PDA

View Full Version : Your vote for favorite JBL driver



mikebake
03-31-2004, 11:53 AM
What is your personal favorite, and why? Any design or format, compression, cone, dome, slot, etc. Don't care whether you've owned or even ever heard it.
Without much thought given on my part, I'd probably spout off with the 2235, since I like large JBL woofers. I'm sure I'll want to modify that after hearing everyone elses choice!

Guido
03-31-2004, 11:56 AM
Yeah! 2235H is a beast!

BUT my all time favourite is the 2405 and believe it or not I can notice a difference to the 2405H

4313B
03-31-2004, 12:02 PM
Originally posted by mikebake
What is your personal favorite, and why?LE10H - it has a sound character that I've never been able to pull away from for very long. I think it is an extremely well balanced transducer.

mikebake
03-31-2004, 12:10 PM
Originally posted by Giskard
LE10H - it has a sound character that I've never been able to pull away from for very long. I think it is an extremely well balanced transducer.

What system do you think it was given best use in?

Don McRitchie
03-31-2004, 12:10 PM
D130

Inherently inacurate and limited in extension. However in a 13 cu ft box has about the best high impact slam that I've heard. Was singularly responsible for starting me down the long path that led to this website and now, Project May.

mikebake
03-31-2004, 12:13 PM
I KNEW the D130 would come up quick!! HA!

Mike Bates
03-31-2004, 12:32 PM
Deep Bass -- Horn loaded 2242

Bass --- Horn loaded 2220A

Low Mid --- Horn loaded 2123

Upper mid --- 2440

Treble --- 2405

scott fitlin
03-31-2004, 12:32 PM
The K155 and E155 also are inacurate, but made such clear, articulate sounding bass, also with high impact slam.

I love the sound of 2441 compression drivers, and I love em on 2395 lens horns in a big room. Something about the way it sounds, very sweet. Also considered to be inacurate.

The 2402 and 075 bullet tweeter. Narrow dispersion, and limited top end bandwidth are this units flaws, but nothing makes that classic dancefloor top end, crossed over at 7K with practically no power, like these do!



:cool:

Oldmics
03-31-2004, 12:58 PM
From the old school

The 150-4 and 150-4C

Its just warm sounding and smooth-I don"t know why

Oldmics

Hofmannhp
03-31-2004, 01:30 PM
Hi All,

my favorite JBL part is the 2441.
I prefer it in cause of his smooth sound from 800Hz to near the upper audible end ...and this with an explosive reaction to all what goes to the terminals.
This driver with the 2397 smith horn will get a legend.

HP

jblnut
03-31-2004, 02:21 PM
I'm a huge fan of the 093Ti midrange from the short-lived XPL series. Simply an incredible driver in terms of accuracy, imaging, and even power handling.

I really like LE14H-1's too in the bass department....

jblnut

Mr. Widget
03-31-2004, 02:36 PM
Since I can't vote for the 4.5" CTS full range first used in the Auratone and Bose 901 I guess I'll have to go along with HP and vote 2441/2397.

The 130A (D130's brother) is fun too with it's upper bass impact, but too inaccurate to fully get the vote.

Widget

Niklas Nord
03-31-2004, 03:08 PM
JBL 2202H 12" mid
JBL 475nd horn driver

Dynacoman
03-31-2004, 03:52 PM
2245 until JBL comes up with something larger.:D

Tom Loizeaux
03-31-2004, 04:00 PM
I'll vote for the K140 as THE best electric bass speaker, past or present!
I really like the 2235, and I think the 2420 is a very nice compression driver. Heck, I can't overlook the 2405!
I guess I can't say what's THE best JBL driver.
P.S. I've never lived with a JBL 2" driver with wood horn, but I bet I'd love those too.

Tom

Charley Rummel
03-31-2004, 05:25 PM
I'd say I'm a fan of the earlier 001 system, primarily because of the 175DLH. Very clear, dynamic and very detailed. Otherwise, there are several fine components from the glory days, each with it's unique application, that are great in their own right.

