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

4349s with a Luxman 590aii was a great match along with a McIntosh Ma7000. In the wrong room the speakers could be somewhat fatiguing listing at loud volumes. In a big room with some sound dampening it rocks the house. The Luxman’s loudness feature makes low volume listening wonderful on a quiet Sunday morning.

I've owned the 4349s for 2.5 years, powered by a Benchmark AHB2, Marantz PM-10, and March Audio P482. You must be playing them at EXTREMELY high volumes if you're experiencing compression. That or your amp is struggling to provide enough clean power.

 

If you are going to use Klipsch I would think tubes would be a prerequisite. 

 

Not so.  I’ve found my CW4’s to sound best with a Moonriver 404R integrated than a class A amp, or a low power tube amp.  Depends on a lot of variables.