Help With Potential DIY Project

[dkalsi]

Hi all,

I am currently contemplating pursuing a DIY project. I was hoping people would chime in and suggest which way I should go. I currently have the following components on hand:

1 - pair of JBL 2395 (horns+lens+stands)
1 - pair of JBL 2350 (with 2" throat adapter)
2 - pairs of JBL 2441 (one pair with titanium and the other with aluminum)
1 - pair of NIB JBL 2404H baby cheek tweeters

Any suggestions on which way I should go. Part of me wants to consider the pursing the JBL 4355/3155 that Mr.Widget built - but need to check with him if it is worth the cost.

Additional components to consider:

JBL 2405 tweeters (as it seems to be the forum favorite)
JBL 2235H - seem to be impossible to find, can't decide if I need 2 or 4
JBL 2245 - again tough to find

Any thoughts?

[hjames]

Do you know of any JBL speakers that uses any combination of them??
Maybe 2 ways even?

Got box building skills?

How are your custom crossover chops?

Hi all,

I am currently contemplating pursuing a DIY project. I was hoping people would chime in and suggest which way I should go. I currently have the following components on hand:

1 - pair of JBL 2395 (horns+lens+stands)
1 - pair of JBL 2350 (with 2" throat adapter)
2 - pairs of JBL 2441 (one pair with titanium and the other with aluminum)
1 - pair of NIB JBL 2404H baby cheek tweeters

Any suggestions on which way I should go. Part of me wants to consider the pursing the JBL 4355/3155 that Mr.Widget built - but need to check with him if it is worth the cost.

Additional components to consider:

JBL 2405 tweeters (as it seems to be the forum favorite)
JBL 2235H - seem to be impossible to find, can't decide if I need 2 or 4
JBL 2245 - again tough to find

Any thoughts?

[grumpy]

What experience and resource do you have available? There's certainly no
guarantee that assembling wonderful, individual components will have a
wonderful, combined result. As Heather mentioned, starting from a known
product and modifying to taste -can- be a shorter path to a satisfying end.

Giant, loud, blow your ears out, JBL-based boxes are an attainable given.

The 2395/2441's over a pair of 2235's would be interesting, certainly from
a visual standpoint.

The 2404's might spray too wide, depending on your room, to match the
midrange, but ok. .. where do you want to go and how much weight can you
pull on the project? Measurement equipment? Crossover design experience?
Assembly skills? ...

[dkalsi]

What experience and resource do you have available? There's certainly no
guarantee that assembling wonderful, individual components will have a
wonderful, combined result. As Heather mentioned, starting from a known
product and modifying to taste -can- be a shorter path to a satisfying end.

Giant, loud, blow your ears out, JBL-based boxes are an attainable given.

The 2395/2441's over a pair of 2235's would be interesting, certainly from
a visual standpoint.

The 2404's might spray too wide, depending on your room, to match the
midrange, but ok. .. where do you want to go and how much weight can you
pull on the project? Measurement equipment? Crossover design experience?
Assembly skills? ...

Excellent questions.

I would certianly like to pursue a DIY project that has already proven sucessful.
I unfortunately do not have testing equipment. I know this does not mean a whole lot, but if I have general plans or guidelines (enclosure volume, port lenght, etc.) - I can certainly do the construction.

I was really hoping member can share their experience with the aforemetioned equipment - and suggest which way has proven sucessful results.

I have someone interest in purchasing my 2395s - If I decide to sell to him, he is willing to sell me the following gear: 2 pairs (4 woofers) of 2235 (freshly reconed) + a pair of 2405 + smith horns + potentially 2122H (<-for which he is asking an arm and a leg). Ofcouse, I would also be handing over some cash in addition to my 2395 as well.

If I go forward with the above transaction, I will have the following components at my leasure:

1 - pair smith horns
2 - pairs 2441 drivers
2 - paris 2235H driver
1 - pari 2405 (alino)
1 - pair of 2404H
1 - pair of 2122H drivers

(hopefully that is).

[jerry_rig]

Sounds like you're covered!

[Earl K]

Here's one idea for you ;



- These are ( or at least were ) John Ws' main speakers . John stated that they imaged quite well .

- The 2435H could be substituted by your 2441s / working behind either a 2311 ( & 2308 lens ) or Selenium round exponential horn ( with maybe the L94 lens ) or ( perhaps ) a set of nice wood horns purchased from John .

- Components were as follows ;

LF = 2245H
MF = 2202H

( IME, you'll want a 12" midbass as dynamic as this model, to "voice" or properly balance up with the 2441 / the 2123H could work / though the 2122H doesn't quite have the numbers ( from what I calculate, to keep up to a 2441 )

HF = 2435H on a custom horn ( "turned" on a lathe by John )
UHF = 2407H on a custom horn ( "turned" on a lathe by John )



>< cheers

ps ; here's the Selenium Horn, available from P.E.

