Everest Question

two dot · #1 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 04:47 PM

This is not a criticism but I am just wondering how a speaker this expensive, this large, weighing 142 pounds and having two 15" bass drivers can only go to 45 hz???

Any thoughts???

Thanks.

Spec reprinted from JBL website:

Description3-Way, Dual 380mm (15") Floorstanding Speaker
Dimensions (H x W x D)965mm x 1109mm x 469mm / 38" x 43-11/16" x 18-1/2" (with grille)
FinishCherry
Frequency Response45Hz – 50kHz (–6dB)
Nominal Impedance8 Ohms
Weight142kg / 312 lb
Power Handling500 Watts RMS/ 1000 watts peak
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)96dB
SeriesProject Everest
Speaker Configuration380mm (15") Pulp-cone woofer (1501AL) x 2; 100mm (4") beryllium compression driver (476Be); 25mm (1") beryllium compression driver (045Be-1)

two dot · #2 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 06:34 PM

Anybody???

klipschfan · #3 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 07:53 PM

Horn loaded-Needs a huge cabinet with more volume in order to go lower...?

schaefer11 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 08:29 PM

In looking at the product info on the JBL site, I would guess that the answer has to do with the cabinet volume. The system is a bass reflex design,and although they are quite large, I suspect the cabinet volume/driver size compromise was picked to give significant output at very low distortion levels, while counting on room gain to get the bass to the 30hz range in room. 32hz is listed at -10db, and corner or near corner placement could easily get that up to being flat. A real, undistorted 30-35 hz can be a beautiful thing.

FWIW, every review I've seen says that they are phenomenal speakers and not one has said they were bass shy.

PHC1 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schaefer11

FWIW, every review I've seen says that they are phenomenal speakers and not one has said they were bass shy.

That's because a speaker that has smooth bass response, even if it doesn't reach all the way down will always sound natural and musical and the lowest octave will hardly be missed. On the other hand, a speaker that introduces bloated, lumpy bass will stick out like a sore thumb and usually annoy the listener. Nothing drives me more crazy than having bloated bass and overhang in the room/system.

schaefer11 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHC1

That's because a speaker that has smooth bass response, even if it doesn't reach all the way down will always sound natural and musical and the lowest octave will hardly be missed. On the other hand, a speaker that introduces bloated, lumpy bass will stick out like a sore thumb and usually annoy the listener. Nothing drives me more crazy than having bloated bass and overhang in the room/system.

My understanding is that the gospel of exceptionally smooth frequency response over a wide listening area is what is preached over at Harman International, and the response curves on the JBL site would support that what you wrote is what they were going for.

PHC1 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schaefer11

My understanding is that the gospel of exceptionally smooth frequency response over a wide listening area is what is preached over at Harman International, and the response curves on the JBL site would support that what you wrote is what they were going for.

I am not familiar with what JBL is trying to accomplish, I only speak from my own personal experience and having observed the reactions of others over the years with my own as well as their systems and everyone so far has agreed that having to choose between quality and quantity when it comes to bass, quality prevails. Of course once that deep but well controlled bass is experienced, it is hard to part with.

Vintage Pete · #8 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHC1

That's because a speaker that has smooth bass response, even if it doesn't reach all the way down will always sound natural and musical and the lowest octave will hardly be missed. On the other hand, a speaker that introduces bloated, lumpy bass will stick out like a sore thumb and usually annoy the listener. Nothing drives me more crazy than having bloated bass and overhang in the room/system.

I think Serge has hit the nail on the head....FWIW, it's my understanding that the K2 S9900 system (similar to Everest but a tower reflex design with a single 15" woofer) is rated to 33Hz.

I have no doubt that both of these systems are phenomenal.

Pete

klipschfan · #9 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 09:53 PM

Fully explains crossovers and drivers here-interesting!.
http://manuals.harman.com/JBL/HOM/Pr...verest_Eng.pdf

two dot · #10 (**permalink**) 12-01-2009, 10:02 PM

Thanks for all of the great info guys...

I finally understand why some of my favorite speakers don't "measure" to go very low....

I'm a slow learner for sure...

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