Update (June 30, 4:41 pm):
Hi everyone,
We have some exciting news! After all the community feedback with how the drop is performing and the comments in the Discussion section, we analyzed the data and decided to update the price for the community. In addition, a 3.5mm TRS to Dual ¼” TS cable will be included with each purchase so that you can put these speakers to use right away. The new price for this drop will be $279.99 (for a pair of speakers and a cable). With this update, we’re extending the drop until July 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT to give the community a chance to participate.
Please note that this extension will not affect the ship date of the drop. Community members who are already part of this drop will not be charged until the drop ends, and everybody’s transaction will be revised to the updated price.
Thank you so much and here’s to another win for the community.
------------
Hello Everyone,
Thanks for your interest in the 30X! We’ve been working on this collaboration with JBL for over 12 months, with the goal of creating the most accurate speaker possible at an accessible pricepoint. The LSR 305 was the obvious starting point, a studio monitor recognized around the world for it’s accurate response and “sweet spot” widening waveguide. From there, we made these changes:
1. Each pair of 30X is matched to within 1db, an unprecedented level of QC for speakers at this pricepoint
2. We worked with JBL to develop a lacquer finishing process for a richer aesthetic
3. JBL developed isolating feet to separate the speaker cabinet from the surface it’s on
To achieve the 1db matching, JBL measures every driver and matches them at the production level. Every pair comes with a graph representing the maximum difference we allow in 30X pairs. The lacquer is a scratch resistant piano gloss. Where most monitors are painted or encased in a vinyl wrap, the 30X lacquer process requires many layers to be applied and dried again over hours.
The isolating feet may seem like a small detail, but I encourage you to research the sonic benefits of isolating your speaker cabinets; ultimately it produces a richer, more accurate sound.
At $319.99, no other two channel system will provide this level of accuracy and utility. Thanks for your interest! Feel free to respond to my post with your questions.
JDM_WAAATIt has been scientifically verified that they will lighten your wallet while giving you next to nothing in return over the stock LSR305's which are amazing.
vicferrariA black gloss finish is extremely difficult to do. I've built speakers and wanted to make them black gloss. It would have taken almost 100 hours to do the 3 speakers I built (36"x12.5"x12.5"). It takes many layers of paint and polyurethane, and a ridiculous amount of sanding.
When done correctly, a gloss finish is beautiful.
vicferrariThat's cool. It isn't a finish for everyone, but without some expensive veneer, that is rare on sub $1,000 speakers, it's one of the nicest you'll find at this price point.
I think people just love to complain. Sometimes it's ignorance of what is offered, paying more for it, or not caring enough about what a speaker looks like.
I have disposable income and looks are a big factor in the things I buy. I'm not a teenager or broke twenty something. When I have guests over, I take pride in how my apartment looks overall. Each possession I own tells a lot about me, and women notice.
I have no need for these speakers, but I really like the overall look, and I'm sure they sound great.
Nice product Massdrop, keep up the good work bringing unique offerings. It's especially nice when the Massdrop version is cheaper than the product it is based off of. Personally own the TH-X00 Ebony, HD6XX, and PC37X.
JDM_WAAATIf you're already using an isolation solution, the functional gain would be in channel matching. If you're trying for the most accurate representation, the 3-5db channel differences on normal production units are an issue. The 30X is matched to 1db, so you don't have to buy multiple sets and play mix/match.
Materials wise, the lacquer gloss finish is objectively higher quality than the paint or vinyl wrap on your existing units, but that's not going to make them sound better so ultimately it's your call on wether or not it's an improvement.
WillI appreciate the honest and detailed answer. While I will not be participating in this drop, this is why I will continue to use Massdrop in the future. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
ElsidMy speakers, Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands, were $3,000, and still to this day impress me more than almost anything I've heard, up to about $10,000. Really anything beyond what I currently own, at any price, has such small gains I can't justify the expense. It's wasting money I can spend on things that matter more. The Vienna's sound exactly how I want my 2 channel system to sound.