Regards,
Charley

Audiobeer
03-31-2004, 05:38 PM
I'd have to place a second on the LE10H......I can't say anything bad about it, it just dosen't do anything wrong. I have only heard them in the 4313B.

JuniorJBL
03-31-2004, 07:10 PM
That is my fav as well followed close by the le14h-1. these woofers just seam to "have it all" in the LF range and a very low excursion keeps the distortion to a minimum. and boy can they handle power!!
:D
Shane

mikebake
03-31-2004, 07:57 PM
Yeah, I tried to edit the post for the subject to say "favorite" instead of "best", but you can't edit the subject line.

Robh3606
03-31-2004, 09:05 PM
Can't say all???:(

OK

Woofers E-145, Le14, 2235

Mids 2122H 2123H 093ti

Tweeters 050,046, 2405


Rob:)

jandregg
04-01-2004, 06:18 AM
Le 14 , no matter what tweeter, on a Mac amp. How sweet it is.

John

Maron Horonzakz
04-01-2004, 06:40 AM
If all the above are considerd the best ever made . why arnt most of them in production? Ill pick the current 12" 252G/252F for its dynamic slam in a small enclosure. C500 mid for detail.

Maron Horonzakz
04-01-2004, 08:36 AM
JBL speakers are always moving forward . personal favorites could now be in TODAYS classics. .....1500AL woofer , and the new 3" 435 Be hf driver. WE need more of these drivers in the US market. WE cant just sit here & reaquaint over past classics. We must demand more exposure to the present products. Not let JBL ignore the US market. We are buying up the stock of 1500 Revel/JBL subwoofers from PE at a fast rate . this is now a present day classic. JBL marketing should take the hint.

jim henderson
04-01-2004, 03:45 PM
LE10H - it has a sound character that I've never been able to pull away from for very long. I think it is an extremely well balanced transducer.

I've got a pair of these. Which tweeters do you like to use with these?

subwoof
04-01-2004, 05:23 PM
I used E145's in the 4550 front loaded horn for a bass application in a huge flying PA way back when....Put the (then) new crown delta omega on each cabinet and I swear the leading edge of the snare drum would remove surface rust from cars in the parking lot.

Coupled with a 2441/2395 + 2405's it was just killer.

But best driver? Too vague....specify range / era.

I have a fondness for the old 2440 BUT I just put a new TINY TINY 2435 in it's place and the sound is so much smoother.

sub

mikebake
04-01-2004, 07:46 PM
Originally posted by subwoof

But best driver? Too vague....specify range / era.


sub

Not best, favorite......................

subwoof
04-01-2004, 08:13 PM
Ok - I remember my old girlfreinds from high school...the best wasn't the favorite but which one do you remember now?

...right....:)

Since I am "sub" my vote is with the 2245H

sub

speakerdave
04-01-2004, 09:19 PM
Originally posted by Maron Horonzakz
Ill pick the current 12" 252G/252F for its dynamic slam in a small enclosure. C500 mid for detail.

I'm going to go with you on this, Maron. I was holding back because I haven't heard a lot of these other drivers, but now that you've brought it up--I've got to second you on it.

Subwoof: "I just put a new TINY TINY 2435 in it's place and the sound is so much smoother. "

I'm interested in this driver, too. Would like to know about your crossover and horn choices for it.

David

Maron Horonzakz
04-02-2004, 06:38 AM
Yes the 2435 or any 435 series would be an interesting audition. this could be THe present day classic. But horns are scarce for this unit. I use Sreies 20 Xover (Pioneer) The 15" 2255 looks interesting. The 8" 2250 any one know the efficiency of this unit?

JBL Dog
04-03-2004, 12:52 AM
Favorite = 2235H. I've done some experimenting with various JBL drivers (2231A, 136H, 2234H and 2235H) in the 4343's and the 2235H won the battle of the 15's.

Honorable mention: E145-8, E140-8, 2405, 2440/1, LE175, 2416H

This message comes from JBL Dog :band:

spkrman57
11-11-2005, 10:51 AM
2242 for subwoofer duty loads a room up right without drawing attention to itself like undersized subs in the mass market category.

2226 for midbass driver, just add a horn/driver for top end to make a nice 2-way with no frills, just fun.

