To start off, I didn't buy these speakers. I own a pair of NHT 2.5i at home. The reason why i'm reviewing this is because a friend of mine had asked me to help him out choosing a speaker. So I went around with him looking for bookshelf speakers in the sub-1000 range. I looked at klipsch, polk audio, infinity, nht, and jbl. Of all those, I can't say that JBL came out on top. Each had their own distinct sound to it, but the JBL did have one thing that distinguished it immediately from the others. You can probably already guess what i'm going to say, it's been the JBL trademark for years: it's ability to play loud. Even at the most stressful volumes, this little speaker kept it's stance. There was little to no compression at it's almost full power capacity. In addition to that, the sound of it at those volumes was amazing. For this price, you really can't find a speaker like it that has the same sound quality. Right now, at certain stores you can get it brand new in the sub-300 range. How about the sound quality when it doesn't come to playing loud? It sounded just as good. The highs were detailed and crisp, the lows were deep and powerful with the exact same amount of clarity, and the midrange had absolutely no problem producing vocals. However, they should have taken into account the fact that the tweeter is on a simulated horn. Because of that, at times, the highs sound a bit too forward. The biggest drawback, however, was ultimately the design. How the hell are they going to call this a bookshelf speaker? The horizontal orientation restricts it from putting it on stands, unless you dig that look. This was the main reasoning why my friend decided to go with NHT SB-3's instead. In comparison to the JBL, the NHT were slightly more detailed, slightly more transient, and slightly more natural sounding. But when the volume went up, the NHT's sound became worse then the JBL's. All in all, this is probably one of the best speaker i've heard from JBL (HLS sounded better, but the build quality was horrible).

Imaging, soundstage. Solid build quality.

Large for some bookshelf applications. Best placed horizontally.

I was already a devotee of the N38IIs, so when the S38IIs became available as an open-box steal, I grabbed them. Unbelievable. When paired with decent amplification, these speakers sing. Imaging--always a strong suit of JBL--is outstanding, with a full and detailed soundstage. Very engaging, for all types of music (I have them in a 2-channel setup; can't comment on theater performance). Stunning speakers, which will hold their own against any bookshelf speakers in the sub-$500 category. Highly recommended.

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Paradigm, B&W, Infinity, Polk

Can't think of anything. Bass not too bad, but still poor considering that its an 8" woofer.

Very poor highs, muddy lows and terrbile midrange.

To be honest, I am really disappointed with these speakers. It is one thing to say that the tastes of listeners do vary widely, but I fail understand how these speakers could earn so much respect from all of the reviewers (claiming themselves to be audio entusiasts and audiophiles!). I had great expectations from these speakers as they come from a company renowned for its pro audio equipment. Also, these speakers look terrific...agreed that they are VERY BIG for a "bookshelf", but then isn't that also something you look for in a quality speaker? I mean, who makes bookshelves so big and so heavy for this price? Its no joke when each speaker weighs about 28 lbs.! I would really think that the build quality is very good, which it does look like. The cabinet does seem to be solidly built with very little resonance even at high volume levels. But the good part ends right there! :( These speakers sound very flat and dull...the highs are completey missing and the lows are not what you would expect from an 8" driver! And the worst part is the midrange - especially given that it is a 3-way speaker system. I do remember reading somewhere that it is very difficult to design "good" 3-way speakers, especially in the sub-$1000 range; so maybe that is where the problem lies! But yes, these speakers sound terrible. If you must buy speakers at one of those commercialized stores (eg. Best Buy), then I suggest you take a hearing of the Athenas. Even the small AS-B1 sounds incredible when compared to the JBL (I would think they are quite unbeatable at that price - about $170 a pair). And if your budget permits, then hear the Klipschs as well - they are not too bad and they can play really loud (if thats what you are looking for!). Having said all this, I must also emphasize that I bought those for $200 a pair (which is less than half of the regular retail price - about $499). So imagine paying the actualy retail price! Shame on JBL!!! I did return those after 2 weeks and am now enjoying a pair of the Tannoy MX2s. But just to remind you again, the Athena AS-B1s are unbeatable at that price (even better than the paradigm atoms I would say). So if have a sub-$200 budget, go for those by all means. More permitting, you could hear the larger Athenas or the Klipschs (or even better shop outside of the commercialized stores!). Ok, the only reason you could get these speakers is if you are planning to "rock" all day and have a budget of $200 - wait for the best buy clearence event and get it then!

