TEST: JBL LSR 705P

When you talk about a product of the first hour, the name JBL inevitably comes to mind. Even when I was a little boy, almost everything that impressed sonically, was in some form associated with the three big letters of the founder James Bullough Lansing, whether it was the aluminum dome speakers in the Fender Twin Reverb, the famous "butt cheeks" of the 44 studio monitors or last but not least, the legendary Control 1, with which I myself have driven countless productions and which incidentally probably developed into the most popular restaurant sound system of all time. With the JBL LSR 705P, the US manufacturer now incorporates some components from its high-end M2 series in the ultra-compact monitors of the project studio class.

Even if one can not help but think that the great times of JBL in the professional studio monitor sector have been replaced by car hi-fi and Bluetooth speakers, the Professional Series still enjoys great esteem in the pro camp. To what extent this claim can also be saved in the class just under 1000, - € retail price over, should show this test.

Structure and construction of the JBL LSR 705P

When you take the JBL LSR 705P out of its packaging, the monitor's field of application is revealed immediately after looking at the dimensions. Due to its slim appearance, the near field monitor is especially suitable for desktop use, where it is known that the room is usually a bit "stuffed". Here, the product can score with the dimensions (H x W x D): 268 mm x 151 mm x 274 mm and a weight of a moderate 5.68 kg. Unfortunately, the box is delivered without any feet or foam pads, so it's only a matter of time until the underside of the case and on the support surfaces show the first scratches and scuffs. For me personally, this is unacceptable in this price range.

That this is not a toy, however, already shows the performance data of 2x 250 watts per box, which are controlled by a processor. In addition, each box offers an AD / DA converter, which is also necessary due to the analog and digital connections (AES / EBU) designed in interlocked XLR. The digital input can be looped through in daisy chain via an output also designed in XLR. As another special feature, the JBL LSR 705P has an RJ-45 connector that can access the Harman HiQnet network to manage filter and delay functions via remote control.

On the back is the control center of the JBL LSR 705P, which consists of a jog wheel, three buttons and a narrow display. This allows extensive settings to optimize the system for the respective application. For example, delays can be set to compensate for different run times in unbalanced setups, or filter settings for room optimization or video synchronization. All these settings can be stored and assigned with separate names. A very flexible alignment is guaranteed!

The JBL LSR 705P in practice

Due to the very small dimensions, one is tempted to place the JBL LSR 705P in close proximity to the listening position, but in many respects this is too short-sighted. On the one hand, the radiation pattern of the tweeter promises a high signal fidelity even from a greater distance due to its comparatively tight bundling of the signal, on the other hand, one should once again recall the power data of just under 500 watts per speaker, which clearly tends more towards midfield than nearfield.

In general, you can't get rid of the impression that JBL actually sees the tiny speaker as an A monitor, which explains the extremely ambitious performance data on the one hand, as well as the extremely extensive frequency response of 40 Hz - 36 kHz despite a comparatively small woofer of only 5 inches, whereby everything above 20 kHz serves as "thick pants" for the manual. Actually, you could save such data for the consumer sector, for me, such information always creates a bland aftertaste.

Visually, however, the JBL LSR 705P can hardly be undercut in terms of inconspicuousness. The matte black housing fits perfectly into any working environment and since the bass reflex port is on the front, you can even get comparatively close to a solid wall with the housing. By the way, JBL sells the speakers individually, which suggests their use for multi-channel productions.

In order to test the monitors directly for their performance in the midfield range, the speakers were not placed to the right and left of the monitor as usual, but they were allowed to make themselves comfortable above my current A monitor from Eve Audio. A sight for the album, if you take the almost 6 times larger Eve Audio behemoths in direct comparison, which offer with their 800 watts only about 30% more power than the JBL dwarfs.

The distance to the listening position is just under 180 cm, the distance to the wall behind it is 200 cm. A Palmer Monicon acts as the master volume control, and all the cabling is from Cordial. The control room is moderately damped with Basotect panels and was covered with a short-pile carpet.

Already with the first notes from the JBL LSR 705P one feels a clear bundling of the high frequency range, which on the one hand somewhat limits the sweet spot of the isosceles triangle, but on the other hand also ensures a better stereo image at greater distances. Again, the tendency towards midfield monitoring is unmistakable.

Let's go a bit more into detail. Even with the first songs, it's really hard not to lose sight of what a small monitor you have in front of you. Especially the bass range creates a volume and a frequency response that you wouldn't expect from a 5 inch speaker. Even if the built-in processors generate significantly more efficiency than, for example, a passive system, I would not have trusted the system with this volume. Last but not least, the high power reserves give the system a headroom that still allows a great linearity in the frequency response even at higher volumes.

The 40 Hz mentioned in the manual are actually also touched, which even makes the purchase of a subwoofer obsolete, depending on the music style. Whether bass-heavy productions from the "artificial" metier a la techno or hip-hop are satisfied with this, every sound engineer must clarify with himself, "natural" music from the rock / pop / jazz camp should have no problems with this bass range.

