JBL 705P Studio Monitor Review

[jhaider]

When you consider prices 705P (1190 euro) is closer to KH150 (1460 euro) than KH120 II (800 euro) in Europe.

Yeah pricing varies by market.

I don't get them as cheap looking at all. Waveguide which looks somewhat weird is different than everything we have on the market, but also technology of tweeter is different.

We use 708i as LCR in our primary system, and I also use KH 120 II on my desktop. So I know both well. I’d say JBL’s cabinet materials are better (birch ply vs. MDF) but Neumann paint quality, and general fit and finish are much better.

However, my comments about quality go to function, not aesthetics. Amir’s 705P test sample had FR errors consistent with a DSP programming errors. Amir’s 708i test sample (Part 1, Part 2) had a tweeter that, whether due to poor production QC or a running change, had FR misaligned with the DSP filters. IMO the bottom line is well sorted 7-series are competitive with anything. However, the rub is one needs to test each individual sample to confirm it’s operating correctly.

 

[Rahan]

In this world I keep my self far from price range comparison. Most manifacture fix their retail price without correlation on the building price. If Wilson audio can sell this sh$t at any price it should make us think twice. To me we should compare : use (near/mid/far) connectivity and measurements. Once there, pick the one that match your requirements and fits your wallet.

 

[Pio]

I don't get them as cheap looking at all. Waveguide which looks somewhat weird is different than everything we have on the market, but also technology of tweeter is different.

Agree, the 7 series doesn't look or feel cheap. The advantage that the 7 series has over cone / dome monitors is dynamic punch and lack of dynamic compression. My 705Ps play considerably louder than my Geny 1031's which have an 8" woofer. (granted the Genys are 90's tech, but they're still amazing!) And, the compression driver sounds as sweet as any dome tweeter.

 

[eric-c]

For BSS processors:
BSS London Architect (I would use this newest version, though the link dated 1/2020 on the JBL 705 page is to an older version)
+
705i BSS SingleWire London Architect Tunings or 705i BiWire BSS London Architect depending on if you want to use 1 amp or 2 per speaker

For Crown DCIn processor-amps:
HiQnet Audio Architect
+
7 Series and M2 Crown DCi Tuning

For JBL Intonato 24 processor:
Intonato 24 Control App (Mac)

QQ, Can anyone recommend a specific version of BSS London Audio Architect (on Win11 24H2) that is known to work with a BSS Blu-50, 705i (single wire)?

- as Jhaider states: The JBL site points to the (very) old HiQnet Audio Architect 2.55.3 (Windows 7 sp1)
- In the link provided in the above post from 2020 is for version 6.00.R5 (Windows) N-1 now
- the most current version is 6.02.R3 (windows)

Found a post from 2019 on another forum where a member said that only the "older" versions of Audio Architect supported the macro's for the JBL 705i. In the IT world, support will always tell you, make sure you on the latest version of software, firmware etc. I should be receiving a BSS Blu-50 in a few weeks and this is all new to me so I want to start off with something that is a good known configuration rather than trying to make something work (and banging my head) when it is known (not to me) not to work.

Thanks

 

[jhaider]

London Architect (the old BSS software) supports macros. Audio Architect (the current software) does not.

 

[eric-c]

London Architect (the old BSS software) supports macros. Audio Architect (the current software) does not.

JBL makes it confusing to the layman as: https://jblpro.com/en/products/705i references / links to Audio Architect for the SW

Thanks for the clarification. As the Clash says "London Calling". I'll try London Architect ver 6.02r3 when the BSS Blu-50 arives

 

[jhaider]

Audio Architect is the software to use if you’re running Crown DCIn amps.

 

[eric-c]

Question, is it expected to get static / buzzing noise from your BSS Blu's when your prepro is muted or there is no live signal input?

• PrePro / Bryston SP3 surrounds and rear channels via XLR to
• BSS Blu 80. (XLR to Phoenix in), (Phoenix out to)
• Extron XPA 2004 power amp (Phoenix In from BSS Blu 80), Speaker outs to
• JBL 705i

Volume turned all the way down on the SP3 and all is good. However when I press the mute button on the SP3, I get a static / buzzing noise (loud talking volume) from the 705i speakers. I suspect that the mute on the Bryston SP3 turns off the xlr outputs completely and the BSS Blu 80 is expecting some type of signal. The BSS Blu 80 and Extron are on a switched outlets that get triggered from the SP3 so all audio is only powered on when the SP3 is powered on (out of standby). To test the theory:

I plugged the BSS Blu 80 and Extron power amp into live outlets while the SP3 was in standby. BSS Blu 80 was quiet while "starting up" but once it was up, the static/buzzing noise appeared.

Jhaider - thanks for leading me in the right direction. I created a step by step on loading the filter files in BSS Blu DSPs in the beginner forum.

 

[Kain]

Sorry if it has been already mentioned, but what is the minimum listening distance for the 705P? Will around 2.5 feet be okay?

 

[Rahan]

Yes, this is a near field monitor. Between 2,5 and 5 feet is considered as near field. Closer than that, coaxial speaker are a better choice to me.

 

[beefkabob]

Sorry if it has been already mentioned, but what is the minimum listening distance for the 705P? Will around 2.5 feet be okay?

They sound great to me at that distance. Probably a bit better from a bit further away.