JBL S38 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Black)
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The S38 is a unique horizontal mirror-image nearfield/midfield monitor that brings the studio experience into your living room. This 3-way 8″ loudspeaker with MDF enclosure and Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal (EOS) waveguide reproduces sound with unparalleled spaciousness and definition.The pure-titanium tweeter and the midrange transducer are mounted on a Linear Field Proximity (LFP) bezel that ensures a seamless transition between the middle and high frequencies. The PolyPlas (polymer-coated cellulose fiber) cone woofer features traditional JBL engineering, the same technologies used in JBL’s Professional equipment that can be found in stadiums, music halls and movie theaters around the world.Shielded components allow placement near video monitors. High-temperature, oversized Kapton voice coil and HeatScape motor structure allow these speakers to effortlessly play all types of movies and music. The woofers are built on cast-aluminum frames, which reduce distortion and increase power-handling capability. A low-diffraction IsoPower baffle directs the sound power into the room, reducing distortion caused by cabinet vibration. The lock-mitred, computer-designed enclosure requires no bracing. The FreeFlow flared port increases bass response without adding unwanted port noise. JBL’s custom-designed drivers allow the use of simple, Straight-line Signal Path (SSP) crossover networks with high-quality electrical components that minimize processing that could degrade the signal. All Studio Series loudspeakers are equipped with all-metal, 5-way, gold-plated binding post speaker terminals.
Features
- Pair of black, 8-inch bookshelf speakers
- 175-watt power handling
- 45 to 20,000 Hz frequency response
- 89 dB sensitivity
- Magnetically shielded
- Dimensions (W x H x L): 18 x 12 x 13 inches
- Weight: 28 pounds
Style and Function
These are great looking and more importantly SOUNDING speakers.
The studio series from JBL is based on the same technology used in most every reputable recording studio in the world. You can’t go wrong with these S38-BE. I had to let go of my S312 (floor standing model), but didn’t miss a beat when down-grading to the S38s. Great, clean sound… Faithful reproduction. Just get the sub if you need to feel your floor quake from greater bass. These speakers do exactly what they were meant to do, and do it beautifully.
What more can you ask for? Still love ‘em after all these years!
Five years, still in love
I’ve had these for 5 years now, and I’m still in love with them. I have the cherry cabinets, and they are sitting atop plaster pedistals for stands. The S-center sits in between, and S-36 in the rear. Paradigm subwoofer with cherry finish matches these almost exactly.
I compared these side-by-side with Paradigm bookshelf speakers of their higher design, and I am very pleased with my decision.
You see, all speakers have their own sound. None are perfectly true throughout their freq range, each having its own sound qualities. But it is JBL speakers that are used in recording studios. You’ve seen video clips where the guys are sitting behind soundproof glass, listening to speakers, adjusting the mixer board? They set the sound qualities to perfection, and that is the final product pressed to CD. They are setting them based on JBL’s sound. To hear the same thing in your home, you have to also use JBL speakers. Anything else will produce subtle differences from what the studio recording artists created. Even $10,000 speakers will “color” the sound. They mix to JBL. You need JBL at home to reproduce the same sound. Period.
The S-38 is modeled directly after their top studio model. They use similar parts and technology. They even look similar!
Also, most movie theaters and concerts use JBL.
It is just silly to buy anything else, in my opinion.
But that is just a Appeal to Authority, pointing toward the company’s unquestioned dominance in professional equipment. My own experience is overwhelmingly positive. While even JBL sells “better speakers,” I can report that I have never heard speakers that I thought were significantly better. I listened to a pair of $10,000 Martin Logan electrostats, and I wasn’t particularly impressed after hearing my sub-$1,000 JBLs for years. Didn’t sound much different, except that there was no bass!
I absolutely love these speakers. If you can find them, just get them.
Wow!
Although they are a bit larger than I wanted, the sound from these speakers is the best I have heard. Extremely clear at high or low volume for Coltrane or Zeppelin. I sat for hours in front of them slipping in CD after CD and marvelled at the clarity and depth. They also sound great from other rooms–they virtually fill space with sound. This is definitely one of the best buys you can make in a bookshelf speaker. They out-Bose Bose by a long shot and the price is truly incredible for this quality.
Love ‘Em!
I currently own one pair as part of my A/V system and will be purchasing another pair as soon as I have the dough so that I will have 360 degress of total, blissful sound. These speakers as surrounds really bring any movie to full and rich life, and they also sound great when playing cd’s. You can’t go wrong by purchasing a pair of these speakers, the price is great and as others have stated you would have to spend much more to find as good or better speakers than these.
Fantastic sound for the price.
In looking for audio equipment you should seek companies that produce professional gear. On those the home line always benefits from the improved technology in the professional line. Whereas home users dedicated companies (Bose) usually work mostly in reducing the size and changing the colors …
JBL is in the sound industry since 1927. 9 out of 10 live concerts I’ve attended were using JBL speakers. And Studios all over the world select JBL as the reference speaker of preference.
