Pioneer HPM-100 VS. JBL L112 Shootout!
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Testing out my new Canon 4K camera with the Sennheiser MKE-440 stereo microphone. We compare the Pioneer HPM-100 speakers with MV Audio Labs crossovers to the JBL L112.
These speakers are paired to a fully recapped and re-transistored Pioneer SX-1250. Just having a little fun here on Father's Day, hope you enjoy.
I have both pairs and I like the JBL's a little bit better
I prefer the sound of the JBL 💙👌
I had The HPM 100 in 1984 and loved it !!! After a year I sold it and bought the JBL L112 and still have it to this day!!! Thank you for this demonstration...never really heard a comparison of the two till now. They both sound great !!! HPM 100 base is a bit punchy. For my ears the JBL L112 has wider dynamic range.
Its almost if JBL has a warmer but more modern sound, but for some reason theres something incredibly special and vintage about the pioneer that I prefer
I have enjoyed both Pioneer & JBL speakers of many types . each pair has its own winning traits . the Pioneer HPM's are bullet proof with high power , but the JBL makes any receiver sound like a power house . I have always favored JBL for its size and weight .
Самый точный комментарии! Тоже предпочитаю Jbl ,но из японской акустики мне заходят в основном pioneer,верхние модели Yamaha,и некоторые модели Viktor,Trio,Onkyo,и technics…
The JBL clarity is hands done better. Both sound great though
I have no dog in the fight but I like the HPM-100 in terms of warmth.
The jbl's I hear semblance a little bit of "s" ing going on. A little to high.
Happy Father’s Day. I prefer the sound from the JBL over the Pioneer. The JBL has more definition and smoother bass compared to the Pioneer in your setup. The Pioneer sounds like I am listening from backstage behind the music through the screen.
JBL Signature sounds. I love it.
Both sounds good but I prefer the jbl’s sound over the pioneer
Nice comparison I'll take the Pioneer HPM100's they have more dynamic range and a warmer sound, i think those MV Audio Lab crossovers put them over the top. Happy Fathers day Ryan !!!
Ns1000 for me😂
If you see the magnet on the L112 which is like 9 inch wide and weights like 10 pounds you would not say HPM have more dynamic range 😁
This is the most accurate A/B comparison I’ve heard on UA-cam, clearly demonstrating the difference between both pairs of speakers. People rave about the HPM100s, which led me to believe they were the best-sounding vintage speakers, even better than modern soeakers, as some claim. However, this comparison proves that’s not true. The L112s sound much better than the HPM100s. The HPM100s reminded me of Sansui speakers, like the music’s playing through a cardboard paper towel roll.
Clearly JBL to my ears. Plus I am a sucker for white cones
The jbl's are a win for me !
I wish you made this video 2 years ago. THANKS!!!
Sniff.....snifff...I used to have a pair of the JBL L-112 that I got new back in 1985 when I was in the Navy. I miss them. Great speaker. I ran an Adcom GFA-555 on them before I sold them. I'm not crying.. that is something in my eye.
jajaja
Check the date because the L-112 came out on 1981
That was a great comparison. I’ve always wondered. I think I would take the JBL
I gotta say, the jbl has this presence to it that even shows over my iPad!
This surprised me, the jbl's are cleaner crisper than pioneer w crossover. nice video whats that amp on bottom?
MCS 3125
There really is no comparison between these two speakers. Something that will become obvious if you listen to them over time in person, examine them on the inside and also take measurements. The JBL is of much higher quality. Prolonged listening at any volume level will prove this to be so.
I'm sorry but the JBLs win hands down, no questions about it.
The soundstage on the Pioneer was so much better!
Impossible, in order to have good soundstage the speaker must have smooth response and coherency, on both the L-112 are better
Had them both: L112's & HPM-100's, also had 4312A's, 4411's, the L100's, L100T's, L80T's, L5's the L7's, after a LOT of side by side listening challenges also using a recapped SX-1250, a PL-630 turntable with a SHURE V15VxMR cartridge playing artists like Dire Straights, Pink Floyd & Rush, I kept two pairs - the L112'S which topped everything else . . . and are my daily users along with the 4411's which are connected to an SX-1010 in another room. . . . . the rest of challengers after being purchased, went to battle and lost, were sold off. If you like Classic Rock with lows you can hear and feel, genuine clarity with stunning highs that are obvious even in this video on a laptop, and have the muscle to drive them, IMO, the L112's sit on top in this price range, and sound even better with a modest investment in upgraded crossovers.. . . my 2 cents.
