heard both and now own the 4s.

[@jstoli996c4s]

Cornwalls will be much more live sounding and in your face. The JBL’s will be more refined and balanced, but still slightly forward.

[@mattmackay2973]

These speakers and the latest Wharfdales are just SonusFabars style !, SonusFakers !!!!!!

[@mattmackay2973]

@Dude Man No ! i am not dislicking these speakers ! , i am saying that they are a poor copy of the SF style , that is fair enough but it is nice to see companies having a style of there own !, Like sonus fabar , clasic Tanoy etc , much and all i like Kevin , he is a salesman !, Everything in his shop is good !, even the vintage gear on display !, i would just say that there were not many speakers ever made that i would put in my livingroom !, and this one i would not let neer the front door !

[@sahdinkhan1827]

I just had to return mine sadly 😞 . I liked it initially, was paired with primaluna evo 200 power. I didn't like the midrange. Highs were really good and lows were just as expected from JBL. But midrange really disappointed me. Did a lot of tube rolling after burning in. No luck. Now just got a pair of FyneAudio/Tannoy for the same system. Still burning in. But so far much better.

[@chriss881000]

Thats wierd, bec the mids get ALOT good response from ppl.

[@Sloimer]

Out of curiosity, what didn’t like you like about the midrange?

[@sahdinkhan1827]

@@Sloimer for me it was a bit muddy and a little dull somewhat. Bass dominant. Highs were good though. I don't know what didn't work out in my setup. But i am much happier now with the FyneAudio f702 and F502. Same pairing with Primaluna Power with kt120 now and Parasound P6 preamp. Very good speakers for my setup.

[@Sloimer]

@@sahdinkhan1827 yeah I completely agree. I got a pair yesterday and immediately heard the same thing. A little dull. Muddy in the midrange - lots of bass - but that’s about it. RF-7 III’s are a much better speaker - more textured bass, forward, detailed midrange and highs. Just a little scooped out around 1khz but still really good. I hate to say it but I’m having a lot of trouble finding a brand I really enjoy that isn’t Klipsch. I have the Forte III’s and RF-7 III’s and whenever I try to get something else, I regret it. The HDI’s are getting returned.

[@Sloimer]

@@sahdinkhan1827 I’ve been itching for something new and having trouble. HDI’s were dull like you said. Also had a pair of Focals that were very very detailed but lacked dynamics and were sizzling my eardrums after 15 minutes of listening, and terrible with anything besides music. Now I’m tempted to just get a pair of Cornwalls but they’re too big lol. Maybe that means I should just be happy with what I have?

[@federicomalacrida5732]

i bought a pair of aria 926 in part because of you reviews haha. should i move to this hdi series?.

[@chriss881000]

Yes u should, dont even think about it

[@federicomalacrida5732]

@@chriss881000 Thanks, do you have hdi ? what you came from if can knows.

[@chriss881000]

@@federicomalacrida5732 i feel like im doing u a favour by saying run to the nearest jbl dealer and get the 3800😅 soo.. im coming from b&w 702 s2, and they was amazing speakers, i tought until i got the hdi 3800, 2 days ago. B&w i known for great clarity and detail and so on, i was amazed with my 702 s2 with detail and how clearl it all sounds, but I always missed the bass. After a long while I finally took the hdi 3800 home, without even listening to them. And maan, as I said, I tought my 702 was clear and detailed, the 3800 is 10× better amd the bass is heavy asf with super control and very nice and tight. And the hdi series goes well with all genres of music, i can rly enjoy qll my music again. Im so happy about the 3800, that u cant even amagine, amd one more thing, play as loud as u want, u will give in long before they do, with no disortion at all.. Only ting i dont like about them is that I did not get them before 😅

[@federicomalacrida5732]

@@chriss881000 Thanks for all the time you took to write it all, and yes, you are making me a favor, and i value it and appreciate.where i live its not so easy to listen and get it. thanks you.

