JBL Project K2 S9900 Speakers Anyone Know ???

Fsmithjack --

Firstly: to my ears the JBL K2 S9900's are severely under appreciated. I believe this is mostly due to the type of speakers they are (i.e. horn mids/tweeter, and 15" bass/midrange), which I gather has many audiophiles turning away their attention just for these specs alone - without even audition them. Plus there may be the overall JBL heritage and their connection to their widespread use in studio's, cinemas and PA-installation, which may lead in some to the association of "this is not hifi," or something along those lines (that they're not hifi in the typical sense is not a bad thing, to my ears). Moreover, many seem to ridicule the S9900's (and Everest's, for that matter) for sporting rather lackluster bass roll-off specs, while ignoring the conservative nature of these specs and in-room response. In short, I'd advice you to put aside any preoccupation with specs and prejustice in general, instead keeping an open mind and use your ears.

That being said, some (myself incl.) may certainly find the S9900's better than above mentioned speakers, while others don't. I can definately attest that "they image and get you super close to the music" - closer even than above other speakers, and their abilities into imaging and general presentation is akin in some sense to panel speakers, with a "through an open window" type of imaging as opposed to using room reflections in a more outspoken fashion (as is usually the case with direct radiating speakers). The S9900's are direct, extremely clean-sounding and effortless, with macro- and micro dynamics to spare, and with a perhaps slightly warm-ish bass and lower mids (but very dynamic still).

Do they compete? Oh yes, easily so, but whether they're your cup of tea is something you'll have to find out by actually listening to them. Do it quickly - they may appeal to you immensely.

Fsmithjack --

Perhaps we can get a more accurate sense of what you're after. What exactly do you mean by "getting closer to the music"? I believe I get where you're going, but this a rather subjectively suffused area, so please elaborate. Does "closer to the music" entail a more literal interpretation as in a more up-front sound, where it even becomes tactile with a clear sense of the "fabric" and texture in the music? "Robust and realistic" - as in a more dense and dynamic presentation?

What is it that the Magico's, YG's and other speakers you've heard recently lack, not to mention the speakers you're currently using? Do you attend live acoustic concerts (classical, jazz, etc.), and if so, is this the kind of sonic imprinting you're after? Have you heard a variety of horn-driven speakers using compression drivers and larger bass/mid units, and did you like some of them? What about them did you like?

Have you read any reviews of S9900's? Here's one:

http://www.hifinews.co.uk/news/article/jbl-project-k2-s9900-pound;28000/7581

Its older sibling, the S9800, is reviewed here, and will give you some idea of the sound of the S9900:

http://www.ultraaudio.com/equipment/jbl_k2_s9800.htm

And the Everest's:

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/hi-fi-and-av-speakers/jbl-everest-dd66000-673108/review

http://hometheaterreview.com/jbl-project-everest-dd66000-loudspeaker/

And I agree with Larryi's comments above; describing the sound the S9900 as "vivid" is a very fitting term, but also that they're very proficient at lower volumes is a trait worth mentioning. The size of your room should easily accommodate them, but I'd recommend sitting at least 10 feet away.

Fsmithjack --

Latest reply of mine was with the intention to hone in more precisely on where you're coming from, so to help you get a bearing on how to more accurately answer your own initial question: are the JBL K2 S9900's potential speakers for you? Of course an audition prior to purchase would be the preferred solution, but being this is not your option as is there are other methods to appromximate a decision, as I tried to present them. You mayn't worry on these matters, but a bit of effort on your own part is necessitated to try and be a little wiser on your choice, I'd say. I certainly never meant to discourage you, on the contrary.

My blunt advice would be (if that's what you want): buy them.

Ohlala --

Whether 2 or 3-way seems irrelevant here. Essentially the S9900's are an augmented (with a super-tweeter) 2-way design, a design that can hold clear advantages compared to multi-way speakers in dealing essentially with one cross-over only. Perhaps the most obvious drawback to point out in this case, in theory, is having a 15" extend to roughly 900Hz, but having heard the midrange from these has only convinced me of its traits. Conversely a 15" with midrange capabilities on paper would suffer LF extension, but I'd go with the fleet-footed, tactile (/downright explosive) and nuanced bass quality from the S9900's over most any of the more typical hi-fi alternatives sporting smaller units, and in-room LF extension feels like they're able to reach ~30Hz quite easily. Which is to a say: focusing on ultimate LF-extension here seems a fruitless endeavor when overall bass quality is much more important within the spectrum most would ever care for.

@smodtactical --

S9900 and Focal Maestro (and possibly even stella) utopia used are in the same ballpark. Which would you choose?

I'd save some money and go with the JBL 4367 - to my ears it can hold its own against the S9900, albeit offering a slightly different sonic meal.