accurate sound, tremendous bass

heavy

My main attraction to this speaker was the built in 12", 200w subwoofer. With two powerful subwoofers, deep base can be felt from any place in the room. And you don't have to worry about subwoofer placement. These speakers are capable of tremendous bass and very loud, distortion free sound. I'm driving them with an Onkyo TS-DX777 and can't tolerate loud enough volume to detect any distortion in my 12'x17' living room. I'm also using a JBL S-Center speaker and Cambridge Soundworks Surround speakers. I consider the S412P to be the best value front speaker/subwoofer combination available, especially when comparing them to systems with a separate subwoofer.

Will play loud without breakup and still keep their composure

(only minor) No adjustable crossover for the sub

We just got these in about two weeks ago, (I work at Best Buy) and they are set up for a digital TV display, so they aren't in the normal inventory rotation yet. Anyway, I listened to them with a Yamaha HTR-5250 (100w x 5) and a Yamaha 5-disc carousel w/ a Monster Cable optical digital line for improved sound quality. Let me just say that I am thoroughly impressed with the sound quality of these speakers. I am a JBL fan from way back, but this year the JBL subwoofer lineup does not achieve the same benchmark in excellence that the Studio and the Northridge series loudspeakers continue from last years HLS and SVA series. So, basically, I was very sceptical of the subwoofer section at first look, due to recent offerings placed upon the Alter of the Bass deities from JBL. But, sometimes it is good to be wrong. And boy, was I wrong. The bass from these towers is nothing less than awesome. Deep notes as well as Midbass tones are reproduced with authority while the amp section never seems to miss a beat. The 6" midbass driver does well in introducing the upper bass the 12" just can't reach, while the 3" midrange is well balanced without being too out front (unlike older three-way JBL designs whose mid sometimes went out of it's way to make it's presence known). And then there is the tweeter. I have always favored the sound of metal dome tweeters, I mean, for most applications they are about the best way to add the extra highs that paper tweeters just can't touch. And as always, the 1" Titanium dome tweeters in JBL's Studio line do not dissapoint. They are crisp and clear and unlike similar designs these tweeters sound the same way when pushed to their limits. I was hard pressed to find such lofty limitations to these speakers. My amlifier cried mercy before these speakers showed any signs of audible distress. They like to be played loud, and the good news is, you will like them loud. I played selections consisting of some recent pop hits as well as some dance re-mixes from a mega mix cd a friend had on hand. I have visited several clubs, and these speakers can produce club-like levels of bass, coupled with very extended highs and great uncolored midrange. I loved the pop tracks on these speakers. The bass was tight and deep like it was intended to be, and the clarity was unsurpassed. I am taking a few choice jazz selections to work at some point in the near future to see how well they will handle the different styles. I have a feeling that I won't be dissapointed. Audition these speakers at your nearest convenience. Your ears will thank you.

Similar Products Used:

Have auditioned powered towers from Definative Technology, Energy, older JBL powered towers, Eosone, NHT w/ sunfire amp on subs, Klipsh, Polk Audio, Infinity, and Mirage

Great bass with powered sub. Excellent highs and mid's. Best speaker in this price class (better than the S-312)

Heavy but that's about it. (don't you want a main to be "big" though, if you have the room???) I do.

I have just switched after 4 years of Nuance speakers to the JBL's. I just got these babies a week ago. I didn't want to write a review until I heard them all the way through the "break-in" period. These are the best sounding tower's I've ever heard. I'm sure it doesn't hurt that I have the Denon 5800 powering them. They don't need an external amp for them at all....the powered sub is enough for normal or even extended high volume listening use.

If you have limited space for these speakers they maybe not be for you (44X16X13). Also they are pretty heavy (about 88lbs each). But to me that's what you want in a main speaker...a speaker with "presence". Screw these little "cube" speakers and bookshelves. These speakers will rock and shake your house without breaking up (250 watt rating). The bass response is tremendous too. The mids and high are fantastic and lifelike. The first Disc I put in was "Ten" by Pearl Jam. Eddie's voice and Mcready's guitar were unbeleivable in "Alive". If you are in between the S-312's and these, definately get these. I tested each one at a local A/V outlet. Also they were running on the not so good Sony STRDA945. But even then, they sounded great.

Cheers and happy listening. Ohh yeah one of my good friends is also getting these. His are going to be in later next week. Can't wait to see what he thinks. Hope this review helps all who are prespective buyers. e-mail me if you have any other questions.

My System:

JBL S412P-Main
JBL S38- Rear (also excellent!)
JBL S-Center
Nuance Star 2-Mid
Kenwood 12" Powered Sub
Denon 5800-Receiver (awesome!)
Sony DVP-S7700-DVD (best DVD player in this price range)
Monster optical hook-ups everywhere

Similar Products Used:

Acoustic Reasearch, Klipsh, Infinity/Harmon, Nuance.