I’m a music passionate for over 30 years, and I’ve listened to many many speakers. JBL is my preferred choice due to the sound quality, price and durability.
The S38 is a small 3 way vented box, well designed and good looking. It has a big WAF score (Wife Acceptance Factor). The box may sound boomy depending on the proximity of the wall, and in my opinion it lacks a bit of high (tweeter) volume. Still, it has a fantastic sound way better than any box hundreds of dollars above its price. (Check Harman audio store at eBay for a good deal on those).
One thing I’ve found along the years as a quality measure is that if you don’t realize you are listening to music a bit too loud until someone else complains about it (like your wife), you can be sure you have a dam good set of speaker (or a terrible ear). Those speakers will keep a smooth and pleasant listening experience, even in loud sessions, and your ears will not get tiered or irritated as when you listen to bad speakers.
Of course there are better deals out there (Even JBL has better speakers, but if you are willing to pay considerable more $$$ for a unit), but in this price range, nothing beats the S38.
And of course, go check them on a store. I’m positive those will be your speakers of choice. I have them for 2 years now and still love them. Of course now I’m looking on a ribbon tweeter speakers like the ADAM, but I need to work out a plan to bend my wife into accepting the fact that a $2000 speaker is a matter or life or death for me. Well, I may have to stick to the JBLs for a bit more. But hopefully those will still be an awesome set of speakers.
Great Speakers
These speakers are worth looking into.
I have my set on speaker stands.
They are the main left and right speakes of my AV system.
They look good and sound good.
I use them along with the JBL S-center.
I have S-26 for the rear along with two Infinity Interlude il100 subwoofers.
Great speakers…
I searched for months for the right speakers at the right price. These are it. (You can get them cheaper elsewhere).
The JBL S38 speakers are perfect for home theater, with warm mids, decent bass and crisp highs. I’m still looking for some decent stands, though. They are large for bookshelf speakers, and not light. Get the beech. They are more attractive, which is especially important if you have a wife.
Ideally, I will add a JBL PB12 subwoofer at some point, but movies sound great even without a subwoofer with these babies.
One warning: JBL does not honor its 5-year warranty unless bought through an AUTHORIZED online dealer. I learned this the hard way when one of the speakers’ woofers blew after a few months. Also, make sure you have good quality cables (I use 12-gauge).
You can check them out at Best Buy, by the way. They sound twice as good as the cheap speakers from Sony or Bose.
Great Sound !
I got 2 pairs of these, along with the S-Center, for my home theater system, and they just sound great! I especially like the Beech color. Just be aware, they are pretty big for bookshelves, and if you use them as surround speakers, make sure you have some pretty sturdy stands.
These speakers are sharper than a barber�s razor
I know someone who has the Bose 301 Direct/Reflecting speakers and the JBL’s put the Bose to shame. I have heard speakers that have cost up to $5,000 and I honestly believe these sound very similar. I bought the beech series and like them a lot more then the black ones due to the fact the wood blends well with the woofers and the cast-aluminum frames. These are a must buy for anyone who is looking high quality pair of bookshelf speakers that don’t cost as much as a KIA.
These speakers are sharper than a barber�s razor
I know someone who has the Bose 301 Direct/Reflecting speakers and the JBL’s put the Bose to shame. I have heard speakers that have cost up to $5,000 and I honestly believe these sound very similar. I bought the beech series and like them a lot more then the black ones due to the fact the wood blends well with the woofers and the cast-aluminum frames. These are a must buy for anyone who is looking high quality pair of bookshelf speakers that don’t cost as much as a KIA.
Outstanding!
First time i saw them i fell enlove with their design. First time i heard them i just couldn’t believe the perfect sound i was hearing. These are not very big speakers, but they have a very powerful sound (mostly the bass). I highly recommend it. YOU JUST WONT REGRET IT YOU BUY IT! AND THE PRICE IS REALLY SMALL FOR SUCH A PAIR OF SPEAKERS.
Oh, very fine indeed…
I wish to take a moment to giggle in glee over my new speakers.
Heeheehee.
My good pal Greg bought a pair of the hideous beech version of these speakers and he was getting all showy with them because, well, we all couldn’t help oohing and aahing over the glorious surround sound he has achieved in his room. Fortunately, I came on Amazon.com and found that these really cool looking black versions were available, so I trapsed out and purchased me a couple of sets. Two around the bed, one by the door, one on the shelf, and BAM! we’re rolling. And now I giggle, for Greg is as jealous as can be, because his speakers look like dirty cinder blocks and mine look like Monaco headlights.
Don’t be a freak, give in to your inner geek! Once you go black, you ain’t never going to go back. Now, excuse me while I go listen to my Jai Uttal and gloat. Hahaha!