🤩 JBL Speakers for HOME THEATER! JBL Studio Monitor Review JBL 4309

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

✅ *4309 SPEAKERS: **bit.ly/3ebKmkM* ✅ *CLICK ❤THANKS to highlight your question &/or support the channel!* ✅ *If it’s in the video, it’s in the desx* ☝ ✅ *RULES: Please be respectful. NO OUTSIDE LINKS, URLs, email addresses, etc.*

[@NightBiker07]

Would love to watch you review the JBL Paragon D44000

[@syanhc]

I've recently come to appreciate JBL House sound if that's a thing. There is no doubt that it just sounds lively, fun and engaging. I can not speak for these speakers. But i think JBL are in general under appreciated among audiophiles...

[@jstoli996c4s]

JBL are lively and snappy without being in your face like the Klipsch house sound. Both make great speakers, depends on your personal taste.

[@ubacow7109]

Its overshadowed by mainstream brands even tho its a mainstream brand as well, I think its mostly their lack of industrial compared to other brands that prevents them from getting more attention~

[@jstoli996c4s]

@@ubacow7109 JBL is well known for their cinema and arena systems.

[@syanhc]

@@ubacow7109 I enjoy JBL products from what I’ve heard. And I like the realism of horn speakers without them being shouty. JBL does that well. Wish I could hear these speakers!

[@michaelchrist5356]

H.Christ.wtf.related ? Ps I've owned,the biggest Jbl theater speakers every made. t 502 Lansing by ampex

[@davlippo7]

I'm 54. You and your wife listening together, coming together and listening to music/movies/sound systems together is something you might be overlooking. Just say'n that is a fantastic partnership and friendship and fellowship. That's worth more than anything on this channel you got going on by a million times over. Enjoy that.

[@Carl-bd1rf]

The Heritage line has been the benchmark for decades when it comes to horns. Nuff said.

[@SergioHernandez-le8wp]

I love JBL's sound. I remember working at an audio department in an electronics superstore akin to Best Buy and lusting over their entire "Studio" line

[@BobTrainor]

Great review guys. A lot of value added, you’re nailing it.

[@tfk40]

Always look forward to the new video drops on Sunday. Keep up the great work guys!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for hanging out with us!

[@tfk40]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews best audio/video review channel on You Tube, hands down.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

We appreciate that. Thank you.

[@zackw4941]

I've had JBL Studio 580's for a few years now. Typically on sale for $600 a pair, I can't easily imagine them being beaten for the price. They sound very natural and transparent. They have a lot of headroom to scale with quality electronics. In pursuit of a bigger, livelier sound and a full range speaker not needing a subwoofer, I have ordered much more expensive Tekton Moabs. They are supposed to blow everything out of the water under five digits.. But in the back of my mind, it's hard to imagine. I'll just have to wait and see.

[@tomunderwood6948]

For those seeking a relatively affordable compression driver alternative -- strong recommend for the JBL 5 series

[@brianlewis5042]

Thank you Kristi for saving Andrew once again 😀😀😀 in a review. Not mentioning Klispch until you finished your review. Andrew you were spot on with the 4309’s. They share the DNA from JBL’s Pro Line. The 4309’s are a monitor speaker and will present music as such. Natural….. Love ❤️ The sound of Klispch speakers for those who want a horn speaker that is not as forward and will pair with today’s modern equipment, the 4309’s are worth the consideration. Have great rest of your day and both you and Kristi take time out tomorrow to celebrate the hard work you both put into the channel together on this Labor Day Weekend.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Appreciate you spending part of your Sunday with us, Brian!

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Im guessing that intro was edited in after Kristi called out the Klipsch absence =) That's good teamwork. Nice overall review. JBL definitely has a legacy behind them. ( more than almost all others)

[@allisonmendez6988]

I don't know much about speakers, receivers and tv's, but you make it very entertaining to watch and fun to learning keep it up 😊

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I appreciate that!

[@Radioheadfan2]

I love that JBL is making a comeback. Definitely getting nostalgia. Awesome review.

[@timlamadrid1988]

I think JBL is really knocking it out of the park with the HDI waveguides (they don’t call them horns!) and I say that as a former proud owner of Heresy’s for many years. I even was able to meet Paul Klipsch a few years before he passed. Even the little LSR305s were astoundingly good for how little they cost! The powered version of these (the 4305p) also aren’t just powered, they include a wireless streamer as well, for damn near the same price as these. Buy a pair and you’ve got a complete hifi system. Probably my next purchase.

[@davlippo7]

I just ordered a pair for $1050 open box except the box had never been opened. I'm breaking them in now. Update: I liked these so much I ordered a second "B" stock pair because at $999 these are a silly steal. They are so clean and full and disappear thanks to the waveguide and really well balanced. Funny I never thought about these until I saw them in a comparison video that didn't really praise them much. Then the AudioScience guy liked them, he doesn't like anything, and then this channel review helped me try them out. Glad I did. JBL somehow always knows how to make great speakers and studio monitors, etc. Ironic that fiber paper cones have been around forever. Everyone is trying synthetic and coated and metal etc. but paper will always rule and the original design might never be beat. It's just always so smooth, buttery, toneful and sweet.

