Originally Posted by Tom Loizeaux
I think we should remember that the 4343 was designed for mixdown studios and, though it could be used vertically, was primarily made to hang horizontally above the board! The baffle layout was made rotatable to allow these orientation options and was probably compromised slightly due to this. The 4344 didn't have these requirements. Also, the 4344 came a bit after the 4343, so any new technical understanding could have influenced the subtle changes (or refinements). Some of these new understandings were seen in driver and crossover improvements.
Though I don't hear any significant defficiencies in my 4343s, I have thought about how I might improve things if I were to build an updated pair.
I think I would basically go for the 4344, but would have to consider other questions...like the idea of using a pair of woofers in each cabinet to improve and tighten the low end. I suspect the 2123H would be a stronger mid driver. Maybe a wood horn, or even going to a 1.5 or 2" throat and a 4" diaphragmed driver... maybe even the TAD 4001...? (I suspect the 2405s would stay though)
Ah, see how it all grows?
Maybe simply rebuilding my crossovers for the mid/high/UHF sections in my 4343s would really be enough. ?
This is why I look forward to the development of this thread!
Tom