I just heard the N38II at Best Buy and was pretty impressed with the sound they produced. Soundstage was wide and vocals were very clean and distinct. The thing I really adored was the bass they were able to produce. Very low, deep and clean. I can use this kind of bass when listening to SACD's which my NHT's can't produce when listening to 2 channel. I was checking each sub to make sure they were turned off. My dilemma is this. I have 5 NHT SuperOne's surrounding my seating area in my bedroom powered by a Parasound HCA855 receiving signal from a Sony DA5ES. I can get the JBL's for a very good price and am considering purchasing a pair to run my fronts. Does anyone think I should go for it? Or should I stick with the NHT's? Phil, I know you have some say in this. Heh, I've done a lot of reading and am very tempted. Thanks in advance. Dan
I have a pair and they are fine speakers. You really need a sub for everything with this small of a speaker. I use them for back surround.
Earl, JBL N38II are floor standing speakers, not small speakers. Daniel, I have a pair of N38II and am very happy with them. I also use JBL NSP-1 as a center speaker and four surround and surround back speakers.
LinChen, me too! Except I have the original N38s and not the IIs. I got the NSP-1 package and a pair of N38s for less than $700 and everyone that comes over is very impressed with the sound quality (properly calibrated of course). I too use the N24s that came in the NSP-1 package as rear and back surrounds in a "7.1" setup. I would of course recommend the N38IIs just based on the performance I get from my N38s alone. The most important thing about any JBL speaker I feel is the quality/price ratio. Yes I know their are much better sounding speakers than my N38s. However, I also know that I'm getting very, very good sound and I didn't have to spend an arm and a leg for it. I like name brands but I don't like paying a premium for them. JBL allows that to happen in my opinion at different price/performance levels.
Same guts with a bigger box as the 38. Go to JR and you can call them to beat your lowest internet price+++++ plus free shipping. The n38 is cheaper and probably the same as the new model. you will still need a sub woofer with any 8" woofer tower/bookshelf. Good company JBL!
Well, I can pick up a pair for $198 through my work. I think I'm going to pick up a pair to try it out. However, after spending listening to these for a while at the store, I think my NHT's sound better in my room than the N38's did. But we'll see what happens when i get the N38's in my room. Plus, I'll be pushing them with my DA5ES and and Parasound amps rather than a Yamaha receiver. Thanks guys Dan
