JBL K2 S5500

(Originally written by mattera91/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
- Excellent approach to the d'Appolito concept with an anti-resonance horn, a 1" driver with titanium diaphragm, and two great 12" woofers in a 176 lb. cabinet with superb finish. This short description ought to give you a good idea about these "compact" loudspeakers that remind some famous WEASTLAKE models.

- I have listened to them in different acoustic environments so I know them very well. Among other systems, I tested them with a KRELL KSA 300S amp, which was a great match for them.

- The lack of a tweeter is extremely surprising considering the fine sound resolution in the high frequency range. If you place the speakers correctly, you'll get a very good definition and resolution, as well as a very good high frequency reproduction that reminds me of the 2405. But you'll also get an extremely consistent sound along the whole frequency spectrum since it's a two-way system.

- The sound imaging, air and width are amazing, even though I listened to them in a rather small room. The response is expressive and attacks are extremely fast. The only difference compared with higher-end models of the same manufacturer is the frequency response: the bottom-end is a bit limited but the sound is more consistent and well-balanced.

Their only real disadvantages are that they are difficult to find and they are expensive, even on the secondhand market. But what a sound! The only person I know who wanted to sell them was doing so because he wanted to buy a higher-end model of the same brand...