Customer Reviews

JBL SCS300.7 Complete 7.1-Channel Home Cinema Speaker System

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am totally blown away buy these speakers. JBL has put together a very fine package here. First the package, these babys come with everything you need to connect to your stereo, enough wire for just about every possible configuration, they even include the RCA cable for the LFE input. They are heavy, which to me says quality. (75lbs). Stands and wall brackets for all speakers are also included. The wall brackets are the adjustable type (nice!). Now the sound, the satelites are sharp as a tack. The sub pounds out movie soundtracks with authority, and is equally up to music. I did find that there was a slight "hole" in the midrange for music, but with some tweaking I was able to get things just right. I think for the money you would be hard pressed to do better. Highly recommended.

Well, I got this speaker set and thought I'd share my feelings.
Firstly, the product arrived on time, not bad for free shipping!
This stuff came in a HUGE box, not suprising when you open the package.
These speakers ship complete for installation. Everything you need is there, except for the screws to mount the wall brackets.
All speaker wire, and a good gage of wire for good sound. Good lengths to install the speakers in a real room. Wire for all 7.1 speakers is included, including an RCA cable for the sub.
Three sets of brackets/stands are included for all speakers, although the bookshelf stands aren't of the strongest design. They do work, however. The down side is that they have to have the wires routed through the brackets.
I was suprised to see wall mount brackets included. These brackets could cost many $$$ if not included. They are of a good design, but there is real room for improvement here. It's good this is a once and done install. They screw to the speaker housing between the wire connectors, and you need to be VERY careful screwing down the retaining nut so you don't break off the connectors.Not much room for tools to do this job.
Optional floor stand mounting brackest are also included.
The build quality and attention to detail is there in all the speaker inclosures, and in the assembly. The sub is even covered in faux carbon fiber. Not needed, but kinda cool.
Now to the real stuff, the sound quality.
These are really impressive in their sonic quality. It took me a long time to realise that speakers don't have to be huge to sound good, thanks to sub-woofers.
The 7 speakers will really rock the house! I have them in a 20 foot square room, driven by a Yamaha RXV-1400 receiver, rated at a real 80 watts into all 7 channels. To my ears, everything is there, voices, booms and crashes, music, it's all there. There doesn't seem to be any real holes in the reproduction of what you would expect to hear in the concert hall or the theater.
these speakers are also very efficient. 1/2 volume on my Yamaha started my ears bleeding.
If you are paying list price for these speakers, there may be some second thoughts, because there are many good products for $800. I'd bet they don't come as complete as this set though.
For the price I paid, $325, I couldn't be happier with this choice. Now to see how they hold up over time. I would think that JBL is pretty secure here, they come with a 5 year warranty.
I'd rate these at 5 stars, but the brackets and the design for the mounting brought down the score.
So, get a set and enjoy!

Professional sound system brought to consumers in small speakers.
After auditioning many speakers and extensive research I decided on JBL. Then I put together a speaker package for my family room. JBL EC-35 for center, 2xEC-30 for front, E250P as sub and so on. I had to abandon this package due to space constraints. Plan B was to find the best speaker package in HTIB. Didn't consider Bose as I didn't like the sound quality nor the build quality. This time it didn't take much time to settle on JBL SCS300 package as it beats any other speaker package in this category hands down.
Pros:
1. Excellent sound and build quality. The sound is better than most large speakers I listened to.
2. Excellent price. I would pay the amount just for the Sub300.
3. Accessories included in the package.
Cons:
Even though there shouldn't be any complaint for the price one pays to get such a great package, I think the center speaker could be better.

Other observation:
1. Wires provided seem like 18 gauge. I would recommend using 16 gauge or better.
2. Set the Sub crossover to 120hz to get better effect.
3. For better ambience for the room try out different positions for the surrounds.

The CNet review warned me, but I bought them anyway: There is hole in the frequency response in the 150 - 200 Hz range. What that means is that "baritone" sounds are weak. I spent time messing with the crossover frequency for the sub, (JBL recommends 100Hz) and I couldn't get a robust sound.

Super low bass is huge as you want with the rather imposing sub, mids and up are fine with the seven similar monitors. Power handling is good for reasonable volume levels.

The cabinets look good if silver and curvy is your thing.

The included hardware and bracketry is extensive.

I like the whole package, it's just that the overall sound is not as musical as I would like.