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Athena AS-B1, Klipsch SB2, Infinity (can't remember the model), Tannoy MX2-M and various other speakers in high-end audio stores (B&Ws, Paradigms, Energies).

It is hard to be critical of these speakers. I think overall they produce a good tone with a little over emphasis on bass. If you spend a lot more money on bookshelf speakers you may find that the amount of detail in sound will improve. But, you have to ask yourself: Is a little bit more detail in sound worth $800 more? For the price the speakers are very impressive.

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Paradigm Monitor 11's, Axiom M22ti

Awesome sound for all kinds of music, and movies too!

Some might say that they are too large, but I think they are fine.

I have had these speakers for about two weeks now and still cannot believe the sound that comes out of them. I have friends that paid $5,000+ for speakers and mine sound as good, if not better, than theirs. Great highs, mids, and lows. Several reviews on here say that these speakers are "good for the money," but I think there good regardless of price. I would have spent upwards of $1,500.00 if thats how much they had cost.

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I also bought a pair of JBL N26 Series II for my rear surround. Although not as great as the S38's, still an excellent speaker for only $130 a pair.

Flawlessly reproduced sound. I met Elton John through these speakers.

fairly large for bookshelf

I just got these speakers today. I have them matched with a Harman Kardon stereo reciever HK 3475. The highs are crisp and clear. The mids and the low to midrange bass the same. i have listend to like ten CD's already and I think these are the most incredible speakers on the earth. If you are reading this and are trying to make a decision - BUY THESE. I have never in my life bee more moved by sound. My mother cried when she heard them in awe. Seriously though, I searched all over the place for a set of speakers and a reciver for college next year, to assist my 10,000 + mp3 collection. I went from circuit city to tweeter to Ed's TV and then finally after the review on this site and hearing them at best buy I bought them. They are everything and more than i expected. Worth the money in every respect.

versatility price

size

I bought these speakers last week and could not be happier - perfect for my apartment and a.v receiver - only thing is they are large speakers so hardly bookshelf size - but a pleasure to own especially for the price

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infinity

Value / Tight Base / Great Range

A little Big for Bookshelves

Speakers to me are like Wine. You get to a point and your wasting your money. For the $ these are wonderful quality speakers. (I Bought the floor Model) No there not Klipsh Towers with built in Subs, but there not $1200 either. Very balanced tones, tight sounding base, and will crank out the effects in a movie. Not crumbling base, but nice sound. I must have checked out a dozen types/sizes of speakers, and there were certainly some better ones, but there sound was not 3-4 times the cost diference. I think there a lot of quality for the $

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Old Advent / Polk Audio

They look sharp.

The sound is terrible.

I moved from Europe over 2 years ago and could not bring my B&W speakers (the US made ones). After a lot of research I decided to go for the JBL S38. From the moment I got them I was very disappointed. I changed cables, interconnect and even my receiver (switched from HK to Onkyo). Nothing helped; it was as if the sound was kept in the box and was not allowed to completely leave it. I lived whit this for over two years and started to loose my interest for music. Until last week, a friend from Europe visited me and brought me my B&W speakers. I could not believe my ears, a different universe. The openness is just incredible, so crisp and clean. I know JBL is a very inexpensive speaker but I must say THIS IS AN EXTREMELY POOR SPEAKER. Don't by them go with B&W. I cannot understand the good reviews.

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B&W 600/ 800 series

Awesome, tight, highs, lows, mids. Tremendous recreation of sound as the artist intended.

Getting the wires in the posts can be a little hard. Nitpicking

I purchased these speakers on sale at HH Gregg for $300.00. I use them as my mains in a 6.1 setup. They are tremendous. I was blown away by the sound. Excellent highs, lows and mids. Everyone who listens to my system are blown away thanks to these speakers. Needless to say, I highly recommend them.

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Fisher