I bought the TH-X00 Ebony because looking at reviews of all Fostex varieties, they had the sound signature I wanted (more then the TH900s as well). Bought the HD6XX because I was curious about them for a long time (HD650s, and I hate them, worst of my 8 full sized Headphones), and the PC37X because I use my headphones for consoles, so the PC373 wouldn't work. They were a steal at $119 and I use them in my bedroom setup and on the road. I didn't need any of them, but bought them because of curiosity and really like 2 out of the 3.
I have disposable income because I chose to not have children, and don't waste money on things I don't need. Also helps having a great job and doing exceptionally well in college. I've had a huge house, E class Mercedes-Benz, and all kinds of things that didn't make me happy. Got rid of it all, because I decided A/V equipment, Gaming, Vacations, and financial freedom mattered far more. I can do the things I want, almost whenever I want, because I don't care about possessions to show off that 'I've made it'. I cut my monthly expenses by thousands of dollars, and couldn't be happier living a minimalist lifestyle. That's me, maybe you'd rather own a $400,000+ house and all the crap inside it, a $65,000 car, and only be able to buy things on a budget. I did all that single, and it was a total waste for who I am, and what I want. It doesn't take a lot of money (income) to be happy, as long as you don't care about what other people think. I'm always me, buy nice, quality items, all that show my personality. You don't need money to have taste.
I have no use for these speakers at all, but they're nice looking, and most likely, capable near field setup. Don't care about resale value, as I usually give my unused things to people in my family or friends.
ElsidBecause I dumped all the luxeries?!? (Lol) All I was trying to say is possessions end up owning you. I'm a tech geek, and that's about all I spend money on. I wear nicer clothes, shoes, watches (nothing extravagant), go out to eat a few days a week, travel frequently, and enjoy museums and shows (love living in Philadelphia). I spend my time and money enjoying the world outside my door, far more than expensive things that prevent that.
Everyone has different goals, and finding what truly makes you happy is a process. Took me a lot of years to figure myself out, and my life has never been better. I wasn't impressed with the life I used to live, and I made very drastic changes the past two years to go after what I truly wanted.
Hope you have a life you truly enjoy. It's not the cost of things, it's the happiness you get just living day to day. My life is far from perfect, in ways I won't divulge here. Enjoy the ups, learn from the downs.
I'm not the greatest at getting my point across online. I learned the hard way that society can lead people into thinking success is having certain things, and that creates happiness. For me at least, less possessions is better. It's given me freedom I didn't know was possible, while still owning the few tech things that I enjoy and don't need to cost a ton of money.
ElsidDon't worry Elsid. There aren't too many guys who are interested in a clown who adds nothing to the conversation but brags about how wonderful he is, either!
JDM_WAAATHours of enjoyment from continually cleaning and polishing fingerprint/dust magnets. Gloss finish should be illegal for that reason and punishable by death. Anyone looking at this should just buy the 305s off Amazon for 40 bux less and with free prime 2day shipping.
Will" If you're trying for the most accurate representation, the 3-5db channel differences on normal production units are an issue."
Lol. Let's see what the rest of the internet and JBL think about this statement. You're talking about a speaker used throughout the world in studios.
ElsidDon't be.
But also.
We aren't so bad.
I'm not him.
He's not me.
But he was real with his post.
I just refuse to talk too much.
Regardless.
I don't work for the money.
I make money work for me.
And MassDrop takes it all. :D
PS: I spend pennies compared to the whales here.
BrainFlushContent of character is what I base my opinions on, and even then, there is still opportunity to improve. Thank goodness!
On topic I have Yams ( which are very good for mixing) but want jbl as second monitor. They have a little more bass and a wider sweet spot. I was excited that MD had something I wanted and then I saw the price. Its not that much more and they are pretty, but I dont need them, I want them. Oh well. Anyways, Thanks MD for all you do and for keeping me informed. I will buy something from you one day. PEACE!
TsanguineThe driver matching is not a trivial benefit. You can buy 2 LSR305s for less, but then you'll spend an absurd amount of time trying to get a <1dB match on the drivers with eq. That's well worth the additional monies imo...
