JBL 305P MkII for listening beyond near field

[zman01]

Hi,

I am thinking about getting a pair of JBL 305P MkII speakers, but it is likely that I shall be using them in a more typical Hi-Fi listening setup, and not in a nearfield setup. Listening distance is expected to be around 8-9 feet (2.4-2.75 meters), with around 1 feet (~ 30 cm) space from the back of the speakers to the wall behind them. I can place the speakers 6-8 feet apart (1.8 - 2.4 meters), and planning to use stands for that.

I have 2 questions:

1. For cables, my understanding is that each unit has a balanced XLR input and a mono 6.35 mm TRS input. My DAC (Khadas Toneboard) done not have balanced outputs, and hence thinking of using either RCA to XLR cables, or use my existing RCA cables with a RCA to 6.35 mm TRS converter. Which one would be a better choice?

2. For stand height any suggestions? Or should I just try to place the speakers at the height at which the tweeters are at the level of my ears?

 

[staticV3]

1. For cables, my understanding is that each unit has a balanced XLR input and a mono 6.35 mm TRS input. My DAC (Khadas Toneboard) done not have balanced outputs, and hence thinking of using either RCA to XLR cables, or use my existing RCA cables with a RCA to 6.35 mm TRS converter. Which one would be a better choice?

A converter will defeat the JBL's ability to reject common-mode noise, which will likely lead to mains hum and other ground loop related noise.

Likewise, a 2-conductor RCA->XLR cable or a poorly configured 3-conductor cable will also defeat the JBL's CMRR.

Your best bet for a clean signal is to buy an XLR->XLR cable, snip off one XLR plug, and replace it with an RCA plug yourself, paying attention to the correct connection:


See for example:

Review and Measurements of Crown XLS 1502 Amp

I have my xls 1502 at home and it works great (so far no hiss issues, it works just fine) How should I set the gain regulators at both sides of the screen? I have them at 25% of their total capacity, is that ok_ In a perfect world, you would determine the optimal output from your pre-outs, and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

2. For stand height any suggestions? Or should I just try to place the speakers at the height at which the tweeters are at the level of my ears?

Tweeters at ear level.

 

[WOLFAGRAM]

Hello my Friend.

1. For cables, my understanding is that each unit has a balanced XLR input and a mono 6.35 mm TRS input. My DAC (Khadas Toneboard) done not have balanced outputs, and hence thinking of using either RCA to XLR cables, or use my existing RCA cables with a RCA to 6.35 mm TRS converter. Which one would be a better choice?

I am using these exact cables from RCA output of a passive preamp to XLR input of active studio monitors, no problems with mains hum or ground loop at all: https://www.audiocables.eu/products...o-male-xlr-pair-cables?variant=39686268452944

Tweeters at ear level.

Either so, or if it is more practical for other reasons/acoustical surroundings, you can have tweeters either slightly above or slightly below your ears, provided that you have a way to tilt speakers so that tweeters are directed at your ears. I have it like that because otherwise the speakers would be too close to the table on one side and to the work bench on the other. Additional benefit is that the tilting can be if the form of a wedge-shaped acoustical foam. It is cheap and provides extra acoustical decoupling of your speakers from their stands:

Cheers.

 

[zman01]

Thank you staticV3 and WOLFAGRAM for your replies.

 

[Slave IV]

Hello my Friend.

I am using these exact cables from RCA output of a passive preamp to XLR input of active studio monitors, no problems with mains hum or ground loop at all: https://www.audiocables.eu/products...o-male-xlr-pair-cables?variant=39686268452944


Either so, or if it is more practical for other reasons/acoustical surroundings, you can have tweeters either slightly above or slightly below your ears, provided that you have a way to tilt speakers so that tweeters are directed at your ears. I have it like that because otherwise the speakers would be too close to the table on one side and to the work bench on the other. Additional benefit is that the tilting can be if the form of a wedge-shaped acoustical foam. It is cheap and provides extra acoustical decoupling of your speakers from their stands:

View attachment 398589

Cheers.

I do the same with acoustic foam wedges but just want to point out the obvious that the drawback of this is the directed ear level changes with distance so unless you change your listening height position along with it, you only have one ideal spot. This is probably a nonissue for most and there is usually only one sweet spot anyways. I just brought it up because my stands are a bit high for my listening position so I have my speakers angled down a bit which is fine in the usual sitting position but not for anyone behind the seats at a higher level. But if it was the other way around and I had them angled up, it could become benefit for the areas behind the seating.

 

[robh36062]

Just use the 1/4 headphone-mic jacks. You can use either XLR to 1/4 or RCA to 1/4. I use the XLR because my active crossover uses XLR out. No issues at all with noise.

Stand mount with tweeters at ear height. At some point the limiting will be audible depending on room size. I use M308 Mk2 with a sub and they sound really good just wish they had a bit more power built in. Make sure you can return them so if they come up short SPL with distance you can try a different active.

Rob

 

[Tom C]

Just use the 1/4 headphone-mic jacks. You can use either XLR to 1/4 or RCA to 1/4. I use the XLR because my active crossover uses XLR out. No issues at all with noise.

Stand mount with tweeters at ear height. At some point the limiting will be audible depending on room size. I use M308 Mk2 with a sub and they sound really good just wish they had a bit more power built in. Make sure you can return them so if they come up short SPL with distance you can try a different active.

Rob

What model are the floor standers in your photo?

 

[robh36062]

What model are the floor standers in your photo?

Hello

Those are my DIY using M2 components.

Rob

 

[WOLFAGRAM]

Hello

Those are my DIY using M2 components.

Rob

I bet Wardruna sounds exquisite on them.

 

[robh36062]

I bet Wardruna sounds excuisite on them.

They do thank you! You seeing them on tour? They didn't do a city close enough for me to go but Einar did give a lecture played a couple of songs and we got a preview of their up coming DVD! I have seen them a couple of times great in concert!

Rob

 

[zman01]

Hello

Those are my DIY using M2 components.

Rob

Looks like that was a fun DIY project!

 

[robh36062]

Looks like that was a fun DIY project!

It was! It was a pandemic project took about 6 months to get it all done.

Rob