2384 vs STX(5006812) waveguides?

[emilime75]

Narrowing down, somewhat, on what I want to build and have decided on either of these 2 guides. Wondering if anyone has directly compared these?

The HF driver will be a 2447/51SL. I'm using them now and find their upper extension satisfactory. What I haven't decided on is if I'll go 2 or 3 way with a 2251 for midrange. Lows will be 2226H, and I may thrown in a W15GTI for the Low-Lows.

Intended use will be equally shared between 5.1 theater and 2.1 music playback.

Most notable drawbacks to either waveguide, to me, are the size of the 2384 but, considering the required enclosure size for either dual 2226s or a 2226 + W15GTI, these are going to be big, regardless. For the STX I'll need adapters to bolt on the 2447/51SL, but that shouldn't be too difficult to source/have made.

I'd appreciate any comments or advice between the waveguides mentioned.

Thanks.

[emilime75]

Well, I'm a bit bummed no one has any info they're willing to share on this, but I thought I'd update anyway in case anyone may be interested.

I ended up ordering 3x 2384 waveguides on 3/21. Checking the order, it looked like it wasn't progressing so I emailed the vendor on 3/27. The reply I received was that JBL was out of stock and would not have any until mid/end of May. I didn't want to wait that long, and considering it might turn into an even longer delay and possibly never even being fulfilled, I canceled the order.

So, that leaves me with either trying a different vendor, but they will likely be in the same scenario. Or, I go with the STX waveguides.

Still hoping someone can offer some advice.

[jerv]

The 2384 waveguide is (AFAIK) available on Speaker Exchange.

Compared to the STX, the 2384 maintain pattern control and smoothness a bit deeper down. In my systems, I have had best results with the 2450SL/2451 drivers, and a crossover at about 750-800 Hz. In this configuration, it is IMO one of the best sounding waveguides there is, period.

The STX 5006812 (and the very similar PT-F95HF) are smaller, and loses pattern control at about 1.6 kHz. Not as smooth as the 2384 either.

[Mitchco]

I use the 2384 waveguide in the JBL 4722 package. I swapped out the stock 2432H for the 2453H-SL and could not be happier. I use a digital XO and cross at the factory recommended 630 Hz. I have tried 800, 750 and 700 Hz and to my ears the 630 Hz XO point integrates best with the 4722.

There is a long thread on AVSForum about the 4722, and user notnyt has tried/measured various CD's on the 2384's from threads 121 to 145 or so. http://www.avsforum.com/forum/89-speakers/1925586-just-purchased-pair-jbl-4722n-speakers-121.html

Also, he built a center channel with, I believe the STX here: http://www.avsforum.com/forum/155-diy-speakers-subs/2630073-full-active-jbl-linear-phase-front-stage-journey-12.html#post49566433 Maybe reach out to him as he has heard/measured both...

[emilime75]

The 2384 waveguide is (AFAIK) available on Speaker Exchange.

Compared to the STX, the 2384 maintain pattern control and smoothness a bit deeper down. In my systems, I have had best results with the 2450SL/2451 drivers, and a crossover at about 750-800 Hz. In this configuration, it is IMO one of the best sounding waveguides there is, period.

The STX 5006812 (and the very similar PT-F95HF) are smaller, and loses pattern control at about 1.6 kHz. Not as smooth as the 2384 either.


Thank you both for the replies and info.


SpeakerEx had one in stock, I ordered it and it's on its way to me. I guess I'll build the center channel first and wait for stock to be replenished before I build the main L and R. Is it safe to assume that a 2447J core with a 2451H-SL diaphragm will sound at least as good as with a 2451H-SL or 2453H-SL CD? I seem to recall having read this combo works quite well.



I use the 2384 waveguide in the JBL 4722 package. I swapped out the stock 2432H for the 2453H-SL and could not be happier. I use a digital XO and cross at the factory recommended 630 Hz. I have tried 800, 750 and 700 Hz and to my ears the 630 Hz XO point integrates best with the 4722.

There is a long thread on AVSForum about the 4722, and user notnyt has tried/measured various CD's on the 2384's from threads 121 to 145 or so. http://www.avsforum.com/forum/89-speakers/1925586-just-purchased-pair-jbl-4722n-speakers-121.html

Also, he built a center channel with, I believe the STX here: http://www.avsforum.com/forum/155-diy-speakers-subs/2630073-full-active-jbl-linear-phase-front-stage-journey-12.html#post49566433 Maybe reach out to him as he has heard/measured both...

Yes, I am familiar with AVS and notnyt's thread. I try to stay away from that forum, but maybe I should try and ping him for some info.

Either way, it sounds like I should be quite happy with the 2384 and will continue on that path. I'll likely try the STX guide when I build my surrounds.