Aftermarket Replacement Diaphragms

[4313B]

Due to recent posts and the interest in aftermarket replacement diaphragms, after six years of doing so, I am no longer sourcing genuine JBL replacement diaphragms at deep discount for forum members. This was one of the perks for members of this forum only and was never once offered outside of this forum. I've been notified that the aftermarket diaphragms work just fine and sound just fine so there is virtually no reason to continue with this perk. I'm sure there are several forum members who will step forward and provide whatever data someone might feel is necessary. I am through with this subject and don't intend to respond further.

Thanks!

[spkrman57]

It seems that since so many believe they can shortcut and use aftermarket diaphrams which goes against JBL's philosophy of using genuine JBL parts.

If you want the best sound JBL intended their products for, then you have to use the correct parts!

Ron

[Mr. Widget]

Due to recent posts and the interest in aftermarket replacement diaphragms, after six years of doing so, I am no longer sourcing genuine JBL replacement diaphragms at deep discount for forum members.

Good.

You should only do that sort of things for friends anyway.

I've been notified that the aftermarket diaphragms work just fine and sound just fine so there is virtually no reason to continue with this perk.

You and I both know that is BS. As far as I know the best aftermarket diaphragms will play music but do not perform up to the levels of the factory spec'd units sold by JBL... that said, I think the beef others had on the previous thread was that they felt willing to accept that compromise. Personally I find that mindset disappointing. This site is a celebration of the legacy of James Lansing, a man who refused to compromise. He was always pushing the envelope to produce the finest drivers possible. I know that you and I and many others agree with his principals... but they are not universally shared. For some, close is good enough.


Widget

[scott fitlin]

I have always said use JBL parts, period. It guarantees specified performance of your JBL drivers.

However, some people use aftermarket parts because they are less expensive, and possibly for some, the cost is an issue. I dont recommend aftermarket parts, but, I can understand some peoples position on using them.

Some people find certain aftermarket parts to be more durable, not as good sonically, but, in certain PA apps, the user deems this acceptable. Again, I dont support this, but I understand it.

A few people really think certain aftermarket brand parts simply sound better than JBL,s original parts, I dont support this either, but, its their drivers, its their choice.

However, I respect everyones right to make their own choices. I make mine, as well. With my JBL components, I use JBL parts exclusively.

[Rolf]

I totally agree using ONLY original JBL parts. That is ... among other statements I have posted before: do NOT re-foam, RE-CONE your drivers with original JBL parts. Re-foaming is a gamble and I am sure some quality is removed doing this.

[moldyoldy]

I suspect that many of those that are too cheap to buy the correct 'frams are the same ones that will spend big $ on botique caps to "upgrade" their XOs......go figure.

Maybe I'm wierd....OK, I AM wierd.....but I won't buy parts from anyone that doesn't publish test data or specs for applicable items, whether it's a 'fram, cap, or whatever. However, if I saw an item I needed with better specs than OEM for less $, I'd sure give it a try.

[Mr. Widget]

Re-foaming is a gamble and I am sure some quality is removed doing this.

Interesting point... Bo recently replaced his refoamed 2122s with reconed 2122s and he discovered a major improvement... so yeah, once again it does cost more to do the job correctly, but the difference is real.

Of course if the JBL factory kit is NLA your choices do become rather limited.


Widget

[scott fitlin]

Of course if the JBL factory kit is NLA your choices do become rather limited.


Widget[/quote]I would agree that in some instances where the original is NLA your choices are very narrow, but, its almost 100% certain that what is available as repair/replacement parts are not the same sounding as what original parts were.

And, when you begin encountering this, its time to begin seeking NEW components to fit your needs.

[briang]

I can see no valid reason to seek aftermarket components/diaphrams whenever the actual OEM JBL parts are available.

The intial cost for aftermarket items may be less, but in nearly every case something is compromised; be it fit, finish, response, whatever...and in my opinion and observation, the cost of low quality is actually very high. Don't believe me? Just ask Mr. Taguchi about his world famous loss function.

[JBLRaiser]

[quote=Giskard;138267]Due to recent posts and the interest in aftermarket replacement diaphragms, after six years of doing so, I am no longer sourcing genuine JBL replacement diaphragms at deep discount for forum members. This was one of the perks for members of this forum only and was never once offered outside of this forum. I've been notified that the aftermarket diaphragms work just fine and sound just fine so there is virtually no reason to continue with this perk. I'm sure there are several forum members who will step forward and provide whatever data someone might feel is necessary. I am through with this subject and don't intend to respond further.

Thanks! [/quote.

Just a thanks for your effort. Many have benefitted.

[Tom Brennan]

Some of you guys are kind'a obsessive about all this and it seems a bit snobby. I had a set of 2420s with Radians that were properly installed by a tech, "bumped in" and they worked and sounded fine and sounded better to me than brand new 2427s I had at the time. And I saved a few bucks.

There are scads of these compression drivers around, they're all over the place. I've been given the things, they're not family heirlooms nor Holy Relics. They're machines, that's all. Better to have them working with Radians than being useless lumps sitting on a shelf.