A few people have PM'd me on what effected me / why I purchased the L1 system.

I play bass, guitar and keys and want something versatile. I was considering JBL EON 515 and an EON 518s sub or QSC's or RCF's with a line mixer, these are active (Full Range Flat Response) FRFRs with 2 or 3 way PA cabs plus a subwoofer for bass and keys.

I read all the L1 docs, comments, and the white paper about sound source, same sound on stage as in audience, etc. which all made sense to me, very logical. Having been on stage and even in practice where I couldn't tell what was going on (too many times, near always) - this was compelling.

Initially, the L1 seemed very expensive. When I looked at alternatives and factored in the back line, monitors and FOH aspects it all made sense, in a simple, clear logical way - all that remains is to validate the theory with the actual system.

These other FRFR systems didn't seem to offer much but light weight and ever-increasing Watts RMS / Peak. After I learned the frequency range of the L1 goes to 40 Hz (enough for a 4-string bass and my keys; my Trace Elliot bass preamp's lowest eq band is centered on 40 Hz), that was another key factor to my decision.

Small footprint was a minor factor since I'm not playing live these days though more room in my home studio is certainly welcome, but not near as important as sonic integrity (priority 1). Some of the most striking comments (and the thing that really convinced me to purchase the L1 system) were those that indicated the true fidelity, i.e., "you better practice 'cause the L1 will not hide your flaws". I read many comments like this. This was the heavy straw on the camel's back...I get my vintage/classic sound from my instruments and I want to hear them in true fidelity - the fact that Rickenbacker has provided T1 presets is awesome as I love Rics - guitar and bass (except the wait to get them!)

Finally, I left all tubes behind in the '80s (except in my preamps), went to rack gear in the early '90s. I consider myself to be a sort of technophile, and I want the most modern approach to sonic reproduction and fidelity I can find. That's what convinced me to purchase my Axe-Fx Ultra, and the L1 system.

What's new and different will see resistance from those who resist change, that's not me! I want my instruments to be timeless, my sound reinforcement to be cutting edge. My theory is that most of the negative comments on the L1 or other gear is due to lack of patience to learn how to get the sound they want. I look back to the gear that artists used in the '50s and '60s where they may have only been a tone knob - and they still sounded amazing - they made the gear they had work for them. Change isn't always instantly gratifying.

I have no doubt that the L1 will exceed my expectations, I've been "on the fence" for too long. The 45 day eval is also comforting, though I don't expect to be using it. I just hope the Model III isn't coming out in '09! That would hurt!!!

I'll start a new topic on my experience once I get the system and get things sorted out.

Peace.

-rsm, January 5, 2009

full thread here