Customer Reviews

JBL EON 510 Self-Powered Two-Way 10-inch 280-Watt UltraLightweight Speaker with 3 mix inputs

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My first audio recording job was in radio production for a university in 1957, and that job put me through two degrees. I have been involved to some extent in sound recording and reproduction ever since. I have been aware of the EON series since its introduction, and have wanted one since, after retiring, I began teaching ballroom dance. My frugal nature and presumed audio expertise kept me with more economical equipment until I was tired of hauling around so much stuff, such as mixer/amp, sub, speakers, stands, patch cords, wireless mic setup, etc.

I tried several less expensive powered speakers, some with integrated mixers. I was continually disappointed by both their bulk, weight, and quality.

I recently purchased a JBL EON 510 for use as a lightweight, portable dance DJ system and for dance teaching. I am pleased. It has clean lines, no objectionable protrusions, no sharp fins sticking out the back, and it sounds great.

I have used it with an iPod, laptop, and wireless microphone, and I have tried line level in both inputs. (Toggles provide lots of options.)

At first, I was disappointed in the lack of a master gain control, but the separate controls on the two inputs have proved adequate. It does have a bit of background hiss, which a dealer assured me was invariably present in powered speakers and at its minimum in JBL. I had to agree that it was not as bad as the others I had tried, but I had expected more from JBL. Even so, it is far enough below the music so as not to be noticed.

The handle was surprisingly uncomfortable, though tolerable. I modified it with a 3-inch section of plastic tubing, split lengthwise and placed over the edge of the handle.

Mine came boxed with only the speaker and power cord, which is longer than most, often not requiring an extension cord. I called the company about the lack of a manual, and they didn't even know whether or not one came with the speaker, even though the box indicates that one is included. They suggested I download one from their web site. I called the regional sales rep, and he didn't know either, referring me to a dealer or the JBL Pro web site. I gave up and downloaded the PDF, printing only selected pages; it is a relatively large manual.

For a 17 lb. powered speaker, the sound is exceptional, better than all the 12 inch speakers that I tried, and ended up selling. Financially, I would have been better off just buying the JBL years ago. I'm glad I have one, customer service, handle, and buzz/hum/hiss notwithstanding.

The other night while tearing down after a gig, one of my EON 10 speakers fell off a table and onto a concrete floor. Everyone in the band let out a collective groan. I just said "Good thing it's a JBL!" and continued about my business. Later, after taking off the dented speaker grill and bending it back into shape, I plugged in the speaker and it worked fine. Good thing it's a JBL! (JBL customer since 1969)