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Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $250.00 from Don't Remember

Summary:
I have had these speakers for several years acting as the two fron speakers in my home theter setup and thus as my primary stereo speakers fo music. I am thoroughly impressed with their performance in my Mnahattan apartment. I am now moving to the burbs and would love to see these solid speakers mount on the wall next to my 52 inch LCD. Does anyone have thoughts on a wallmount that can handle speakers that are 12 inches wide and way 22 pounds each?

Strengths:
Sound and bass response. Perfect compromise btw size and performance

Weaknesses:
These are compromise speakers between a bookshelf that would deliver no bass and a floorstanding that would take up too much space.

Price Paid:  $165.00 from Best Price Audio Vid

Summary:
I was shopping for a pair of bookshelf speakers to replace my Klipsch KG2.2s, which I was never really happy with--too veiled with mutted highend. After doing much research in the under $300 per pair range, and reading the reviews here, I decided on the N28II by JBL. From the moment I hooked these up to my Denon amp, I was smiling. Being bookshelf speakers with an 8-inch woofer, the bass rolls off at 50 Hz. Nevertheless, these were among the best speakers I have ever listened to for the price, and I have owned various speakers over the last 30 years. That is to say, they are accurate, which JBL has always pursued--musical accuracy. I purchased this pair for only $165, which works out to just over $80 a speaker. So, in terms of value, I give the N28II five stars. I listened both CDs and records and was extremely pleased with their performance, although the lower end was somewhat limited, but that was expected. To boost the bass, I did more research into getting a subwoofer, and bought a JBL PB10. With proper hookup and adjustment (it is easy to overdo the amount of lower frequecies the PB10 plays as well as the volume, but I will post a separate review of the PB10)the sound in my bedroom now is great. I used these speakers for listening to music; I do not use them in a surround sound system. Whether I am listening to Paul Desmond, Julie London, or Paul Hardcastle, the performance of these speakers is excellent. For anyone on a budget, these speakers are an excellent choice. Most listeners will be very pleased. I recommend them highly. You can purchase them through various internet audio sellers.

Strengths:
Superb mid-range and highend sound reproduction and adequate bass. Excellent value.

Weaknesses:
Made in Mexico, but build quality is what you would expect from JBL. Only available in black; would have prefered cherry or beech, which is available on its floorstanding models.

Similar Products Used:
Klipsch KG2.2, ESS AMT4

Price Paid:  $200.00 from Futureshop

Summary:
Purchased these onsale at futureshop (half off). Figured I couldn't go wrong, boy was I dissapointed. Sure these speakers can get loud but the sound quality/accuracy is lacking. These speakers are awefully bright (paired with a Yamaha HTR5660). After auditioning them for a couple of weeks I returned it to futureshop (30day return policy) and picked up a pair of Polk Rti6, and am satisfied with these.

Strengths:
Price Loud

Weaknesses:
Sound Quality (bright) Lacks Bass

Similar Products Used:
Polk Audio Rti6 Athena ASB2

Price Paid:  $230.00 from Futureshop

Summary:
I actually own the N26II speakers, which are basically the same speaker as this one, with a 6" driver instead of an 8". When shopping for speakers, I compared these to a pair of Athena speakers of the same price, and needless to say, the Athena's sounded tinny and small compared to the JBL's. I am very impressed with the frequency responce, clarity, and output of these speakers. It is definately more than I could ask for from such a small speaker. I would highly recommend these to anyone looking for a bookshelf speaker that sounds clean and powerfull without any help from an expensive subwoofer.

Strengths:
-clean, accurate sound reproduction -VERY good frequency respone

Weaknesses:
none

Price Paid:  $300.00

Summary:
This loudspeaker system has been a reliable and faithfull system providing honest sound reproduction for me through the last year and a half. The speakers I own are used as my "stereo pair". They are connected to a Yamaha HTR-5150 Receiver that supplies 70WRMS a channel. I thought I'd mention the amplifier used in my setup because the capabilities of the amplifier can alter the ending result of the sound to a large degree. My overall impression of the N28 system is one of good overall clarity and quality for this market segment. I would say that this system has a strong mid-range section with nice, neutral highs. The bass response is adequate. The location of placement will largely determine the results. Overall, I am happy owning these speakers.

Strengths:
-Very Good Build Quality -Quality Transducers -Speakers look great with screens on or off. -Very clear sound without harshness -Nice vocals and imaging (when proper setup is practiced)

Weaknesses:
I belive that the speakers can be damaged below maximum power rating with high levels in the bass region. Be sure not to crank the bass knob all the way up to increase bass. ADD a subwoofer instead. I recomend a SUB for Home Theater Users.

Similar Products Used:
Other JBL models Yamaha Infinity