BeyondMaxPowerI agree regardless if you want this product in this finish or not any audiophile or enthusiast should be thrilled to see massdrop getting involved with such a great product for an excellent price
Panzer17I'm on Head-Fi, and have a few people who have asked to purchase them. If they fall through, sure, I'll offer them to you. They deserve a good home, instead of sitting in the box, as they currently do.
BeyondMaxPowerVery very very few women I've met care about audio gear. As long as it's not too overwhelming for the room the best you'll get is a 'meh'. It's at the very bottom of the care factor other than what kind of tools you have or knife you own. Good clothes and watches are near the top for more material oriented females.
But I agree, these look great. I love good industrial design on audio gear.
CharlosI think the point was that women would notice the 'look' of the audio gear, not that women are interested in the actual audio capabilities of the gear. They would notice and scoff at ugly vinyl covered audio gear, but glossy high end gear looks classy and may blend into an elegant looking room.
CharlosMy wife certainly cares how my two huge speakers look in the center of our living room. She does not really care how they sound... ;) And for the desk next to my computers I would rather have two nice looking speakers than plain industrial stock JBLs...
BeyondMaxPowerMy Purple Hearts > your Ebony #TryingToStartATeenageTrollingWar
but yes, to your point. I think the finish looks great. I probably won't join this drop. I'm planning on turning a room into a library/office filled with books and LPs. I wouldn't mind having these sitting on a desk.
BeyondMaxPowerMan .... housing market is so cheap where you are ... condo's cost 400K CAD for a 1 bedroom where I live, detached homes are north of 1.5m.
To each their own, I spend thousands on Lego :D
ElsidAs a male, what should I be doing to impress females who seek validation in e-commerce comment sections? A few things to start off with :] 1 Yes, I commented because you're a female shopper, 'tis an awesome thing to see!, 2. I'm sockpuppy, 3. Don't be intimidated but I'm not a stereotypical guy. If anything I don't buy quality items and I have no personality.
JDM_WAAATI've had a pair of LSR305's for about 3 months, and love them. My understanding is that the difference here is included feet, a premium finish...but the part that matters is binned drivers . For someone who isn't using them for engineering or production it should mean very little.
I don't see any reason to sell mine to buy these.
freespiritIt's great that some females are also into audio gear. Why not? Just a notable overresentation of male enthusiasts.
I've never heard the Sceptre S6, but I'd say these JBLs would probably go head-to-head with Audioengine A5.
JBL has the pedigree and these look wonderful in that much-lauded finish, but I find the inputs an awkward choice for the price point of these. I personally would not touch them for that reason alone.
Balanced inputs? How would you connect to your laptop or other components unless they were high end preamps or DACs or specialist cabels? If you're in that territory, get at least a Kef LS50W or way way higher.
They need RCA, toslink, and coaxial inputs. Throw in usb for good measure.
Do people looking for active speakers in this price range even know or care what balanced inputs are meant to offer? Are there quality preamps with balanced outputs that are under $800USD?
Sound like a Frankenstein input situation.
It's a shame JBL has pretty much exited the high end in the US. They're top notch stuff is really only in Japan these days.
BrainFlushHey BrainFlush.
Do you have balanced inputs to your sub-1k system? I think you can get a great sound for under USD $1000 in America and it would not mess around with esoteric balanced inputs. That's all.
CharlosI picked up a Peavey USB-P for $40 to get balanced XLR's out of my computer, works like a charm. That being said, I only needed it because I was getting a hum out of my PC soundcards line level out. Anything with a properly grounded line level output should be fine for these.
CharlosQ: "How would you connect to your laptop or other components unless they were high end preamps or DACs...?"
A: Very easy and cheap, connect to the headphone output of almost any audio player (computer, laptop, cell phone, etc.) with a stereo RCA cable and quarter-inch adaptors. Nothing 'high end' needed as source equipment or cables.
Your suggestion: "They need... toslink, and coaxial inputs. Throw in usb for good measure."
My reply: Those carry a digital signal which would require a DAC installed into the speakers which in turn would require a price hike. If you haven't noticed, most of these posts are already complaining of the high price, a price which in my opinion properly matches the product. If this speaker does not match your needs, don't buy them. Maybe that's too simplistic of thinking on my part.
