Upgrade 9 – Discussion on modern drivers.
1. Modern driver choices available today
2. Use of a subwoofer.
1.Modern driver choices available today
Well modern driver choices comes down to availability, cost and skill of the builder / designer to come up with a crossover network that will ensure the drivers work correctly together. This has previously been a stumbling block for Forum Members who have attempted to use more recently developed JBL transducers only to be frustrated with their attempts at arranging a successful crossover network.
We therefore suggest and in keeping with the 4344 design criteria that members looking for a taste of newer technology look at cloning or modifying their 4343 to the JBL 4344mk11. Details of the 4344mk11 crossover network are available for interested members. The mid range driver used is the 2123H.
With the exception of the woofer and HF driver the components are available.
Woofer and Hf driver alternatives.
The suggested work around for the woofer is to recone the 2235H woofer as a 2234 with a 2234 recone kit and apply some LF Eq boost. This will provide sensitivity of around 95 db and an extended cutoff per the 4344 series. The 2234H has a lighter Mms and is the preferred woofer over the 2235H by some JBL engineers.
The 275Nd compression driver is NLA. However I understand the 275 diaphragm is still available and it will fit the 2420 driver.
The enclosure is identical to the former 4344.
Other more daring members may look to using an alternative horn like the PT wave guides or a mini 2397. Again, you will need to fiddle with the crossover network to obtain the desired performance.
4348 Drivers
Edit Note: As advised by Earl:
From the look of it, JBL is now starting to take orders for these SOTA parts.
( BTW ; these are 3 of the 4 parts for the 4348 4-way ) The 2251j is already available from JBL Pro .
- It seems the ME150H is no more , but is being replaced by the 1500Fe, for the DIYer. ( This is excellent pricing BTW ) .
So here is another opportunity to take up nre technology.
2. Subwoofers.
Unless you are a home theatre buff or have unusual room acoustics a sub woofer is not required nor desirable with this system for music reproduction.
Sub woofers are fun but difficult to integrate successfully for full range music reproduction. Such is the case that many people end up turning the sub off after the initial enthusiasm as worn off.
The JBL 1500 sub woofer driver has been very popular among members.
There are numerous threads on the forums that discuss the 1500.