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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
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Keep in mind that speaker placement can be the biggest issue between something sounding meh and phenomenal.  Look at Mapleshade free advice speaker placement section.  I’ve been using this configuration for years....best bass and soundstaging I’ve heard.  You can dial in a great balanced sound with minimal acoustic treatments.  No standing wave issues and fewer suck out problems!
johnek OP
15 posts
 
Thank you dave_b! I had a look at Mapleshade today, seems like my speaker placement was ideal in terms of distance from the back wall. I have a very balanced sound without noticeable problems with standing waves etc.  Maybe credit should go to the 4349 which seem relatively easy to place in the room. 

They lack some warmth in the mid bass or lower midrange (at least in my room), this makes them sound bright with some recordings. They are very revealing, differences in recordings become clear through these speakers. 

Still have not not decided if I should keep them (they are very good and easy to place) or try the Cornwalls. Today I noticed the new Forte IVs are out as well, not as huge as Cornwall IVs and perhaps easier to place in the room. This is not going to be an easy decision. 
snapoli2
98 posts
 
JBL 4349 with Line Magnetic 845-Premium... incredible.
johnek OP
15 posts
 
@snapoli2 That’s great news! Still have the 4349s on demo, have been thinking about sending them back and go for Cornwalls or maybe the new Forte IVs.

There is a brightness when playing loud that I do not like, other than that I really like the 4349s. Power is not an issue, my Mark Levinson is rated at 2x400W so I’ve been thinking that it’s either a matching issue or the speaker itself. I don’t find 4349 to be very efficient, the L100 played subjectively louder at lower settings, which has made me think that tube amps might not work very well (other than high power amps). 

The LM 845-Premium is rated at 30W, if that power is sufficient also for listening at louder volumes that is great news. It’s quite expensive though, have you tried other tube amps with the 4349s (I’m thinking PrimaLuna etc that are well built but not as expensive as the 848-Premium)? 
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