The reason for that typically has to do with both technical characteristics like power compression (how well does a transducer 'hold together' at high levels?)...and, sonic characteristics. (How well does a component translate the electrical signal into acoustical energy...and how 'musical' is it when that happens?)

JBL, as a company, did not really elect to participate in the competition for horn-loaded systems throughout the 1980's. And, it has been fairly recently that the company has begun to really focus on tour sound system products for a broad market. I should also point out...this is probably the first time in history that JBL has been run by "sound guys" (instead of accountants or sales executives).

Ted Leamy has joined us recently (after 23 years at Electrotec). Mark Engebretson is now Director of System Development. And our President, Michael MacDonald, knew all about bus hair and the hazards of the road long before taking his first 'office job' at Yamaha Corporation, to begin work on better mixing consoles like the PM3000 and PM4000.

One thing I do notice, as I travel around and as I speak with many smaller and regional rental sound customers...this is a very confusing marketplace right now. How does a guy know whether sales claims are 'true' or not? If you are not a trained engineer, how do you really know how to intepret speaker system specifications, etc.?

Tucci: So when an old dog finally decides to stay around the dog house, I can send you a resume?

David Scheirman: Hey...resumes always welcome! Old dogs are always needed to teach those young pups how to lift their leg. :-)

And...young pups are needed to keep us old dogs from thinking we know it
all!

Weogo Reed: Since you're in the speaker business, what are the advantages/compromises with subs that have passive radiators? I'm thinking of the 35-70Hz range, fidelity being a priority.

David Scheirman: Passive radiators primarily have benefits in near field listening situations. You will see that techonlogy as a mainstay in varied designs for home entertainment use, and in some low powered recording monitors. Portable systems cannot usually afford the extra space/weight of
such technologies.

As an example...while not a passive radiatior...a recent line array product brought out by a respected vendor has extra woofers, rear-firing, to help with lobing control. Each enclosure weighs about 356 lbs. (161 Kg). Stage call, 8AM...backbraces on!