[@fessendenful]

Hello, I am considering the Klipsch Sevens and would consider these instead for the prices you mentioned. Where did you get those prices? Thanks. PS...I live in a moderate sized apartment, all things being equal, would you go with the JBL's or the Klipsch? I appreciate your opinion. Thanks.

[@fessendenful]

Hello, I am sorry to bother you, however, I am very curious where you purchased the open box speakers? I am definitely moving forward with the 4309's and want a reliable source. Thanks.

[@davlippo7]

@@fessendenful Try JBL direct but I bought two pairs from Music Direct has open boxes on occasion. I bought two pairs of several they had at one time.

[@joaquinbarreto9398]

But a Musical Fidelity to go with it I’ve spent over a year going through 7 integrateds and man is it a match made in heaven!

[@illclinton]

I've owned a pair of 4309 for 6 weeks now and love it. It's picky about the type of music you play through them - I found that they're not particularly good with "complex" sounds (orchestral music for example), but they come to life when you listen to rock, jazz, vocals, etc. I switch between the 4309 and KEF LS50 Meta from time to time and enjoy both of them for what they offer. But the 4309 reminds me why I got into HiFi in the first place - They make the music I love just exciting and fun without intellectualizing about it. I agree with another KZbin reviewer comparing these two pairs as follows: If the KEF LS50 Meta has an "in-studio" sound, these 4309 has a "live" presentation, a feeling like these bands are playing live right in front of you. The 4309s, to me, are just so addictive.

[@jstoli996c4s]

You will enjoy the JBL’s even more once the compression drivers have 200+ hours on them, they really open up and come to life then (HDI 3800 owner).

[@livingmaga6299]

I'll be looking out for your Review on JBL 4349 Speakers. 🤘

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

The JBL Studio 530, which is often on sale for $240/pair, would be my BUDGET ALTERNATIVE to this $2,000/pair ✌️

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@Rich Perez ...and $240/pair. I can't imagine being disappointed with them in any kind of similar setup.

[@gregorymorrill7558]

I do highly recommend the 530 as a top tier option in the hifi entry level. Super for the discounted price. I have the 4309's and the 530's. The 4309 is a much better speaker in every way. Especially as it is able to fill a much larger room, if you can high pass them around 80hrz they can play incredibly loud with zero strain, compression or signs of any exercion but of course this is only important if you do rock TFO frequently.

[@themastroiannis]

nice review...ordered a pair of jbl 4309 for a second stereo setup and i'm loving them. i actually find them quite different from the revel m16 i also used to own. there's something about the paper woofer in the jbls that give them way more texture and tone as compared to the revels. the revels also have a bump in the lower mids (at least in my room) and in that sense the jbls are more linear and more to my liking. your opinion compared to KLH model fives (similar price) would be much appreciated! thanks for the review!

[@astrotrance]

I love the styling of these, with the subtle blue and dual front ports. I'd definitely run these grilles-off most of the time.

[@markhoman7293]

I love my 4309’s, have had them for about 6 months now and they still make me smile

[@pete3882]

I heard them recently and I thought they were fantastic. I will be buying a pair after we move.

[@tg6373]

Those speakers on those stands are simply gorgeous. I love the horns and the blue grills. I have the Classic 75s, so I'm slightly biased towards JBLs in general. Great review!

[@cygnusmedia992]

Would this be a good choice for reggae music?

[@leoweber3487]

Oh boy, im glad Christi keeps you in check. How dare you not compare jbl to klipsch? :D

[@GagzD165]

Good to see JBL getting praise. We don't get too many options to choose where I'm from though. I went with JBL Stage A170s, all around (except center). Love it.

[@FOH3663]

It's "as benign a horn loaded speaker you're going to find" ... Many would point out it's essentially a waveguide (pattern control) rather than a horn for elevated acoustic efficiency. Some subjective nastiness may arise from HOM (higher order modes). They're often associated with horns... whereby energy bounces between the horn flare segments.

[@MajorTendonitis]

I’d love to see you do a review on the old Mach 1 speakers back from the Radio Shack days

[@byronfranek2706]

I had a pair of JBL 4311 studio monitors (walnut cabinets) in my bedroom when I was in high school. Among the most satisfying speakers I've owned over the years, and I have always wanted to go back to those roots. Currently researching the powered 4329 or 708P to replace my B&W CDM9-NT speakers, but ~$4000 is a bit of a sticker shock compared to the $800 I paid for the 4311 in 1979.

[@rockrocks009]

Kristy's impression of the viewers was spot on. 🤣

[@rickharkins9712]

0:58 hello Andrew, just ordered a set of 4309s on your and kristi’s review; or Christi. Don’t know the spelling. Anyway, got them for 974.99 free shipping. Demos of course. Black walnut. I believe I’ll be happy. Considering the Denon DRA 800-H to power them. Thanks for the review.

[@Sethy22]

I can’t wait for that Technics SU-G700 MK2 Review Andrew.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Soon.