[@chriss881000]

@@federicomalacrida5732 oh, there are very few dealers with speakers/hifi here where I live. But my local hihi shop have jbl, so I was in luck this time:) i payed about 5500$ for them, not cheap, but def worth it🙂 they just do all things right in my opinion, and they are awsome for movies to, goes real low in the bass in those action/sub scenes

[@selcukdalkavrayan3916]

can you put subtitle please

[@terryschuffert6781]

I love the equipment he reviews, but don't try and contact them through their website. They never respond to questions.

[@erhman2004]

So, you are telling me..it is really bad ass? Right?

[@DrBroncanuus]

James Bullough Lansing

[@rachelnewyorktruth2564]

JBL rules

[@powerguymark]

ALWAYS use the 8 ohm setting on a receiver. The 4 ohm setting is more about not going over the thermal limit to get the UL 4 ohm rating and will limit the power and make driving 4 ohm speakers WORSE rather than better.

[@jeanpierrebeabraut9534]

THESE SPEAKERS ARE 4-0HMS MY FRIEND !

[@chriss881000]

Yes but no. These are closer to 8 ohm. Never dips under 5.6 ohm. Its like saying klipsch is 8 ohm. None are, they say it but they are not, most klipsch dips under 3 ohm. Klipsch, b&w etc dont meet the rec to even be 8 ohms speakers(on paper) so if anything out there is 8 ohm speakers, the hdi series are 8 ohms

[@AmericanConstellation]

I have some customized JSE Ifinite Slope model 2's...That make these look stupid....

[@soundman2604]

why is your Sansui in protect mode?

[@greencraig8570]

I would never even put a qtip on top of my speaker. : )

[@DAlan0909]

Sounds doubtful you would after all the shit you’ve heard rush into work to hear a pair of speakers. Any speakers.

[@kickazz8987]

Hes steve O ur son,, RIGHT!?

[@justin4911]

For anyone worried about the apparent hugeness of these speakers: this guy is basically a hobbit. The speaker's only 43" tall.

[@makkakakugelsnibb5659]

Its HiFi Steve-o

[@frankhanover1060]

Does it need a sub is the question.

[@ericfarr2195]

No, but Rel Sub will make it better.

[@jstoli996c4s]

For true full range sound, yes.

[@f22m28]

Oh behave..

[@sergeysmelnik]

Wow jbl actually made a good looking speaker for once. If theyre bright at the top end though theyre not for me.

[@chriss881000]

Their not at all., not even close, warm is the word

[@jstoli996c4s]

3800’s are not bright, I have them.

[@gitmobob6266]

JBL used to epitomize the West coast sound and Boston Acoustics the East coast sound. I've never liked a horn speaker and haven't heard one I would spend my hard earned money on.

[@michaelb7437]

Love that finish. Horn loaded tweeters -- no thanks.

[@chriss881000]

Why?

[@jstoli996c4s]

Horns aren’t what they used to be. Listen to them first, then decide

[@chriss881000]

@@jstoli996c4s he dosnt know what he is talking about

[@jstoli996c4s]

Fyi it’s not horn loaded, it’s a wave guide.

[@Shift4g]

I really wish the American brands would make their speakers look more exotic to match the sound. It's just like their cars, there is no visual excitement for whatever reason.

[@mahogsed7539]

try Zu Audio or PBN Montana line

[@AN-ce1nd]

Another failure like the released L-100. Those were $4500. They look like they were made in 1987. It’s ok, keeping my Focals Be.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

$4,500? Who the hell pays full MSRP for their speakers? I payed $9,000 for my brand new JBL 4365's years ago. MSRP was $15,000

[@jstoli996c4s]

Have you actually listened to them you fool?

[@Gioxtream]

8 ohms speakers???? The manufacture says it a 4 ohms speaker. Get the record straight man !

[@chriss881000]

He never said it was a 8 ohm speaker, just soundes best at det 8 ohm tap. These are not rly a 4 ohm speaker anyways, more like 6 ohm. They never dip below 5.5 ohm.

[@0177MrGreen]

How can you be talking so much and say nothing - it's astounding!

[@martinuteng1403]

Made in China 😪

[@neorider9183]

my god the voice of this guy is just something terrible