JBL 4345 - any experience with those monsters?

The local dealer sells them (claims to be in perfect condition) for $15 000. They sure look like the last speakers you ever need and while they need a lot of room they certainly don't need a lot of power due to 93 Db sensitivity. Are they THAT legendary and great?

 

I don't know how they sound (would love to hear them though as I'm a JBL fan), but $15k seems awfully expensive... I've seen them sell for $1k to $5k US. Is the price you quoted in US dollars?

 

How much? Was that $15K?

If that was not a misstroke of the keyboard.. The price is way too high.

I suspect it's an order of magnitude off. Or just a little less than that.

I would expect about 2 to 4 thousand $ depending on the condition etc.

That said, if you are into the "JBL sound" those can be spectacular speakers.

Capable of SPL cleanly produced that other "Audiophile" type speakers can't even dream about.

If you like actual "concert hall" sound levels, buy them and enjoy. But never pay $15K for them, at the most perhaps $5K if the condition is 11.

Good investments, used JBL, as they keep their value over decades. Like money in the bank, when finished with JBL speakers, just sell 'em and get all your money back.

(Note) I just noticed you are in Russia, so the price could be astronomical there....?

 

You can get those restored from Japan for a lot less than $15,000.

http://www.jbl43.com

 

Do you know the decent price with shipping included? Also do you also have to pay customs tax if you ship from Japan to US? Here it's around 30% of declared value.

 

Steve, how would they work in home enviroment? How are the highs, mids etc? I'm sure the bass is awesome but can they provide a serious sound and what amp do they require?

 

Email Kenji (the co-owner) and ask.

 

Gentlemen, start your engines...

 

That's Kenrick Sound, isn't it?

 

Wow. Isn't that beautiful?

 

Yes, you are correct. Sure looks impressive.

 

It is if the room sounds good as is.

 

At 93db efficiency, these speakers may not be the best choice for home use- IME. Its very easy to damage your ears with the high spl levels these big boys are capable of.

 

Yes, but you can always help out by using single-ended tubes, like 300b or 2A3's, right? I guess the volume control can be lower, too. Are these tube-friendly speakers? Not that I know of any around here for sale.

 

That's hard to say.
It is one way to make a point with your spouse though...

 

I never used those but quite often I used the 4350's. They were great for the most part and we used them for PA in small clubs. My problem with them was that 2405 slot tweeter. We used to call it a spitter. It could be very harsh if anything in your chain had any high frequency issues.

These speakers were very effecient. I'd imagine you can drive them with tube amps but they really open up with power.

 

Speak up, sonny - I've got a bit of hearing loss....

 

Cool. They seem pretty reputable, and their shipping methods regarding the packing of the speakers look good too.

 

My main concern about these speakers is the highs - all K2 horn JBLs that I heard were painfully piercing. If the highs are agressive than no matter how great the bass is the speakers are not for me...

 

i have a set in my bathroom. oh the ambiance!

 

I've read comparisons the 4345 and HPM 100 are similar sounding. I have 100's, never heard the 4345.

If they are as close as some say, you could save some coin.