Jbl 4311 Wx

[Mark Mills]

Can anyone tell me the differences between the 4311 "A". "B" & "WX" series speakers?

I have a pair of the WX series serial # 14192 &14195 and am curious. I've haven't seen any mention of them on the JBL Pro vintage site or anywhere else. Thanks!

[4313B]

WX just means oiled walnut

[Mark Mills]

I have found out that the "WX" has more info in it than just the "WX" meaning Walnut finish. As they don't have "A" or "B" after the "WX" in the serial number they are orginal 4311s with the rare Alnico V Magnets.

[Mr. Widget]

Rare?

The ferrite 4311s are called 4311B. I am not sure but I am fairly confident that there were many more alnico 4311s produced than ferrite 4311Bs.

[Mark Mills]

Rare? I'll stick by that.

The post was not about As or Bs. It was originally about 4311s serialized with a WX suffex only and determining what generation of speaker they were.

First genration 4311s came out in 1979 as I recall and were only manufatured for 1 year. The A & B series are engineering rev levels of the product that would have been added to the serial number i.e. WXA for oiled walnut rev "A". Baffle and component changes were involved in th e A & B series.

Still seem rather rare & desireable to me...Only an opinion however.

[4313B]

4311WX means Oiled Walnut finish.

4311 without the WX means Studio Gray.

4311's with alnico magnets are a dime a dozen, at least they used to be. I'm sure many have made their way to the dumpster by now.

The 4311 was last manufactured in 1978. My Pro price lists only go back to 1977 but it's there on the 1977 price list. It also shows up in the 1974 Pro catalog.

You can view the revision history here:
http://www.jblproservice.com/pdf/Systems%20Reference%20Charts/Studio%20Monitor%20Series.pdf

Looking at that one can see the 4310 was last manufactured in 1973, so the 4311 must have come out in 1974.

It always ran a ferrite HF. Like Mr. Widget stated, MF and LF remained alnico until the B revision.

[boputnam]

Mr. Mills, your multiple Forum efforts in shamelessly promoting your eBay auction are real lame. You are a trying to mislead the unknowing.

You wasted the time of two of the most knowledgable on this forum, and should be banished to a soundless sound-proofed room!

Just my opinion.

:mad:

[Earl K]

Hi All

As RobG stated, the 4311 was introduced in 1973/4 .
I have a JBL "Pro-Note" ( Volume 1, Issue 7, published - July 1973 ) that intros the 4311 on page 4 . It states that this successor (4311) for the 4310 "is due for production in August 1973" . It also states that "the 4310 will continue to be available until, at least, November 1973" .
The same ( July ) Pro-Note mentions that the 4350 is "now shipping" after months of field testing . The previous Pro-Note ( January 1973 ) announced the existence of 4350 prototypes that were already in field tests with "well known studios in our area" .

regards <. Earl K

[4313B]

Thanks for the info Earl!

That's pretty definitive :)

[Martin_Cph_DK]

I am close to picking up a pair of 4311B - WX by the way...

How can tell from the serial no. 6605 the production year?

What you think about this crossover modification - any good? http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/JBL_L100.htm

This is great site - made of real people and opinions.

[Mr. Widget]

What you think about this crossover modification - any good? http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/JBL_L100.htmThat appears to be a very serious attempt to "improve" and modernize the venerable L100. There is nothing "Quick and Dirty" about it. :)

I am sure that the sound of the "improved" L100 is more neutral and closer to what we might seek in a more modern design. However, due to inherent limitations in the drivers themselves, I wouldn't spend the money on trying to make this an "almost new speaker"... If you want an accurate monitor with better imaging, lower distortion, and a more neutral sound, I'd suggest you look elsewhere. If you want a piece of history and want to relive your youth, then pick up a pair of L100s and relive the '70s warts and all.


Widget

[Martin_Cph_DK]

There is nothing "Quick and Dirty" about it. :)

If you want a piece of history and want to relive your youth, then pick up a pair of L100s and relive the '70s warts and all.

Widget

I agree with you... I'm love with the "JBL-sound" and the foot-taping-effect. But will I also be able to keep the sometimes analytical approach?

The L100 Century's that I have been recommended comes with original x-over and low freq-drivers but is however altered by using the 104h midrange and the le26 radiator.

Is that as cruel?

Many thanks for your input!