LE5 Versions?

[johnaec]

I've seen just about every numbered version of LE5 listed at one time or another, all the way from LE5-2 to LE5-11. My L65A Jubals have LE5-5.

Are these all mostly interchangeable? Do they use the same replacement parts? Does anyone have a rundown on what the differences are?

Thanks for any info.

John

[jblnut]

Besides all the paper-coned LE5's running around out here, there are also the later 104h, h-2 and h-3 5" mids as well. They are interchangeable with the LE5 and arguably better drivers, especially the initial 104h.

I swapped out le5-11's and replaced them with 104h's. I like the resulting sound much more...


jblnut

[boputnam]

Originally posted by johnaec
Are these all mostly interchangeable?

They have different characteristics. In particular, the LE5-2 has "features" of it's upper-end response which, shall we say, were engineered differently in later versions. Giskard, IMO, knows the most about this (and every other... ) series of JBL transducers, and might offer specific commentary.

In general, most here do not recommend swapping components. Not that you might hurt something, only that you're playing with the JBL engineered response, in most cases, without the benefit of know all the impacts (including unintended consequences).

Take polarity, for instance...

[4313B]

"They are interchangeable with the LE5 and arguably better drivers, especially the initial 104h."

The LE5x series and 104x series are different electrically and acoustically.

[jblnut]

at least in my case the swap certainly had no negative side effects and actually produced a better (to my ears) sound.

Hey - if the guy wants to have some fun and swap le5's and 104h's around, what's all the fuss about ?

:-)



I will certainly to defer to Giskard's expert knowledge of these drivers and ther sepcifications. The original question remains though - can you post (or point us to) a comprehensive comparison of LE5 (and 104H) midrange drivers including stats ?

jblnut

[boputnam]

I searched on the string: 104H LE5 and found this - which was about as far into it as I recall us getting...

http://audioheritage.csdco.com/vbull...light=104h+Le5

[johnaec]

Originally posted by Giskard
[BThe LE5x series and 104x series are different electrically and acoustically. [/B]

'Any idea of the differences in the LE5-xx series starting with the LE5-5? I'm just thinking of picking up a cheap set off eBay to put into a set of garage speakers I'm assembling from old drivers. They're probably all similar enough for my needs...

John

[4313B]

Ok, I've posted all this several times before but here it goes again

[4313B]

"at least in my case the swap certainly had no negative side effects and actually produced a better (to my ears) sound.

Hey - if the guy wants to have some fun and swap le5's and 104h's around, what's all the fuss about ?"

I was simply pointing out that they are different. If people like the swaps then that's great.

[johnaec]

Thanks Giskard! I searched the forum, but never came across that.

John

[4313B]

I'm not surprised. I can't find anything either. I could have posted it on several of the previous versions of the forum.

[Regis]

For the great spec' sheet. I actually switched the LE-5-10's in the L-110 with a pair of -6's. Comforting to know that they're exactly the same. This site is always an education in all things JBL.

[johnaec]

Giskard - going over that chart of the LE5 models you posted, it looks like the LE5-H, LE5-9 and LE5-11 technically meet the specs of the 2105H, other than frame color and/or connectors - is that your opinion also, or do you know of other subtle differences made for the home market?

I have a set of 2105H coming from Mike Caldwell to play around with, but am also thinking of picking up a set of LE5s that appear on eBay so much. 'Haven't seen any 9 or 11 series yet, but maybe I'll get a different version, just for comparison.

And also, curiously, I notice JBL never appeared to release the 2108 series 8" driver with 3" V.C. as a componet speaker. It seems like it'd be such a killer lower midrange, (as in 4315/B), or does it overlap too much with their 10" drivers? 'Just curious...

Thanks - John

[4313B]

"Giskard - going over that chart of the LE5 models you posted, it looks like the LE5-H, LE5-9 and LE5-11 technically meet the specs of the 2105H, other than frame color and/or connectors - is that your opinion also, or do you know of other subtle differences made for the home market?"

The differences between the LE5H/2105H and the LE5-9/LE5-11 , besides the cosmetic differences, are that the former use the smaller steel spring loaded push terminals (one size on Consumer drivers, small, and two different sizes on Pro drivers, small and large) while the later use the male/female faston connectors. They are all electrically and acoustically identical.

"And also, curiously, I notice JBL never appeared to release the 2108 series 8" driver with 3" V.C. as a componet speaker. It seems like it'd be such a killer lower midrange, (as in 4315/B), or does it overlap too much with their 10" drivers?

The lack of 112A, 112H, 2108, and 2108H's running around isn't really a mystery. They were only used in the L212 and 4315. Fantasic driver with exceptional transient response. Unlike the 10-inch 2121, 2123, and 12-inch 2202, it is functional down to below 100 Hz just like the 2122H is.

I am currently working on a hybrid XPL140 design with the 116x driver replaced with the 112H. It will run sealed down to meet the sealed 1500 SUB's. The nice thing is I will be able to take advantage of the reserve sensitivity built into the 093Ti and 046Ti by using the more efficient 112H. Plus the 112H eats the 116x for lunch in the transient department, has lower power compression and greater power handling. (And the little 116x is NO slouch at all! )

Advantages the 8-inch 112/2108 have are smaller piston diameter for slightly better dispersion in the higher frequencies and roughly 10 grams less moving mass. Attack and decay are slightly better. Advantages the 10-inch 2122 have are greater efficiency and fullness in the 100 Hz area as well as lower IM distortion when driven at the same output level.

*****

The 2108 did show up on the Pro price schedule back in 1977 to 1981
The 112 was only available to Consumer dealers as a "service part" and we all know how LOTS of "service parts" were needed back then Yeah Baby!

[johnaec]

Unlike the 10-inch 2121, 2123, and 12-inch 2202, it is functional down to below 100 Hz just like the 2122H is.

Any thoughts on the 10" 2012H down to 100hz? I've got a pair that I'm hoping to use for low-mids above the SUB 1500. The specs show the 2012H flat to 100hz if ported - I'm thinking more like trying the sub up to 180hz instead. Electronic crossover, though, so I can play with it...

John