[@Sethy22]

Awesome. I haven’t found a single Review online “that mattered” of their SACD & Streamer, the SL-G700. I think we would all love to hear your take on that one. It seems to be one fantastic piece of gear 🫰🏼

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Sorry to disappoint, but we will not be reviewing their SACD player/Streamer.

[@gregkirby7298]

Gosh, I must be feeling a wave of nostalgia because even though I’ve got new front speakers, I’m in love with the look of these speakers. I totally agree Andrew. Surround me with these and I’d be in heaven if for no other reason than being able to just look at them all. I’m sold.

[@jamesrobertson504]

Remember JBL studio monitors in our college radio station I worked at for 4 years in the mid to late 70s. Still had tube amps feeding them, as we had old equipment. Loved them. We had 2 studios and would check out new vinyl in whatever studio wasn't on air. Clicked on your link and I still can't afford them. Well I could, but it would impact the money that must go to the retirement fund.

[@grizzly6699]

Loving my JBL Studio 620's. Sold my Klipsch RP-500M's and got these. I got fed up with the bright tweeter demanding attention all the time. I also got listening fatigue regularly. The JBL's have much better instrument separation and the tweeter doesn't shoot at you little needles of treble that assault your ear drums. Can't praise these JBL's with the HDI horn and compression driver enough.

[@stevengarner8524]

Hi Andrew , just to let you know after your review of the green speakers a week or so ago I painted my homebuild jbl clones in that Matt green , they look and sound amazing in my studio . 😊

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

NICE! If you're on IG DM me a pic.

[@stevengarner8524]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews I'm sorry mate I'm 62 this month (lol) I only have YT I can't do the picture thing . Thanks for the interest . Love your channel I find it so relaxing , a nice escape from this bonkers world . ❤️

[@christophercale]

I bought my JBL Pro 4425 studio monitors about 20 years ago, and paid just under $1500 for the pair, pretty unbelievable by todays pricing. They sound as good today as when they were new. They are a 2 way design with a 12 in woofer and compression horn driver. The only maintenance required has been to refoam the woofers. I drive them with a Crown XLS-2502 amp. Use them for both music and movies, 2-channel only. They still blow me away. While I have not heard the 4309 speakers, the fact that they are horn driven is a testament, at least in my opinion, to the goodness of the horn design.

[@JoeGsPizza]

I demoed these and was thoroughly impressed. Everything sounded so precise, but still organic. Detail was astounding, especially in the midrange. Bass clarity was amazing, but I was wishing for just a bit more oomph down low. That could have been a product of the room, though. Having tested a few horn speakers from each company, I prefer the JBL sound to Klipsch.

[@scottyo64]

Owning both JBLs and Klipsch I go the other way. Matter of taste

[@JoeGsPizza]

@@scottyo64 100% agree. I love the sound of both, but I’m very sensitive to high frequencies and some of the K’s don’t quite work for extended listening for me.

[@dennismeehan8189]

Great review. Love the honesty when it comes to price and the associated diminishing return.

[@soulcatradio]

Great review as I love to see JBLs reviewed and represented. I'm impressed every day listening to 4411 studio monitors with my MA2275 tube integrated. The JBL soundstage and imaging is incredible. Do they they make the new 4309s in the US?

[@gregparent6894]

I am really enjoying your reviews. A while back you reviewed the Magnat Cinema Ultra LCRS speakers and put them in your top 5 Home Theater experiences. Assuming a dedicated home theater with 2 powerful subs, would you go with the Magnat or the 4309’s which you compared to the JBL Pro’s you included in that list?

[@rhorto01]

The only problem with horns is it is an old technology that just works. They sound the way they sound, and while you COULD do a lot of tweaks to get them to sound different, it wouldn't be worth the time/effort/money. If you want a different sound go for different technology. I did not grow up with horns but when I decided to put together a component system for the first time in a long time I went the horn route (Heresy IVs in part based on your review) and I discovered they suit me down to the ground. And, while I'm done buying speakers for my main system, I will admit I am intrigued by the horns living in the higher end, from Volti, Oswalds Mill Audio or Avantgarde, etc. If I ever win the lottery.....

[@markwasilow2173]

Great job Grasshopper! Wheres my TECHNICS SUG700 MKII REVIEW?

[@LarryBlowers]

I love my JBL headphones but there's no horns like klipsch kornerhorns.

[@davidcross3446]

The best horn speakers I've heard are the Krix Esoterix Altum from here in Australia. They are a 2-way bookshelf (or stand-mounted or wall-mounted). They are super sweet, and have the best soundstage I've ever heard - deep, wide and rock solid. Downsides - they look funny (to some people - not me) and are quite expensive - $8000 AUD.

[@hamidrezahabibi8111]

Thanks for bringing it up. It has a waveguide for the tweeter and I truly admire this model from KRIX and even asked Andrew for a possible review.

[@grizzly6699]

It's an unusual looking design for sure. I've got the Krix Acoustix Mk.2. Not horn loaded (ring radiator tweeter) but still an enjoyable speaker. Designed for larger rooms. Also got the Krix Atomix V2 small speaker. Excellent sounding at low volumes in bedrooms.

[@legione1capone]

I really like the look of these

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

They're pretty cool, right? Thanks for watching!

[@charlesking678]

One thing you've said in multiple reviews and having heard more setups within this year is that the differences in products isn't as great as one might expect. Bookshelf speakers under $2k is a very competitive market with some great choices. Even Bookshelf under $1k has some rock solid products.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I keep saying it because it's true. And the more of these types of speakers we keep in house for direct A/B comparisons the more evidence I see of this fact(?).

[@KristiWright]

He gets it.

[@maxpower78-15]

Jbl is solid. The first pair of speakers i ever bought were budget JBL Northridge bookshelfs.. they are still working in my moms modest stereo.

[@joaquinrubio3230]

It would be honor to demo these 🔊 in my system I have kliptch and cerwin vega sl15 which I love but jbl is one of the speakers that I would enjoy there character thank you for the review

[@nicholas6823]

Interesting you say you loved the L82’s, as I remember both you and Kristi not exactly being really excited by them in your review, unlike most other reviews I have watched about them. I have a pair of Studio 230s with a somewhat simliar horn to the 4309s and it is very track dependent whether it sounds great or not in the high frequency range. Some recordings are too bright on them. They have a lively sound at lower volumes which I like.

[@gregorymorrill7558]

The 230 is a completely different speaker with entirely different budget constraints, different voicing and a totally different waveguide not to mention a very different time period. Quite frankly from a purely objective lens the new line of JBL HDI guides are completely state of the art. Subjectively there will be opinions but no waveguide prior to these is on par objectively. Especially the particular guide in the 4309 and the 4349. The M2 and 705/708p were the previous SOTA and these are tweaked even slightly further thought the tweeters themselves may not be as SOTA. The 4367 also has a very advanced guide but I am less familiar with its geometry and don't know if it is principally different or just a variation. Anyway, I tried the L82 and loved them myself though I felt the 4309 is a more refined speaker. I do prefer the L82 to many similar speakers and the 8" driver used is SUPERB with ultra low distortion (that I did indeed measure objectively and notice subjectively) and some of the best dynamics I have ever heard in an 8" driver.

[@jamesrandall3192]

Love you wife giving you grief about the Klipsch comparison. Real funny and I was very interested in that comparison. I have Klipsch galore but really respect some of the JBL lineup. They have made some good products.

[@johntocho8954]

Enjoyed the review, thank you!

[@christrevealedinspirations91]

Hi Andrew have u reviewed the Jbl hdi 3600 or the 1600 and what's your favorite systems out of all d speakers u reviewed lately

[@danielaspeflo7715]

Pleas do a review on the technics su-g700 m2

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

Way back in the day when I was stationed in Germany, I bought a pair of JBL 4311 Studio monitors. Absolutely loved those speakers. Paid $500 for the pair in 1977. They went well with my Marantz 2325 receiver, Nakamichi Dragon amp, Akai GXC 730 cassette deck, and Garrard DD130. Sadly, the whole kit and kaboodle "feel off the boat" in my whole baggage when I rotated home.

[@deacondrake9078]

The first speakers I ever had were 90s JBL. I'm still using them now.

[@abdo-dr1tu]

a peak in 1 to 2KHz sounds really harsh to me. it doesn't really bring up clarity. Thank you for another great review!

[@DearSX]

Pretty cool getting 2 reviews a week! So many good speakers on the market, even affordable sub $500 ones. Learning more about different voicing speakers and my tastes every day. Enjoying my QC50 more and more every day, while still enjoying Jamo S803s from time to time. Question: Would the AL 6000a and Technics G700mk2 be an upgrade from Parasound A21?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Can't say as it's been too long since I last heard the A21 in my system. Both the AL and Technics are integrated amps so they do more than the A21 on its own.

[@DearSX]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thank you! Yeah I am liking integrateds more and more every day. May wait to see more amps with eARC enter the market. A one and done amp at a reasonable price like maybe the NAD C399 may be all I ever need/want. Tried a receiver and so far it's not up to par.

[@alupangguam7560]

Back in the early 1990s, I purchased brand new in box JBL L7 for $1000 (half off $2000 MSRP) from a recording studio supplier going out of business. Took them home and A/B compared to my JBL L100s, 4312 & 4412 Studio Monitors. The 4-way L7 blew away every 12" 3-way JBL, so I sold them and kept the L7s. Properly placed, only a 15" JBL Studio Monitor can outperform the L7, but only at very extreme sound pressure levels.

[@nickw2349]

Would love to see you do all 3 of the classic jbl’s in one video, the l52, l82 and l100. Which one is enough, where’s the sweet spot

[@SpirallingOut]

These are more than double over here (4500 AUD)...For bookshelf speakers!... In fact, you don't wanna know how much Aussie online retailers are charging for their other 43xx series speakers! What is it with US-made HiFi gear and ridiculous pricing!? smh

[@BryanRuby]

Fond memories of JBL. JBL bookshelf speakers given as a gift to me were my first "genuine" Hi-Fi speakers. Not sure I like the look of these or their price point though.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

JBL makes great products at virtually all price points IMHO. Thanks for watching as always Bryan, have a GREAT rest of your day!

[@jruepetty4530]

That’s my problem . It looks like it belongs in some professional studio , maybe if the dails were in the back

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

@Jrue Petty They're based on professional speakers for that "heritage" or throwback look/feel. It's part of this speaker's design aesthetic. If you want a more consumer friendly speaker maybe consider the bit.ly/3cGogH3.

[@Justwantahover]

17:55 You can sort of find out by trying different speakers. As an amateur speaker builder I have some B&W 706s for reference and sometimes I can work out whether it's my made speakers or the recording by using my reference speakers. If the sour note is still there on the B&Ws it's a fair chance that it's the recording. But if the sour note disappears on the B&Ws it's a good chance that my made speakers have the sour note. One good reason to have reference speakers when building speakers without a soundproof room and all that gear.

[@pietwentzel007]

Awesome review. Thanks love the channel. Keep it up

[@thobekanikhoza4038]

always looking forward to a Sunday evening (on my side of the world) thank you

[@-loki-7727]

And,,, now they are on sale for $1400 a pair, L52 on sale for $700/pr and the HDI-1600 just under $700 each. Love your reviews!

[@leon-xl5jw]

JBL 4367 coming up next?!

[@speakingsoftly]

Great review guys, and especially for talking about room placement. I live in a tiny London flat and speaker placement is a big issue for me. I recently went for some Fyne Audio F500 SP, because of their downwards firing bass port and the flexibility that gives in placement.

[@simonh9806]

Great review! Could you elaborate on why you don't prefer a center channel for home theater? I am experimenting in removing the center, since I don't really like my center channel, but off course i have been thinking I need an update. I do like my left and rights though. What are the pros and cons with using center / not using center?

[@Tunnelsnakes]

I don’t think a phantom center can ever truly replace a dedicated center for dialogues in movies. Which made me curious as to why he thinks these make good home theater speakers when there’s no center variant (AFAIK, correct me if I’m wrong).

[@FOH3663]

Aside from L&R content modulating the center channel's dialog, a center anchors dialog to the screen, and regardless of seating position, with a single speaker there's no destructive nulling, comb filtering interference from un-equal lengths... ie, without a center... unless you're DEAD center, there's destructive combing of the L&R outputting the same content.

[@Tunnelsnakes]

@@FOH3663 Makes sense; a 2 channel home theater setup would only work properly if either: 1) you are watching alone, or 2) watching or listening to non-surround channel content.

[@FOH3663]

@@Tunnelsnakes It's convenient.

[@simonh9806]

@@Tunnelsnakes well he could obviously use a different center. With my center I feel that dialogue is very "looked" on the speaker. When letting the L+R do a phantom center the dialogue projected is more flexible across the screen. That said I am new to home theater and used to stereo listening. I do not have matching center and left/right and I guess my experience could be due to my Left/Right speakers beeing very good at imaging while my center is not that good. That is why I posted this question.

[@bric7244]

Jbl is fantastic ! I feel they are over looked alot, for both home & car audio . I ve loved jbl since I was a kid got started with it in car audio

[@zardoz2627]

I've always wanted some 4312's ever since I heard them in the mid 80s. I bet these are great too but the price has always been the reason I never pulled the trigger

[@ThousandThrills]

Cool review of my favorite brand thanks...I guess the only way to be happy in this hobby is to have multiple amps and speakers like you do, I'd be torn having to choose even between jbl speakers...just like I'm torn tonight seeing an amp I had an eye on with a 700$ discount and I don't have the courage to click on the damn complete order button...expecting better this fall but what does better even mean these days, that's the question...keep up the good work! We all suffer from hifi anxiety and need your support.

[@martinandersson9712]

The one thing that i oppose of when it comes to the commercial breaks of KZbin is that they are way of the reservation regarding topics of said commercial. This channel has nothing to do with Food, washing machines, travel agents, finances or even festivals It's about *home entertainment* .KZbin need to get their head out their a**. Cause i could accept commercials for products that are being screened and reviewed on this channel. That's why i watch it in the first place. Rant over! Great work as per usual Andrew!

[@KristiWright]

You are fed ads about food, washing machines, travel, etc based on your recent search history. It's called targeted marketing. At any rate, you can stop the ads by becoming a premium youtube member which removes all ads, improving the viewing experience while still supporting the creators you watch! :)

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Thanks! The best horn speaker I have ever heard (4 years ago) was manufactured in Europe, was 45K/pair, and the name escapes me, alas. My modest Klipsch system does what I need and let's me drive my multiple towers without resorting to separates.

[@KristiWright]

45K? Dang, that must have been one helluva speaker!

[@lonniefarmer7067]

@@KristiWright Avantgaurd! Covid was tough on my brain.

[@jimalbruzzess2445]

Good day Andrew + Kristi, great review!!! QOTD: Ilove my EVs. EKX15s (passive) They are horn loaded. They work great for music and TV. They are PA speakers but, I don't care, they work for me. Have a great week. Cheers from Canada.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The only person who has to like the sound is you and I am so glad you found a setup that brings you hours of enjoyment!