So, what would a stock set of Pioneer sound like compared to the reworked pair of Pioneer?
Congrats Dad! Still a JBL fanboy!
Se aprecia la diferencia. Me gustó el Pioneer, pareciera se mas definido el Jbl, mas claro, pero siento mas completa las tres gamas de bajos, medios y agudos en el Pioneer. Quizas menos agudos, pero un sonido mas vintage.
The upper midrange vocals are more forward on the JBL. Now, whether that’s better or not is listener preference.
My dad had the pioneers back in the day and since he was hard of hearing, he always was cranking the shit out them until the whole house shook. Good times!
These ab comparisons are tough because with varying efficiencies and frequency responses a direct switch over may simply be revealing those variables. You really need to readjust volume and tone settings. I admit, I liked the JBL's but if I could readjust the receiver the Pioneers might sound better. IDK.
Looks like microphone is in a favorable position for the jbl which makes it sound that much clearer
The glaring omission from you comparison is when taking out any personal attachment to either set which sounds better to your ears there in the room? I am a huge HPM-100 fan (just sold a set and still own 4 sets 🤪) but have often wondered about the L-112 and would like to pick up a set one day. I have to admit, listening on this wifi digitally diminished view of your video the JBLs sound impressive. Again, I’d be happy to know you view having been there in the room? Many thanks for the video, nonetheless.
To my ears in the room, the HPMs with their larger cabinets extend a little lower in the bass region and thus have more punch. The JBL 044 tweeter in the L112 extends higher and is more refined than the paper cone HPM tweeter. With the MV Audio crossovers, the HPMs are more laid back than the JBL which i like. Overall I tend to listen to the HPMs around 70/30.
Mid range is more forward on the JBLs, but toned down on the Pioneers. The L112s smaller cabinets probably make them more mid-range forward. Both sound great and I could get used to the Pioneers…but I own the L112s and some 4312s and like them a lot.
I think i finally get the followings now. The JBL is much warmer bass tone than the HPM's to my ear. the tweeter on the 112's is harsh to me while the midrange on the pioneer was too sunken. Neither for me but now i don't have to buy either pair. Nice job on the video. On a further note, those pioneers with the other MRV crossovers nailed it.
the JBL's sound more authentic I think
I'd take the JBL's, but I'm partial to my go to speakers. Rectilinear lll lowboys, but that's just me. You go with what makes music to your ears.
The JBL sound more crisp & the Pioneer just a fraction muffled.
Thank you for doing this side x side with such highly regarded speakers!
Surprisingly, the HPMs almost sound "veiled" next to the JBLs.
I've never had the pleasure of hearing either of these speakers in person, but I certainly get the gist of it.
JBL for the win imo.
Barth Locanthy 'overengeneerd ' the hpm's , to beat the L100's adding some fancy super tweeter...but imho the le 26 seies cone tweeters beat most of modern twweters , even Troels prefer it to the esotar!!!!
I've had four sets of HPM 100s and as much as I wanted to like themI felt they were bested by other speakers I had.I still have my L112s and even with those I feel they sound better in conjuction with another set rather than by themselves.I'll tell you a speaker that sounds fantastic...Sansui SP-5500.
the 100s base is definitely more controlled
Really hard to tell which speakers sounds better. Nice Mic but I'm still hearing a live sound for a lack of better terminology. Both speakers are probably closely matched and which is better would be strictly up to the listener. I have several pairs of the HPM series. 100s are not my favorites at room volumes like I'm hearing here. The 60, 40, and 500 series are much nicer sounding to me. Those HPM 100 will get down when pushed and sound top notch! I do have a pair of the early Realistic Mach ones that I spent a fraction of the money on compared to the HPM 100s. At low volumes they're not impressive, but when you crank those babies they'll come to life!! I sold the 100s I want to get loud I go to those Mach 1's. They Rock!🤘
Both sound great of course, but the JBL's seem a bit more "boomy" and bass heavy - not that they sound bad just different - to me the Pioneers sound more balanced and open on low mid and high, but then im a bit biased as I still have my original pair of HPM100-v.2's (newer 200 watt version with the better quality woofer surrounds that didnt deteriorate after a few years) - I bought them brand new back in the day, theyre still in mint original condition and I love them as much now as I did the day I got them. I also have two pair of Cerwin Vega 12" three way floor speakers that are absolutely amazing as well.
