Altec Mantaray vs. JBL 2360 series horns

[RacerXtreme]

Anyone ever had a chance to make a direct comparison between these horns ? Going to Chicago tomorrow to pick up 5 JBL 2446j comp. drivers + 5 2360A horns. Wonder how the JBL's will sound next to a pair of Altec MR94B Mantarays w/ 288C's on them ............:blink:

[Allanvh5150]

They compare similar but for my money the 2360's are the stuff.:)

[doodlebug]

Hmmmm, sounds like another movie theater system has been recently removed.....hope the trip goes well!

What will you run for the lower end against the horns?

Cheers,

David

[RacerXtreme]

Here's what I've got so far:

1 Altec A2 system w/ wings and 8 15" woofers. I'm going against the grain here....... but 4 of the 15's are JBL 2225's, and the other 4 are Altec 515's. And 4 Peavey MB-1 mid bass cabinets w/ 12" Black Widows in them. Oh, and four JBL 4311's, a Rane AC23 x-over, a pair of the big Altec MR94B Mantaray horns, some 288's, and a couple of amps......

I know the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of the 210 cabinets. I've read every single word of print I can find on them and have owned my A2 system for more than 20 years. They're a little wimpy down low.....but they really shine in the mid-bass. The right way to do it would be to add some subs w/ 18's in them. Which I may do....... but it's major overkill for the neighborhood I live in and I would need another x-over, more amps, etc..... This system will be used primarily as a "home stereo" in my garage. Once in a while I might bring it out for special occasions. (The 210's are on casters). Need a new 16 ch. board, another amp or two....and some diaphragms for the 2446's........ and I will be ready 2 rock.

And it will be loud. :rockon1: :bouncy: :rockon2: :dancin:

[doodlebug]

Here's what I've got so far:.....

This system will be used primarily as a "home stereo" in my garage. Once in a while I might bring it out for special occasions. Need a new 16 ch. board, another amp or two....and some diaphragms for the 2446's........ and I will be ready 2 rock.

And it will be loud.

Dude, what kind of internal bleeding are you up for? That's a lot of gear. Hope the garage is a 3-bay type. Post here before you open it up and I'll go outside to see if I can hear it.:blink:

Cheers,

David

[RacerXtreme]

Actually,....... it's a 20' by 40' 4 car garage. Want to build a 36' by 48' 2-story carriage house in the back yard. Then I'll have room for the P.A. and the slot car track......... :D

Did you say internal bleeding ?

[00Robin]

Actually,....... it's a 20' by 40' 4 car garage. Want to build a 36' by 48' 2-story carriage house in the back yard. Then I'll have room for the P.A. and the slot car track......... :D

Did you say internal bleeding ?


okay...whew! I was HOPING it was carriage barn or that size....even still,power city....and just where is it in Michigan that you are??????:)

[RacerXtreme]

Shelby Township..........near M-59 and M-53

[00Robin]

hmmm..I just moved back to Michigan after being in Montana and Wyoming for 30 years. I'm STILL acclimating,believe me. More like culture shock! 11 million people compared to 550,000 in Wyo and barely 1.4 million in Montana...BIG change. And whats with Dearborn? Holy,moly!
I'm in Grand Blanc,by Ortonville and Clarkston. Sorry,but I can't remember roads real well yet. M-59 sounds familiar-ish. I was just curious anyway.

I always find fellow audo lovers interesting...not all people are the same as to sound quality.

[RacerXtreme]

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee214/RacerXXXtreme/IMG_3947.jpg
That's a 61" T.V................ Wanted to get a picture of all my stuff, but couldn't fit it in . Got one more 2360 + two Altec MR94B's + 4 JBL 4311B monitors.

No, I didn't mount the JBL horns to the 210's...... they're just sitting there
because space is at a premium and there are no 15's in the upper cabinets. Yet. Makes me wonder tho........ :blink: I just finished remodeling my kitchen and haven't had the time or the $$ lately to dump into my P.A.

But that's about to change...... :applaud:

Where's the best place to get authentic JBL diaphragms for the 2446's ?

[scott fitlin]

Any Authorized JBL repair center can get you genuine JBL frams.

[RacerXtreme]

Hi Scotty,

Yeah, I know ....... but who has the best prices ?

[scott fitlin]

That I dont know.

[grumpy]

but who has the best prices ?

Several Ebay sources:
$65/ea was pretty damn good ... "http://pics.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/s.giftinmarindedospingue" (west coast)
New? might check "prosndinc" ... (east coast)
I've had OK transactions w/ both, prices vary widely.

-grumpy

[RacerXtreme]

The comp. drivers I have are in need of total restoration. They need to be painted...... Is there a certain way to get the rubber that goes around the perimiter of the driver off ? Seems like it might tear....

[Robh3606]

Is there a certain way to get the rubber that goes around the perimiter of the driver off ?

Yeah they are a PITA to get on as well. I soaked mine in hot water to soften them up to get them on. You might be able to use a blow dryer to soften them up to get them back off.

Rob:)

[RacerXtreme]

Think I already know the answer to this question.........but I'll ask anyway.

How much of a difference is there between the aftermarket diaphragms
and authentic JBL ones ? Just got a quote of $142.00 ea. from my local JBL dealer, and can find aftermarket ones for 60 or 70 bucks on Ebay.

[grumpy]

There's only one way to really convince yourself.... or you can search
through the innumerable posts that have asked the very same question
here (over and over) and perhaps reach your own conclusion. -grumpy

Short answer? They've typically been measurably and audibly different.

[RacerXtreme]

Sorry, don't be grumpy grumpy........:(............didn't realize how often that question has been asked before.

My bad.

:banghead:

Think I got a good deal on the horns ? :D



:die: :blink:

[grumpy]

Perfectly natural question. Careful with that sub-machine, Eugene.

Really belongs in a LH-FAQ... 'cause it is :) ...many measurements, opinions,
usage stories, dogmatic responses, etc... have typically been the result.

Personal disclosure: I've not heard aftermarket diaphragms. I don't feel the
need to either.

FWIW, I like the 2446 (embossed ribs) type vs. the 2445. This is true on 2450's,
2480A's, and recently on 2360A's (thanks doodlebug!). I have yet
to try the coated/smooth JBL diaphragms (have 'em, just lazy).

Nice addition to your horn-dawg collection, btw. -grumpy:rockon1: