• AddThis Social Bookmark Button

JBL SCS160SI Home Speaker System Reviewed

  • By: HomeTheaterReview.com

  • April 15, 2005

| Print Page | Adjust Font Size:

Free Home Theater Review Weekly Newsletter.

Enter your e-mail below to get Home Theater Review's weekly newsletter with the latest equipment reviews and home theater news sent directly to your inbox.


*Required

Not long ago, I had some friends over to listen to several sets of speakers I had in for review. After pouring over the same music tracks repeatedly, it was unanimous with the entire group that the smallest speaker ensemble of the bunch actually had the best overall performance. Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to speaker design. This is great news to apartment dwellers and homeowners looking for a smaller, and often cheaper, speaker system that brings excitement and realism to movies and music at home.

Just as every television network has its own brand of reality show, speaker manufacturers each have their line of compact speakers. JBL's answer to high performance from a small package is the Surround Cinema Series of speakers. For a complete 6.1 home theater surround sound package, the JBL SCS160SI Cinema Speaker package uses discrete satellite speakers, a matched center channel and powerful subwoofer to envelop the listener in sonic enjoyment.

Unique Features - To achieve a 6.1 surround sound, JBL combined a center channel with five satellite speakers for the front left, front right, rear left, rear center, and rear right. The two-way satellites are larger than most other compact speakers, and integrate a half-inch titanium-laminate dome tweeter with dual three-inch mid-range drivers in a dark gray plastic cabinet with a black grille cloth. The center channel also has a half-inch titanium-laminate dome tweeter with dual three-inch mid-range drivers, but it is positioned horizontally on rubber feet. The speakers are video shielded for placement on or near a TV.

For down and dirty bass, a hefty bass reflex subwoofer enclosure with a FreeFlow flared port finishes off the package. The enclosure houses a 10-inch sub that is powered by an onboard 150-watt amplifier to match the high output of the satellites. The subwoofer enclosure has multiple wiring choices, including a dedicated LFE input from a compatible receiver.

Everything is included in the SCS160SI package to get started. JBL includes speaker cables for the subwoofer, surround and center speakers, and five wall-mount speaker brackets for installing the satellites on the walls.

Installation/Setup/Ease of Use - An alternative for the wall-mount brackets included in the system are optional JBL FS400BLK speaker stands. Sold in pairs, the stands eliminate the need to put holes in the wall and provide an easy way to adjust the location of each corner speaker to fit the size of the room. JBL was kind enough to provide two pairs of the plainly designed stands. Each stand consists of a heavy base, a three-foot tall metal rod and a triangular plastic bracket for the speaker to rest. The stands have an appealing look, but they are poorly designed. It's hard to imagine they are specifically made to hold the 2.65-pound SCS160SI satellites, because they shake and shimmy like that old hula girl lamp your father used to have. When untouched the stands are stable, but I was concerned my kids or dog would bump into them and they would come crashing to the floor. The wall mount brackets install easily with two screws each, but they can only be adjusted horizontally left or right, not tilted vertically up or down.

I connected the SCS160SI home theatre system to a NAD 1763 AN receiver that delivers 100 watts into all six channels. The maximum power JBL recommends to the satellites is 100 watts. If a 6.1 surround receiver isn't available, the system can be connected to a 5.1 surround sound receiver by packing away the rear center channel until upgrading to a 6.1 channel receiver. The subwoofer is considerably large in comparison to the satellites. It has both line level inputs and an LFE input for digital sound from a compatible receiver. The only control on the subwoofer is a volume knob, since the sub is designed specifically for the satellite speakers. Setting the sub's crossover point must be done by the receiver and I ended up adjusting the NAD to a subwoofer crossover level to 120Hz to cover the mid-bass gap left from the sats. Integrating the system takes some finesse, but the extra time spent has its rewards.

Final Take - listening to movies while testing a new speaker ensemble can be a captivating experience or a real yawn-fest. Fortunately, the JBL SCS160SI system turned out to be the former. In the western drama Open Range, the climactic shootout where Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall face a group of hired guns was brought to life by the JBL ensemble. The dynamic range between dialogue and gun blasts was reproduced accurately, without break up. Imaging through each channel sounded true and was generously spacious. The soundstage seamed much larger than my living room permitted.

In Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the rear center channel speaker received a workout in 6.1 mode. However, the front center channel showed its true size and was often underpowered for the vocal dialogue. The dispersion pattern was adequate when moving around the room, but higher frequencies often changed when moving from a standing or seated position.

I literally ducked when flamboyant pirate (Captain!) Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean was being bombarded by cannonballs. The sub was dynamic and powerful. At peak power, the ensemble can play remarkably loud, especially when you consider the size. Your windows may not break, but you will probably wake the neighbors at high volumes.

Unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed with the musical playback. Although the DTS version of the Eagles' Hell Freezes Over had tonal accuracy, two-channel reproductions fell flat. The transient response of the guitars on Eric Clapton's Unplugged sounded sluggish. Vocals were sometimes muddy and short. When listening to jazz great George Benson, I had similar results. Colorations in the music left me with a flat resonance from the brass instruments. Musical detail wasn't as clear as I had hoped after hearing good clarity from movies.

Designed for a small to medium room, the SCS160SI home theater system has an unobtrusive design that will blend well with most decor. The satellites have well-matched drivers in a durable cabinet and the subwoofer enclosure is very solid. I would have preferred to see a phase switch and crossover control on the back of the sub for more adjustability, without having to use the receiver's controls. The JBL FS400BLK speaker stands seem flimsy and the wall-mounted speaker brackets are okay, but I would opt for an alternative way to secure the speakers.

For big sound when listening to movies, the JBL's did a good job. They epitomize a powerful movie experience from a small package. With their good power handling capabilities, 6.1 surround sound and inexpensive price, they would fit perfectly into a modest home theatre setting. If listening to movies is a priority over music, the SCS160SI Surround Cinema Series ensemble can get the job done.

Satellites Frequency Response: 30Hz-20kHz Recommended Power:10-100 watts 8 ohms nominal impedance 0.5-inch titanium-laminate dome tweeter Dual 3-inch midrange drivers 8 1/8"H x 31/2"W x 3 7/8"D Weight 2.65 lbs. each

Center Channel Frequency Response: 30Hz-20kHz Recommended Power:10-100 watts 8 ohms nominal impedance 0.5-inch titanium-laminate dome tweeter Dual 3-inch midrange drivers 3 1/2"H x 81/8"W x 3 7/8"D Weight: 2.65 lbs.

Subwoofer 150-watt amplifier 10-inch woofer Bass reflex enclosure design 17 3/4"Hx 15 314NV x 16 3/4"D Weight: 35 lbs.

Warranty: One year MSRP: $499

FS400BLK Speaker Stands 36"H with speaker installed (measured to bottom of speaker) 9 3/8" diameter Weight: 7.8 lbs. MSRP: $100/pair

Keywords

JBL SCS160SI Home Speaker System Reviewed

Subscribe to the Newsletter
Subscribe to HomeTheaterReview.com's Weekly Newsletter to get the latest news, reviews and insight on the world of home theater, HDTV and audiophile equipment. Subscription is 100% FREE!
*Required
Email Marketing by VerticalResponse
subscribe to rss Subscribe with RSS
Follow home theater equipment reviews and daily news via our RSS feed.
Related Floor-Standing Speaker Reviews (Classic):
  • Comment on this article

    0
Post a Comment

Please answer the following question (required) before posting to help us prevent Spam.


Featured Audio-Video News

Experiencing Your Dream Home Theater While On Vacation

Experiencing Your Dream Home Theater While On Vacation -

It isn't any news that the economy is in the dumps. Morphing your living room, garage or basement into the...

Latest Floor-Standing Speaker Reviews (Classic)

Aperion Intimus 5T-DB Hybrid HD 5.1 Speaker System Reviewed -

If you're in the market for a powerful home theater speaker system and you're trying to avoid a Home Theater in a Box (HTIB) or soundbar-based rig, then Aperion Audio should be very much on your speaker-buying radar. Portland, Oregon-based... Click for more...

