Transforming B&W 801s into 1400 Arrays

[audiomagnate]

I recently picked up two pairs of broken B&W 801s with the intention of turning them into one functioning pair. I was thinking of turning the extra pair of bass cabs into subwoofers. Then I picked up a pair of EV SP-12bs and thought about making an updated version of an Aristocrat. Then it occurred to me how much the 801 cabs resemble the 1400 bass cab and the light bulb came on. These would be the perfect basis for a 1400 clone, so that's what I'm going to do after I get the 801s done.

[Audiobeer]

Shame on you! :applaud:

[Audiobeer]

Actually I'm a big fan of the 801's. I like them better than the 1400 Arrays. Don't let me sway you as I have some poor tastes. :)

[Mr. Widget]

Actually I'm a big fan of the 801's. I like them better than the 1400 Arrays.Aesthetically or sonically?

I haven't heard any of the 801 permutations in years, but I have heard the 800D compared to the 1400 Array a few times... I think it is a draw or perhaps slightly in the 1400 Array's favor, and they are half the price of the B+W 800D.

Aesthetically, I am not crazy about 801s, 800Ds, or the 1400 Arrays. :(


Widget

[Mr. Widget]

These would be the perfect basis for a 1400 clone, so that's what I'm going to do after I get the 801s done.Then shouldn't you be fitting a pair of LE14H-3s in them?


Widget

[audiomagnate]

Then shouldn't you be fitting a pair of LE14H-3s in them?


Widget

Of course. I'm about fifteen minutes into this project at this point. The EVs were just part of the evolution of the thought process, so I figured I put that photo in. The SP12B has to be mounted from the rear, so that option died almost instantly; theres no "back door" on a B&W cabinet. It is a pretty nice "full range" driver BTW. I was surprised at how high it goes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KH7vEPtrMs Do I really need -3s? -1s seem more common on eBay.

[Robh3606]

Do I really need -3s? -1s seem more common on eBay.

They should work if you can drop a 14H-3 into an L250Ti you should be able to drop a 14H or -1 into an Array clone. You may have to tweek things a bit with the higher crossover point.

Rob:)

[Mr. Widget]

Do I really need -3s? -1s seem more common on eBay.To clone, yes... to design a similar speaker that is also good, you can probably get away with LE14H-1s. If you are patient you can possibly get the LE14H-3s from Harman for ~$300 ea.


Widget

[audiomagnate]

What's the difference between the -1 and the -3?

[4313B]

Harman has LE14H-4's available.

[JeffW]

Harman has LE14H-4's available.

My LE14H-3s came shipped loose in a cardboard box with the remains of a little piece of styrofoam under the magnet. They miraculously survived, but be prepared for disappointment when ordering from them.

On the other hand, the 435ALs all came very well packed and all survived.

[4313B]

They miraculously survived, but be prepared for disappointment when ordering from them.Very true. I was going to order a pair for myself last week but decided not to chance it. I get really pissed off when I order a new JBL driver and it shows up all beat up or broken because some asshat can't pack it right.

On the other hand, the 435ALs all came very well packed and all survived.I ordered six of those once to get three usable ones. JBL did eventually replace the broken three.

[Mr. Widget]

I ended up ordering four Tannoys on Friday instead. They never, ever, ever come in at anything less than perfect. Yeah, but they sound like Tannoys... :p

I know what you mean though... JBL finished goods meant for retail seem to all be well packed, but ordering B stock, parts, and blow out specials is a real crap shoot.


Widget

[4313B]

I know what you mean though... JBL finished goods meant for retail seem to all be well packed, but ordering B stock, parts, and blow out specials is a real crap shoot.I suspect Crown is going to put an end to it once and for all when they finally get their head around the situation. They need to dump these third party vendors with little vested interest in their operations and pay the cost of doing business with their own employee base.

Yeah, but they sound like Tannoys... :pThat isn't a problem.

If there's any problem at all with Tannoy it's that they too have ceased selling their components over the counter due to counterfeiting.

I think JBL stopped because they got tired of people calling them and asking "I just purchased two LE15H's, what do I do with them?" I know for a fact that kind of thing got on alot of people's nerves.