Slickdeals is community-supported.  We may get paid by brands for deals, including promoted items.
Missed This Deal? Get alerts when similar deals are posted.
expired
expired
omar1927 80.5K Views
Jun 7, 2021 2:28 PM

JBL Studio 530 5-1/4" Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair, Black)

$250

$600

58% off
w/ SD Cashback + Free Shippingat JBL
Visit JBL
Good Deal?
200Comments
Save
Share
Deal Details
JBL has JBL Studio 530 5-1/4" Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair, Black) for $249.99. To earn 2.5% in Slickdeals Cashback, before purchase, follow the cashback instructions below. Shipping is free.

Harman Audio has JBL Studio 530 5-1/4" Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair, Black) for $249.99. To earn 2.5% in Slickdeals Cashback, before purchase, follow the cashback instructions below. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member omar1927 for finding this deal.

Includes:
  • JBL Studio 530 Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair)
  • Horn Covers (Pair)
  • Port Tube Inserts (Pair)
  • Cards w/ Adhesive Rubber Feet (Pair)

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • This price is $349.96 lower (58% savings) than the list price of $599.95
    • This price is $30 lower than this recent Frontpage deal.
    • Price valid until 6/13 or while supplies last.
  • About this product:
  • About these stores:
    • Details of JBL's return policy can be found here.
    • Details of Harmon Audio's return policy can be found here.

Original Post

Written by omar1927
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
JBL has JBL Studio 530 5-1/4" Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair, Black) for $249.99. To earn 2.5% in Slickdeals Cashback, before purchase, follow the cashback instructions below. Shipping is free.

Harman Audio has JBL Studio 530 5-1/4" Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair, Black) for $249.99. To earn 2.5% in Slickdeals Cashback, before purchase, follow the cashback instructions below. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member omar1927 for finding this deal.

Includes:
  • JBL Studio 530 Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair)
  • Horn Covers (Pair)
  • Port Tube Inserts (Pair)
  • Cards w/ Adhesive Rubber Feet (Pair)

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • This price is $349.96 lower (58% savings) than the list price of $599.95
    • This price is $30 lower than this recent Frontpage deal.
    • Price valid until 6/13 or while supplies last.
  • About this product:
  • About these stores:
    • Details of JBL's return policy can be found here.
    • Details of Harmon Audio's return policy can be found here.

Original Post

Written by omar1927

Community Voting

Deal Score
+79
Good Deal
Visit JBL

Top Comments

jsuh0
690Comments
165Reputation
If you want to avoid a sub, you want to spend more on floorstanding speakers instead of bookshelves.
Go to Comment
Mrvrsick
636Comments
134Reputation
I have some huge, 40+ pound floorstanding speakers in my main room, they still greatly benefit from a sub, especially for movie content.

If I could do it all over again, I'd buy better bookshelf speakers and two subs. This is what I learned from my garage system as the bookshelf speakers with 5.25 inch woofers generally blend well with a 12 inch sub in-room.

So my suggestion: for the price of the floorstanding speakers anyone is looking at, spend it on bookshelf speakers, speaker stands, and a sub instead.
Go to Comment
oahumike
2.2KComments
370Reputation
Had these before and if I didn't go the wireless route, I'd buy a few pairs right now. I chose the infinity 162's because the center channel RC263 had rave reviews. I JUST hooked it up and love it so far as I didn't previously have the space to install it as is in my home because it's a beast
Go to Comment

Join The Conversation

Share your experience with the Slickdeals community

Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!

200 Comments

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Jun 9, 2021 6:27 PM
1.3K Comments
Joined Dec 2009
chefpJun 9, 2021 6:27 PM
1.3K Comments
Quote from PoopyMcPoopyFace View quoted comment :
Not sure if you read what I wrote. I said that turning them on their sides "will create a mess of their sound". Is your goal to be a jerk?
Ah, Poopy Face pooping on everyone else calling me a jerk. Right.

1. I recommended the 520 center as a good complement to JBL's horn waveguide speakers.
2. You said it sucks because it's sideways.
3. You the said the 530 is better.

