“They make very effective small studio monitors and combine a good overall tonal balance with a usefully wide sweet spot ”.
In this month’s issue of Sound On Sound, Paul White gives his verdict on the new LSR2300 Series monitor speakers from JBL.
With a choice of 5-inch (2325P), 8-inch (2328P) and 10-inch sub variants (2310SP), the LSR2300 models incorporate the same Linear Spatial Reference design that have made the LSR6300 and LSR4300 Series the choice of top professionals and facilities world-wide. To produce an extraordinary monitor system at these price points, our award-winning engineers pushed the limits in every aspect of the design. With the understanding that today’s audio mixing and recording is carried out in a broad range of environments, JBL designed a system that delivers perfect mixes in any room.
“The LSR moniker stands for Linear Spatial Reference, something that is said to deliver greater accuracy at the mix poison in a variety of room types. What this translates to in simple terms is an emphasis on more consistent off-axis sound, ostensibly resulting in a wider sweet spot, and less in the way of coloured wall and ceiling reflections”.
“As a stand-alone nearfield for use in small rooms, the compact 2325P model delivers a full and well-balanced sound with a pleasant smooth top end. The lows, though not incredibly deep, sound bigger than you might expect from a small speaker…its tonality makes it comfortable to use for long periods”.
“In comparison, the 2328P has a deeper and more credible low end, although the overall tonal character is otherwise very similar, exhibiting the same smooth and well-balanced sound. Both models also produce a usefully wide sweet spot. In the majority of home studios, the 2328Ps would have more than enough low-end capability without adding the sub”.
“Both speakers perform well when hooked up to the sub and for music I found that the 80Hz setting worked well for both models. As long as the sub is balanced properly against the speakers, it integrates in a very natural and unobtrusive manner, adding, plenty of weight and depth…As with all properly designed subs, the psychological outcome is that all of the sound appears to be coming from the main monitors”.
“Within their market sector, which I’d describe as mid-level, the LSR 2300 range offers a sensible balance of audio quality and value”.
“On balance, JBL have come up with a no-frills set of workhorse speakers that can be combined to fit the needs of a range of budgets and differently sized acoustic spaces. Their audio performance compares well with that of other speakers in the same price, and their smooth high end makes them very comfortable to work with on long sessions. Definitely worth a look, even if you think you don’t like the sound of JBL monitors”.
To read the full review, pick up the November Issue of Sound on Sound Magazine (Volume 25, Issue 1) on sale now. The JBL LSR2300 range of monitor speakers are available now at £448.50 (LSR 2325P Pair), £793.50 (LSR 2328P Pair) and £455 (LSR 2310SP Sub) RRP. For more information go to http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/General/ProductFamily.aspx?FId=73&MId=5
