4 way system poll

[Joe Alesi]

Hello All,

I hope everyone is happy and well and ready for the Christmas Season

I would like to ask your opinions and ask you to vote your opinions in a JBL 4way horn system for home 2ch use. I am sure there are many options, but for me with available drivers (although I may still need one 2123), I have narrowed it down to 5.

I understand there may be some compromises with the 2245/2123 crossover point- please advise. I also have some 2309 horns only (no lenses) for any other crazy (or not) ideas.

[hjames]

Tell us more, Joe - I gather this Poll isn't about what we own or what we like, its what you ought to build with ... specific choice of drivers?

But - what about the 4333s? Lots of folks love them to death - seems like some folks like them better than the big 4-ways!
Very similar drivers but you need a pair of longhorns ...

I assume box building is not an issue ...

Hello All,

I hope everyone is happy and well and ready for the Christmas Season

I would like to ask your opinions and ask you to vote your opinions in a JBL 4way horn system for home 2ch use. I am sure there are many options, but for me with available drivers (although I may still need one 2123), I have narrowed it down to 5.

I understand there may be some compromises with the 2245/2123 crossover point- please advise. I also have some 2309 horns only (no lenses) for any other crazy (or not) ideas.

[Joe Alesi]

Tell us more, Joe - I gather this Poll isn't about what we own or what we like, its what you ought to build with ... specific choice of drivers?

But - what about the 4333s? Lots of folks love them to death - seems like some folks like them better than the big 4-ways!
Very similar drivers but you need a pair of longhorns ...

I assume box building is not an issue ...

Hello Heather,

Yes exactly- the poll is more about what I should do with what I have already got to build a big 4 way. Yes the 4333 would be a possibility for me- preferrably in a taller restyled cabinet, with modular construction for the inevitable changes.

For any other alternatives, I have:
2 x 2245
2 x 2240
2 x 2405
2 x 2404
4 x 2118
4 x LE5-2
4 x 2226
2 x 4560 bins
2 x 2440
2 x 2441
1 x 2123
1 x E110
2 x 2402
2 x 2470 converted to 2420?
2 x EV Theatre Horns HR9040 (large, 400/500Hz cut off)
2 x Martin Audio S115 Bass Bins Large Bass Bin 30ish/40 Hz Up

Can get:
2 x 2350
2 x 2397
2 x 5.5" Long x 6.5" Diam Tractrix/Spherical?? round horns for 2440/1

I was inspired to read Jack B's Oblate Spheriod threads and hence the interest in the short tractrix/spherical round horn for the 2440, but also love the look of the big 2350 (hopefully it is not too honky in sound character??).

Also I read many positive things about the Smith horn. Maybe I should ask one of our other Australian members for a listen (anyone out there?)

[Rolf]

I think this poll is of no value. You cant get votes from people who like other drivers more than the ones in the poll.

[Joe Alesi]

I think this poll is of no value. You cant get votes from people who like other drivers more than the ones in the poll.

Hello Rolf,

It's of value to me to ask people who may have experienced some of these which they would prefer, if they HAD to choose and also to stimulate discussion on all things JBL. So......... which option did you vote for?

Best
Joe

[macaroonie]

Do you not think the 2350 is a tad long throw in nature. I voted with the majority asuming you can get or make the serpentine lens. That is unless you live in the bush and distance is a plus.

[Joe Alesi]

Do you not think the 2350 is a tad long throw in nature. I voted with the majority asuming you can get or make the serpentine lens. That is unless you live in the bush and distance is a plus.

Hello Macaroonie,

No we dont live in the bush- the big smoke (No Kangaroos here). From memory the 2350 is nominally 90 H x 40 V. I suppose its radial design may make it more increasingly more directional at or around 8-10kHz and above, but i would have said that it would be reasonable for maybe not short (nearfiled), but certainly medium throw applications. In any event I would use a 2405 Slot Tweeter above it (140 x 45)

[allen mueller]

See if you can try those 2397's. I have a version of the smith horn more along the lines of the westlake style and love the sound. They sound great with all types of music.

Allen

[A9X]

Starting at the bottom;
1: I'd find another pair of 2245 and run them in a large sealed enclosure, push-push and use a Linkwitz tranform to get flat to 20-30Hz with a low Q. Big SS amp driving, preferably class D.
2: 2123 in a damped tube a la Drew Daniels; xover at 300Hz
3: 2440 on Bouska style flare
4: B&C DE10 or 18Sound 1020 on Bouska flare, 2-2k5 up.

