Aftermarket JBL 035Ti

[Mike F]

I came across a pair of 4408 that are in desperate need of attention. They are in rough shape but I`ve worked with far worse, the 116H-2`s are ok but need new foam, both tweeters are open
There aren't too many original 035`s around at a decent price and there is no guarantee that they are in good working condition, my definition of such differs from most sellers.
I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with the aftermarket tweeters available from some vendors such as this:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/153211461801?ul_noapp=true

[BMWCCA]

By "open" do mean electrically as in DCR measurement, or do mean open as in the mounting holes for them are empty, like you didn't get any tweeters with the speakers?

Could be very fixable. Lots of info about these, specifically, here and elsewhere.


BTW, your old Crown SL2 is headed back to Indiana for some needed service, one channel quieter than the other. AETechron says they are happy to handle the diagnosis and repair.

[SEAWOLF97]

Not sure why you would consider a copy 035Ti for $70, when authentic
ones are generally in the 50 +- range ?

[BMWCCA]

Just remember the very thin wire from the terminal to the diaphragm is fragile and if you so much as move the terminal by wiggling the wiring to undo it you will usually break the connection. Fairly easily repaired with a thin wire and some basic soldering skills. If I can do it, you can do it! My problem came from attempting to straighten the "crooked" terminals. Don't!! Leave them where they are. There's not enough give in the wires to move them at all.

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbullet...his-is-helpful

[RMC]

I tend to agree with macaroonie/Widget's approach vs Rusty's, though there's a sizeable 5-6 db high end peak on axis with the Audax tweeter referred to, but it may be reduced with EQ. I don't dislike the suggestion, simply think maybe you are able to do better VHF wise with another one?

4408 system sensitivity is rated at 89 db so i'm wondering if you really need a 96 db tweeter, there's probably an L-Pad on that JBL tweeter to match woofer sensitivity anyway? The Audax is 90 db, crossover frequency also matters, the latter appears to be ok for this. Depending on which way you go you might have to modify the crossover as mentioned before.

With all due respect there's another reason i'd take a different route than Rusty: its controlled (limited) dispersion of sound from horn loaded tweeters. Having many, a sample is shown on pics. The horn loading of the Monacor not only increases sensitivity but also directivity. It may be less desirable in view of application/type of box here, and well suited for another one.

Linked to the preceeding is the fact that monitor speakers are generally closer to hi-fi speaker sound than to sound reinforcement ones. I use higher sensitivity & directivity dome in horn tweeters in more "civilized" satellite sound reinforcement boxes i make (e.g. the two pairs on the left, note the 2nd pair is similar to the Monacor). While the two pairs on the right have much less "horn loading", therefore better sound dispersion but somewhat lower output sensitivity.

The four pairs show at the same time different levels and ways of doing "horn loading" (ways: on the 2 pairs at right its executed differently looking at the faceplates). Naturally with its flat faceplate the Audax has no "horn loading" and probably increased dispersion with little lower sensitivity...


On the practical side, since he's in Canada, to avoid the painful currency exchange rate and the higher cost of US shipping, he should have a look at the Solen.ca web site where they have LOTS of tweeters. For example, they do have Widget's Audax TW025A0 at $45.CAD and also sell the dome repair kit for such at $30 CAD. I'd be surprised if he couldn't find an acceptable tweeter at a reasonable price. Regards,

Sorry for light reflections on the domes in the pics, purpose here was to show different faceplate shapes, not really the domes.

Richard

[Mike F]

Thanks to all who chimed in.
It seems like the consensus is anything but the Chinese knock offs. There seems to be quite a bit of options to choose from and many would likely be better than the original 035.
At this point I`ll look into the possibility of repairing the ones I have, Ill report back with my findings.

[rusty jefferson]

.....With all due respect there's another reason i'd take a different route than Rusty: its controlled (limited) dispersion of sound from horn loaded tweeters. Having many, a sample is shown on pics. The horn loading of the Monacor not only increases sensitivity but also directivity. It may be less desirable in view of application/type of box here, and well suited for another one....

With all due respect, the little Monocor tweeter has good dispersion characteristics and the good sensitivity needed to possibly avoid changing the crossovers, and I've listened to it. It sounds good to my ears.(https://heissmann-acoustics.de/en/test-monacor-dt-25n/) The edge diffraction on that cabinet is a bigger problem than the Monocor dispersion characteristics. I would also point out that Studio Monitor speakers are generally speaking designed to be listened to on axis, but let's not overthink this:

...I'd be surprised if he couldn't find an acceptable tweeter at a reasonable price. Regards, ...