Ron

57BELAIRE
11-11-2005, 11:16 AM
For a small "bookshelf" sized enclosure (S99), nothing comes close to an LE14.

The thick cone material is practically bulletproof and I have yet to see one with a blown v.c....surround problems,yes, but they keep on pumpin'. :applaud:

And you gotta love the 375's...just lookin' at them gives me a smile :D

paragon
11-11-2005, 11:28 AM
2441, what else in mid ?
K 145, 2235, 124 A, LE 120 at low.
2405, 2402 High.:D

Eckhard

jbl
11-11-2005, 12:23 PM
2242 for subwoofer duty loads a room up right without drawing attention to itself like undersized subs in the mass market category.

2226 for midbass driver, just add a horn/driver for top end to make a nice 2-way with no frills, just fun.

Ron
Yep!

Ron

spkrman57
11-11-2005, 12:40 PM
I will have to start checking out the foundation of my house to be sure I am not destroying it with my 2242 in a well built 9 cu ft cabinet.

Ron

pelly3s
11-11-2005, 05:17 PM
2245...... when every other sub just doesnt cause enough damage you can always count on the 2245 to get the job done

Akira
11-11-2005, 08:45 PM
I'll vote for the K140 as THE best electric bass speaker, past or present!
I can't overlook the 2405!

we must have the same taste...you have all the monitors i want too.

i'm going to add one more. the toughest, loudest compression driver ever made and not the best sounding...the phenolic 2482 driver on the large slant plate lense horns...the closest a compression horn ever got to a speaker.
i worked as a D.J. in the 70's at a high end disco...the only job i ever showed up early to. (my personal stereo system!)

frank23
11-12-2005, 03:58 AM
well, I have a lot of the favourite drivers mentioned [2235, 2123, 2440], I just don't have them connected...

so my vote for my favourite goes to my 2420 drivers, they make a great 2-way system possible

frank

Titanium Dome
11-12-2005, 05:16 AM
Subwoofer past: 2245H present LE14H-3
Woofer past: LE10H present: 908TI
Midrange past: 104H present 904TI
Tweeter past: 044TI present: I'll have think some more. :hmm: I'm pretty sure it'll contain titanium or possibly beryllium.

spkrman57
11-12-2005, 07:05 AM
:hmm: I'm pretty sure it'll contain titanium or possibly beryllium.


I would not expect anything else from you. Kind of like against your religion or something like that:p

Ron

Titanium Dome
12-19-2005, 09:40 AM
I would not expect anything else from you. Kind of like against your religion or something like that:p

Ron


Tin ears love tin.

jbl_man_uk
12-27-2005, 03:46 PM
Hi To everyone,my favourite is the 2225.its just personal,but i think the larger magnet and copper voice coil sounds nicer and more punchy to the current 2226 with aluminium voice coil.

Harkness
12-28-2005, 01:23 AM
well, i think i have to toss my vote to the 150-4C. so much impact, so warm and smooth. the 375 is a close second, but the 2440 and 2441 are quite close to it. i haven't heard anything else quite like the 150-4C.

bigredplane
12-28-2005, 02:47 PM
Will I guess I will put in my 2 cent and go with the 2226h. I do alot of DJ work and used E-140's for years. Then I findly got 4 2226h's. They BLOW E-140's right out of the water. I'm also in love with 2425's on the 2345 horn. :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:

edgewound
12-28-2005, 02:57 PM
I'd have to give a nod to the E145....direct descendant of the 150-4. The underhung voice coil and huge top plate/SFG magnet make for a very efficient (100dB) and clean woofer in any application.

Windsor2k1
12-29-2005, 10:09 AM
hmmm- would have to say 2012 h. More than any other speaker makes me feel like I am listening to live music. Close second... 2241h. I'm "new school" on woofers yo... :bouncy:

Will

4343
02-06-2006, 11:24 PM
The first JBL I heard was a D130 in a Karlson cab, only one, wired as a center between the amps two hots. I was hooked!;) I don't even remember what the stereo pair was in that setup, or who's it was, all I remember is the JBL sound... Of course I remember the show the first time I heard a 2440, and another when I heard a 2345 for the first time, and the club that had 2495s and 2402's. Still, I think the 2405 is my favorite, combined with a 2420/2307/2308, 2123 mid and a couple pair of 2225's, I'm happy...