Your comment: "It's a shame JBL has pretty much exited the high end in the US."
My reply: And yet you complain that these speakers are using high end balanced inputs (which you don't understand can be used to connect many different devices in multiple ways).
gstupakSo what is a balanced TRS connector? It's not RCA, it's not 3.5 aux as far as I can tell. Im really into audio and I've never come across the term.
I do understand XLR connections, my main stereo uses them between my preamp and amplifiers.
Why put balanced inputs on what is by no means a high end speaker? It could save more money.
Your point about USB it's well taken and can be extended to my toslink and coax comment.
Cheers
gstupakAwesome! Thanks for the help.
I'm in the market for active speakers in this price range, was planning on Audioengine A5 until I saw these, just did not understand how to connect to it.
Very cool!
ElsidI'm calling BS on that one.
They typically sell these as a single unit and there's nothing to match to on a single unit. They may have tight 1dB tolerances across the band, but that could easily mean that you'll get one with a high spot at the same frequency the other has a low spot and end up with up to a 2dB mismatch which is definitely audible.
$40 to remove the guess work? I still think it's well worth it.
CharlosWhatever speakers you decide on, I hope they work well for you. I've never heard the Audioengine or the JBL LSR305 but have read many articles concerning both and if I had to pick, I would go for the JBL. I believe these JBLs would be more neutral and have a bigger sound stage which is what I like.
JBLs lower end and mid level model speakers never impressed me, but their higher end speakers are truly awesome, and I believe these LSR305/30X models are on the better end of the spectrum.
But if you do want/need other speaker input options, then you should hold off and do some more research. For those of us without a lot of disposable income, this is a big choice.
CharlosI actually prefer the Kanto YU6 over the Audioengines, but they're both different beasts than the JBL's at the same price point. the JBL's are nearfield monitors, meant to have a neutral response. The Audioengines and Kanto's have distinct sound signatures, the Kanto speakers also have optical in, bluetooth and a built in DAC making them the easiest to connect to your PC.
CharlosI ordered the Kanto Yumi's, and liked the LSR305's better, so I returned the Yumi's. But the YU6's have better base response than the Yumi's, and I feel are a really good turn key solution for someone wanting high end PC speakers, the subwoofer is also $150 cheaper than the JBL 3 series.
But I can't stress this enough, they are built for completely different audiences. My vote is to get the YU6's if you just want really nice stereo speakers for your PC, or Bluetooth device. No worrying about an audio interface, just hook up your TOSLINK cable, or RCA cables and call it a day. They also have a phono preamp.
If I had I had it to do over again, those are what I would have gone with.
Edit: There's a poll up for them here: https://www.massdrop.com/vote/Kanto-Yu6-Spekers
KethInteresting take Keith. Nearfield monitors (which I understand to be more pro audio for production) vs. civilian speakers.
Am I understanding what you're saying correctly?
Fantastic assessment across the board Keith.
NightcinderLiving in a small apartment, I don't have (technically don't want to waste) the space for a dedicated computer station. Near field monitors can be great for many people, but I personally have no use. I spent good money years ago on my L&R speakers, adore them still to this day, and use them all the time (TV viewing, music, and gaming (when I don't feel like wearing headphones). They were one of my best and favorite purchases in the audio and video hobby I'm addicted to, lol. The only downside is they are 4 ohm, so choosing an AVR that can drive them (or that has pre-outs) isn't cheap. I'm looking at Schiit Audio's upcoming Vidar amp, then getting one of their pre amps. I highly doubt I'll ever do anything above a 2 channel system ever again.
WillI call shenanigans... massdrop is supposed to give good stuff that people want in a better price.. the original JBLs were selling here and there for ~250$ and yes they now raised in price but thats because they gotten popular.. the initial price-point proves that they are cheaper to manufacture with profit so this made in china reproduction has no excuse to be that expensive you just want to capitalize on the hype... I thought massdrop was the opposite searching for hyping stuff and trying to sell it in a lower price than the hyped regular pricetag...