[@KristiWright]

Taking a quick break from audio...who all watched college football yesterday? As a Longhorn fan, I'm just happy for the decisive win. Fully expecting Alabama next week to be a solid punch to face though. Hope your team won!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

ROLL TIDE (*runs for his life) 😂

[@KristiWright]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews FFFFF YOU, dude. You didn't even go there! Didn't go to Nebraska either. Let me know when that fancy art school you went to gets a football team.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

@@KristiWright You know I love giving you 💩. You've turned me into a UT fan.

[@lfazio9690]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews 🤣

[@lfazio9690]

...at least you're not a "Duck" fan! Sucks to be a Duck today!!!

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

Always a solid review. ...However, I'm perplexed by the "design/styling" comments. Sure, style and design aesthetic is subjective, but the JBL looks like a big clunky box with no styling effort at all - meaning, they look neither vintage nor modern. They're just a big box with a fat plastic horn. This is (literally) a case of "form following function" - to a tee. Considering the design choices of your living room, from materials to finishes, those speakers look more like an eye-popping-sore vs something resembling anything in your living space. They certainly don't look complimentary. They literally look out of place. I'm not saying they're not good performers, I'll totally take your word for it. But if it came down to visual design being the final choice determining which speaker I'd buy; I'll take Sonus Faber, Revel M16, Polks and virtually every other good speaker $1,000 you've placed on those stands over the JBL. I certainly wouldn't want 6 of those boxes surrounding me if there is any sense of design in my home theater. ...to which, there is. The Revels fit beautifully - these? They most certainly wouldn't. Speaking of which... (Fanboy alert) The criticism of the Revel design is surprising, as they're about as minimalist in design aesthetics as you've had. The elegance is in the simplicity. It reminds me, in many ways, of Dynaudio design - which I also love. It just fits in and disappears, and neither detracts nor ads much to the room in terms of visual statements. If you're looking for a visual statement, then there are many other speakers I'd choose over the JBL. As it is, I just ordered the Revel M106 speakers ($2,200/pair) on sale for $1,500/pair at Crutchfield, to see what Harmon can do with a bigger budget for speaker performance. As for the question of the day - I'm not really a horn-loaded speaker fan. And to be fair, I have only heard the typical horn-loaded speakers in audio stores - but never the higher-end Klipsch so I can't comment. I would, however, love to hear to the La Scala while listening to a live classic rock performance - Zepplin, Aerosmith, Van Halen.... even Pink Floyd.... Cheers

[@gregorymorrill7558]

Dude, aesthetics and design is very subjective. Don't neglect that. I think the M16 is functional looking though also pretty boring looking and there is the glossy black. Glossy black reminds me of office breakroom microwaves and other plastic bezels - to others it appears rich and reminisant of a Steinway. (I'd be much cooler with matte black.) I think my 4309's look dope and wish I had purchased the 4349's when I had a chance to buy a new pair for $3750. I'd love those bad boys to just take over my front wall and symbolize my love of audio. Others would cringe at having any speaker the focal point in their space. I hope you enjoy the M106's. I have the M126be's and love them despite the high price tag and my small wallet. (but that darn gloss black, ewww)

[@DC_loves_scotch]

JBl Bi-Radial horn speakers, The S-3900 floor standing speakers would be my favorite horned speaker.

[@timmotel5804]

Good Day. I've loved Horn Speakers ever since a friend had a pair of Altec Voice of the Theater speakers in his basement back in 1974. I just bought a pair of Klipsch R-51M bookshelf speakers and I love them. My continuing issue with JBL is that I feel that atleast 1/3rd of their pricing on their "decent speakers", not their "Party Toy Speakers" of late, is just charging for the Name. However I do still love them. Whatever the market will bear $$$$. Thanks

[@marcusscott6546]

JBL. Without question. The HDI series is more than an experience...you forget that you're NOT in the movies with the right setup with the JBL HDIs HT setup

[@jstoli996c4s]

I love my HDI 3800's

[@damn5987]

A quick search shows the Pro-Ject 5 S2's are £499 here in the UK and the JBL 4309's are £1795. Sounds like there is very little difference in SQ. I am tempted to try out the Pro-Jects. I currently have the Polk R700's as my L&R

[@jstoli996c4s]

Hope JBL gives you the HDI series soon, they are darn good.

[@imprimez]

Very nice. Can you do a review on the JBL Studio 530? It often goes on a fire sale for $239/pair. It is also horn loaded and would be great for a comparison.

[@jmcprotech9670]

A Question for you Andrew how would you Compare the JBL 4309 to the Mission 770 Cos I know you both love the mission 770

[@92essink]

Hey Andrew love what your doing. I remember when my Dad bought a brand new pair of JBL CF120s back in the 90s and to this day I think they could give alot of speakers a run for there money. I myself have a pair of JBL studio L890s I am curious because I know your a big fan of your zen amp by Decware. Is there a jbl speaker or a bookshelf speaker out there that it would run great with?? Thanks and keep up the great reviews!!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I think this model would be a better fit bit.ly/3Qon8Fw (not limit you in dynamics and volume).

