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rongon
50
Aug 15, 2018
Speakers: ELAC (any model) JBL LSR305P (new version) JBL Studio 5 Series (not Studio 2 series)
Not interested in: Polk Audio
rongonWhile JBL's Studio 5-Series is special (sound-stage, sense of space, 'S's!!!), their Studio 2-Series is over-rated and over-priced... and deserves a hard pass. (For context, I have heard numerous models from both of these Series.)
Polk's Signature line is one of the best values in passive speakers... and would wipe the floor with JBL's Studio 3 or ELAC's Debut speakers.
rongon
50
Aug 18, 2018
mattrisLooking at https://www.jbl.com/loudspeakers/ I don't see a 3-series. There's an Arena 1-series and a Studio 2-series, but not a 3-series that I could find. I was thinking JBL Studio 5-series, so thanks for the clarification.
The JBL LSR305 is an active studio monitor, not a home speaker. It has extremely flat frequency response, but limited dynamics and a slightly muddy mid-bass. But still, for $300 a pair, including amplifiers, it's amazing.
I hadn't looked at Polk Sigature series. I looked for a review and found this: https://www.soundandvision.com/content/polk-signature-s60-speaker-system-review-test-bench
It looks like they have a bump in the response at around 12 to 13kHz, along with a pretty good dip in response centered around 1kHz, often found in Polk Audio designs. The last Polks I heard, I could hear that pretty clearly. That would give a big presentation (like having a mild loudness contour engaged) with a little extra sheen to the highs. Some folks might enjoy that, especially if distortion is reasonably low (which wasn't measured in that review, so I don't know). There is a taste question to be answered when it comes to one's choice in speakers.
rongonYou are correct that was a typo. I meant the 2-Series - not '3'. I went ahead and corrected it.
You make some excellent points. While I've never listened to the 305P JBL powered monitors in person, I have heard from others that they are quite impressive, especially considering their modest price. As far as Polk goes, I own a pair of the Signature S15, which is the 5.25" bookshelf. They sound rather forward and and tight... and easily fill a medium-size room. I would be willing to bet that they are among the best all-rounder passive speakers available for under $200.
rongon
50
Aug 20, 2018
mattrisI'd never heard any of the cheaper JBL Studio 2 series, so thank you for the heads up. I edited my original post to specify 5 series and that I didn't mean the 2 series.
I don't know who sells the the Polk Signature series in my area, but if I see them on display somewhere, I'll try to take a listen.
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