Mike Scott in SJ, CA

Harryup
02-07-2006, 12:50 AM
I vote for 2450. 2450 in a tractrix horn and you will not need a HF driver. I have tried all except for the cat eye and they simple add more problem than benifits if you re-evaluate your decisions after a week. If your listen distance is like mine approx 12 feet.
With a 2440 or 2441 you will need a treble unit though.

Niklas Nord
02-07-2006, 06:04 AM
:bouncy:
Harryup´s system sound very very nice !

I would love to try the JBL 2451 in your tractrix :) or, if you would get your hands on the 475nd, it has better looks :D

Harvey Gerst
02-07-2006, 05:30 PM
Two of my favorite JBL speakers were designed by Bill Burton before Ed May came on board - the D123 and the 075.

I don't even remember the name or model of my favorite JBL system; it was a little bigger than the typical bookshelf cabinet, and it had an LE14 and an LE85 (on a 90 degree short horn). Can't remember if it was a straight LE14 or the LE14 with the center tweeter. It was the nicest sounding JBL system I've ever heard.

I had a pair of Hartsfield with Lowthers in them that sounded pretty nice. And I had a Metragon with Janzen electrostatics that really sounded sweet.

hapy._.face
02-07-2006, 07:24 PM
There are a lot of JBL drivers I've yet to hear. But I really like the 112A/H mainly from an historical perspective. That 8" midbass is the whole reason JBL sold any L212s. The engineering really went into the concept of the L212- but it still must have been a huge leap of faith to be the first company to introduce a sub/sat- let alone the audacity to beg $5K for a pair. The solution? Make your midbass pump all the way down to 70Hz and do it perfectly; You leave little for the sub to do (with regard to frequency). The 112A/H is a super fine overmade work of art (IMO).

JBLnsince1959
02-07-2006, 08:44 PM
D-130

Donald
02-07-2006, 09:13 PM
I have to say the 077. I could not believe how sharp it was when I first heard my L65s.

Now, at the other end of the spectrum, I would love to hear a 1500 sub.

150a/250ti
02-08-2006, 10:25 AM
LE14H-1 they even look cool

Ken Pachkowsky
02-11-2006, 10:45 AM
I would have to say the 2245H. To me these continue to be one of my favorite drivers. I do miss that little extra ultra low end they produce when loaded properly aka 4345's. The dual 2235's are nice but those 18"s are something else.

Ken

norealtalent
02-11-2006, 11:17 AM
I can't help but think that the "lacking" (if you can call it that) of the dual 2235's in the Westlakes is due to 2 separate drivers fighting eachother for control of one shared sub chamber. I imagine 2 2245's in one chamber would react the same way. I'm working towards moving the Westlakes out and the SOTA's in for comparisons. The SOTA's have dedicated chambers for each 2235 and therefore I expect the speed an accuracy of the bottom end to be noticeably improved.:bouncy:

hapy._.face
02-11-2006, 11:27 AM
NRT-

Couldn't agree more. If one woofer has the slightest increase in efficiency*- it will react a split second faster and suck the back of the cone of the more inefficient one. Thus, it becomes a smear of a passive radiator situation. I think that's the only westie flaw (I can see) except the price... :p
Dedicated enclosures will result in increased focus. It has to.

I assume the 4350 has the similar problem in design, thus is why people that have owned both a 4350, and 4345 claim the 4345 has more "accurate" bass performance. That's consistant with my theory.


* No two woofers are EXACTLY the same. As one begins to take the slightest lead- it will change the way the other one wears. After time- the differences in efficiency will become more and more apparent.

4313B
02-11-2006, 11:33 AM
Gee... haven't I been harping on that like, let's see, forever now. :rotfl:

hapy._.face
02-11-2006, 11:34 AM
Gee... haven't I been harping on that like, let's see, forever now. :rotfl:

LOL. Hey-I didn't know! :p It does make perfect sense. That's why we (JBL folks) have you and Westlake doesn't!!!

