JBL L1's Yippe , cartwheel , get in there , bullseye [Archive]

wiicrackpot

11-03-2013, 11:32

JBL L1's

Hopefully now bagged

I say hopefully as I am now hoping the seller will accept the auction end price

He has already agreed to ship from Tampa USA to me in the UK

I am very pleased :D:D:D
Slippery slope Al, you'll soon be back again going up in the big JBL food chain,
partner them with Chris' Mark Levinson or Threshold amps. :guitar::fingers::band:

p.s.- get behind the queue for Chris' amps.
p.s.s- i already use Chris' phonostage,mine an MMC, good taste. :D

Barry

11-03-2013, 11:56

That postage is going to be painful!

And there may be custom charges, import duty and VAT to be paid as well.

wiicrackpot

11-03-2013, 12:16

That postage is going to be painful!

And there may be custom charges, import duty and VAT to be paid as well.
Al, hope your arse is not on the floor after seeing the above quotes. :o

I've got something here thats probably as good if not better than those L1's without taking the PP and customs hit (if any),
lets hope they sail through without a hitch.

walpurgis

11-03-2013, 12:42

I must admit I do like JBL speakers on the whole. They've made some great models in the past, one of my favourites being the Jubal. The drive units from the seventies were fabulous.

julesd68

11-03-2013, 12:58

And there may be custom charges, import duty and VAT to be paid as well.

Who gives a monkey's if you've been after them for ages!

I was more than happy to pay all the above for my lovely Charios which I imported from the States ...

Audio Al

11-03-2013, 13:03

That postage is going to be painful!

$149 UPS priority mail

And there may be custom charges, import duty and VAT to be paid as well.

Yes to all the above + a handling charge

Al, hope your arse is not on the floor after seeing the above quotes

Nope not on the floor , The sound coming from freefallrobs speakers at the WW show was outstanding , I am trying to reproduce this quality and am willing to pay for it , They really impressed me sound quality wise :)

Just hope they survive the trip to the uk

Audio Al

11-03-2013, 13:05

I must admit I do like JBL speakers on the whole. They've made some great models in the past, one of my favourites being the Jubal. The drive units from the seventies were fabulous.

:exactly:

Audio Al

11-03-2013, 13:07

Who gives a monkey's if you've been after them for ages!

:exactly:

wiicrackpot

11-03-2013, 13:12

Macca

11-03-2013, 13:31

You've just missed a pair of Jubal's last week, was gonna bid myself but too much kit, the tweeters themselves are worth quite a bit.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-L16-JBL-JUBAL-SPEAKERS-GLASS-TOPPED-EXTREMELY-SOUGHT-AFTER-/170995930935?pt=UK_AudioVideoElectronics_HomeAudio HiFi_HiFiSpeakers&hash=item27d026d737

I was tempted myself but I want something bigger ideally. Will be a couple of years before I make that move though. You can't go wrong with JBL, it's a shame they are not more popular in the UK.

Barry

11-03-2013, 19:30

Who gives a monkey's if you've been after them for ages!

I was more than happy to pay all the above for my lovely Charios which I imported from the States ...

No reason at all, as long as the buyer is aware of such.

I paid the charges for all the Mark Levinson gear I bought from the US.

wiicrackpot

11-03-2013, 19:34

I was tempted myself but I want something bigger ideally. Will be a couple of years before I make that move though. You can't go wrong with JBL, it's a shame they are not more popular in the UK.
Ditto Martin, we have similar goals, if i eventually hit on those kickass yank speakers, it's got to be a statement item or not at all. :D

I always held the view U.K. make the best small/domestic speakers.

walpurgis

11-03-2013, 19:49

One to keep an eye out for if you want something reasonably sized is the L40. It's a superb sounding speaker, very dynamic, same 10" driver as the original L26 'Decade' if I'm correct and a lovely metal dome that is actually smooth. Cone surrounds needed every ten years or so.

navigator

12-03-2013, 20:15

Al You will not be disappointed .I can tell you that they sound even better now that the Jez Arkles moddedCA640p is burnt in properly. They do like alot of copper wire and b eing held on heavy support -placement changes the in room response significantly. I used a hand to elbow from back wall -a bit less from sides in Syndicate 18 [about 4m by 5m] we used interconnects with lean bass [ie low capacitance on our 80w amp] to get what we thought was' vinyl sound'of the late70s/80s [some may say a more U.S. style] Domestically At LOW volumes near the wall they are brill. Post your results please.
And my problem now is----what do we show in 2014 cos you'll be there ?!!!

Audio Al

12-03-2013, 20:46

Hi David

I do hope this purchase goes smoothly :rolleyes: However it is ebay :rolleyes:

This is a link to the auction http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330882664030?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I have paid the seller as he sent me a invoice , now coming USPS Priority , carriage cost more than the speakers :doh:

I still cant get over the sound quality of your system and your dad's absolutely amazing , know wonder you achieved a round of applause at the show :D

I must have listened to most of the systems and to my hearing yours was by far the best on the day , just fantastic , Just goes to show what can be achieved using a stock SL12** TT std feet std bearing std platter
My mission is to achieve what you have sound wise , I have a Yamaha pre and power amp with MM and MC options so will hook up the speakers and see what happens , if no glory then next move will be a diamond cartridge / stylus combo on a std arm , if still no audio glory then a arm change as well

I will be at next years show if all goes to plan , may bring my TT , Croft pre amp Quad 11's and ELS57's as I did not see any at this years show , did see some Quad 63's

You and Dad really OPENED my eyes and ears as to what is achievable on a modest budget , So thanks for being inspirational , It was worth the 300 mile round trip just to be able to listen to your systems :clap::clap:

Audio Al

13-03-2013, 17:21

Just had this email

" Your item is marked as dispatched and tracking information is available.

Note: Tracking information can take up to 48 hours to be updated after the order is dispatched. "

Woo Hoo :carrot::carrot::carrot::yay::yay::yay:

Rick E

13-03-2013, 20:02

Barry

13-03-2013, 20:13

Jonboy

13-03-2013, 20:28

They certainly sounded very good in that room but there was a lot of stud walls that were Probably full of insulation or sound deadening stuff to give them more depth to the bass, i have also found that vaulted ceilings improve things as well, you could touch or learn on the walls and feel the force, most impressive

I must agree that it was one of the better sounding systems there and certainly a fave

The Grand Wazoo

13-03-2013, 20:30

......... but there was a lot of stud walls....

It's been suggested before that US speakers sound best in rooms of US style construction.

navigator

13-03-2013, 22:31

Al and several others stayed and/or returned to be immersed. Rob and I were delighted by their pleasure-esp by the spontaneous applause.
We wanted 'vinyl' sound-bass fundament detailed mid top but total dynamic over all range. JBL1 was missing some mid when not shelved -it was covered up partly by bass Arkless mod of CA640p or EAR valve phonostages allowed dynamics and open mid.
lean bass interconnects/ heavy stands to fire off/ 'clean'current amp/careful placement gave staging/adding reflector absorber open cell sponge in back of cab behind driver stopped bounceback so revealing mid.
I'm keen to hear of Als experiences too
Roll on an A o S show or Scalford 2014!!

Xapito

14-03-2013, 17:01

What was the amp running them at Scalford? Cables, the whole rig? I'm a huge JBL fan myself, my main system have a pair of L112 that do sound glorious!

navigator

14-03-2013, 19:10

What was the amp running them at Scalford? Cables, the whole rig? I'm a huge JBL fan myself, my main system have a pair of L112 that do sound glorious!
Freefallrob also had the 'ears' involved in these choices.
Not sure if pics show all so here's lineup as played for 8 hours loud: ikea lack table on sorbethane squares techy1210mk2 superglued under platter vaselined top platter 5mm acrylic mat [sat inside rim] light weight clamp rega300with steel baseplate goldring eroica low output into ARKLESS modded CA640phono 0.5mvandamme IC to Sony integ FB940r[80w] supra 2.5mm 5metre long modded jbl1 tacked to heavy BW stands [not spiked] about 30 inches from rear wall and 24 inches from sides toed in to centre seat about 8 feet away over heavy matting. Another techy used rega301 ortofon high output MCoil into EAR834 and QED lead [to tighten bass]/
My other posting give rationales for setup choices [also on Wham]

Audio Al

15-03-2013, 02:30

Can I ask, Al, what exactly got you onto the L1's?

The pair Rob used at Scalford were mine, but I could never get them to work that well in my room. There were very obvious qualities to be heard, no doubt.

I didn't make Scalford, but understand he had them singing really well on a vinyl setup?

Hi Rick

Maybe it's best you were not a scalford , if you had listened to the sound reproduction from the L1s you would have been gob smacked / gutted , it's this sound that put me on the hunt for a pair of L1s

I do understand that it's all the components together that make the sound but the speakers are the end of the chain , they sounded fantastic to me

seoirse2002

15-03-2013, 10:23

Hope the seller filled out the customs form on the box properly as there is no duty on "used speakers"...lets also hope he didnt over insure them as thats what the vat man uses to calculate,and not the value declared...if all is good you should have no more than about £25 to pay including clearance charge on delivery...there again they may not check them,as its sometimes quite random on personal items. I was sent a $2000 guitar that sailed right through with no charges,but also got one costing $150 that was charged....:)

Audio Al

17-03-2013, 11:40

Tracking #:

Carrier:
USPS

Status:
ACCEPTED
IN TRANSIT

Arrived at Sort Facility

2013-03-16, 07:16:00, ISC MIAMI FL (USPS)

seoirse2002

17-03-2013, 11:56

Tracking #:

Carrier:
USPS

Status:
ACCEPTED
IN TRANSIT

Arrived at Sort Facility

2013-03-16, 07:16:00, ISC MIAMI FL (USPS)

ISC Miami Florida is where Royal Mail takes over....you should be able to track them on the Parcelforce website soon and they will even let you know if they are "held by customs"...good luck

Audio Al

17-03-2013, 11:59

good luck :):):D:D

Audio Al

21-03-2013, 07:36

Getting closer :D

INTO FOREIGN CUSTOMS

Mar-20-13, 14:12 PM

INTO FOREIGN CUSTOMS

Mar-20-13, 14:11 PM

Arrived Abroad

Mar-20-13, 14:09 PM

Arrived at Sort Facility

Mar-16-13, 07:16 AM, ISC MIAMI FL (USPS)

International Dispatch Ready

Mar-17-13, 07:43 AM, MIAMI ISC

freefallrob

21-03-2013, 09:08

Audio Al

26-03-2013, 13:13

Incoming all the way from Tampa Florida USA

Just had to go and collect this parcel from Parcel Force :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2260-1.jpg

The GOOD OLD UK Customs had to have a slice of the action along with a handling charge adding another £43 to the cost of the speakers :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2261-1.jpg

and they wont deliver until you pay the TAX

Very impressed with the condition of the parcel , hardly a mark on the box considering it covered 4406 miles

The entire box was lined with polystyrene

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2262-1.jpg

Each speaker was individually bagged

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2263-1.jpg

And this is the much longed for speakers :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2265-1.jpg
.
.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2266.jpg
.
.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2267-1.jpg

Will hook them up later today and have a listen

So far I am happy , make a pleasant change to have a trouble free deal through Ebay ( So far , fingers crossed that they work )

I can say I am very pleased with the ebay seller as originally he stated USA / Canada only for shipping but I sent a pm and he agreed to ship to the UK and also stated he takes extra care when packing :)

Macca

26-03-2013, 13:19

Exciting! Lets hope it was worth the wait.

Audio Al

26-03-2013, 13:48

They WORK :eek::eek:
.
.
.
.
and sound mighty fine :D:D

Tarzan

26-03-2013, 14:17

They WORK :eek::eek:
.
.
.
.
and sound mighty fine :D:D

Good for you Al, glad you like, when you coming round then?:)

Audio Al

26-03-2013, 14:51

Good for you Al, glad you like, when you coming round then?:)

When ever you like , I am off this weekend so could do Sunday after the boot sale :eyebrows:

Did you want me to bring my croft amp again :lol:..;)

PM me is best as I cant remember how to get to you , I'm getting old you know :D

Barry

26-03-2013, 15:10

Delighted to see your speakers have finally arrived safely and in excellent condition Al.

In charging you £35 VAT, it seems like the UK customs valued the speakers at £175, which is about double what you paid. Oh well c'est la guerre!

Even at a total of £128 they were however an excellent buy. Well done! :)

freefallrob

26-03-2013, 15:19

Now they look familiar, where have I seen those before:eyebrows:.

:guitar:

Audio Al

26-03-2013, 15:40

Now they look familiar, where have I seen those before:eyebrows:.

:guitar:

Huuumm :hmm::hmm::hmm:

let me think :scratch:

nope ! cant remember :lol:

Techno Commander

26-03-2013, 17:19

In charging you £35 VAT, it seems like the UK customs valued the speakers at £175, which is about double what you paid. Oh well c'est la guerre!

Dont forget they also charge VAT on the shipping cost as well. :(

AlfaGTV

27-03-2013, 10:12

Congrats Al, im sure they sound loverly!

But to be quite honest, these look, yes look, like standard TLX-8 drivers and cabinets, but smaller?
And these, good bang for buck though, really does not sound like they're worth the hassle & cost to bring'em over from the US?

(They're cheap as ships here in SE too... around £30 for a decent pair)

Come on, describe the magic! :)

Regards
/Mike

navigator

27-03-2013, 21:41

Good question Mike of Sweden. Al heard mine at the epic Scalford show .They had minor tweeks. They were fed and positioned VERY carefully. Freefallrob partnered the setup.

We wanted the band [on vinyl] to seem to be perform their gig live outINROOM .
Live music builds on solid dynamic bass. These little boxes have that clout and go loud without compression [we have yet to find their max vol] and hold mid and top nice whilst filling the room.
Its enjoyable, in your face delivery of rhythmic melodic sound with big detailed dynamic.
I suspect they measure poorly even when tightly matched but boy! they filled that room with joy [and for very little money]
I expect Al will experiment with IC/cables/box fillings etc to get his rooms happy sound.
There's a bigger question-what is 'hifi'-should the system measure flat? or simply sound great in your room?

AlfaGTV

28-03-2013, 12:35

This encourages me to drag out my old TLX-8's and try them on my main rig, but perhaps they are to big for their own best?
I mean, within a given cost, it must be easier to create a smaller speaker with sufficiently rigid casing, less components in the x/o etc etc...

Anyways, will keep an eye out for a pair of these, might be interesting to try! :)

Regards
/Mike

Audio Al

28-03-2013, 14:08

I was very impressed with the speaker combination and am trying to reproduce the system that Radical and Freefall Rob had at the Scalford Hall show

I think the L1.s have sharper more defined treble and better bass than my current system speakers , the sound seems more defined :)