CharlosI care. The balanced inputs and speaker to speaker variation of less than 1db, as well as neutral and relatively even frequency output speak to anyone who might utilize these for reference listening, such as composers, audio engineers, etc. They are reference monitors.
TsanguineYeah, it's essentially an LSR305 on the inside, but now (June 30th) with the new price it is essentially the same as buying from Amazon or elsewhere, but you get the +/-1dB QC match, feet, finish, and now a cable. So, unless you dislike the glossy finish, and you already planned on getting the 305s, this drop is a no brainer.
Why not place them wearing garden gloves, and when happy, hands off? Also, I imagine canned air would suffice for blowing away the dust.
Everything gathers dust. We needn't fear it. It's about the music, isn't it?
JDM_WAAATHey I'm looking to buy the 305 or 308, but reading online I keep seeing people say that the 305 sounds better than the 308 what do you think, I just want the better speakers don't care about price difference I will be buying two in a few days for a fairly small room also if I go with the 305 it won't be from this drop because I really really can't wait months for them any advice would be greatly appreciated
Petronas44If you have a small room, the 30x would be better suited. Larger monitors will leave you with lower frequency buildup, and the sound, and room, will be shrouded in these frequencies like a resonant fog.
impassionThank you my thinking was similar and also thought it may have been the issue for other people as well, and I would love to go for the 30x especially at the new lower price but I am way to impatient if this was a normal drop with a one month wait I'd be ok but being they have to be built first there will be a few months at best until they ship out
Petronas44Perhaps this time frame depends on the number of sets being sold. Either way, there are the 305's similarly priced if you don't need the matching, etc.
WillGood news.The old price is not so attractive as Amazon. Though it is not a good deal, I still buy one pair because Amazon doesn't provide the lowest LSR305's price at this time.
My alternative is Yamaha HS5.
do me a favor, read your comment and try to find a cohesive thread that makes the entire thing cohesive and comprehensible. After that ask yourself what is your goal with your entry and why did you write it. [moderated] I'm not trying to be mean but you are inviting negative responses from people on the net because for some reason people find it ok to be incredibly cruel to people when they can hide their faces and remain anonymous.
Assplop1. You are trying to be mean.
2. They weren't talking to you.
3. Your negative response is solely relative to your need to be heard. It was not invited, but by your ego.
4. You are also enjoying the shadow of anonymity, unless of course Assplop is your family name.
5. It does not take two cohesives to make a thread comprehensible.
Perhaps it is time to ask yourself: "What is your goal with your entry, and why did you write it?"
impassionThank you. Many people forget to see who it was witten too and then don't understand the context. As I said before, I always strive to be a better person every day, and I wish that for others, even Mr. Assplop.
YakovYeah, their so big, they've lost touch. I watched kmart go down. Walmarts showing the same symptoms. Best to treat your customers with great respect ,as they are the reason for your existence.
Petronas44They both sound good, but different. I'd get two sets of the 305s if I had to do it over. I like the 308, but the are huge Nd much more expensive. The price difference isn't a sound improvement, it's just different. IMO put the saved money toward the sub.
JDM_WAAATThanks for your input I ordered two 305's earlier today got them for $230 new for a pair and I might, in the future, get a sub I don't like allot of bass but I do like a balanced sound so we'll see how it goes, thanks again
ElsidI know this is old... (And slightly off topic=)
But after reading the previous messages and then reading this one, I immediately imagined a woman holding an arm full of yams jamming out to some nice speakers while somehow simultaneously scolding an arrogant man on life.
It made me smile. Good day.
ChefJimboI'm glad I made you smile, unfortunately I don't like yams, but instead of a yam jam, we could have a strawberry jam. We'll call it a jam jam. If I were canning strawberries we could call it a can jam jam. If wearing headphones, a can can jam jam. Ok, time to go write a song. And a good day to you, fine Sir.
WillAm I right in assuming these only come with the plug types shown in the photos? Would any generic IEC ("kettle") plug work? I'm planning on using a freight service for shipping overseas.
Thanks!
BeyondMaxPowerThanks for your post. I almost didn't finish it because, by the time I got to the E-class, I threw up in my mouth a little bit. But, I continued to read, hoping for some humility...and I found it.
