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To some, two are better than one.
Stacking two Loth-X BS1 on each channel in bi-amp config has been my obsession for sonic spectaculars and picturesque extravagance. So you can bet that it also crossed my mind while working on the JB3. Not having the privilege of a spare pair of JB3, help was on its way from Singapore. Reader JR first emailed me in November last year telling me that after reading about my KingRex adventure bi-amping the d'Appolito Loth-X array, he was thinking of bi-amping four pieces of JB3 with two KingRex T20U powered by PSUs. Later, he also told me that he was planning to build the MYOSS speaker stands for his JB3. Unfortunately he had to abort the mission weeks later when Ikea Singapore confirmed that they were no longer stocking the aluminum legs due to metal prices surging out of control. JR eventually settled for the Atacama SE 24" speaker stands. After months of fine-tuning, his JB3 system was finalized as follows:

  • Source: Pioneer DV380s with IEC adapter for use with Belden 19364 power cord.
  • Tube Buffer: Yaqin 2 x 6J1 (replaced with NOS Sylvania 5654w tubes), power cord a DIY 4N pure silver Litz braid
  • Bi-amp: KingRex T20U (x 2), PSU (x 2)
  • Interconnects: Belden 89259, same for Y-splitters for bi-amping
  • Speaker cables: JohnBlue Mr. Cable Virgin Copper 2.5m pair
  • Power cords: Belden 19364 terminated with MK plugs and Wattgate IEC connectors
  • Power distributor: Permaplug 4-outlet wired with Belden 19364
  • AC Filter: Quantum ElectroClear

So how did it sound? JR responded:
"As I did away with a preamp in this bi-amp project, I added the Yaqin 6J1 tube buffer and changed the stock tubes to 5654w (Sylvania NOS EF95). That gave the Pioneer DV380s (haha, the Thailand Goldmund) the extra shimmer and warmth. For the KingRex, I do want to recommend an excellent power cable. It's the 19364 by Belden. Cost me SGD10 per meter (cable only) which I terminated with economy MK and Wattgate on both ends. I tell you, with them on the KingRex PSU, the whole setup is on steroids. This cable is special in my opinion. When I had my friends over listening to Diana Krall's Live in Paris, Track 11 "A Case of You", for the first time I heard three coughs from the audience so distinct that I thought my friend coughed. I believe your Loth-X arrays can do the same or perhaps much better. But the JB3s are truly amazing. They took me right to the heart of the recording before I was aware of it. Music making has never been more spontaneous. There is not one particular sonic property that jumps out to grab you. Everything is working in harmony, naturally balance. Pure and simple. Now I am in love with fullrangers.


"Yes, the JB3 are the best full-range bookshelves I have ever heard. As a single pair, they have volume, clarity, warmth and just a little color (or should we say character) of their own. This did change my perception that full rangers are bright, sharp and need exotically designed ports and cabinets that look like labyrinths to squeeze the last ounce of bass from the contraption. Because one single pair captivated and moved me, it dawned on me that two pairs (one pair for each channel) biamped should elevate the JB3s to the epitome of music reproduction. And they did, ever so gracefully and effortlessly."


For those interested, the Yaqin tube buffer has been all the rage among the lampizators and is now represented in North America for $175 a shot. Looking at the photos sent over from JR, I noticed that he had stacked his JB3s in an unusual way. Personally, I would have aligned the drivers mirror-imaged for point-source imaging. So I asked JR if this was the outcome of experiments. "Yes, you are right. I exhausted every possible way. I tried ports in, ports out, d'Appolito array, reverse array and whatnot. This setup sounds best to me. When I did the d'Appolito array, there was a buzzing noise at zero volume even when the CDP was off and no music playing. I thought it was tube hum from the buffer. I turned the buffer off and it was still there. It was only then I realized the JB3s are not magnetically shielded and the unsolicited electromagnetic current from the interactive magnets probably caused the hum. With the ports out, the soundstage was small, smeared and the bass a tad muddy. This setup sounds the best to me. The focus is pinpointed and the bass is tight and punchy."


Magnetic hum? I was curious and had to experiment myself. I put the JB3s next to an LCD and CRT TV without the slightest magnetic interference evident on the screens. I reported my findings to JR and suggested he float the ground of the tube buffer. He came back with a thank you: "The hum was from the buffer." Tommy also confirmed that his speakers are not magnetically shielded for sonic reasons. He further suggested that the ports be aligned close together for more focused bass.

Narrowing down and widening out.
JohnBlue Audio's JB3 is probably the narrowest widebander with the widest appeal. It is perfect for desktop sound systems if you treasure resolution and verisimilitude delivered with consummate ease. With its tonal neutrality, timbral integrity and naturally balanced frequency spectrum, it could well be the most affordable near-field studio monitor. With its ability to depict details at low levels without compressing the dynamics, headphone enthusiasts might even consider the JB3 for off-the-top-of-their-heads private listening. When wedded with the KingRex T20, it is the simple 2-channel musical solution to enhance your TV/video enjoyment if you don't fancy complicated home theater surround sound. As mainstream loudspeaker, the JB3 is a perfect match with Tripath amps (KingRex in particular for its valve-like sound). The JB3 is larger when you use a double pair in d'Appolito array as testified by our reader JR from Singapore who happily bi-amps with two KingRex T20Us. But for the purists -- and I happen to have freshly graduated from their school -- a single pair of JB3 is the way to go.
To the pure in heart and meek of mind, it's the way music should sound. With tube amps, be it a low wattage SET or 60-watts beast, the JB3 excelled beyond my expectation for a 3" widebander. As a former skeptic,
I can now confidently come forward and wholeheartedly endorse the JB3. Kudos to Tommy Wu, the young master of the full-range driver. (And I must thank him for having the gumption to tell me not to use my subwoofers.) When someone can perfect a minuscule 3" driver to such a level, imagine what he could do with his hands untied. I look forward to auditioning his JB4 and JB8 in the hopefully not-too-distant future. Narrowing it down to just one line, I vow to thee, my widebander, you've widened my musical horizons.

Quality of packing: Reliable
Reusability of packing: Yes
Ease of unpacking/repacking: Entirely unproblematic
Condition of component received: Flawless
Completeness of delivery: With removable fabric grille
Quality of owner's manual: n/a
Website comments: Professionally done, excellent product shots - check out the show pictures under News.
Warranty: 1 year
Global distribution: Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, U.S.A., Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
Human interactions: Professional and courteous, timely responses to questions, adequate English skills despite being non-native English speakers, forthcoming about technicality and everything.
Other: New models carry upgraded binding posts.
Pricing: A steal, considering it's one of a kind.
Application conditions: Remove grille, place speakers on heavy duty speaker stands with bass reflex ports on the inside.
Final comments & suggestions: Must be heard to be believed.
JohnBlue Audio Art website
Sole Global Agent's website