Reviews for JBL S36AWII 3-Way 6" Vertical/Horizontal Bookshelf SpeakerPair - MPN: S36AWII 
By member:
Thmslbrt
- Jun 18, 2006
JBL S36AWII 3-Way 6" Vertical/Horizontal Bookshelf...Strengths: Great sound for a wide open area outside. Weakness: None thus far I have not used these speakers too much, because the house is new and our patio/backyard is not finished. The sound is great and am very happy with the speakers for what I purchased them for. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful? Top
Reply by member: martensm
Aug 25, 2007 Good sound indeed, but very limited hanging options.. you can only hang the speakers to two screws in the wall with no mobility at all.. no hability to give orientation at all, not even fixed. reason why I am thinking of changing these speakers.  
|
JBL S36AW II - Good Outdoor Speakers
Strengths: Sound, Durabillity, Versatility
Weakness: Smallish woofers
I reccommend these speakers for many reasons: Starting with the heavy feel and durable finish, these are an obviously good choice for outdoor applications. The front grilles are easily detached for painting or washing, adding to the versatility of the speakers. The multi function binding posts are heavy duty, all metal and will make for easy connection via a multitude of methods. The sealed box will remain weatherproof in most applications and with the exception of the surrounds which apprear durable but may have to be replaced after 5 or 10 years, these speakers appear as though they will last a very long time.
As far as sound, these exhibit the clarity that JBL seems to be known for. They reproduce the human vocal range with exceptional clarity. The highs are pure, true, and even without the tinniness that many outdoor speakers have. The bass is even good coming from the smallish woofers. I was surprised by the tonal clarity of the bass and mid bass, reproducing everything from snappy bass drums to lower notes of the bass guitar and moving all the way up the spectrum to smooth mid-bass and blending in well with the notes of the mid-range driver where much of the vocals are so accurately reproduced. There we also see where these speakers will shine outdoors as you may have to make them project the notes which we more readily hear - vocals and mid range to high frequency sounds. Since bass is hard to get outdoors (no walls to reflect and contain), I would not expect voluminous quantities; nor would I expect these to shake your house. They sound good at a reasonable volume, if you are gonna really turn it up, I suggest getting a passive crossover to get rid of the excess bass which will overdrive the smallish woofers. On the high side, the tweeters are great. You will hear clarity in all instruments and vocals that are in the high ferequency that these tweets shoot out.
These came amply packaged for shipping with good styrofoam inserts and plastic bags in a not-so-cumbersome box. No problems with reshipping if necessary. To my surprise, there were good instructions for multiple mounting options and they even included a pattern for hole drilling, the right special mounting screws, and a LEVEL for making sure the speakers are aesthetically well mounted - your wife will like that. Plus, you get a handy little level.
I have several JBL speakers and they employ nice crossovers and good quality components; and all for a reasonable price. These speakers will undoubtedly make some new owners happy. As far as outdoor speakers, they are perfectly suited. These aren't PA speakers so don't expect hard hittin' bass.... drive them right and they will certainly please you as they did me. I had auditioned many outdoor spreakers - from smaller JBL's, Yamaha's, and even B&W's, but these are the best price/value/performance combination I could find.
Other speakers I have used/owned:
JBL N26
JBL S-Center
JBL N-Center
JBL ND310 II
Yamaha Bookshelf 8"
Sony Floorstanding 12"
KLH Foorstanding 15"
Sunfire True Subwoofer Mark II
Definitive Technology BP Series
Yamaha SW100 Subwoofer
100% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?