Thinking about new fronts.

[funkyshooters]

Currently I am running some JBL Venue series front speakers. http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Venue-Stag...9455271&sr=8-6

I want to upgrade them because that was all I could get at the time. I love JBL and am looking to get their. JBL L880 series fronts. (see link below) They have rave reviews and being a JBL fan it is almost a blind buy for me.

http://www.amazon.com/JBL-L880-Perfo...9455335&sr=1-1

My budget is to stay under $1200 for the set. I am just looking for thoughts of what you guys have, what you like, and what you suggest. I am running an Onkyo 805 so I have 130watts per channel to play with.

[callas01]

I would suggest that you go listen to as many speakers as you can. I don't want to step on your feet, but I personally find that JBLs lack mid-range detail and depth, they do get loud and have bass, but I find the bass a little muddy and not as tight as I would prefer. Now its been 2-3 yrs since I have heard them, but that was my experience.

When you say the set.... do you mean L/C/R speakers, the R/L or an entire 5.0?

You could look at this site for their PSB Image sales
T55, C60 and B25s would run about $1100 for a 5.0 system.

Same site has the Monitor Audio Silver RS series for $1199
RS6 and RSLCR speakers, that would be a 3.0 system.

You could look here at the OMD-15 and OMD-C1 a little over budget @ $1350

Given your price range I would try to listen to these speakers and see what you think in comparison to what you have.

Good Luck.

[BigAl87]

Hi Callas I really think the OP is looking for apair of new fronts indeed that the Image T65 is within the range and they are to consider why not audition the RC-50 from Energy also.

Funky
There is plenty of speakers in that 1000-1200$ price range and I also strongly recommand to audition as many as you can to find out if your opinion changes.
Callas and I share the same taste when it comes to speaker we both like Energy, PSB, in fact we like speaker that are laid back well balanced where we can ear all the details in the whole range on frequencies. Dali Concept 6 could be an option if you can find some since they are being replaced soon, they are also in that price range.

Brighter speakers like KEF can also be an option, your ears only will tell you what you prefer.

I understand you like JBL but you might be surprised and find something you like even better.

[BigAl87]

Unfortunately the RC-50 are no longer available in rosenut so a step down to the black ash RC-30 is required to fall in the range but again what a great speaker that is. Worth audtionning

Energy CF-70 is another option an will sound brighter than RC-30.

[jlafrenz]

Originally Posted by callas01

I would suggest that you go listen to as many speakers as you can. I don't want to step on your feet, but I personally find that JBLs lack mid-range detail and depth, they do get loud and have bass, but I find the bass a little muddy and not as tight as I would prefer. Now its been 2-3 yrs since I have heard them, but that was my experience.

When you say the set.... do you mean L/C/R speakers, the R/L or an entire 5.0?

You could look at this site for their PSB Image sales
T55, C60 and B25s would run about $1100 for a 5.0 system.

Same site has the Monitor Audio Silver RS series for $1199
RS6 and RSLCR speakers, that would be a 3.0 system.

You could look here at the OMD-15 and OMD-C1 a little over budget @ $1350

Given your price range I would try to listen to these speakers and see what you think in comparison to what you have.

Good Luck.

I second your thoughts here. Loyalty is great and understandable. Keep in mind that not all speakers have a similar sound from the same manufacturer. Don't be afraid to get out and demo other possibilities. You may find something you that you really fall in love with and become loyal to a new company.