Rogers db101 Speakers Reviewed -

Wealth by association is a funny concept. But that's never stopped merchandisers from exploiting weird non-sequiturs like Ferrari-badged wristwatches, Marlboro clothing or any of the perfumes which inevitably follow the success of a designer in the rag-trade. And while writing... Click for more...

Sonus faber Concerto GP Loudspeakers Reviewed -

Keeping one step ahead of the competition has been Sonus Faber's trick ever since the birth of an Italian 'school' of speaker design. Whatever the origins of the genre - and there are stories to make Boccaccio blanch - the... Click for more...

Ruark Solus Loudspeakers Reviewed -

It was only a matter of time before Ruark added an entry-level model to its flagship series. I'm completely puzzled as to why this brand needs as many ranges as it has, but, hey, I'm just a reviewer. What the... Click for more...

Sonus faber Amati Loudspeakers Reviewed -

In 30 years as an audio casualty, I must have played with over 4000 different components. Some have been forgettable, some memorable and some so nigh-on-perfect that I've toyed with unspeakable, nay, inenarrable plots for acquiring them. So delicious is... Click for more...

B&W 602 S2 Loudspeakers Reviewed -

Sampling this budget beauty is an education. The last B&Ws I reviewed were the decidedly high-end Nautilus 805s, which I pretty much expected to be something yummy. Hell, anyone can make a small two-way speaker which sounds dandy at around... Click for more...

Orchid Two Deep Resolution Loudspeaker Reviewed -

What a gap: the Heil Air Motion Transformer first appeared some 30 years ago, pretty much faded from sight, and then - whoosh!!! Up pop a couple of new systems using the legendary tweeter, from two unrelated sources. With the... Click for more...

Quad 989 Loudspeaker Reviewed -

Few products are of such great consequence that reviewers both covet and fear them. Imagine the impact of a Linn LP-13 or an LS3/5b. Magazines and reviewers would fight for the scoops, and the resultant articles would enter audio lore... Click for more...

Quad Electrostatic Speakers (ESL 55) reviewed -

If the title doesn't say it all, then let us remind you: The original Quad ESL. That display of genius which makes Peter Walker something of an audio deity. The most cherished hi-fi product ever. The cause of a thousand... Click for more...

MartinLogan Script, Scenarios and Cinema Speakers Reviewed -

One of the minor dilemmas associated with audio reviewing is the need to keep a number of systems on the go. It's necessary if one cares enough to review products in context: you need to use high-end partnering components for... Click for more...

Latest Floor-Standing Speaker Reviews (Classic)

Aperion Intimus 5T-DB Hybrid HD 5.1 Speaker System Reviewed -

If you're in the market for a powerful home theater speaker system and you're trying to avoid a Home Theater in a Box (HTIB) or soundbar-based rig, then Aperion Audio should be very much on your speaker-buying radar. Portland, Oregon-based... Click for more...

Rogers db101 Speakers Reviewed -

Wealth by association is a funny concept. But that's never stopped merchandisers from exploiting weird non-sequiturs like Ferrari-badged wristwatches, Marlboro clothing or any of the perfumes which inevitably follow the success of a designer in the rag-trade. And while writing... Click for more...

Sonus faber Concerto GP Loudspeakers Reviewed -

Keeping one step ahead of the competition has been Sonus Faber's trick ever since the birth of an Italian 'school' of speaker design. Whatever the origins of the genre - and there are stories to make Boccaccio blanch - the... Click for more...

Ruark Solus Loudspeakers Reviewed -

It was only a matter of time before Ruark added an entry-level model to its flagship series. I'm completely puzzled as to why this brand needs as many ranges as it has, but, hey, I'm just a reviewer. What the... Click for more...

Sonus faber Amati Loudspeakers Reviewed -

In 30 years as an audio casualty, I must have played with over 4000 different components. Some have been forgettable, some memorable and some so nigh-on-perfect that I've toyed with unspeakable, nay, inenarrable plots for acquiring them. So delicious is... Click for more...

B&W 602 S2 Loudspeakers Reviewed -

Sampling this budget beauty is an education. The last B&Ws I reviewed were the decidedly high-end Nautilus 805s, which I pretty much expected to be something yummy. Hell, anyone can make a small two-way speaker which sounds dandy at around... Click for more...

