Lexicon GX7 vs JBL AVA7 (The same??)

[Daffypuck]

Just curious if anyone knows or has any experience with these two amps. From what Ive heard and read, the JBL is just a re-skinned clone of the Lexicon. The thing is though, I cant find jack on the JBL online, anywhere. The retail of the JBL is $2900 and I found one new for $999, but Ive seen them go online used as low as $325! So that sends a red flag up for me. Why so cheap if it is indeed a clone of the Lexicon. Ive also found the GX7 for $1700. Any thoughts? Thanx!

[ZLTFUL]

They are the same amp for all intents and purposes.

And I wouldn't hesitate to own either of them.

In fact, my eventual 7.2 plans will have me most likely picking up a B-Stock JBL from a local dealer.

[Polkie2009]

Yes, both JBL and Lixicon are owned by Harman International Industries. It goes by HAR on the NYSE. HAR also owns Infinity, AKG, Harman Kardon,and Mark Levinson.

[Daffypuck]

But why is the JBL: so much cheaper? I wonder if it has sub standard parts compared to the Lexicon. Ive read other threads on rebadged gear and how the lesser of the 2 was indeed sub standard.

[nwohlford]

I am getting an AVA7 this week. I wanted to test it as a possible lower priced replacement for Integra RDA-7 incase I end up selling the Integra. I will let you know what I think.

[nwohlford]

But why is the JBL: so much cheaper? I wonder if it has sub standard parts compared to the Lexicon. Ive read other threads on rebadged gear and how the lesser of the 2 was indeed sub standard.

You can find pictures of the interior of the two amps online, and can definitely see the JBL uses lower priced parts in a few places. It is hard to know how much these affect the performance. It is a bit interesting that the JBL does not list 4 ohm specs.

I have also seen people say that both of these amp are basically the same as the Outlaw 7125 which retails for $1000.

[Daffypuck]

Yeh, I just dont buy the "theyre the same" areguement that the salesman pitched. If its the same, then under the hood should look the same. Its kind of like comparing a Shelby Cobra to a kit car. Yeh, theyre pretty much the same, but the real deal will smoke the fake wanna be. I so suprised that I cant find any reviews or anything on the JBL online. Im wondering if I should just get the Lexicon.

How about the Lexicon GX 7 compared to the Marantz MM7055? I heard the Lexicon and the JBL run a higher current than the Marantz. If thats such a big to do, why dont the makers post the current in the specs section of the item?