I only recently got into amps, DAC's as well as hearing (no pun intended) for the first time terms like "IEM," "ear speakers," "electrostatic," "planar," etc. Your post has convinced me to get right back the fuck out before I bought anymore than I already have. I'm only about $900 into it, so only slightly scathed. It could have gotten ugly (Stax L700's and Woo amp, I'm looking at you).
I have a family, kids an upper, middle-class home, modest cars and financial "okayedness" (yep, my word, use it if you'd like). I'm in a good place, but I have too much shit. My wife and I talk about traveling more, but we can't because we have pending Same-as-Cash's for all the furniture, electronics, knick knacks, toys, small kitchen appliances (read: clutter) in the house.
We've come to the conclusion that we're professional consumers, btw. Amazon is the bane of our capitalistic existence.
But, for me, I need to stop buying all these damn gadgets and be more "present" for my family. Good on you, brother, for speaking the truth and sharing your "ah ha" life-enriching moment.
I'm sure my story isn't for everyone...nor this Massdrop discussion...but I feel better. Move along now...I'm digressing.
CharlosSorry for the late response. This thread has gotten far to big.
I do not know what that is.
All I would like to do is reduce any hiss or noise that my PC produces.
Otherwise I can live with my setup.
I rarely have time for music anyways, it's just something for those head bobbing moments or killstreaks.
I've got my head down too many black holes that I'm trying to minimize on. :D
tryzubI'm about $1500 in, could have been even worse without a couple of returns. Or maybe it could have been half that if not for one of those needing to be a return, but I don't know where curiosity would have eventually taken me.
I've vowed to now never look at audiophile forums, and even massdrop I should probably stop looking at. It's amazing how curious we can get being surrounded by that noise. I guess that's why TV was so important, with commercials, and then school and workplace urging people to be materialistic.
It could have been worse for you, and for me too. Now that I have this expensive gear I will just ride it out, but after it breaks, I'm just going to go with motherboard audio and ~$100 headphones. These speakers are great and I would actually be happy with them, but I can't actually have speakers in my current arrangements, so headphones work better.
Either way that's all anyone needs. DACs and amps are really not worth messing with, any headphones that need lots of power are also not worth it.
BrainFlushYou should do the following in that order if you're really serious about reducing hiss caused by poor PC dac quality:
(1) Get off your PC and buy a cheap decent desktop DAC, look here at Massdrop there are plenty of decent ones.
(2) Connect your monitors to the DAC outputs be it RCA or XLR (preferable), use proper mating cables in each case.
That should remove all of the hiss you're about to experience.
Be forewarned, once you taste this hiss-free setup, you'll be hooked and you might up the anti with superior components, please resist else your wallet will be sorry.
Hope that helps but getting off my PC DAC is the first step that got me into this expensive hiss free hobby but the rewards are plenty.
If that does not help there are other solutions but they will go up in price, you said it's occasional so above suggestion should suffice.
MusicIsGreatI guess I should clarify.
My system doesn't really make any noise. Could be my ears. Could be my headphones. Or my speakers. MSI motherboard, V-Moda M100, Cerwin Vega.
It's some barely noticeable noise.
I'm just thinking out loud. Heck it could be the source. Music files, games, YouTube etc and so on.
I use Bluetooth and Aux cables (Monster) to typically play my music.
Got rid of my actual amp and bought a Masterpiece Signature Series 100w box. Did I screw up?
WillSerious question, why in gods name are they glossy? As someone quite tired of seeing glossy electronics, it really pains me to see such nice speakers get this treatment. Who decided on making them glossy? Pls stop.
UnityIsPowerThey made them glossy because research shows glossy equals commentary. If you look closely, there are fingerprints all over this discussion.
WillHi Will, Amazon has the pair listed for 269.99 at the moment. The single speaker is listed at 99.00$ - What I can tell from the specs, the 305, and 30x are identical
HarisJavedIdentical minus the pair matching and isolating feet on the units. As has always been the case with these: If those added virtues have no value to you, buy them on amazon...
HeeftyIt's always good to have options, but I would recommend the MD version because of this claim. " Matched pair frequency graph with letter from JBL team"
HarisJavedExactly, but the argument from the muggles all along has been, "they are the same price on Amazon so why wait for Massdrop to ship them?"
My answer has been that you're not getting the same value from Amazon and you appear to share that, so why bother with the comment to Will that they're cheaper on Amazon? They're not the same item. They have the same specs and are identical with the added benefits of driver matching and isolation feet, but those are added value for what you're paying.
HeeftyIf you're not using them for mixing, and as speakers for your computer as an example, there's no real reason to wait for Massdrop to ship them. On the other hand I've seen audio engineers go through 10+ monitors to get a pair that match as well as these are promised to, which makes the wait a non issue.
If you are planning to use these as computer speakers, keep in mind that you'll need a DAC (without an amp, or one that supports line level) and passive preamp to make the most of them, at the minimum you'll want a ground loop isolator if you plan to run them off your on board audio.
HeeftyAnd let's not forget the piano / glossy lacquer finish. Might that make the cabinet more solid and less likely to rattle than a vinyl wrap? Maybe. But I believe it makes my speakers gorgeous and a pleasure to look at on my desk.
KethI think if you are investing in something like this, you should always buy a DAC. I dont use these exact speakers, but my pc setup is in the following order.
PC > to OPPO - HA - 1 > Parasound A 21 > (SVS sb - 2000, and SVS ultra) - but all of this will be replaced soon (besides the speakers / sub) once I get this -> https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/model=str-integrated-amplifier/page=overview
tryzubreally? - this is the first time I have heard that paint makes a difference. I don't think the finish will make a difference - its more about cabinet bracing and design. However the gloss finish can easily get scratched when cleaning. I made this mistake with my glossy finish on my bookshelf speakers :(, I made a mistake buying all my speakers in black glossy finish.
HarisJavedOh, I didn't say it would make a difference. I said it might. :) Haven't you seen the vinyl wrap lossen on a speaker? That laquer isn't going to do that. Just saying it might rattle less over time. I have no scientific data to back that up, however. :)
HarisJavedIf you're springing for that, these speakers feel a bit low end! I'm using a Mackie Big Knob passive for my preamp, and a lack luster Peavey USB-P for my DAC at the moment. But I have one of these little guys on the way: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/26776
Hi everyone,
We have some exciting news! After all the community feedback with how the drop is performing and the comments in the Discussion section, we analyzed the data and decided to update the price for the community. In addition, a 3.5mm TRS to Dual ¼” TS cable will be included with each purchase so that you can put these speakers to use right away. The new price for this drop will be $279.99 (for a pair of speakers and a cable).
With this update, we’re extending the drop until July 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT to give the community a chance to participate.
Please note that this extension will not affect the ship date of the drop. Community members who are already part of this drop will not be charged until the drop ends, and everybody’s transaction will be revised to the updated price.
Thank you so much and here’s to another win for the community. ------------ Hello Everyone, Thanks for your interest in the 30X! We’ve been working on this collaboration with JBL for over 12 months, with the goal of creating the most accurate speaker possible at an accessible pricepoint. The LSR 305 was the obvious starting point, a studio monitor recognized around the world for it’s accurate response and “sweet spot” widening waveguide. From there, we made these changes:
1. Each pair of 30X is matched to within 1db, an unprecedented level of QC for speakers at this pricepoint
2. We worked with JBL to develop a lacquer finishing process for a richer aesthetic
3. JBL developed isolating feet to separate the speaker cabinet from the surface it’s on
To achieve the 1db matching, JBL measures every driver and matches them at the production level. Every pair comes with a graph representing the maximum difference we allow in 30X pairs. The lacquer is a scratch resistant piano gloss. Where most monitors are painted or encased in a vinyl wrap, the 30X lacquer process requires many layers to be applied and dried again over hours.
The isolating feet may seem like a small detail, but I encourage you to research the sonic benefits of isolating your speaker cabinets; ultimately it produces a richer, more accurate sound.
At $319.99, no other two channel system will provide this level of accuracy and utility. Thanks for your interest! Feel free to respond to my post with your questions.