You would definitely see a significant difference in overall sound character because of the type of driver and waveguide that the JBLs use. The Arendals are much more neutral and have a wider spread, no where near as “directed” a sound as the JBLs. You’re also going to have a fuller midrange IMO. If you’re looking at getting Monitors, I would definitely budget in a couple of subwoofers.
David Rojas
5.2.2 Arendal 1961
Member since 02.07.2020,
Forum Replies Created
I see 6 differences! (I’m counting the mug)
Fellow 1961 owner here, glad you’re enjoying your new setup. Still the most underrated small speakers on the market, in my opinion.
For me, it was a combination of budget, room size, and general aesthetic preference. I didn’t find any real advantage to spending more for towers. My cinema room is also very small, so the added “benefit” of additional drivers is not contributing much in such a small space. Lastly, I just honestly have never loved the general look of floor-standing speakers. I much prefer the placement flexibility of a monitor in most cases (especially when they have VESA mounts like Arendal <3).
In my experience, a lack of a “fuller sound” is almost always helped by the implementation of multiple subs (at least two). If it’s a smaller room, even two small, well-built subs can do more to balance out a room than what most people realize.
Absolutely! Buckeye comes highly recommended, Dylan is wonderful to work with. Nothing like a handmade amp nowadays.
There are several, I recommend searching YouTube.
Here is my progession: Pioneer Andrew Jones > Polk Signature > Arendal 1961
Really, they shouldn’t even be compared in the same category. The Andrew Jones speakers are fine budget speakers in their own right, but if we’re talking about Arendal now, that’s a whole different world. Everything from power handling, clarity, speed and of course physical appearance of the speakers is going to be way better than what you have now. I enthusiastically recommend the 1961 series!
p.s. I would personally go with a high-quality class-D amp from Nord or Apollon (or Buckeye, if you’re in the US) for around the same price as an XPA-5, but that’s entirely personal preference.