Mid range driver advice needed

[mafuta]

I use a quad amplified 4 way horn system.It utilises a Jbl 2490 to cover 180Hz -900Hz ,Goto SG370 for 900Hz-6kHz and a Goto tweeter.

Problem is that I have become increasingly frustrated with the idiosyncrasies of the Goto mid driver and want to replace it with something less fragile.I have had an Iwata horn with a 1.5 inch throat built for the new driver.Initial plans were for a TAD 4003.However these are virtually unobtainable now and soundwise totally unknown to me . I recently pulled my JBL 2440s from storage and installed them in place of the Goto.I found them somewhat coarse above 3kHz,somewhat smeared and lacking in detail.As an interim measure I replaced the 2440 dias with 2450 SL dias and was totally bowled over by the detail retrieval and smoothness of the sound.

I am now looking for a new driver to use with the 1.5 inch horns.I really wanted to get the JBL 476 Be but all attempts by my local Pro dealer have been unsuccessful.All I could get from the Consumer distributors was a very curt "No".Even showing them Mr Timbers' post on this forum helped nothing.

It seems that my options now would be the TAD 4003,JBL 2452 or 2435. I am very nervous of a too edgy and bright sound.As my Goto drivers are quite a bit more expensive than any of the above,I am not too worried about the cost differential between them.

I have read all the posts about these drivers on this forum,but need advice for this particular situation, i.e. specifically a smooth,but focused and detailed sound delivery from 900Hz-6kHz with no need for equalisation or other electronic smoothing.As I use a tweeter I am not too concerned about HF extension above 10k.Can anyone help?Of course if someone could point me to the elusive 476 Be they will have my eternal gratitude!



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[Robh3606]

detailed sound delivery from 900Hz-6kHz with no need for equalisation or other electronic smoothing. As I use a tweeter I am not too concerned about HF extension above 10k.

Have you tried ordering 435Be's?? You may be able to get a pair of them. You can certainly get 2452Sl's from JBL Pro. The only time I have ever heard the TAD's I didn't like them but I will chalk that up to the system they were in and not the drivers. If you can afford any of them just experiment. You are not going to know what you like until you hear it yourself.

Nice set-up any more pictures you can put up??

Rob

[subwoof]

900hz for the 1.5 driver clearly is on the LF limit of use for the 3" diameter 2435's so I suggest the 4" coil 2452SL ( or the earlier 2450SL with the coated dia ).

Both will give you the warmth and clarity that the 2440 had with the added benefit of a newer phase plug design. Putting the coated Ti dia into the 2450 body would also work well and would be the equivalent of the 475 used in the K2

BTW How did you mount the 2" exit on your 1.5" horns?? that would of required a backwards adapter that would "bias" the comparison....

sub

[mafuta]

How did you mount the 2" exit on your 1.5" horns?? that would of required a backwards adapter that would "bias" the comparison....

Thank you for the advice .The Current horn that the 2440s(and Gotos via a special Goto-built foot long adaptor) are mounted are 2".The new 1.5 inch horns(not shown) were built for the TAD or 476 Be (which I thought I could pop in to order)-until the Frankenstein 2440 threw a spanner in the works.Also playing a role in the decision is the fact that the 2490 used lower down was initially planned as a stopgap (until doubled Gotos could be afforded) but has turned out to be the star of the system.

Have you tried ordering 435Be's

I am afraid the response would be the same.My Pro dealer actually tried to source the 476 from the Consumer distributor.They told him they only sold complete systems and not parts.Pity,the 435Be would be a nice choice as I could easily get different crossover boards and the 2490 can be run a few Hz higher.

Are 435Be available separately anywhere in the world?

[Mr. Widget]

Are 435Be available separately anywhere in the world?

Yes. They are readily available in Japan. I don't think the JBL Dealer was being rude. I really doubt he could get the 476Bes. Even JBL employees would have a hell of a time getting them. They are made exclusively for the Everest system and I believe they are still struggling to keep up with demand.

The TAD TD-4003s are still available, but the last time I checked they were back ordered until December. You might find a dealer in Japan or Europe who has some in stock.

Having heard and measured all three drivers, I'd say that the 476Be and the TAD TD-4003 are quite comprable and the 435Be being very good but not quite at their level.

Another driver you could consider is the ALE A7550. It is slightly smaller at 34mm, but a friend who has used both the TD-4003 and the ALE A7550, liked the ALE slightly better. It is significantly more costly though. I believe you would have to source it from Japan as well.

Beautiful system!


Widget

[speakerdave]

The geographical distance could be a problem, but perhaps this is a job for Steve Schell's Cogent True-to-Life field coil/phenolic drivers, if some kind of demonstration could be arranged. I have not heard them myself; I am most likely not in the target demographic. You could PM him here for information. There is also some contact information on line:

http://cgim.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/man...&showmanu&C&&&

David