When they were new they were close depending on your amp..but after time the ribbon tweeter of the hpm should become loose and lose some clarity ..both are prob the best you could buy for 300$ or so
To really make sense of the differences between two speakers you have to listen to them live... and you as stereo pair over significant time. Only then will the subtle qualities that distinguish the best speakers make themselves known. Instant A-B comparisons are misleading because they tend to reveal only obvious tonal differences. Subtler things like distortion, ringing, listening fatigue, freedom from smear and sound staging ability take longer to dial into. You need to live with the speakers for a while to truly dial into their faults and virtues. The speaker that satisfies over the long haul will be the better speaker regardless of instant impressions due to some juiced up tonal tricks.
JBL for me
I have the hpm100 200w version and this does not do them justice when listening on a phone or tablet u have to hear them in person. But from listening on my phone the jbl seemed to sound better. Like said i know those hpms sound amazing in person.
I need more information on the new HPM crossover, they seem to have a bigger sound, JBL more focused but both are winners.
Google MV Audio Labs
I was all ready to pick the Pioneers, but I think the JBLs sounded better. That said, neither are what I'm looking for, at least over these cheap computer speakers.
Let me hear the Cornwall IVs please.
JBL N°1
the sound of the hpm is much more real, I like the medium and high timbres, bright and correct. the jbls seem to have a nose cap and the basses seem without enhance, closed.
JBL’s sound so much airer more open crisper clearer.
Love all that equipment especially that Pioneer sx1250. I have that exact Kenwood cassette tape deck. Always wanted a pair of both those speakers or the JBL 166 Horizons. But I have Design Acoustics d8 tower speakers with twin 10 inch rear firing woofers that sound fantastic as well as Jensen Model 6 15 inch 4 ways.
❤❤❤ I OWN 6- HPM 100s, THE HPM WAS DESIGNED BY A JBL ENGINEER
I have sp3500 sansuiis designed by james b.l. very subdued soft sound which not a preference, but makes listening to them for long periods of time perfect. The louder the better to a point.
JBL sounds fuller,
Pioneer has less bass but more emphasis on the details and wider and little more open
JbL sounds solid!
Don't be silly
The JBL'S are in a league of their own.
The pioneers are ok for loud in your face rock for sure but the l96 are more musical and detailed.
I have both and they sound great in your video but listening in person the comparison is not as close.
Ps, nice system and video, thanks for sharing.
It feels like the Pioneer's sound is out of phase...it's like my brain is twisted in my head listening to them...
JBL✌
I've had both the HPM's and the JBL -100's.
The JBL sounds best off the floor, but the Pioneer sounds best on the floor in a corner.
Probably depends what music you listen to.
I listen to Rock music. I prefer the pioneer. Has more output.
wow, the top end of the hpm's is so much sweeter and really blooms. The jbl sound good but are so mid-forward that it buries any of that upper detail.
Jbl sonido elegante, más fino, pero quizás por esa razón que no me permitió oír detalles. Esa brillantes se interpuso y no permitió poder diferenciar con claridad los otros sonidos ( medios ) que pude percibir en Hpm 100.
Porque además es un sonido más vintage.
Sin tener certeza , me atrevería en señalar que la ubicación del altavoz pudo influir . Jbl está más cerca y directo.
En definitiva, es tema de gustos. Ambos son gigantes del audio . Un deleite poder disfrutarlos y una belleza del audio vintage 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
ohh. remarkable difference..
To me the JBLs sound harsh like the HPMs used to sound. HPM100 is the winner by far for me.