First, you're implying that JBL's engineers can't design a good waveguide center speaker.
Second, you recommended a 530 bookshelf for the center. No one wants to put a vertical speaker in the center. Well, maybe a handful of oddballs with awful looking setups.
Third, since most people want a horizontal center, they'd place the 530 horizontally. That's in no way better than the 530.

Sad I had to spell that out for you since it's difficult for you to follow basic logic steps.
Jun 9, 2021 6:32 PM
565 Comments
Joined Nov 2015
pixelpusher15Jun 9, 2021 6:32 PM
565 Comments
Quote from turbodog View quoted comment :
LOL. The sensitivity of these sucks, I don't care about your handwaving.
I mean he isn't lying about Klipsch lying more than JBL. From ASR for the Klipsch RP-600M: Sensitivity: 88dB (300Hz-3kHz ; spec: 96dB). Go look at a bunch of reviews from ASR, a lot of the bookshelves are in the 85-88 range. The NHT C3 is at 83.4db!
Jun 9, 2021 7:01 PM
4.4K Comments
Joined Oct 2011
turbodogJun 9, 2021 7:01 PM
4.4K Comments
Quote from pixelpusher15 View quoted comment :
I mean he isn't lying about Klipsch lying more than JBL. From ASR for the Klipsch RP-600M: Sensitivity: 88dB (300Hz-3kHz ; spec: 96dB). Go look at a bunch of reviews from ASR, a lot of the bookshelves are in the 85-88 range. The NHT C3 is at 83.4db!
OK? I don't think I've ever even listened to a Klipsch speaker from this Millennium. You guys must be REALLY hung up on them.

https://www.stereophile.com/conte...asurements

Quote :
My estimate was much lower, at 89.6dB(B)/2.83V/m, though this is still higher than is typical for a small two-way speaker
That's very good for any home speaker but yeah of course their number is inflated. My Klipsch's from 25 years ago are rated like 4db more sensitive than what they actually do, maybe they are quoting for a pair lol. Regardless they are more efficient than anything short of a PA speaker and handle power well.

I've got nothing against this JBL speaker, LIKE I SAID EARLIER, I generally respect JBL's products especially their PA gear, I've got a couple of their bluetooth portables, I've looked at building an active crossover / DSP system with their theater horns, and have considered their floorstanders - HOWEVER, this speaker is still low sensitivity for a horn speaker. I know JBL likes to post generally accurate specs, I've read many of their pro audio datasheets.

I don't know why you would fool around with them when you could just get a set of MD49's:

https://jblpro.com/en/product_doc...a7a3102017
Last edited by turbodog June 9, 2021 at 12:14 PM.
Jun 9, 2021 8:10 PM
565 Comments
Joined Nov 2015
pixelpusher15Jun 9, 2021 8:10 PM
565 Comments
Quote from turbodog View quoted comment :
OK? I don't think I've ever even listened to a Klipsch speaker from this Millennium. You guys must be REALLY hung up on them.

https://www.stereophile.com/conte...asurements [stereophile.com]



That's very good for any home speaker but yeah of course their number is inflated. My Klipsch's from 25 years ago are rated like 4db more sensitive than what they actually do, maybe they are quoting for a pair lol. Regardless they are more efficient than anything short of a PA speaker and handle power well.

I've got nothing against this JBL speaker, LIKE I SAID EARLIER, I generally respect JBL's products especially their PA gear, I've got a couple of their bluetooth portables, I've looked at building an active crossover / DSP system with their theater horns, and have considered their floorstanders - HOWEVER, this speaker is still low sensitivity for a horn speaker. I know JBL likes to post generally accurate specs, I've read many of their pro audio datasheets.

I don't know why you would fool around with them when you could just get a set of MD49's:

https://jblpro.com/en/product_doc...a7a3102017 [jblpro.com]
The point I was making was that many bookshelves that are rated at higher sensitivities aren't actually that high. 85db isn't crazy low when you look at what the measurements come in as for many popular speakers.