Mr. Widget
02-11-2006, 11:46 AM
I can't help but think that the "lacking" (if you can call it that) of the dual 2235's in the Westlakes is due to 2 separate drivers fighting eachother for control of one shared sub chamber.I always use...(always is a big word)... I almost always use dual woofers in separate chambers. When I built my 4355 clones, the 2235Hs were in separate 5 cu ft chambers... they still didn't have the sound of a 2245. ...and the 2245 doesn't have the sound of a Sub1500....


Widget

vernb
10-08-2008, 03:10 AM
1400PRO (neodynium) because of dynamics and fantastic sound (lower mid) where it crosses over to a compression driver. I own 3 of them and wish I could find one more.....

075 tweeters, clear, crisp treble

Both are easy to drive with smallpowered amps.

Vernb

ratitifb
10-08-2008, 10:19 AM
and a special mention for
12" 2212/123s and 2213s series

then 077 (for blue dia through cristal :p)

Don't forget the 116A and 2118 ;)

and ...:blah::blah::blah:

macaroonie
10-08-2008, 10:37 AM
I'm with happy face :D 'The 112A/H is a super fine overmade work of art (IMO). ' 2108 is the same.

scott fitlin
10-10-2008, 08:22 AM
Ceratin unique tone, and dynamic sound. Yet, not excessively bright, but totally clear, and believable.

To this day, still think they sound excellent.

Ducatista47
10-10-2008, 11:31 AM
Subwoofer past: 2245H present LE14H-3



I would have to say the 2245H. To me these continue to be one of my favorite drivers. I do miss that little extra ultra low end they produce when loaded properly aka 4345's. The dual 2235's are nice but those 18"s are something else.
Ken

The 2245H. Mark it up to my mania for acoustic Jazz combos and other small groups. If there is no need for very loud, there is something sweet and effortless about the sound. I have to touch the surround with my finger to gain physical evidence that they are indeed moving! It is my present as well as past choice. When I last checked it was still available as the 60513X/55340.

Prettiest, the 2405 Alnico and the 2122H. They look very businesslike, yet are very striking industrial designs, and feel great in the hand. I always waste time turning them over and over, looking at them. Even the mounting screws of the 2122 are pretty. The 2108 looks similar and would be easier to turn in your hand, I'll give you that!

Write it up as one more thing 4345 owners can enjoy.

Clark

Mr. Widget
10-10-2008, 04:47 PM
Prettiest, the 2405 Alnico and...I'd go with the flashier 077. :)


Widget

Ducatista47
10-10-2008, 05:16 PM
I'd go with the flashier 077. :)
Widget
That's understandable. Me, I've always been a form follows function, less-is-more kind of guy. My wife thinks I'm boring, go figure...:D

Clark

Mr. Widget
10-10-2008, 05:55 PM
My wife thinks I'm boring, go figure...:DNow, now... if that was true... ;)

Actually, there is an absolute elegance to the form follows function school of design, however if you can jazz it up a bit with a splash of polished acrylic. :bouncy:


Widget

spwal
10-10-2008, 11:18 PM
TAD 2002 :applaud:

demon
10-11-2008, 01:08 AM
hey. whats with all the numbers here?
2240124A2445LE14H-3112A/H?%&!??
is it a secret code of a "special community" maybe?
:hmm:
...oh yes it is!!

-------------------------------------
i didnt have the chance to listen to all of jbls great components yet, but for me, the 2206H really stands out. it kicks so hard!
and it always got A LOT of work to do in its frequency range. a good horse.

cheers,
mikey

scott fitlin
10-11-2008, 09:29 AM
JBL 2242.I have come to love them!

:bouncy:

jcrobso
11-03-2008, 10:37 AM
The first JBL speaker that I bought! At the time it was $120(1966) my wife and friends thought I was crazy. "$120 and all you got was a speaker and no box?" they said. At first I put in a an Ampeg bass amp, the guys in the band were blow away with the sound. John:bouncy:

3dbdown
11-04-2008, 12:03 AM
077
LE-8T
375

Sorry....Couldn't pick just one!

robertbartsch
11-04-2008, 02:21 AM
My favorite JBL drivers include:

Sub = 2242

Mid bass = 2226

Mid compression driver = 2426 (the big 2445 is a close second)

Tweeter = 077


Obviously, I prefer the newer drivers over the older vintage stuff. The exception here is the old slots which produce effortless clean HF.

