which one would you prefer?

[pyonc]

Hi friends,

As you know JBL made some famous C series speakers in the 1960s, and c38 is one of them.
Typically it's composed of two way (D130 and 075), and rarely three-way configuration (D130, 075 and 175DLH).

Now, this is my question:
Given the size of the enclosures of C38, which is 19 3/8" W, 15 3/4" D, 23 7/8" H
which would you prefer and why, two-way or three-way configuration?
I plan to buy one of them one of these days.
Thanks for your feedback and comments, as always.

[BMWCCA]

The "C" number simply refers to the cabinet.

The load you're discussing is the 030 (2-way). It does seem to have a bit of a hole in the mid-range that the LE175DLH helps. But then many here aren't really fans of the 075, either. I have no issue with them, but then they've been in my home since I was about 5-years-old so I may be partial to them . . . or deaf!

I don't remember seeing a "factory" three-way with the D130, LE175DLH, and 075 but I did create one out of my 030 in a C37 cabinet. I think if you're going to the trouble of going 3-way you'd be better off starting with the 001 load which has the 130A and LE175DLH, then add the 075, or other UHF driver. Most of this will be wasted on the small cabinets though. You should really try to find some C35/C37 or, better yet, the C40 horn-loaded cabinet. You'll realize much better bass response with the larger volume enclosures.

I have two C35s I intend to use for a tri-amped 030-plus-LE175DLH system using Crown D-series amps (D45, D75A, D150A-II) and Crown VFX2A crossovers, when I have the spare time. I think I'm only missing one LE175DLH to complete this project. I'm doing it because I love the sound of an acoustic guitar and cello over the D130, and have for over fifty-years.

[pyonc]

I don't remember seeing a "factory" three-way with the D130, LE175DLH, and 075 but I did create one out of my 030 in a C37 cabinet. I think if you're going to the trouble of going 3-way you'd be better off starting with the 001 load which has the 130A and LE175DLH, then add the 075, or other UHF driver. Most of this will be wasted on the small cabinets though. You should really try to find some C35/C37 or, better yet, the C40 horn-loaded cabinet. You'll realize much better bass response with the larger volume enclosures.


Thanks so much for your kind and detailed explanation.
As you suggested, I think I'd better wait for C40 horn-loaded system. Three-way on the small cabinet like C38? Actually that's the question I'very been wondering about in terms of sound reproduction and efficiency, and now I got it more clearly.