Why would I get a pro speaker? Just because it can play loud? That's typically what they are designed for. They aren't designed to be flat and accurate and usually always struggle on the low end. Well, maybe those MD49s wouldn't since they have 2 freaking 15's in them! Who is going to put those in their house? You aren't even comparing apples to oranges, you are comparing apples to toast.
Jun 9, 2021 8:15 PM
4.4K Comments
Joined Oct 2011
turbodogJun 9, 2021 8:15 PM
4.4K Comments
Quote from pixelpusher15 View quoted comment :
The point I was making was that many bookshelves that are rated at higher sensitivities aren't actually that high. 85db isn't crazy low when you look at what the measurements come in as for many popular speakers.

Why would I get a pro speaker? Just because it can play loud? That's typically what they are designed for. They aren't designed to be flat and accurate and usually always struggle on the low end. Well, maybe those MD49s wouldn't since they have 2 freaking 15's in them! Who is going to put those in their house? You aren't even comparing apples to oranges, you are comparing apples to toast.
Nah fam, 85db and under is crazy low. I'd never buy a speaker that insensitive.

Actually I'm comparing Apples to a Potato Cannon. Regardless, I watched a movie on my PA system last weekend, it was loud and sounded good.
Jun 9, 2021 8:17 PM
990 Comments
Joined Dec 2016
palmoyasJun 9, 2021 8:17 PM
990 Comments
Duplicate post
https://slickdeals.net/f/15076834-studio-530-professional-quality-125-watt-bookshelf-speakers-249-99?src=fa-21fb39611c7b489692790d9a57b7b5d1&prop=azcid-32567998
1
Jun 9, 2021 8:55 PM
3.4K Comments
Joined Jul 2017
fintlewoodlewixJun 9, 2021 8:55 PM
3.4K Comments
Quote from chefp View quoted comment :
Ah, Poopy Face pooping on everyone else calling me a jerk. Right.

1. I recommended the 520 center as a good complement to JBL's horn waveguide speakers.
2. You said it sucks because it's sideways.
3. You the said the 530 is better.

First, you're implying that JBL's engineers can't design a good waveguide center speaker.
Second, you recommended a 530 bookshelf for the center. No one wants to put a vertical speaker in the center. Well, maybe a handful of oddballs with awful looking setups.
Third, since most people want a horizontal center, they'd place the 530 horizontally. That's in no way better than the 530.

Sad I had to spell that out for you since it's difficult for you to follow basic logic steps.
I said that the 520 is ok, but a 530 as center is better. I didn't say that JBL engineers can't do it. They can with the Revel center. It just is apparently a difficult task and unlikely to go great with a 520. Also, why not go with the likely superior 530 if you can fit it? The 530 is almost certainly better, since integrating drivers is easier when they're positioned as they are on the 530. Imaging is left to right. This is why drivers are almost always stacked vertically. A lot of people put a vertical speaker as their center speaker. In fact, the higher end the system, the more likely they do that since they'll put it behind a projector screen.

Anyway, here's a nice article on the issues: https://www.audioholics.com/louds...er-designs

Audioholics Vertical vs Horizontal Center Speaker Designs if the link doesn't work.
The beginning of the conclusion, after much measuring, sums it up nicely: "To get the most cohesive performance out of perhaps the most important channel in your home theater, strive for getting a center channel that is identical to your mains."

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Jun 9, 2021 9:47 PM
1.3K Comments
Joined Dec 2009
chefpJun 9, 2021 9:47 PM
1.3K Comments
Quote from PoopyMcPoopyFace View quoted comment :
I said that the 520 is ok, but a 530 as center is better. I didn't say that JBL engineers can't do it. They can with the Revel center. It just is apparently a difficult task and unlikely to go great with a 520. Also, why not go with the likely superior 530 if you can fit it? The 530 is almost certainly better, since integrating drivers is easier when they're positioned as they are on the 530. Imaging is left to right. This is why drivers are almost always stacked vertically. A lot of people put a vertical speaker as their center speaker. In fact, the higher end the system, the more likely they do that since they'll put it behind a projector screen.

