babycheek horn mod inquiry

[subwoof]

Does anybody have experience or a suggested mod to allow the newer 1.5" Nd drivers to be mounted onto the 2344 ( 1 inch bolt-on ) or 2342 ( 1 inch threaded ) horns???

Assume the horns are all plastic ( no removable throats ) and neck-down adapters aren't allowed...

I was planning a custom project using a pair of 4425 cabinets but with different components.

:cheers:

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[Zilch]

Early 2344s had a bolt-on throat, the juncture being at the rectangular horn slot section. Guido is considering fabricating a custom throat for the 1.5" drivers. The slot entry dimensions suggest it's doable. Integral-throat 2344As could be, uhmm, "modified" to accept the larger throat, if it were to work.

Another option is the 1.5" P-Audio PH-316 horn. Widget and I have both tested it, finding the directivity control to be poor in comparison to 2344(A), but Guido likes the sound. I think they sound fine, too, yet what's the point without good pattern control?

Consider using the PT waveguides, instead. Robh is using the square 100° x 100° PT-H1010, considers them more "natural" sounding with 2435HPL drivers than 2344(A) with uber-tweaked 2426H, but may be having second thoughts now, after longer-term listening, from what I read here. I like the smaller rectangular version, PT-F1010 better.

With PTs, you also have the choice of different patterns to try: 60° x 40°. 90° x 50°, and 70° x 70°. Never tried the last one here.

The ultimate horn for the newer 1.5" exit drivers is 2352, among those I've tested, but you have to drill new mounting holes for the 243x bolt pattern. A small price to pay, if you've got the room for that "medium-format" horn. ;)

Though I haven't tried it, down-converting from 1.5" to 1" is unlikely to be a worthwhile option; you're creating a resonant chamber behind the horn doing that.

For 2342, try BMS 4552 with thread-on adapter and straight FFBREQ (2380A) compensation to start. Neodymium, mylar diaphragm, cross at 4425's 1.2 kHz....

[subwoof]

I have a handful of 2332's ( as in the DMS-1 ), 2352's and the DDS 1.5-70 ( real nice fiberglas horn ) but this project is just for upgrading a pair of 4425 cabinets with what I have available without using the real big stuff.

The 2435BE's diaphram and newer phase plug design should be a big improvement over the stock Ti types available ( 2416H-1 and 242X ) although I haven't had the opportunity to try the one inch coated diaphram.

I had toyed with the idea of making custom throats for the older 2344's but I don't have any now - just the 2344A's.

sub

[Robh3606]

Hello Subwoof

Yeah I wouldn't mind finding that as well but I don't see a way around how the throat of the 2344 was done for a 1" driver. I like the PTH1010's just fine but the change over after 3+ years of 2344's was a bit of a culture shock. It was like switching from the 4344's to the original system. They really do not image the same and they are different enough that it's like changing speaker systems not just a driver upgrade which is more subtle by comparison. The 2435's sound just fine to me. I am have another pair set asside for a future 3 way. I can understand why you want to use them.

Rob:)

[Robh3606]

Hello Sub

Looking at a 2342 if you pull the threaded insert for the horn you are left with a 1.5 inch opening. You may be able to mod a pair to take a 1.5 inch driver. Won't be easy and you will probably trash them but if you are adventurous??

Rob:)

[Zilch]

I have one original two-piece 2344 with a cosmetic hairline crack in it that I'll trade for a 2344A if you want to experiment.

The DDSs I like, too, but have only mentioned them in passing, since they're not JBL. The asymmetric kinda works like H3100, but not as well.

http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=88895&postcount=399

Their smaller "old school" 70° 1" horn plays mighty nicely with BMS Nd, though I haven't done polar response evaluation on it yet....

[subwoof]

Well I have a router jig that would allow me to do some serious chomping on the 2342's threads / snout but ( I don't have one nearby ) I think the end of the threaded recess is still less than 1" actual so some some kind of flaring to the plastic throat would still have to be performed...

I have customized many a JBL horn in my day for custom boxes and stage monitors. I even threaded the rear of some 2205H's a few years before JBL did it for the urei 81X series...lotsa fun...

Oh well, I guess a tall ale and the reading glassed are needed...along with the internal dial calipers.

:cheers:

sub