[Woody Banks]

You may want to consider a vertical design and shoot for a smaller footprint than the 4355. Check out the PROJECT MAY for example.
I used the 4355 plans and incorporated the Smith horn with a pair of 2441's.
The only driver that is not standard is the 12" mid woofer. I decided to use the ME120HS instead of the 2202 for several reasons. The crossovers were built using the design posted by Giskard.
These monsters have been setting collecting dust for the past year and a half. I tried a couple of days ago to lift them up onto a pedestal in order to match a window seat. They were way too heavy for two people to handle. The large wooden horns and pile of heavy drivers added up to a ludicrous weight.
I finally powered them up last night for the first time but discovered that my ebay Ashly crossover is not functioning. I am currently running the top halves on a small Bryston amp and find the results very pleasing.
The costs to put these together add up very quickly. To replace the drivers, horns and crossovers would cost $3600~$4000.
Good luck on the project!

Woody

[cooky1257]

Excellent questions.

I would certianly like to pursue a DIY project that has already proven sucessful.
I unfortunately do not have testing equipment. I know this does not mean a whole lot, but if I have general plans or guidelines (enclosure volume, port lenght, etc.) - I can certainly do the construction.

I was really hoping member can share their experience with the aforemetioned equipment - and suggest which way has proven sucessful results.

I have someone interest in purchasing my 2395s - If I decide to sell to him, he is willing to sell me the following gear: 2 pairs (4 woofers) of 2235 (freshly reconed) + a pair of 2405 + smith horns + potentially 2122H (<-for which he is asking an arm and a leg). Ofcouse, I would also be handing over some cash in addition to my 2395 as well.

If I go forward with the above transaction, I will have the following components at my leasure:

1 - pair smith horns
2 - pairs 2441 drivers
2 - paris 2235H driver
1 - pari 2405 (alino)
1 - pair of 2404H
1 - pair of 2122H drivers

(hopefully that is).

Hi see my avatar?
300L box; 2x2235,1x2441,1 x2397, 1x2405,1x3106 xover-pretty darn good imo!
Cooky

[dkalsi]

Hi see my avatar?
300L box; 2x2235,1x2441,1 x2397, 1x2405,1x3106 xover-pretty darn good imo!
Cooky

Can you please specify how low are you crossing the 2441+2397?

Do you feel that you need a mid-bass driver?

[hjames]

Excellent questions.
I have someone interest in purchasing my 2395s -

If I go forward with the above transaction, I will have the following components at my leasure:

1 - pair smith horns
2 - pairs 2441 drivers
2 - paris 2235H driver
1 - pari 2405 (alnico)
1 - pair of 2404H
1 - pair of 2122H drivers

(hopefully that is).

Okay, the obvious choice is the 4343/4344 4-way JBL Monitors (with current recommended replacement parts). They consist of

2235H
2122H
2425H
2405H

You have Alnico version of the 2405 slot tweeter, and 2 inch mid horn 2441 (and smith horns!)
instead of the original 2425 (with 2307 horn), but you are darned close if you want to go that route ...

[dkalsi]

Guys, quick question:
What do you think is a fair price for the following (Feel free to give ranges). I tried guessing)

2-Pairs of 2235H ($450/pair??)
1 - Pair of 2122H ($450??)
1 - Pair of 2405 ($300??)
1 - Pair of Smith Horns ($380??) - based on last pair sold on e-bay with adapters)

[jerry_rig]

Okay, the obvious choice is the 4343/4344 4-way JBL Monitors (with current recommended replacement parts). They consist of

2235H
2122H
2425H
2405H

You have Alnico version of the 2405 slot tweeter, and 2 inch mid horn 2441 (and smith horns!)
instead of the original 2425 (with 2307 horn), but you are darned close if you want to go that route ...

Which basically gets you my custom 4-way setup, except Im using 2441 drivers and alnico 2405s:

[dabass]

Hello Earl K

Can you send me coordonate (PM) of the person who buid your horn please.

Regards

[Earl K]

Hi dabass,

These are not my speakers ( horns ) / they belong to John W and he created the horns himself ( on a lathe ) . John W is a member here .



<> Earl K

[dkalsi]

Just got done veneering (and being the first time I have every veneered), I am very happy with the results.

I cannot thank Saeman enough for posting the very helping veneering tips that he did.

I have a few questions about getting the right factory finish now:

1) In regards to sanding the encolsure, do you guys typically proceeds with 200 grit, 400 grit, and finish off with some steel wool?

2) How can I obtain a finish that is as light as possible. I had previously applied boiled linseed oil on my Klipschorns and they have become very dark over the years. Any recommendations for the type of finish I should apply? oil? poly? Again, the goal is to keep the speaker finish as light as possible.

3) What type of router bit is used to bevel the front trim of the enclosure. My DIY 4345 build has a solid walnut molding which is 1" wide and 1/2" thick/deep.

Lastly, I still can't decide whether I should wait for 4313B's new crossovers for the 4345 (especially given the fact that I too will be using a 2" driver), or go ahead and proceed with the latest ones. I have all the parts on hand for the latest ones, but part-express is willing to accept returns with 45 days of purchase date.

Please find below a picture (taken with my cellphone) of the current state of my DIY 4345: