T.H.E. Show Newport 2018 Ron Report: JBL Everest DD67000

[Ron Resnick]

JBL EVEREST DD67000

For JBL horn aficionados we saw and heard the top-of-the-line modern JBL horn system: the Everest DD67000.











Driven by 80 watt push-pull amplifiers KeithR and I heard great dynamics and dynamic range. We both found the sound to be on the bright side, but JeffT who heard the system the next day — and who owns the PBN Audio M2!5, which features the JBL D2430H mid-range/tweeter compression driver with dual-diaphragms in a custom M-T-M configuration — did not agree.








PROJECT EVEREST DD67000

Under a program called Project Everest, JBL® engineers designed the ultimate loudspeaker system: the Project Everest DD66000. But they wanted to outdo themselves. Using the latest technologies, they created the DD67000. This three-way speaker features dual 15-inch (380-millimeter) three-layer (pure-pulp layers over and under a foam-injection core) sandwich cone woofers for articulate, authoritative bass response. Clear high and midrange frequencies come through a 4-inch (100-millimeter) pure beryllium compression driver. And a 1-inch (25-millimeter), pure-beryllium ultrahigh-frequency driver delivers sounds up to 60kHz – far above the range of human hearing.
Available in rosewood and maple, the Everest DD67000 stays true to our heritage: the world’s most coveted sound equipment.



HIGHLIGHTS
• Dual 15? (380mm) three-layer sandwich cone woofers for authoritative bass response
• 4? (100mm) pure-beryllium diaphragm for crystal-clear highs
• 1? (25mm), pure-beryllium diaphragm for extreme highs
• Extremely smooth and wide frequency response
• Proprietary Bi-Radial® horns
• 100 – 500 watts suggested amplifier power range
• Excellent terminals and system controls
• Bi-wiring capabilities
Flawless enclosure construction (Less)

SPECIFICATIONS
Description Dual 15? (380mm), three-way, floorstanding speaker designed for a superlative listening experience
Frequency Response 29Hz – 60kHz (half space); 45Hz – 60kHz (anechoic)
Recommended Amplifier Power 500 watts
Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m) 96dB
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms; 5.0 ohms @ 80Hz; 3.0 ohms @ 40kHz
Crossover Frequencies (Hz) 150Hz (LF1 6dB/octave) 850Hz (LF2 24dB/octave) 20kHz (UHF 24dB/octave)
Ultrahigh-frequency Drive Components 1? (25mm) pure-beryllium compression driver
High-frequency Drive Components 4? (100mm) pure-beryllium compression driver
Low-frequency Drive Components Dual 15? (380mm) three-layer, pure-pulp sandwich/foam core cone woofer
Height 43.7” (110.9 cm)
Width 38” (96.5 cm)
Depth 18.5” (47 cm)
Weight Weight: 313 lb (142.1 kg) / Shipping Weight: 383 lb (173.9 kg)
Finishes Rosewood or Maple

 

[Folsom]

Odd, something would have to be hella bright sounding to make those sound bright. They're pretty relaxed otherwise.

 

[KeithR]

Odd, something would have to be hella bright sounding to make those sound bright. They're pretty relaxed otherwise.

It was piercing on classical album "Round Up" - i chalked it up to room although they actually used a lot of treatment? Sometimes I sit a little high due to my chair and cant adjust back enough - but Ron and my friend Doug all agreed without hinting at eachother the room was bright.

 

[Folsom]

Trash power from the hotel never helps.

 

[KeithR]

Trash power from the hotel never helps.

I've also heard that tube can be tilted up in certain amps.

 

[Folsom]

Ya... I think some times to assist old ears.

But also there is this annoy complication that the standard EQ curve from a studio is to turn bass up a little and highs down.... so then you have audiophile systems trying to tilt it back to normal but that doesn't work with all music.

 

[DaveyF]

I also thought that this room/speaker combo was too bright. Unfortunately, I felt the imaging wasn't that precise here either, and the speakers seemed too large for the room. As in most rooms at this show, the rooms acoustics were poor and extremely hard to deal with ( according to most exhibitors I spoke with). In this room, although there were some acoustic treatments, these speakers seemed to be the wrong choice.

 

[Folsom]

Good point, I don't see 6ft between the speakers, and anything less never works right...

 

[bazelio]

6C33C bright... Go figure! What was the source? I'd have liked to hear this system.

 

[bazelio]

A friend of mine who has heard these elsewhere confirms they tend towards being a bit bright and hard. He agrees with Ron and doesn't think it was an issue with the room.

 

[jeff1225]

Ron,
I want back into the room and I have to agree with KeithR and you, it was bright. When I was in the room earlier, they were playing classical music that had limited highs and dynamics. Also, I found the vertical dispersion of the driver and the corresponding small sound stage disappointing. These speakers were on the top of my list when I was out shopping for my next speaker. I'm happy I went with the PBN's....

 

[bonzo75]

JBL Everest is disappointing. I have heard the 66000 and the 67000 with multiple amps now. Accuphase, jadis, a class D, and also heard the K2 though only at shows with the ML. They all around the same. Thin, poor bass, low on tone. No vertical dispersion, that's bang on. However a custom theater horn made with vintage JBL drivers was awesome

 

[jeff1225]

JBL Everest is disappointing. I have heard the 66000 and the 67000 with multiple amps now. Accuphase, jadis, a class D, and also heard the K2 though only at shows with the ML. They all around the same. Thin, poor bass, low on tone. No vertical dispersion, that's bang on. However a custom theater horn made with vintage JBL drivers was awesome

If you make it out to So. Cal again you'll have to check out my custom horns Kedar, they tick the boxes the 67000's miss.

 

[Zero000]

The fact of the matter is the speaker does sound quite poor, especially given the asking price. I concur I find it bright, hard, brash at times. It's hard work to listen to, especially on brass.

The JBL 4367 is, oddly, far, far superior. And a lot cheaper. Which is mad, but hey.

 

[TitaniumTroy]

I wish my 4367's looked as nice as the Everest's but sound wise, I like mine a 100% better.