For me, the vintage JBL drivers are like vintage cars. Driving a 1970 big block Corvette is great but compare it to a 2008 and there is no comparision in terms of performace.

lofi-ear
11-04-2008, 08:27 AM
Best woofer: 808J (especially if two of them)
Best midbass: 806G-1
Best midrange: 804G
Best tweeter: 025ti

:D

robertbartsch
11-04-2008, 10:10 AM
Lofi-ear:

I have never heard the drivers you listed but I have always wondered why JBL waited so long to introduce non-paper cones since, I presume they can be designed with many more beneficial attributes (e.g., lower mass, lower weight, stiffer, etc.)

Anyway, do you have any spec sheets on the drivers you listed?

BMWCCA
11-04-2008, 04:06 PM
I passed by this thread thinking I lacked the expertise and and experience to choose "best". But now that I see we're choosing "favorite", I'm all over it. And I'll jump on the D130 bandwagon for similar reasons as Don. I've lived in the same house with mine for over fifty years. I've never tired of them and they've never disappointed me. I listen to and own many others now but I'm still amazed when I get back to the 030 system and get sucked into the performance like only a big two-way can. It's like putting on room-size headphones without that annoying crap on your head. I'm in the performance. I can almost touch the sound. There are nuances trickling off that big paper cone that I just don't hear on anything else. And I've been to the mountain top, last weekend with the 4333/L7 comparo, and returned to a quick listen in front of the D130s that told me the 4333 apple didn't fall far from the tree.


D130

Inherently inacurate and limited in extension. However in a 13 cu ft box has about the best high impact slam that I've heard. Was singularly responsible for starting me down the long path that led to this website and now, Project May.

timc
11-06-2008, 12:33 PM
I havent been in the game for that long, so i have not heard most of the vintage systems sadly. But anyway, here goes.


Subwoofer: Not tried any yet :( (The Northridge sub, but that doesnt count) Maybe i should get a pair of 2242's :hmm:

Woofer: 1500AL. Fast articulate and a midbass punch beyond belief (By my standards at least) I have no idea how it compares to the woofers in the 43xx and 44xx series.

Midrange: 435Be. This unis blew me away with its lack of coloration and incredible speed. An without being harsh and bright. The Be driver in the JmLabs sounded like a chainsaw in comparison.

Tweeter: For pure quality i would say the 045Be, but if you think about when it was produced, i would have to say the 077 i have in my L65. Today you can get quite a bit better, but for being over 30 years old, the performance is mindboggling.


-Tim

lofi-ear
11-06-2008, 02:13 PM
Lofi-ear:

I have never heard the drivers you listed but I have always wondered why JBL waited so long to introduce non-paper cones since, I presume they can be designed with many more beneficial attributes (e.g., lower mass, lower weight, stiffer, etc.)

Anyway, do you have any spec sheets on the drivers you listed?

No I don't. But I don't need the specs, they sound very good to me and that's what counts ;) Besides, my knowledge in JBL drivers is very limited :o:

BMWCCA
11-06-2008, 07:31 PM
Lofi-ear:

I have never heard the drivers you listed but I have always wondered why JBL waited so long to introduce non-paper cones since, I presume they can be designed with many more beneficial attributes (e.g., lower mass, lower weight, stiffer, etc.)

Anyway, do you have any spec sheets on the drivers you listed?Does this help? http://manuals.harman.com/JBL/HOM/Technical%20Sheet/Ti10k%20ts.pdf

dino
02-03-2010, 10:51 AM
jbl lf- 2245h strong deep bass forever
le175 -very clear warm smooth . To me the best hi end upper mid
075- crisp clear more music detailed

kawasakitech
01-14-2015, 10:05 PM
Lots of votes for the D130
Would a 2220 sound similar to the D130?
I pick my present drivers as my favorites:
2235s 2425s with 2370s
Absolutely love the clarity and tunefullnes

Horn Fanatic
01-14-2015, 11:02 PM
My favorite full range 12" and 15" drivers would be the D123 and D130. For horn loading, the 150-4C, 130A, and 2220A.

