5234A for 4343?

[pyonc]

Hi guys,

I'm currently using Ashly XR1001 for biamping JBL 4343, with pleasant and satisfying results.
At the same time I've been temped to seek the old 5234A Xover with 4343 cards.
I've read some threads on 5234A, and wonder if it's worth for me to explore this vintage Xover network.
I know there are other kinds of high-end Xover networks such as Bryston 10B and Marchand.
But before I pursue further on this, I'm drawan to this mystic 5234A.
Any suggestion or comments on this network?
Thanks much in advance.

[Ian Mackenzie]

Been there done that. The 5234A is an old dated design, stick with the Ashly for the moment.

[pyonc]

Been there done that. The 5234A is an old dated design, stick with the Ashly for the moment.

Thanks much, Ian.
Could you tell me more about the difference between 5234A with 4343 cards and Ashly?
At a glance, I see 5234A has 12db/octave slopes while Ashly's 24db...

[Ian Mackenzie]

The 5234A can take JBL custom 12 db cards with spread frequencies to remove a bump from a normal 300 hertz 12db card. (something like 240 - 350)

The Ashly 24db slopes do not sum with the bump.

Years ago I simulated the drivers on a baffle in a thread and the above was the case.

The 5234 goes but its dated

[wpod]

It's what I use on my 4343 and I'm quite satisfied with the results. This is not my auction and I don't know this seller, just trying to make things easier for you. Paul http://www.ebay.com/itm/JBL-M552-Cro...item338c4a18d9

[pyonc]

It's what I use on my 4343 and I'm quite satisfied with the results. This is not my auction and I don't know this seller, just trying to make things easier for you. Paul http://www.ebay.com/itm/JBL-M552-Cro...item338c4a18d9

Well, I've used it before, and still keep it. Looks like it's similar to Ashly with 24db/slopes.
Have you ever used this particular 5234A with 4343? Any experience to share? Thanks.

[martin2395]

Forget the old designs, they work but that's all. I found them to sound dull and lifeless, the M552 is already a lot better sounding crossover but not quite there yet.
I also had the Behringer cx3400 but it was noisy and harsh, the digital DCX2496 was not bad at all.

The best one I've had to date is a recapped BSS FDS360 with 300Hz/24dB cards. It's an amazing built unit that you can easily tweak by changing the OP-amps as they are mounted in sockets.

[pyonc]

Well, I've used it before, and still keep it. Looks like it's similar to Ashly with 24db/slopes.
Have you ever used this particular 5234A with 4343? Any experience to share? Thanks.

Have you actually used this 5234A with 4343 factory card? M552 is better than this? Our individual tastes are different...

[pyonc]

Thanks a lot for your great comments and advice, as always.
Finally I've decided to buy the 5234A with 4343 cards on ebay.
This has been listed on ebay by a respected forum member here, who said he used to use it for his 4343 many years.
I'll report back to you about the outcomes of my test when I receive it.
Despite some of your reserved opinions on this unit, I just want to experience and judge it by myself.

[Ian Mackenzie]

Try a search, all this has been discussed at length previously.

The issue is the parts

[Robh3606]

I have used both the 24db M552 and a 12db DX-1 with my 4344's. I pefered the DX-1 between the two. I would just stick with the Ashley.

Rob

[pyonc]

Try a search, all this has been discussed at length previously.

The issue is the parts

Currently I'm reading all these interesting and informative threads including yours in this forum.
For me, as the saying 'Seeing is believing' goes, trying by myself is clear my thirst for this mystic gear.
Basically I'm a lover of JBL vintage gear...
Thanks.

[pyonc]

I have used both the 24db M552 and a 12db DX-1 with my 4344's. I pefered the DX-1 between the two. I would just stick with the Ashley.

Rob

I've used M552 and Ashley, and like you said, prefer the latter.
Still, I'm a bit thrilled to experiment with this 5234A with 4343 factory-wired card when I get it next week.
I'm going to compare Ashley with this JBL stock for 4343, though Bo and Ian ruled for Ashley.