JBL Studio 590 Speaker Review

[5th element]

But they are not all compression drivers… There are several domes on my list.

As I already pointed out, there are plenty of 1” CDs to be found that do not exhibit this much distortion. The only problem is, that JBL doesn’t seem to make them. It’s not a limitation of technology, but the brand.

Obviously, the designers had to deal with a list of compromises here. And from what I gather, this is the case with numerous models, many of which seem to have the same issue where a lower-quality CD or tweeter is crossed too low to a woofer. And again, if it was just this one speaker... fine, but it's clearly not.

I went back now and had a look at the other designs. The really awful one looked more like there was a problem with the device. It's got crazy high levels of all distortion orders. This usually happens when something is vibrating or hasn't been sealed properly. Like the interface between the tweeter unit and the waveguide.

Most of the speakers only show a very slight increase in distortion around the crossover frequency, it's usually only 2nd order, and when driven quite hard. I do agree that things could be better, but on the whole, it's not a major issue.

 

[computer-audiophile]

With vinyl and tube amplifier wouldn't make much difference anyway.

LOL
You were not there.

 

[fineMen]

... the composer Wofgang Rihm, whom we hold in high esteem, and has commissioned compositions from him as part of her job.

Not directly related, but as you mention 'realism'. I've got recordings of Rihm's works which sound a bit different. They show that distinctive polished shine but aren't excessively bright. Is Rihm satisfied with the recordings of his pieces? Any anecdote referring to his stance in a sound studio appreciated!

 

[computer-audiophile]

Not directly related, but as you mention 'realism'. I've got recordings of Rihm's works which sound a bit different. They show that distinctive polished shine but aren't excessively bright. Is Rihm satisfied with the recordings of his pieces? Any anecdote referring to his stance in a sound studio appreciated!

In the demo, I played the piece 'Accelerated' from the LP above, in which the piano comes into its own very well.

On Wolfgang Rihm: I have many different recordings of Rihm pieces, most of them digital, of course. I don't know what he himself thinks about the quality of his recordings or how these are done and I also did not yet think about it. I recently read his new biography, which is also only about the works themselves. When I talked to him, it was just nice small talk. But I also once sat in on his class at the HFM Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe University of Music). At that time it was about learning composition.

 

[fineMen]

On Wolfgang Rihm: I have many different recordings of Rihm pieces, most of them digital, of course. I don't know what he himself thinks about the quality of his recordings

From what I hear many artists aren't that satisfied with the sound they get from a recording. Because their focus it quite different, compared to the common audiophile's perspective, they presumably step aside and see it like a cinema screen. Not real for sure, an abstraction, but it easily triggers the mind to imagine something relevant. So, how could one take a recording with its own very individual qualities, based on decision making, taking this in, leaving something else out, as a reference? Especially if done with the notion that the recording, if played back 'right' would kind of replicate the real thing.

Woud have been nice to hear from a composer about that. Thank you!

 

[computer-audiophile]

From what I hear many artists aren't that satisfied with the sound they get from a recording. Because their focus it quite different, compared to the common audiophile's perspective, they presumably step aside and see it like a cinema screen. Not real for sure, an abstraction, but it easily triggers the mind to imagine something relevant. So, how could one take a recording with its own very individual qualities, based on decision making, taking this in, leaving something else out, as a reference? Especially if done with the notion that the recording, if played back 'right' would kind of replicate the real thing.

Woud have been nice to hear from a composer about that. Thank you!

I think the issue is very complex. Too complex to discuss here in the forum. Especially not in a loudspeaker thread. There are composers who are very strongly connected to studio technology, e.g. because they make electronic music, others not at all, they feel connected to instrumentalists and orchestras. Live performance is the measure of all things anyway, also for me. It has often been said, and not only by me, that musicians and composers often don't have a good hi-fi system at home, because they don't feel a need for that.

 

[tw 2022]

musicians and composers often don't have a good hi-fi system at home, because they don't feel a need for that.

i've known a few decent musicians ... many did not have great "hi-fi" gear... imo , they listen to the notes as a rule , not caring much for the finished product presentation in regards to "hi-fi" quality...

 

[C. Cook]

I've been eyeing a local pair of rosewood Array 1400's, but it's tough to justify their $5.5k asking price compared to my other current options. They certainly have an imposing physical presence that I appreciate though.

What do you currently have and what shape are the 1400s in?* I can highly recommend the Array 1400s if in good shape. Didn't know they were offered in rosewood either. I had some kind of grain that was much darker. I fed those speakers as much power as the Hypex NC500s of the time could give them and they were unflappable. Neighbors from two streets over would knock on my door asking me 1) to please turn them down and 2) WTH kind of stereo setup I had and if they could listen to it!

* The Array 1400s have this stupid rubberized top to the main woofer cabinet that is a lot like the "soft touch" rubber found in BMWs and other luxury cars of the late 90s and early 2000s. It decays very easily with exposure to heat and direct sunlight, even indoors. So it ends up being really hard to maintain them and not put permanent scratches on that particular surface. I can recommend a product kind of like Armorall (but better) to almost totally eliminate said blemishes if you end up buying that pair and need the advice.

 

[Flexecutioner]

What do you currently have and what shape are the 1400s in?* I can highly recommend the Array 1400s if in good shape. Didn't know they were offered in rosewood either. I had some kind of grain that was much darker. I fed those speakers as much power as the Hypex NC500s of the time could give them and they were unflappable. Neighbors from two streets over would knock on my door asking me 1) to please turn them down and 2) WTH kind of stereo setup I had and if they could listen to it!

* The Array 1400s have this stupid rubberized top to the main woofer cabinet that is a lot like the "soft touch" rubber found in BMWs and other luxury cars of the late 90s and early 2000s. It decays very easily with exposure to heat and direct sunlight, even indoors. So it ends up being really hard to maintain them and not put permanent scratches on that particular surface. I can recommend a product kind of like Armorall (but better) to almost totally eliminate said blemishes if you end up buying that pair and need the advice.

It's this pair for sale on USAudiomart: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650011664-jbl-synthesis-array-1400/

The last picture shows some of the scratches you mentioned to the rubberized top. I have large windows that I like to keep unobstructed for my plants so maybe they aren't a good option for me. My current setup is HTPC -> miniDSP SHD -> VTV Hypex NC502Mp -> Ascend RAAL Towers (Original Version) and a HSU VTF3 Mk5 subwoofer. I love the look of the JBL's, but I'm starting to think my best option is to do the ELX upgrade on my towers and get a 2nd subwoofer.

 

[computer-audiophile]

JBL Studio 590!

 

[C. Cook]

It's this pair for sale on USAudiomart: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650011664-jbl-synthesis-array-1400/

The last picture shows some of the scratches you mentioned to the rubberized top. I have large windows that I like to keep unobstructed for my plants so maybe they aren't a good option for me. My current setup is HTPC -> miniDSP SHD -> VTV Hypex NC502Mp -> Ascend RAAL Towers (Original Version) and a HSU VTF3 Mk5 subwoofer. I love the look of the JBL's, but I'm starting to think my best option is to do the ELX upgrade on my towers and get a 2nd subwoofer.

DM'd you. That pair is known to me.

 

[Digby]

I would love to know whether that distortion, as ugly as it looks on the chart, can be heard or perceived on playback? I think back to the discussion Earl Geddes had with Erin on his channel (good interview, well worth watching), where Geddes said that lower order distortion (2nd, 3rd) was masked up to quite high levels (was it something like 15% or more?), especially at higher SPL levels. His argument was that your ear just doesn't hear that level of distortion (at lower orders), when music is played at a high volume - the ear/brain masks the (lower order) distortion. However, he also said it is rather easier to hear higher order distortion, so this should be kept to a minimum.

These speakers do seem to have a good reputation, so I wonder if the ugly looking distortion actually translates to something that can be heard or not? If it can't be heard, then does it really matter...?

 

[melomane13]

These speakers do seem to have a good reputation, so I wonder if the ugly looking distortion actually translates to something that can be heard or not? If it can't be heard, then does it really matter...?

It is only second order distortion, which is inaudible even at 10% at full band. in the 590 is less than 5%, in limited band and not in the more sensitive hearing area. and others higher order distortions are very low. the graphics aren't pretty, but the sound is good, even very good. I've had them for 8 years and I'm not ready to part with them. the dynamics seem infinite, increasing the volume, even to live levels, does not compress the sound, nor harden it.

 

[Digby]

It is only second order distortion, which is inaudible even at 10% at full band. in the 590 is less than 5%, in limited band and not in the more sensitive hearing area. and others higher order distortions are very low. the graphics aren't pretty, but the sound is good, even very good. I've had them for 8 years and I'm not ready to part with them. the dynamics seem infinite, increasing the volume, even to live levels, does not compress the sound, nor harden it.

I bet. I'd love to hear them, but they're not available over here.

 

[melomane13]

I bet. I'd love to hear them, but they're not available over here.

If you pass near Marseille, France come and listen to them at my place!

 

[Digby]

If you pass near Marseille, France come and listen to them at my place!

Thanks for the offer, I will bear that in mind.

 

[computer-audiophile]

If you pass near Marseille, France come and listen to them at my place!

.. or you come to visit Görlitz in Germany

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

It is only second order distortion, which is inaudible even at 10% at full band. in the 590 is less than 5%, in limited band and not in the more sensitive hearing area. and others higher order distortions are very low. the graphics aren't pretty, but the sound is good, even very good. I've had them for 8 years and I'm not ready to part with them. the dynamics seem infinite, increasing the volume, even to live levels, does not compress the sound, nor harden it.

I have 290. High volume does not sound good. Saving for Revel.

 

[Chrispy]

I have 290. High volume does not sound good. Saving for Revel.

590 and 290 are different speaker, tho.

 

[computer-audiophile]

High volume does not sound good.

There are many possible causes for bad sound. I can't do anything with this statement.

Especially since not the Studio 590 is involved, but a completely different design without HF compression drivers and a real bi-radial horn. Many tests have proven that the Studio 590 is very dynamic sounding with a solid bass and can also fill larger rooms with sound.