Anyway, here's a nice article on the issues: https://www.audioholics.com/louds...er-designs

Audioholics Vertical vs Horizontal Center Speaker Designs if the link doesn't work.
The beginning of the conclusion, after much measuring, sums it up nicely: "To get the most cohesive performance out of perhaps the most important channel in your home theater, strive for getting a center channel that is identical to your mains."
Yeah if someone can fit a main speaker as a center and not have it look janky, there's potential to improve the sound. You'd be hard pressed to notice the difference since the center channel gets vocals, not music and loud booms.
OTOH, the 520 is designed to match the 530's. It works magnificently with JBL's horn waveguide speakers.

Placing a speaker behind an obstruction such as a projector screen degrades its sound far more than placing it sideways. Why waste a great sounding speaker by muffling it behind a screen? And why use a low performance mesh screen when there are far superior solid screens? The use case you're advocating for is a minuscule 0.001% of the consumer market. Even if people could afford that type of setup, most wouldn't want it nor have the space for it.
Jun 9, 2021 9:51 PM
3.4K Comments
Joined Jul 2017
fintlewoodlewixJun 9, 2021 9:51 PM
3.4K Comments
Quote from chefp View quoted comment :
Yeah if someone can fit a main speaker as a center and not have it look janky, there's potential to improve the sound. You'd be hard pressed to notice the difference since the center channel gets vocals, not music and loud booms.
OTOH, the 520 is designed to match the 530's. It works magnificently with JBL's horn waveguide speakers.

Placing a speaker behind an obstruction such as a projector screen degrades its sound far more than placing it sideways. Why waste a great sounding speaker by muffling it behind a screen? And why use a low performance mesh screen when there are far superior solid screens? The use case you're advocating for is a minuscule 0.001% of the consumer market. Even if people could afford that type of setup, most wouldn't want it nor have the space for it.
I mounted my TV high on the wall. I wish I mounted it higher. When reclined, I still have to look slightly angled downwards. I can easily fit three 590s across.

I don't think audibly translucent screens are necessarily low quality. That seems to be the standard for high-end installations. You're going to EQ anyway.
Jun 10, 2021 12:51 AM
25 Comments
Joined Jun 2016
hufft3Jun 10, 2021 12:51 AM
25 Comments
Are these complete overkill for hooking up to a record player?
Jun 10, 2021 12:54 AM
525 Comments
Joined Sep 2010
bruce99Jun 10, 2021 12:54 AM
525 Comments
I don't know why nobody is talking about how these are horn speakers, it's not like the horns aren't noticable large too. This should be a hard pass unless there's something magical about these. Nobody in their right mind would intentionally get these and brag about the sound
5
Jun 10, 2021 2:21 AM
605 Comments
Joined Nov 2008
Frugal-DealsJun 10, 2021 2:21 AM
605 Comments
Quote from bruce99 View quoted comment :
I don't know why nobody is talking about how these are horn speakers, it's not like the horns aren't noticable large too. This should be a hard pass unless there's something magical about these. Nobody in their right mind would intentionally get these and brag about the sound
Care to elaborate? The 530s are highly rated.
Jun 10, 2021 2:53 AM
626 Comments
Joined Nov 2015
dollardogJun 10, 2021 2:53 AM
626 Comments
I thinking of getting two pairs of the JBL 530s (for front and rear L/R) and adding a Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C that's currently on sale at Adorama for $420. Thinking of adding an SVS PB-2000 Pro if I can find it on sale. If not, maybe a Klipsch SPL-150 15" subwoofer for $579.

Thoughts?
Jun 10, 2021 3:30 AM
5.9K Comments
Joined Nov 2014
ftee123Jun 10, 2021 3:30 AM
5.9K Comments
Quote from Esaul562 View quoted comment :
These are excellent speakers. I prefer these over my infinity R263 and Kef Q150.
I have 7 Infinity R263. Looking ways to get rid of them.

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Jun 10, 2021 3:35 AM
291 Comments
Joined Mar 2017
Esaul562Jun 10, 2021 3:35 AM
291 Comments
Quote from ftee123 View quoted comment :
I have 7 Infinity R263. Looking ways to get rid of them.
Why do you have so many?

Join The Conversation

Share your experience with the Slickdeals community

Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!

Related Searches

Tech & ElectronicsAudio / VideoSpeakersJBLJBL