I was comparing this speaker with the Yamaha S115-4 the first day it arrived at the local Guitar Center. When I arrived, I was set on the Yamahas, but then the manager had me listen to the JBLs. After listening to them I listened to the Yamahas, and decided that the JBLs have a much more warm sound to them where as the Yamahas had very brash highs that caused pain in my ears and sounded a little "tin canny." I don't wan't to make the Yamahas sound bad though, because they are good speakers, and when I first previewed them at Guitar Center it was a small room. Working in a bar though, I have had many bands come through using the Yamahas, and it sounded fine in the small/medium sized room, with clear highs. The only thing I was concerned with is the Yamahas had a higher power rating off 500 continuous, 1000 peak. The JBLs had 250 continuous, 1000 peak. I have been told that JBL under rates their speaker ratings, but probably not by double. They both have relatively the same efficiency with the Yamahas having 99 dB SPL, and the JBLs with 98 db SPL. The JBLs have a sonic guard feature (a light bulb that burns out if overpowering occurs acting like a fuse), and also withstand the 100 hour continuous power test that all of their top of the line touring speakers have to pass. So in reality, they both have their strong points, and if you think about it, it is not too often you put a full 500 watts continuous into your speakers. Therefore, why not save 40 bucks and buy the JBLs. I hope this has been helpfull to anyone. I know it has me because when I started writing it I was still undecided, but now I think I am going to go with the JBLs!
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