The high-frequency range of the JBL LSR 705P, on the other hand, comes across very sober, which is by no means to be understood negatively. Neither is the range excessively soft and flattering, nor too harsh or biting, just sober. The Image Control Waveguide adopted from the M2 leaves me with a very good impression, even if the listening position must be maintained somewhat more disciplined than with other models.

Now we come to the area for which JBL offered a legendary basic sound in many of its models, the mids. Particularly for guitar-heavy productions, JBL has always had a tick' more in the 400 Hz - 1.6 kHz range than the comparable competition in recent decades. This is no longer the case with the JBL LSR 705P. Not that the mids are in any way flawed, but in terms of "warmth" and "smoothness," JBL has matched the general listening expectations.

Also, in terms of spatial resolution, it is clear that despite the highest optimization of all components, it is not possible to expand the soundstage beyond a certain point in terms of dispersion. While spatial depth may be far down the priority scale in modern productions anyway due to the sonic material and mastering parameters, it represents an important point in space-affine productions from the jazz and blues area. Here, the JBL LSR 705P has to be given slight marks, since the system does not succeed optimally in generating a perfect transition from the direct component to the reverb tail. The room is clearly perceptible, but the feeling of "immersion" does not want to fully set in.

What can be adjusted very well, on the other hand, are the different ways in which the system can be used. Any form of synchronization or also different runtimes due to different distances can be managed very well. The small display, which was criticized by some colleagues, didn't bother me personally, especially since you don't constantly change a configuration once it has been set.

Conclusion

With the JBL LSR 705P, the American manufacturer delivers a nearfield monitor whose performance data easily radiates into the midfield range. The sound of the Mexican-built system is convincing all along the line, whereby a preference for modern music genres is undoubtedly perceptible. Despite the ambitious price, the accommodation of several purchase arguments such as digital inputs, various synchronization, filter and delay programs in a virtually tiny housing seems to me to be worth the price.

Additional informations:

JBL, an abbreviation for James Bullough Lansing, is a renowned American audio electronics company that has left an indelible mark on the audio industry since its inception in 1946. The company has consistently delivered exceptional sound quality, cutting-edge technology, and a wide range of products that cater to various audio needs. This comprehensive report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of JBL, encompassing its history, product portfolio, innovative advancements, market presence, and customer satisfaction.

Historical Overview: JBL was founded by James Bullough Lansing, a pioneering audio engineer with a vision to create the highest-quality audio equipment. The company started as Lansing Manufacturing Company, specializing in loudspeaker systems for cinemas, theaters, and other venues. In 1946, Lansing left the company and established JBL to focus on creating innovative and consumer-oriented audio solutions.

Product Portfolio: JBL offers an extensive array of products, including loudspeakers, headphones, soundbars, subwoofers, and professional audio equipment. JBL's loudspeaker lineup comprises various categories, such as home audio, portable speakers, professional audio, and car audio. The company's headphones range from wireless Bluetooth options to noise-canceling models, providing immersive and high-fidelity audio experiences for consumers.

Innovative Advancements: JBL has consistently pushed the boundaries of audio technology, leading to groundbreaking advancements in the industry. The company has introduced several innovative features in its products, including:

JBL Connect+: This technology allows users to connect multiple JBL speakers wirelessly, creating a synchronized audio experience across multiple devices.

b) Noise-Canceling Technology: JBL has incorporated advanced noise-canceling algorithms into its headphones, minimizing external disturbances and enhancing the audio quality.

c) Voice Assistant Integration: JBL has integrated voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa into its speakers, enabling users to control their audio experience through voice commands.

d) Waterproof and Portable Designs: JBL's portable speakers are designed to withstand water and dust, making them ideal for outdoor and adventurous use.

Market Presence:
JBL has established a strong global presence, with its products being sold in over 100 countries. The company has formed strategic partnerships with various retailers, both online and offline, ensuring widespread availability of its products. JBL has also collaborated with prominent musicians, DJs, and athletes, leveraging their influence to enhance brand visibility and appeal to a diverse consumer base.

Customer Satisfaction:
JBL has garnered a loyal customer base through its commitment to delivering high-quality audio products. The company's emphasis on sound accuracy, durability, and user-friendly interfaces has earned it a reputation for customer satisfaction. JBL's products consistently receive positive reviews, with users praising the brand's ability to provide immersive audio experiences across different price points.

Competitive Landscape:
The audio industry is highly competitive, with numerous brands vying for market share. JBL faces competition from established players like Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, and others. However, JBL's strong reputation, constant innovation, and diverse product offerings have enabled it to maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Conclusion:
JBL has undoubtedly established itself as a leader in the audio industry, continuously setting new standards for sound quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With its rich history, diverse product portfolio, and cutting-edge advancements, JBL continues to captivate audio enthusiasts worldwide. The company's commitment to excellence, coupled with its ability to adapt to evolving consumer needs, positions JBL for a promising future in the audio technology landscape.