Some questions about the JBL 4312ebk

[AVcrazy]

I'm getting a good deal on a pair of new JBL 4312ebk. I like their oldschool design and have heard good things about these although didn't get a chance to see them personally.
What I want to ask is that will they sing well with my Yamaha AS500?
Has anyone heard these speakers? How are they? Are they too flat like monitors?
Any help is much appreciated!

 

[JayaRaa]

where are you getting these speakers from?

 

[jenson]

AS500 should be good. why dont you take your amp to demo?

 

[AVcrazy]

I'm getting these from a dealer in Delhi. He has a pair from some old stock.
Taking my amp to delhi won't be possible. I thought I had heard these before but those were the 4312B; an older model (slightly different in the specifications); on a McIntosh pre-power and those were awesome!
I'll take these even if they sound half as good on my yamaha, since I'll be upgrading to a better amplifier soon.
Anyone who has heard these somewhere on a modest amp? Any other feedback?

 

[AVcrazy]

Does any fellow FM from Mumbai own these? I'm looking to buy them but recently heard some negative reviews. Can anybody oblige me with an audition? Any help will be really appreciated!

 

[AVcrazy]

Please help me understand this:

Even though these speakers are rated at 93dB of sensitivity; these speakers are tough to drive. There is a noticeable difference when playing these on different amplification (and by different I mean $$$ difference).

What specs of a speaker decide its ultimate playability? Why do manufacturers not give this info while selling speakers?
Can anyone throw some light on this?

 

[AVcrazy]

I'm referring to the official specs found here: http://in.jbl.com/tl_files/catalog/...Manual - Studio Monitor 4312EBK (English).pdf

 

[turgid]

Hi may be these links will help ?

http://www.hifivision.com/speakers/24821-has-anybody-heard-jbl-4312-e-speakers.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIATh_JSKls

 

[AVcrazy]

Thanks @turgid. I've read that thread. In fact I tried to read almost anything I could find on these.
Just not able to understand why does a difference in amplification cause such a huge change in performance in some speakers while a not such a discernible change in others. What is the physical specification of a speaker that creates this difference?

 

[turgid]

There is plenty difference between an Onkyo SR and a Crown Micro tech - 2400.

Even dedicated amps & DACs have wide variety when it comes to good speakers like Magnepans for eg.

Yamaha AS-500 will be good at 120 Wpc but its more of a dedicated multi-channel amp I assume.

 

[drgb]

No what I think the OP wants to ask is that why do some speakers respond to change in the quality of amplification more than the others.
Maybe some of our seasoned Speaker experts may be able to answer.

And Btw, the Yamaha is a Stereo and not a multi channel amp, rated at 85WPC.

 

[AVcrazy]

@Drgb: Yes! Bang on target! That's exactly my question.
Also is this a specific problem with studio monitors?

 

[mpw]

current delivery of the amplifier becomes important to handle impedance swings of the speaker. You must ask 85W at what current ? and at what distortion level ??

The 6 ohm is only a nominal value. At low frequencies, the speaker impedance can dip drastically ( some to even 3 ohms ) ( Remember ZERO ohm = short circuit )

The amplifier does not feed power to the speaker but it is the other way - the speaker draws power from the amplifier and if the amplifier does not have enough headroom to support the speaker demand - then the amplifier clips and speaker damage can result.

Sensitivity is only 1 factor.

speakers respond in a repetitive manner to the same stimulus only in special anechoic chambers but in the real world - your room plays an important role

More the drivers - theoretically - more the current required to move air and so your JBL with 12 inch bass and 5 inch mid range and 1 inch tweeter will perform very well with amps which provide un-flinching current when demanded by the speaker ( which in turn depends on what frequencies the speaker is playing )

Speakers will respond to change in amplifiers because each amplifier model has a different power supply depending on what you buy and your budget. Obviously - more the budget - it is expected better the power supply.

Personally i am not sure is the AS500 will be upto it for the JBLs you consider.

Try " vintage " amplifiers.

YMMV

regards

 

[ghatgepatil]

Try looking for amps which state double the power with halving of the impedance. Say, 100 W at 8 ohms and 200 W at 4 ohms. This kind of specs should ensure a high current design.

 

[AVcrazy]

@mpw: Thanks! Got a lot to read on!

But this still doesn't answer my query: Why one speaker changes so drastically in it's performance by changing amplification as compared to another speaker which doesn't differ as much when same changes in amplification are implemented?

Maybe what I witnessed that day was an isolated event or just psychological. I'll have to try more speakers with the same set of amplifiers to say that this is a definite observation. Will let you guys know!