For me pioneet ❤❤❤
there is no photo, the box sound on the pioneer while the jbl gives a transparent and clean sound all along the line (and I just listen with my phone). I sold two pairs of hpm 110 and listened to the hpm110 in real. the l112 are not comparable with the pioneer. put them in the buttocks of the power blocks they will take you to seventh heaven these speakers require an amplification worthy of their performance. the jbl are not advantaged in this test because they are not at the same listening height as the pioneer. thank you for this comparison. the problem with the pioneers is that they are sorely lacking in linearity on the almost absent medium, on the other hand they are very pleasant on modern music and jazz and certainly pleasant with a tube amp and listening to vinyl. in the hpm series I recommend the hpm900 that I keep for my collection because they are much better balanced than the hpm 100 and have a higher dynamic range with the polygraphite bass speaker, but be careful because they are fragile. good end of years. Cordially. Nicoastyle
Pioneer for sure! More dynamic range
JBL L112!
Flat response ?
Akai GXC 740D ???
DOPO 40 ANNI , SONO SEMPRE MERAVIGLIOSE 👌👋👋👋
I'll take de JBL's, more defined.
I make new improved crossovers for both of these speakers. You should compare original HMP-100 to original L112 to better understand what the original speakers did. Changing the crossover on one and using original in the other is no longer a worth comparison.
I figured that has already been done so I tried something new.
JBL hands down.
Looks like I need a pair of Jbl L112. 😆
Pioneer HPM100's for me.... because I have a set lol
I vote jbl 👌
I’ll take that matrix 12 off your hands if you want 😏
Los agudos de las Jbl son más claros mucho siseo estoy seguro que esto puede fatigar el oído con el uso prolongado, no me parece equilibrado, hace parecer a las Pioneer mas apagadas sin embargo suenas más naturales, se parece más al sonido de la canción original que yo recuerdo.
I like HPM 100...warm...
JBL sound clearer and seem to have a larger stage presence. At least to my mind
thanks this is very interesting ...Iwant to buy some HPM 100but hearing these JBL's ...I prefer their sound in this video ,they are more full ,Very funny ending also ...while my kids are a sleep :D
Both: 🎶
JBL on Saturday.
Pioneer on Sunday.
The HPM-100 sounds like a vitrola compared to the L112, the HPM have serious flaws at crossover points, the L112 sounds more coherent ad natural, of course I am not making this judgements hearing this video, I had the L112 and once repaired a HPM, the tweeter on the L112 is much superior in sound than the pair of tweeters on the HPM, another thing is the L112 give more full bass as it uses foam instead of rigid suspension
I agree about the stock HPM crossovers, but here, mine have been replaced.
The Pioneers get completely trashed by those little JBL's :D. There's absolutely no comparison.
HPM 100s HAVE MORE MIDRANGE. BUT JBLs ARE SMOOTHER
jbl wormer bass and better mids
JBL has better midrange, HPMs are more even thorough out the frequency range, not as fun though.
I hear a little bit of semblance or a high "s" on the JBL. Too much treble.
HPM 100
Jbl is better but ı want the hpm's
On my bluetooth phone speakers the JBL's are the clear winners, hands down. The pioneers should be out in the garage, or trade them in on your next Studebaker.
(Disclaimer : i used to work for Altec Lansing in the mid 70's. Hated it. But they do indeed make the very best speakers. Lansing is the _"L"_ in JBL.)
I suggest _"Diamonds and Rust"_ by Joan Baez for fidelity assessments. Very "present" recording on vinyl. A digital grab is crap shoot.
Jussed sayin' 😶
The JBL sounds much better to me. It's a much fuller sound. The Pioneers sound too punchy and missing in the mids.
Imho the Pioneer sounds pretty crappy compared to the JBL.
I mean that something got very wrong soundwise with the Pioneer.
I bet the JBL has a way better frequency response than the Pioneer.
The Jbl are alive and kicking carbon copies just not the same
JBL a class higher…
Never was thrilled about the hpm. Awkward response to everything. Thump and sizzle.
JBL wins, unfortunately. I own HPM, so that kind of sucks.
The jbl sounded better through an iPad speaker if that’s any use
Why do you not have the loudness on and the tone board on? Who listens to stuff flat?
jbl.
The pioneer has a deeper bass than the JBL .