Sunday, November 20, 2016

Thrift Store Speaker Encounter: Kenwood JL-870 Floorstanding 3-Way Speakers

Sometimes you find monster speakers in the most humble of settings.  For example, I found a pair of these Kenwood JL-870 Speakers at one of the junkiest Goodwill thrift stores in my area.  Each had a well-worn exterior and stood nearly waist high.  But, when I removed the dusty grills, the speakers themselves appeared to be in perfect condition.

A Vintage Kenwood JL-870 Speaker revealed

 I really wanted to buy these speakers right then and there.  They seemed to be the perfect antidote to rude downstairs neighbors with loud kids and strong, lingering, cooking odors.  But, I had to be mature.  I knew that these speakers would be more at home in a man cave deep in the bowels of a detached house in the country where they could sing at their loudest.  According to the back plate, these Kenwood speakers are 8 ohm units that can handle a maximum input power of a staggering 180 watts!  They'd be able to rumble my building with a low of 35 Hertz and a high of 20 kHz.  JL-870 speakers were also made in America.

Kenwood JL-870 Backplate

 I only found one Kenwood JL-870 review on AudioReview.com.  However, it seems like these speakers are good enough for most people.  Of course, audiophiles recommend spending more money and investing in more modern speakers from more exotic names.
 
Dusty Old Stereo Speakers Waiting for You at Goodwill
The most serious drawback I saw with these units is that they have particle board cabinets.  Unfortunately, that is not a material that stands up to the test of the time.  These speakers had some areas that were banged up and chipped along the back edge.  These cosmetic issues can be repaired, but you have to invest some time and elbow grease.

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