Orchid Two Deep Resolution Loudspeaker Reviewed -

What a gap: the Heil Air Motion Transformer first appeared some 30 years ago, pretty much faded from sight, and then - whoosh!!! Up pop a couple of new systems using the legendary tweeter, from two unrelated sources. With the... Click for more...

Quad 989 Loudspeaker Reviewed -

Few products are of such great consequence that reviewers both covet and fear them. Imagine the impact of a Linn LP-13 or an LS3/5b. Magazines and reviewers would fight for the scoops, and the resultant articles would enter audio lore... Click for more...

Quad Electrostatic Speakers (ESL 55) reviewed -

If the title doesn't say it all, then let us remind you: The original Quad ESL. That display of genius which makes Peter Walker something of an audio deity. The most cherished hi-fi product ever. The cause of a thousand... Click for more...

MartinLogan Script, Scenarios and Cinema Speakers Reviewed -

One of the minor dilemmas associated with audio reviewing is the need to keep a number of systems on the go. It's necessary if one cares enough to review products in context: you need to use high-end partnering components for... Click for more...

All Floor-Standing Speaker Reviews (Classic)

Latest Equipment Reviews

Mapleshade Time-Correcting Maple Bedrock Speaker Stands Reviewed -

For ages the adage with bookshelf and/or monitor speakers has always been getting the tweeter or tweeter/midrange as close to ear height will yield the best results. Of course proper placement in a room as well as in relation to... Click for more...

Mapleshade Samson V.1 Equipment Rack Reviewed -

Seemingly everyone makes an equipment rack of some form or another these days with varying degrees of success, however for best results you're better off going with a third party or specialty equipment rack. The problem with going with an... Click for more...

Oppo BDP-83 Special Edition Universal Player Reviewed -

Oppo Digital's first Blu-ray player the BDP-83 entered the market in mid 2009 to numerous accolades. A mere half year later, Oppo Digital, not satisfied with the untapped performance potential of the player, released the BDP-83 Special Edition reviewed here.... Click for more...

Parker Audio 95MK II Loudspeakers Reviewed -

Chances are you've never heard of or seen a pair of Parker Audio 95MK II loudspeakers. Because of that fact, you're probably thinking they're some sort of uber-esoteric, high-end, ultra-expensive loudspeakers from some designer's garage in Munich. Well, you'd be... Click for more...

Bel Canto e. One S300iu Integrated Amplifier Reviewed -

Integrated amplifiers have always been an effective and affordable way to get into two-channel audio. However, in recent years, integrated amplifiers have come into their own, offering performance and simplicity that even high-end separate systems have trouble matching. Case in... Click for more...

Bel Canto e.One S300 Power Amplifier Reviewed -

Stereo amplifiers have been a staple since music went from single speakers to two-way back in the day. Over the years, we've seen stereo amplifiers go from simple, manageable black boxes to over-the-top, larger-than-thou space heaters for the home and... Click for more...

OmniMount Link Series A/V Stands Reviewed -

As its name suggests, OmniMount's Link Series is a modular line of A/V stands that you can mix and match to craft the exact entertainment solution you need. You can also add on as your system grows. The Link Series,... Click for more...

Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v.5 Bookshelf Speaker Reviewed -

I've been a fan of Paradigm for years, owning and enjoying seemingly every speaker in their product line from the awesome and affordable Atoms to their flagship Signature S8s. Over the years there have been two Paradigm speaker designs that... Click for more...

Bel Canto REF 1000M Mono Amplifier Reviewed -

When one thinks of a 500-Watt mono amplifier you probably picture a large, heat sink clad hunk of steel that weighs more than the car you drove it home in and probably costs more too. What if I told you... Click for more...

OmniMount VideoBasics TV Mounts Reviewed -

You've spent the extra money to buy an ultra-thin HDTV. The last thing you want to do is hinder the minimalist look by mating the TV with a bulky wall-mount. OmniMount designed the VideoBasics line of flat-panel TV mounts with... Click for more...

Read All Reviews