Hello everyone!
Long-time lurker here. This site has been indispensable to me over the years. Truly an exceptional source for JBL information, so much so that I really haven't found the need to post or even make an account until now. This is more of a personal preference question rather than technical and there is no single correct answer, I'd just like some input from the community.
A couple of years ago, I picked up four L200's from the original owner (one pair L200, one pair L200A). The cabinets are very clean, easily an 8 to 8.5/10 for each cab. Drivers are all original and functional. Clean grilles which I believe were factory replacements with brown fabric instead of foam and logos. The small, pocket sized manual for each unit was included. Custom, clear glass tops cut for each one. Crossovers caps I believe are starting to deteriorate but I haven't replaced any components in them as I believe they are riveted together.
My question is this - I've lived with these for a couple of years now and used them "as-is" for a while, then built some L200B crossovers (with a series resistor on the LE15B to compensate for it being ~4 ohms rather than 8), then did a tri-amp setup with 2404 tweeters and an outboard active crossover. The active crossover setup was far and away the best sounding to my ears. I'd really like to add 2405 "slot" tweeters to one or both pairs, but I want to mount them on the baffle like the L300. I think that will provide a cleaner look than having them sitting on top of the cabinet and I'm thinking it may yield an audible improvement having the tweeter closer to the horn. I realize they won't actually mimic the L300 due to the L91/H91, LE15B, etc, but that isn't really my goal. I liked the sound with them tri-amped, so I'm just trying to clean things up a tad. Am I butchering something desirable by cutting tweeter holes in them? Should I move these clean ones along to someone who wants them original, and start with a pair that are already in rough condition if I'm going to modify them anyway? Prices seem to be all over the map and I'm not into these things for a whole lot so it isn't a "loss" to me if I reduce their value but I don't want to ruin something that is on the rare side in good condition. I'd like to think I'll keep them long-term but who knows. Seems like the addition of a tweeter would be appealing to all but the purists, but perhaps not.
Anyway, as stated previously this is not a straightforward question but any and all input would be appreciated. Thanks!
Nik