All active, LR24 slopes, nothing class AB in the signal path.

Sorry, it's not quite what you asked, but if you're going to go to the effort, may as well do it the best possible, imnsho of course.

[Mr. Widget]

For any other alternatives, I have:
2 x 2245
2 x 2240
2 x 2405
2 x 2404
4 x 2118
4 x LE5-2
4 x 2226
2 x 4560 bins
2 x 2440
2 x 2441
1 x 2123
1 x E110
2 x 2402
2 x 2470 converted to 2420?
2 x EV Theatre Horns HR9040 (large, 400/500Hz cut off)
2 x Martin Audio S115 Bass Bins Large Bass Bin 30ish/40 Hz Up

Can get:
2 x 2350
2 x 2397
2 x 5.5" Long x 6.5" Diam Tractrix/Spherical?? round horns for 2440/1

I'd use the horns/drivers in red... get an additional 2123 and try both horns to see which you prefer.

The network and it's tuning will make or break the project.

Keep us posted.

Widget

[Joe Alesi]

See if you can try those 2397's. I have a version of the smith horn more along the lines of the westlake style and love the sound. They sound great with all types of music.

Allen

Thanks Allen,

Lucky man- I love the look of the big westlake horn. It seem I will have to try the 2397 (or Westlake by some miracle)- there are too many good recommendations to ignore. Do you cross them over at the traditional?? 800Hz?

[Joe Alesi]

Starting at the bottom;
1: I'd find another pair of 2245 and run them in a large sealed enclosure, push-push and use a Linkwitz tranform to get flat to 20-30Hz with a low Q. Big SS amp driving, preferably class D.
2: 2123 in a damped tube a la Drew Daniels; xover at 300Hz
3: 2440 on Bouska style flare
4: B&C DE10 or 18Sound 1020 on Bouska flare, 2-2k5 up.

All active, LR24 slopes, nothing class AB in the signal path.

Sorry, it's not quite what you asked, but if you're going to go to the effort, may as well do it the best possible, imnsho of course.

Thanks A9X,

How is life in Sydney? I used active eq (Linkwitz TF) on an old 2235 I used to have- It is defientlty the way to go. I will be using an active xover (probably DCX2496 or another analog 3way I have), so I can possibly play a few games with the response down low. I hear you on the suggestion of class AB- and certainly agree on the MID, HF and UHF. On the 2245 I am quite happy with big solid state AB.

It seems there is a push to the 2123 all around- now I need to find another newish one to match.

[Joe Alesi]

For any other alternatives, I have:
I'd use the horns/drivers in red... get an additional 2123 and try both horns to see which you prefer.

The network and it's tuning will make or break the project.

Keep us posted.

Widget

Thanks for your suggestions Mr Widget,

It seems there is a lot of love for the 2123, so that sounds like it might be a given and as you say try the horns for some flavour. All "easy" enough with an active xover.

[Ian Mackenzie]

Hi Joe,

I like your idea of modular approach and with a digital active you can audition various combination and alternative network filters.

The 2226 with the smith horn/2440 crossing over at 800 hz then the slot at 8000 hz would be interesting, the 2226 horn loaded a would also be interesting and use the 2245 from either 75hz or 150 up. That arrangement is used in some clubs.

Alternatively try the above arrangment with the 2226 from 100-500 hz, 2118s running from 500hz - 1200hz, the 2440 with a salad bowl from 1200- 9000hz and the slot above 9000hz. If you want more refinement run the 2420 from 4000hz - 10,0000 in small smith horns and the 2240 from 1000- 4000hz much like the Westlakes. It more or less piston range system with die hard accuracy and even with dated components to would work well.

I realise this is a 6 way with the 2245 as a sub but I am looking at your available drivers. I think you have two choices. Of course you could use quite small class A amps on the horns.

Have you looked at Earl Geddes horns

You could also try the 2240's in sealed boxes like the old Clair Bros S4 cabinets which were a PA mans 4355 with twin 2240, 4 x E110, 2 x 2440, 2 x 2405 per box.

Just some ideas

Ian

[Allanvh5150]

Ah yes, thes S4. Now there is a cabinet!