H.F.

LowPhreak
01-15-2015, 12:19 PM
Lofi-ear:

I have never heard the drivers you listed but I have always wondered why JBL waited so long to introduce non-paper cones since, I presume they can be designed with many more beneficial attributes (e.g., lower mass, lower weight, stiffer, etc.)




All other things being equal, a paper cone is still stronger, lighter, and less resonant than either a polypropylene or a metal cone. AquaPlas and PolyPlas ‘sandwich’ driver cone construction gives the light weight and high strength (best properties of a paper cone), and immunity from dampness and variations in stiffness that are the best properties of a poly or metal cone.

hsosdrum
01-15-2015, 12:41 PM
2216ND (M2, S4700). 20Hz to 1kHz. There's something truly magical about that one.

pos
04-29-2015, 02:15 PM
Hi hsosdrum,
How would you compare the 2216nd to the current 150xAL line?

hsosdrum
04-29-2015, 04:17 PM
Hi hsosdrum,
How would you compare the 2216nd to the current 150xAL line?

I've not heard head-to-head comparisons between the 2216Nd and any other drivers, so I can only relate my impressions based strictly on how the 2216Nd sounds in the S4700 and the M2. To my ears and in those speakers, the driver sounds more dynamic at all volume levels, and sounds more tonally neutral up through the upper limit of its range (around 1kHz in both systems) than other bass drivers in other systems. I'm particularly impressed with how accurately it seems to render the microdynamic components of acoustic sounds: fingers on guitar strings, sticks and brushes on percussion, piano hammers, leading edges of complex sounds like electric guitars, etc. Most speakers "round-off" those sounds, especially at quieter listening levels, whereas the systems utilizing the 2216Nd do not, at least to my ears. And in a big box it goes plenty low. Speaking of low, it seems to also exhibit the dynamic and neutral qualities I spoke of above all the way down into the depths of the bass range, although a good deal of credit for that must also be given to the enclosure tuning in both systems.

4313B
04-29-2015, 05:29 PM
2216ND (M2, S4700). 20Hz to 1kHz. There's something truly magical about that one.I'm sold.

We've managed to get quite a few of them out in the field now so there should be plenty of DIY projects using them in the future.

J.M. wanted feedback on their performance and the last I heard he'd received nothing but accolades for his design. :)

If everything goes well we might get to see a twelve-inch version as well as a new fifteen-inch version with lower free air resonance.

pos
04-30-2015, 05:26 AM
I though that low level dynamics was mostly related to a low mechanical resistance of the mouving assembly (Rms T/S parameter), but in the case of the 2216nd it is quite high (well I might have to measure mine, because in the box simulation posted by 4313b somewhere the Qms was much higher that the one from the spec sheet, hence a lower Rms).
Can it be due to the "low TCR" VC wire? One would think it would mostly be apparent at high level, but Earl Geddes reported that thermal modulation (short term counterpart of thermal compression) was indeed effective at all levels...

I don't understand why this type wire of wire is not used on other JBL drivers (especially the 150xAL ones). It is a 20 years old patent:
http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?36279-Low-TCR-voice-coil-wire

4313B
04-30-2015, 06:13 AM
The M2 brochure explicitly states that this material is used in the 2216nd transducer, but it is not made clear in the EDS, and to my limited knowledge no other transducer has been reported to be using that type of wire before, not even the 1500AL series.

Is that the case? Is the 2216nd the only woofer to use TCR wires?

I remember J.M. saying that was the case when I asked him what the 2216Nd had over some of the Pro transducers. We were looking for Pro transducers we could buy over the counter that could meet or exceed the performance of the 1500AL series specifically. Being able to buy some 2216Nd's made the whole discussion moot. :) Very fortuitous that Pro chose to use the 2216Nd in their M2. :yes: