JBL S38II 3-Way 8-Mirror Image Bookshelf Speakers (Black Maple)

by JBL

Product Details

Product Manual [115kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 17.5 x 11.5 inches ; 28 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 57 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000632GH
• Item model number: S38II
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #245,446 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The S38II is a unique, horizontal, mirror-image, nearfield/midfield monitor that brings the studio experience into your living room. These 3-way, 8" loudspeakers with MDF enclosure and Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal (EOS) waveguide reproduce sound with unparalleled spaciousness and definition. The pure-titanium tweeter and the midrange transducer are mounted on a Linear Field Proximity (LFP) bezel that ensures a seamless transition between the middle and high frequencies. The PolyPlas (polymer-coated cellulose fiber) cone woofer features traditional JBL engineering, the same technologies used in JBL's professional equipment that can be found in stadiums, music halls, and movie theaters around the world.

Shielded components allow placement near video monitors. High-temperature, oversized Kapton voice coil, and HeatScape motor structure allow these speakers to effortlessly play all types of movies and music. The woofers are built on cast-aluminum frames, which reduce distortion and increase power-handling capability. A low-diffraction IsoPower baffle directs the sound power into the room, reducing distortion caused by cabinet vibration. The lock-mitred, computer-designed enclosure requires no bracing. The FreeFlow flared port increases bass response without adding unwanted port noise. JBL's custom-designed drivers allow the use of simple, Straight-Line Signal Path (SSP) crossover networks with high-quality electrical components that minimize processing that could degrade the signal. All Studio Series loudspeakers are equipped with all-metal, 5-way, gold-plated, binding, post-speaker terminals.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great sound at a very reasonable price., February 10, 2003

By 

D. R. Schryer (Poquoson, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JBL S38II 3-Way 8-Mirror Image Bookshelf Speakers (Black Maple) (Electronics)

The components which most affect -- by far -- the sound of your audio system are the speakers. And (except for electrostatic speakers costing thousands of dollars) the best sounding speakers currently available are those in the JBL studio series -- including the S38IIs. The S38IIs are superb sounding speakers with sweet, clean highs, a natual-sounding midrange, and clean, full bass. While they will handle lots of power, they sound great with moderately-powered amps and receivers. If for some reason you feel that you must have a larger woofer -- instead of the quite-adequate 8" woofer in the S38II -- I recommend the JBL S310II with a 10" woofer and the JBL S312II with a 12" woofer. But the vast majority of people should be quite pleased with the superb sound of the less-expensive S38IIs. Also the S38II speakers would make excellent rear speakers in a terrific-sounding JBL surround sound system.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A musician's ear, March 29, 2003

By 

Peter Hesse (Naples, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JBL S38II 3-Way 8-Mirror Image Bookshelf Speakers (Black Maple) (Electronics)

I am genuinely pleased with our new pair of JBL S38II speakers. They are compact, smaller than the pair of three ways they are replacing. However, they are solidly built and deceptivey heavy for their size. The sound is rich and pleasing, easily reproducing everything from a cappella jazz vocals to rich symphonic passages. The speakers expose the middle voices and lush tonalities of the orchestra, which are usually lost with lesser speakers. Also, the eight inch woofers have plenty of bass punch that stands up well without need of an additional subwoofer. These are a good bit of speaker for the price and I am pleased the amount I paid. I would hesitate to pay too much more for these speakers though.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid sound, good price, January 24, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: JBL S38II 3-Way 8-Mirror Image Bookshelf Speakers (Black Maple) (Electronics)

They have been sounding better and better since purchased. No sub needed plenty of bass with very tight mids and highs. Large for "Bookshelf Speakers" and sound better laid horizontally although difficult to find space for them. Best speakers for the dollar, blew away the Bose 301 and other two way bookshelf speakers.