jbl SR4718X opinion?

[ampnation]

I see these SR4718X 18" subs available used of course (discontinued line) for $400 each and am thinking they would be a significant step up from my $300 Harbinger HX118S. I was going to get my 2nd Harbinger, but now I'm thinking of getting these instead and selling the one I have.

My only hesitation is this. Has the SRX line always been as well thought of as the current line and has that rep extended to subs. I've only seen comments about the main/mid-hi models that I recall anyway.

My stronger instinct is to run, not walk in buyng these. btw, they are being sold as part of a big live sound business liquidation. It is clear from the type and amount of equipment they are selling that they were doing BIG shows.

EDIT 1: Also, I don't have experience with 4 ohm speakers. These are 4 ohm, 600w. Should I view the 600w the same as I would an 8 ohm? I know I need to take the impedence into account when matching with an amp, but I'm saying for loudness. Also, the sensitivity is listed as 95 dB SPL, 1 Watt @ 1 Meter. My Harbinger is stated at 98 and it is an 800w program rated speaker and with a supposed freq. response down to 32Hz. (jbl's down to 30Hz.)

EDIT 2: One more thing about the specs... the only power rating number on the jbl is "600W Continuous Pink Noise." I assumed that was the same as continuous or program which is why I compared to the 800w figure on the Harbinger. I'm seeing that the current SRX model, the SRX718S is rated at 800w continuous and 1600w program. I always thought continuous referred to the same as program. So I guess these are actually rated higher for power handling than my Harbinger which is 400/800. This is looking more and more like a run don't walk situation.

[billfitzmaurice]

Assuming you mean the SRX 718 they're good subs, well worth $400. OTOH I have no clue what a Harbinger is, never heard of them.

[Paul O]

This is a great example of why reading and understanding the specs is very informative. The JBL SR4718x has a sensitivity rating of 95db but that's measured in free space or in other words measured in an anechoic room while suspended from all boundaries. But that's not how a speaker is typically used, in most cases it will be placed against at least one boundary like the floor and that results in a 6db gain and this is the number most manufacturers publish. These JBL subs have always been regarded as loud and very efficient and that observation agrees with the more universal half space rating of 101db that they have. Follow the link below for detailed specs on the 2241g driver in these subs.. it's a far better unit than what's in your Harbinger cabs.

http://www.jblpro.com/pub/components/2241.pdf

[ampnation]

Unfortunately, I think someone else bought these. I called and the guy had someone looking as we spoke and asked if he could call back. He didn't. I called around 5 pm and left a voice mail. :(

There are a couple of other items I'm interested in though. A CS800 for $200. I'm thinking I can talk him down a little on that price, especially if I buy some other stuff.

EV SX300 pair. :)) These look like EXCELLENT speakers for $560/pair.

Eminence Kappa Pro 12's for $30 each

dbx 2 ch, 31-band EQ $250

[ampnation]

Follow the link below for detailed specs on the 2241g driver in these subs.. it's a far better unit than what's in your Harbinger cabs.

http://www.jblpro.com/pub/components/2241.pdf

Yes, I would have put money on the JBL SRX line sub being better than my Harbinger for several reasons... 1. I think the JBL JRX line is better than my Harbinger. 2. Harbinger publishes about 1/4 of the specs compared to what JBL does. Not as much detail usually means the details aren't pretty. 3. The Harbingers were low dollar options which I figured would do for the very uncritical crowd attending the events I bought them for. Considering that not long ago the same events were using a Fender Passport 250 as their sound system, My system gets lots of "great sound" comments. hehe

It is only after I decided that I might start renting this equipment out that I started paying more attention to how to make it even better.

[billfitzmaurice]

The JBL SR4718x has a sensitivity rating of 95db but that's measured in free space or in other words measured in an anechoic room while suspended from all boundaries. JBL measures the 718 half-space anechoic. You can confirm that by modeling the 2268H. Sensitivity isn't that great, but that's the price you pay for a fairly abuse proof 23mm xmax. It's a very rare driver in that the thermal limit is well below the displacement limit.

[ampnation]

There are a couple of other items I'm interested in though. A CS800 for $200. I'm thinking I can talk him down a little on that price, especially if I buy some other stuff.

EV SX300 pair. :)) These look like EXCELLENT speakers for $560/pair.

Eminence Kappa Pro 12's for $30 each

dbx 2 ch, 31-band EQ $250

The CS800 wasn't a match to mine.
The SX300 didn't sound that great to me.. very good, but I was hoping for better so I passed
Kappa's were gone
bought the dbx EQ.