[@lamecasuelas2]

Damn, Kristi Is getting sassier everyday, and honestly that's the Best part of the reviews

[@davep2945]

The best horn loaded speaker I've ever heard was the Volti Vittora with it's custom built and matched subwoofer. It's a fully horn loaded design based on the La Scala but with better drivers, crossovers and tuning. I love the La Scala like you do. But when you hear the Vittora you immediately realize it's more than just a La Scala with upgrades. If Klipsch, Revel and Vandersteen's Kento had a baby you might have the Vittora. And, by the way, if you want style, the Vittora is far more stylish than pretty much every other speaker I've seen in pictures or in person. For the money it's the Klipsch Forte IV paired withe Cary Audio tube amp Klipsch so often pairs with it because there's a reason for that. I'd love to hear the newest Avant Garde's but other than at a show I don't know where that would be possible. Anyway, JBL has always attenuated their horn designs to more closely matched the sensitivity of the woofer which is always lower than the horn loaded midrange or tweeter. This results in the more cohesive sound at higher volumes especially you tend to get from JBL speakers while retaining much of the controlled directivity a horn loaded design provides. As such JBL horns are more towards the wave guide end of the horn spectrum than the air coupling and amplification end of the horn spectrum. Klipsch try to straddle the fence more. They try and get the woofers to be as efficient as possible and attenuate the horns just a bit. This brings the levels closer to each other than in the past but not like they are in a JBL design. Even JBL's flagship products the Everest 67000 and K2 9900 are only 96 DB and 93 DB respectively even with two high efficiency 15" drivers in the 67000. Whereas even the Forte IV with it's single 12" driver is rated at 99 DB. If measured the way JBL measures things it's probably only in the 95 DB range but that's still right there with the Everest 67000 with it's two 15" drivers. Yes, the Everest sounds better but at $82,000 a pair versus $5,000 a pair I know which one I can afford. And the Volti I mentioned, to me at least, sounds better than the JBL. It's being updated with a big price increase to boot so it's going to be around $40,000 which is too rich for me but that's still just half the JBL's price. It started out around $25,0000 a decade ago.

[@Seth-hc2bj]

I just love the look of these guys

[@charlesking678]

The technics amp must be the truth. I'm a marantz man, but I can't wait for that review.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

We'll see...

[@9830119608]

Please review a acoustics M20 hd.. and compare it with TANNOY gold…

[@jked7463]

Who makes the best horn speaker? Haven't heard these latest from JBL, BUT (since I come from a pro background) it is not one of these but pro offerings from many pro companies, Meyer, EAW, even some from Community. While the Meyer and EAW need digital processing to time align the drivers, the SLS line from Community were physically time aligned. That is one of my beefs with most horn speakers, there is a huge time alignment issue between the horn and woofer. People say you can't hear it, but I always could.

[@gregorymorrill7558]

Hmmm, with a very deep throated horn the highs arrive behind the woofer in time, similar to the way they arrive before the woofer when a dome tweeter is flush mount on the baffle. Time alignment is off on most designs whether horn or not - and in passives this can be tweaked a bit within the crossover. Obviously DSP can fix this in an active. The HDI guide sets the tweeter at the perfect depth to time align it with the woofer - so in these speakers they are in fact time aligned physically. No worry here, nothing to see :)

[@jked7463]

@@gregorymorrill7558 Yes, agreed in general. Like you said, there is a certain amount of phase alignment that can be done with the crossover. A typical woofer/tweeter offset can be handled in that way. Although proper phase + time alignment alignment presents a more coherent audio image. But with a deep horn, the offset is too much to handle by phase shift using the crossover. This is why there are many after-market super steep slope crossovers available for klipsch speakers. They are trying to minimize the overlap between drivers. That is also why klipsch's top speaker uses a digital delay to time aligns the drivers. Some of use do not want digital in their home audio chain, so to us, that is not an acceptable solution to the time alignment issue. That said I have been in the pro audio industry and using digital processing for decades. I even time align passive speakers using digital delay with open architecture in the box. But with my home system, analog through the chain when using my turntable is the only way to go.

[@gregorymorrill7558]

@@jked7463 Yes, I use DSP for all the good things for my various DIY actives, for now I just use a MiniDSP 4x10. It is so easy now and I am not an analog dude. I do hear you on the analog, I understand folks going for that - it is a hobby after all, though I am personally a huge fan of the fidelity and ease provided by contemporary media and software. Anyway, I'd give these 4309/4349's a listen if you are in the market. They are deff time aligned physically. The waveguide is fairly deep but it perfectly aligns the compression driver with the top of the woofers voice coil when you are on the design axis.

[@jked7463]

@@gregorymorrill7558 Thx. For the input. If I get a chance I will listen to the speakers you suggested. Look up Community SLS speakers. They are time aligned on a commercial scale. And their high freq. driver has asymmetrical coverage which creates a rectangular coverage in the floor. If you have the chance to pick up a used soundweb or other open architecture DSP, do so. The flexibility of using building blocks (similar to the crossover design software except the building blocks are things like x-over, phase adjust and delays). Creates a lot more options than fixed like mini dsp. Question for you: do you find and audible difference between mini dsp and mini dsp HD?

