Here they are without the new Grills

[Ken Pachkowsky]

Here is a photo of the re-finished westies with the new base cabs.

[boputnam]

Dood! Looking really nice.

And, how's my pal Juli...?

[Ken Pachkowsky]

She says Hello and when are you two visiting?

Ken

PS: I have a 4001 on the way.

[Audiobeer]

That has to be unreal! Looking fantastic!

[jtgyn]

G'Day Ken,
Are you sure the grills are going to look better? I suppose they keep the dust of the horns..

But are you sure you need them?

They look great!

How do you plan to driving those huge MAC meters you mentioned previously?

Regards Scott

[still4given]

WOW!

Will that turntable really work sitting on those beasts?

Very nice!

Blessings, Terry

[Ken Pachkowsky]

Originally posted by jtgyn
G'Day Ken,
Are you sure the grills are going to look better? I suppose they keep the dust of the horns..

But are you sure you need them?

They look great!

How do you plan to driving those huge MAC meters you mentioned previously?

Regards Scott

Well, I admit they look much better than before but grills will make them look a little less industrial. The grill design is quite unique. We will see what you guys think when they are done.

The meters will be driven buy a DIY system that I built over the last couple of months. Have to figure out how to cut perfect holes in the 4 space panel on the right base.

Ken

[Ken Pachkowsky]

Originally posted by still4given
WOW!

Will that turntable really work sitting on those beasts?

Very nice!

Blessings, Terry

Believe it or not the speakers are so well dampened it will work. While listening at semi loud levels one can put a hand on the tops and feel no vibration what so ever. Even a well recorded punchy kick drum. This could never be done on my 4350's.

Westlake applies a thick layer (1in) of liquid goop throughout the inside of the cabs. It dries like a heavy rubber and has fantastic dampening properties but adds over 75 pounds to each cab. I tried to get the name of it but they would not tell me. The MDF they use is also unique. I have never seen anything like it. I replaced a barrier strip and had to drill a couple of holes. The stuff is hard as a rock. The front baffle is Baltic Birch and 1 and ¾ in. thick.

When you compare a 4355 and the HR-1 in terms of components there is not a huge difference. Both use dual 2235's and 2441's. The HR-1 uses a Gauss 3184B or a JBL 2122 rather than a 2202H. The 4355 uses a 2405 and the HR-1 uses a 2426 on a small version of a 2397. I have never heard a 4355 so I can’t draw a definite conclusion in terms of what sounds better. I know a walnut veneer JBL 43X is damned pretty to look at.

What I feel makes the Westlake sound better (than a 4350B) is the wood horns and the acoustically superior cabinet construction combined with excellent crossover technology. Unfortunately, most large format Westlakes are built for soffit mounting and are quite ugly with there rounded corners and textured black paint. Westlake charge’s such a huge premium for walnut veneer most will never spend it. A pair of black HR-1’s can still be ordered for 40k (outrageous). The veneer version is 10 grand more. The SM-1 is even more outrageous at 80k and 120k respectively.

One thing is for sure, I could never afford a new pair.

Ken

[paragon]

What speakers ??
We want to see more, Ken !

Eckhard

[Wardsweb]

So, from the chick flick you're watching, did you get a "love fern"?

Nice speakers too!

[paragon]

What do you mean, I doen`t understand ??

Eckhard

[Wardsweb]

Originally posted by paragon
What do you mean, I doen`t understand ??

Eckhard

Good, it means you don't sit through to many chick flicks. The movie playing is " How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days" where she gives him a "love fern" .

[paragon]

Waht`s your name wardsweb??,

I´m an 47 years old german trying to understand what you
american people speaking about.
I learned english 35 ore more years ago. So i forget much about
english speach. Sorry, i make many mistakes in writing mails
to the forum, so the (?) stands for i doen`t know is it right or not.
Hope you understand this.
Loving JBL !!

Eckhard

[John]

Hi Ken I think you should consider upgrading the video end of things
IMHO.
I am sure you got the audio part up to speed.

[Mr. Widget]

Originally posted by John
Hi Ken I think you should consider upgrading the video end of things
IMHO.
I am sure you got the audio part up to speed.

Hey what do you mean. That is a 65" Plasma display. The speakers are just dwarfing it.

Widget