JBL 4349 or Klipsch Cornwall IV


I need some input on these speakers, I will be able to try 4349 in my home in some time but Cornwall IV is difficult to audition, no dealers nearby. Any input is highly appreciated.

I listen to rock, metal, classical music, jazz, americana and occasionally some country. I have Mark Levinson pre and power (power is not an issue with the JBLs although I might have to change amp for the Cornwalls). My room is roughly 16x18 with a 10 feet ceiling.

I have listened to JBL L100 and while I enjoyed them with classical, jazz and metal, I did not find them to be very good for rock. The treble was slightly harsh and since the loudspeaker did not sound very open or engaging at lower volumes, the treble became very noticeable when the volume was dialled up. But like I said, they brought life to classical and jazz, that’s why I’m now looking at 4349 or maybe Cornwall IVs which have gotten some very nice reviews.


johnek

Showing 6 responses by ozzy62

Current klipsch speakers need make no apologies and need no tweeter mods. Listen for yourself and you'll see.

Oz


I have owned the CW IV for about six months now and I'm extremely happy with it. It takes a bit of work to get the placement right, but when you do, you will be rewarded. Great tone and texture and dynamics are just what you expect from horns.

Oz



I'm not sure I'd call them forgiving, but they don't shine a light on poor recordings.  I can listen to most anything on them.

@mijostyn, are you talking about earlier Cornwalls or the latest?

Oz

I owned the cornscala C version a few years ago. While it is a good speaker, it came with it's own set of problems. First, the crites xovers had to go and were replaced by an ALK version with adjustable taps for the mids. I also wrapped the midrange horn with dynamat. Even after all this the undoing of this speaker for me was the cabinet resonance in the mid bass. Not terrible, but undeniable in some material.

The bottom line is that although much more expensive, the CW IV is the better speaker.
The Cornwall IV excels at low volume and high volume listening. That said, I tend to listen a little louder than most and I have not been able to find a level that the CW IV can't handle. 

Oz


@dsper 

My first question would be how much toe in was used. Pointed right at you, the sound can be overwhelming. Positioned so that they cross a few feet behind your head seems to be the sweet spot. And you need to have a little distance between them and you for the drivers to blend.

As for the veiling, I can't answer to that. They seem to have very good resolution to me. There are other speakers that are more resolving and articulate, but those tend not to have the tone, texture and involvement that these do.

Oz