After reading a million online reviews, I bought the JBL SCS 300.5 at BB because of a promotion that included a free JBL Sub10 subwoofer (from the Venue line). Because it is a front-firing sub, I think there's less potential for booming, and greater detail. It's also a stand-alone product, not one developed and sold only within a to do this power on my Jesus Christ is I and DNA in HT package. Whatever, it sounds terrific, blending seamlessly with little 300 satellites and center channel. The 300s create an amazingly broad soundstage, much wider than you would expect looking at them. Speaking of looks, these little guys are styling!
Setup is critical. Position the 300s at ear level, toeing in the fronts. I placed the center channel speaker just inside one of those shelf units you used to put your TV on top of with your VCR below -- it added a little presence to the center channel output without distorting the sound. Set your subwoofer crossover to 120 Hz (not 100). Make sure your main front left and right speakers are pretty much equidistant from the center channel. If your AV receiver came with a microphone and is capable of auto set up (like my Onkyo TX-SR 703), keep repeating the process until you're satisfied with the sound. Double check speaker distances, and don't be afraid to boost or lower output from selected speakers (I had to correct the distance for the center channel and right side surround, lower the level for left front and raise it for the sides, rear, and sub).
Once you're finished, I think you'll be impressed with the sound. I love the expansive soundstage, and the seamless panning from one side of the room to the other. Watching action-adventure movies, I feel like my sweet-spot is the center of a cohesive field of action -- not like a viewer being bombarded by random sounds from specific speakers. Of course, Dolby Digital EX 7.1 processing undoubtedly helps create the illusion. The 300 satellites are very bright and pure, accentuating breaking glass in an explosion while the sub belts out the blast. Dialogue is crisp and clear, and hasn't sounded congested or disembodied since placing the center channel at the front of the shelf unit mentioned above.
As for music, perhaps the best thing I can say is that I'm listening to more of it since buying these speakers. What a great combination with satellite radio and DVD audio. I've even gone back to listen to CDs of various genres I haven't touched for years just to hear nuances I was missing before with my full-range speakers -- my ear really appreciates having the bass originate from a separate cabinet. It prevents any muddiness in the mid range. That being said, if you prefer a really warm-sounding speakers, mate this system with a warmer-toned receiver than my Onkyo -- or at least, it turn up the bass.
Because I'm perpetually curious, I've decided to try upgrading the system with other speakers from the Venue line: the dual-5" center channel Voice and the 5" Monitors as mains. We'll see how well they blend with the 300s to produce a 7.1 system.
Either way, if you're interested in the JBL's, try to audition them. I heard them at BB immediately after listening to more expensive Klipsch Synergy III's (and Bose) and was still impressed. If you google the JBL's, there are about a half dozen decent reviews out there. All agree the speakers are great for home theater, but some expressed concerns about certain types of music reproduction. I've been pleased so far, but we'll see how much of a difference in the Venue speakers make in Stereo and Surround.

The SCS 300 JBl 7.1 system is terrific. The sounds it produces are rich and full, no tinniness and certainly no clicks, whistles, crackles or any other untoward sounds. The subwoofer is deep and full and is virtually non-directional so I was able to install it in the section of the room where it was most convenient for me (access to 110 outlet and minimal problem running the speaker wire from the unit into the attic and back down to the amp. If there is any negative comment it is that the speaker wall brackets require some considerable finger strength to get the retaining ring lined up and onto the ball and socket bracket mounted to the wall. Also I chose to get 16 gauge speaker wire rather than use the included 18 ga wire. I also bought my own LFE RCA cable as I had an extra long run to the amp from the sub woofer. Having said that, I would not hesitate to buy this system again as is because the sound is so terrific -- and that's what I was looking for when I bought a sound system!!

I just got these speakers a couple of weeks ago, and was immediately impressed. All of the speakers have the look and feel of high end speakers and the sound is great. What really makes the package complete is the 150 watt, 10 inch subwoofer which provides movie theater quality bass. Right now, I am using a 5.1 receiver, so four satellites are plugged into the front left and right speaker jacks, but the sound from the satellites is full and impressive. For the price, you can't beat this buy.

This product has been out for over a year but still remains a great deal at a great price with great sound to top it off! The subwoofer makes you feel like you're in the cinema (powerful base makes the floor vibrate - my kids love it). I found the set up easy enough - although there is a lot of wiring (that could have been marked to make it easier). Also the plastic stands for these heavy speakers are not sufficient and given how high the speakers are I laid some of them flat without using the stands because I was concerned they might topple. I also had to go out and buy two extension stands ($35 at Walmart for two and 25 cents for different screws and nuts to make them fit). All in all, I'm very satisfied and feel like I've moved into the world of high tech sound!

THIS IS A SUPERLATIVE HOME THEATER SYSTEM...THE SPEAKERS ARE VERY OPEN AND HAVE A VERY DEEP SOUND STAGE.THE SYSTEM IS PRICED RIGHT...TO THE REVIEWER IN IRAQ,WHO DIDNT GET HIS SYSTEM... SHAME ON JANR,THEY SHOULD HAVE MADE AN EXCEPTION,FOR OUR TROOPS.A5 STAR RATING A MUST BUY....PS HAS ..FREE SHIPPING AS OF 11/13/05....

These speakers make my movies come alive. The bass fills the entire room. I highly recommend these speakers.