And that's the point.

[Mike F]

Not sure why you would consider a copy 035Ti for $70, when authentic
ones are generally in the 50 +- range ?

Not in my neck of the woods unfortunately.
I`m at the mercy of Ebay for stuff like that and it`s been my experience that most sellers are not very knowledgeable. There is a big difference between working and working right.

[SEAWOLF97]

Not in my neck of the woods unfortunately.
I`m at the mercy of Ebay for stuff like that .....

It's ez , just look for a pair of L-60t's with rotted LF's .... nobody fixes those and they go cheap ....

would NOT even consider Ch1nese knockoff copies.

your link:

Brand: SS Audio
Compatible Model: 035Tia Type: Tweeter
MPN: T-035Tia Compatible Brand: For JBL
Country/Region of Manufacture: China UPC: Does not apply

[Mike F]

It's ez , just look for a pair of L-60t's with rotted LF's .... nobody fixes those and they go cheap ....

would NOT even consider Ch1nese knockoff copies.

your link:

Brand: SS Audio
Compatible Model: 035Tia Type: Tweeter
MPN: T-035Tia Compatible Brand: For JBL
Country/Region of Manufacture: China UPC: Does not apply

I`ve been actively searching for just that sort of thing for years now. You would be (unpleasantly) surprised at what is available in these parts and the ludicrous asking prices.
I`m considering these knock off`s because chances are if real 035`s ever did pop up, their condition would most likely be questionable.
I`ve had my fair share of bad experiences with Chinese copies of tweeter and compression driver diaphragms hence my inquiry. I`m surprised no one here ever made the gamble just for the sake of curiosity.

[man00]

Not in my neck of the woods unfortunately.
I`m at the mercy of Ebay for stuff like that and it`s been my experience that most sellers are not very knowledgeable. There is a big difference between working and working right.

I bought the $69.00 knockoffs...Far as I can remember the sound of the 035Ti's the knockoffs sound okay to me..Not saying they are as good but for my old hearing they sound good

[Mike F]

By "open" do mean electrically as in DCR measurement, or do mean open as in the mounting holes for them are empty, like you didn't get any tweeters with the speakers?

Could be very fixable. Lots of info about these, specifically, here and elsewhere.


BTW, your old Crown SL2 is headed back to Indiana for some needed service, one channel quieter than the other. AETechron says they are happy to handle the diagnosis and repair.

I meant open circuit. I think I just might open them up and see if it`s something obvious.
Wow, you still have that preamp?! What about the amp and tuner?

[BMWCCA]

I meant open circuit. I think I just might open them up and see if it`s something obvious.
Wow, you still have that preamp?! What about the amp and tuner?

Since you asked: I part with very little, if I like it.

I have two complete systems of what you call a Crown "Receiver". One with your SL2 and one with the later PSL-2 which is the pre-amp for my Library/TV room. Currently paired with a JBL/Urei 6260 and a pair of L5s, though I've used it with several other amps including over a dozen Crown D and PS series. It's a nice preamp but the main system still uses a Soundcraftsmen Pro-Control-Four. Your old system was last used in my basement workshop, until one day it was weak in the right channel. Now another Pro-Contro-Four is there, instead. But the Crown will return!

[Ed Kreamer]

Hi Mike , If you decide to take apart your 035's be really careful, and I mean REALLY CAREFUL!! I've wrecked a couple of 035's using just a little too much force.

Regarding Simply Speakers, they seem to be a reputable outfit but the Chi-Coms are not reputable. They reverse engineer just about everything we make from computers to airplanes. Even JBL drivers with almost exact labeling to fool the unwary.

I had a friend who was in the lumber business who told me that the Chi-Coms would change their agreements just when the ship carrying the logs would enter port, and would not unload the logs unless he agreed to the new terms. So what is he going to to with a ship that just sailed 8000 miles with hundreds of thousands of dollars in logs on it that can't be unloaded unless he agreed to new terms.
He quickly learned that the Chi-Coms can't be trusted, and to business elsewhere.

So even if it was and exact copy, which it probably isn't, I wouldn't buy it. I won't buy anything made in China if I can avoid it.

Well there it is.

Ed

[rusty jefferson]

+3 There are plenty of good/better sounding options. Here's an inexpensive soft dome I used for a project recently. Just about the same sensitivity so you may be able to use the existing network. The waveguide might get you better time alignment with the midrange driver. I ordered from this place in the UK and had them within a week.

https://willys-hifi.com/products/monacor-dt-25n-tweeter