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DimaG
610
Jan 17, 2018
Had these for a couple days, and for the most part, they're pretty good. Considering I had a pair of Creative T40 Series IIs for $100, and for less than twice the price, you get much more in value. Couple points and subjective drawbacks: 1. These, are huge. My attached images tell the story (that's a 25" monitor). I didn't measure well enough, and ended up needing a new desk. 2. The sound is balanced and clean, with a slight emphasis on highs (which can be reduced), having a nice extension on that front. The mids though, are a bit tamed, and it feels like the speakers struggle a bit. 3. These need a subwoofer. It's not that bass is not there, on the contrary, with EQ you can hear it pumping all the way to 63Hz, but unfortunately that's nowhere near as extended as the highs are. I was totally happy seeing that there's a matching sub for these, not so happy with its $400 price tag, so that's something to keep in mind.
Overall, if you have a wide desk and haven't stepped into $200 territory yet, these make a statement. However, if you had a 2.1 setup or a good pair of headphones (Sennheiser HD650, Shure SE846), you might feel you're missing.

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dsnyder0cnn
33
Jan 18, 2018
DimaGI think your review and photos will be helpful to many. You make a very good point which others may have missed--the LSR30X were never designed to be computer speakers although they can sort-of work--if you have the space.
These are professional powered studio monitors that were designed as a tool to be used by audio engineers and music producers. Their price point (especially now) makes them appealing to home audio enthusiasts; however, comparisons with consumer audio equipment will definitely be an apples to oranges affair. For a fair comparison of features, performance, and sound quality, check out the Mackie MR5mk3 ($240/pair), M-Audio BX5 D3 ($298/pair), or Yamaha HS5 ($400/pair).
The tonal balance of the LSR30X is intended to be useful to professionals for identifying and correcting issues with the mix rather than to be pleasurable to listen to for entertainment. There is enough bass to tell what's going on without masking or obscuring details. More bass output might be more enjoyable, but it it is not necessary and would make the LSR30X less effective as a tool.
Although the cabinets are fairly large for a 5" 2-way, the laws of physics limit the depth and level of bass that is possible at acceptably low distortion. As car geeks say, "there's no replacement for displacement!" Also, as you have pointed out, for deeper bass, a powered sub (or two) is the way to go. Although not the equivalent of a sub, the original version of the JBL LSR308 (with 8" woofers) is now available, until they sell out, for $300/pair, which is a crazy good deal for those who want more bass, have the space and don't care to spend for sub(s).
The JBL 3-Series LSR monitors work well in nearfield applications but really benefit from installation on proper stands vs. setting them on a desk or table. If you are impressed by their soundstage now, just wait until you have them on stands! As I've mentioned elsewhere, lows benefit from a little room gain, so try placing the stands 1 - 2 ft from the rear or side walls if possible.
At their price point, the JBL 3-Series has always been tough to beat for their intended application. They can work acceptably well in consumer audio applications with due care given to placement and connections and perhaps with judicious use of equalization to achieve a more pleasing tone. Cheers and happy listening!
Raymondbl
54
Jan 18, 2018
DimaGexcellent review. I also found the mids tamed when I first got them, but I was putting them about 6 inches from the wall. The mids drastically improved when they were 2 feet from the wall, and the tonal balance was perfect when they were 4-5 feet from the wall (even almost missed the bass for artists like Daft Punk). I bought Auray speaker stands and will try them out in a week.
dsnyder0cnn
33
Jan 18, 2018
RaymondblAh...makes sense. 6 inches from the wall is pretty close. :)
I'm looking forward to hearing of your impressions after your Auray stands are in. I'm using Sanus Steel Series stands (sand filled) with the LSR30X about 18" from the side walls (on center) and 4ft from the rear wall. Delightful!
Bitvar
0
Jan 18, 2018
DimaGIf you can get the rear of those speakers away from the wall by about 1-2 feet they'll sound significantly better, but I understand if space is cramped.
Gingerbreadman
30
Jan 19, 2018
RaymondblAm I to understand that this applies to all speakers?
Raymondbl
54
Jan 19, 2018
GingerbreadmanAll speakers with a rear bass port. Speakers with a front bass port, e.g. Presonus Eris E5, are much more friendly in terms of being near walls.
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