[@brooksc900]

At $ 2000 a pair is a bit rich for my blood. Sure, when you consider Focal Chora 806's go for $ 798 a pair & Monitor Audio Bronze 100 going for $ 725 a pair. Is the JBL 4309 really value for money?

[@felixm.8910]

I am really interested in how they compare to JBL's 306P MkII's. Just to see how much more performance a thousand dollars extra per speaker would get you.

[@rickx86]

The 306P MkII’s are free? Hehehe The 4309 are $2000 for a pair.

[@franciscoortiz6980]

Honestly... I have enjoyed every JBL product i have heard in their price category. If you want economy version... listen to JBL studio 530... very good for $400pr.

[@robrickels3788]

Just replaced my Eton tweets with JBL 2404h's (Baby Cheeks) . Simply the best sounding tweeters that I've ever heard, and not fatiguing at all, unlike Kliptch. Built for 800.00/each.

[@francescotenti193]

Great review and these 4309's are a home run! Any chance to use vintage receivers, such as the SX450 or the 780 if you still have them, as power sources?

[@srobak]

the 4309 is a near to midfield studio monitor - not home - and while capable, they are not at all intended for farfield or a living room or HT. Unlike previous 43xx series speakers (control monitors) the 4309 has more of the 44xx sound and heritage - and are true studio monitors. There are completely different purposes between control room monitors and studio monitors. They also have very different tonal qualities and fidelity characteristics as a result, as well. They are excellent sounding speakers and the powered versions are awesome as well. That being said - for someone wanting bookshelves or nearfield monitors - these are going to be hard to beat at their pricepoint. Another offering from JBL to consider is the powered offshoot of these which has been around for a few years now... the JBL 705P and 708P. I also still use a pair of 1st gen 4408's.

[@unklecorky2181]

Are these being marketed as studio monitors or Stereo bookshelf speakers? I haven’t heard much about them other than this video

[@tonydeniro284]

They are just like any other hifi speaker, they are not geared to near field or mid field as you suggest. No idea how you arrive at this conclusion. All just your opinion. .nothing on jbl's website suggests they cannot be used for "normal" conventional listening. They are made for smaller rooms. Of course they will get lost in larger rooms. That's why there exists the 4349's...

[@srobak]

@@tonydeniro284 smaller rooms = midfield to nearfield by nature. impossible to attain farfield in a small room.... damn geometry getting in the way! Unless you shape it like a hallway - but then you've got other acoustical nightmares no matter what you put at the other end of it. that being said - you're welcome to find me any pair of genuine studio monitor class speakers which are also bookshelf size class and are able to function in a farfield application. Aside from that - the driver spacing also lends itself to a near/midfield design elements. If it were intended for farfield then they wouldn't have gone out of their way to squeeze the woofer as close to the tweet as possible and could have located the ports in between them instead of below the woofer.

[@andygee8716]

If you like both home theatre and studio monitors, try the M&K S150's. They do require a sub because of their 80Hz cut-off.

[@AN-ce1nd]

JBL products are first class

[@cardamoncommon]

Thanks, great review. I'm curious if you have considered reviewing the latest Aperion Verus lineup? I discovered them due to their beast center, but can't find that many reviews.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

We briefly spoke to Aperion recently about reviewing their product but they had concerns over a lack of stock availability which is why you have not seen them on the channel. This may explain the lack of reviews.

[@cardamoncommon]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thanks! I picked up Wharfedale 240s; and ironically, there’s one guy on KZbin that’s reviewed the Verus, the SMSL d300, and those…all of them recommended to me by vinyl heads and HT fans that don’t like finicky stuff (and apparently don’t watch KZbin).

[@dougg1075]

I want em. I WANT EM ALL!! Great review as usual.

[@gregorymorrill7558]

Interesting take on the M16 and 4309. I really liked the M16 but I would be willing to pay more for the 4309. In my space both speakers really need a sub for music and both benefit from high passing to reduce IMD and general strain on the woofers as they reach larger excursions at higher SPL. I do think the JBL can ultimately play louder without strain and the dynamics are a bit more present vs the M16 but the M16 had a bit more soundstage depth. I would deff pay more for the 4309 , both for the look and the generally increased performance -even if pretty minor as that is what incremental gains typically cost these days. That said the M16 was fantastic and IMPE the best sub $1000 bass limited speaker... so I sold the M16 and funded my M126be's. I mentioned loving them in posts before and hopefully Harman hits you up as I would enjoy your review of them. Anyway after testing and dissecting about 40+ pairs over the last 3+ years, my current top 3 commercial monitors are the 4309,BMR Curved cabinet, M126be. My research is almost done though I'd like to get a few more in if possible including the Heco Celan Revolution 3, PSB Synchrony B600, EPOS ES14N, the Mission 770 you loved & the Paradigm Founder 40. I prolly should have been doing reviews this whole time - so many speakers through here - oh well. & thank good there is strong used market though I still have a mess to untangle here soon. Anyway, enjoy the gig and take care. Thanks!