Rare Vintage opportunity

[cosmos]

I could really use your help... and opinions.

Recently, I have been offered a few vintage systems:

1. JBL Sovereigns C50 with S8R system
2. JBL 4350 systems in a superb custom cabinet with all drivers inline.
3. JBL 4343 systems in a superb Custom cabinet with all drivers inline.

I already suffer from way too many speakers. However, these systems are something special. I could get all three, but I really do not want all these systems sitting around.

If you were to pick the best of the 3 systems above, which would you choose?

My difficulty is that I have limited opportunity to hear these systems where they are. However, so far, I think I prefer the 4350.

[salinat7]

Hi,
first of all...excuse my bad written english.

I think, the best will be 4343!!..there is no need for 2*15 Lf........under normal listening conditions.

I make biamping with 2 MC30 and 2 MC100...sounds great.
best regards
Wolfgang

[John]

I second the pair of 4350,s

[Andyoz]

Hi,
I think, the best will be 4343!!..there is no need for 2*15 Lf........under normal listening conditions.

That sort of comment has no place on a JBL forum!! (only kidding...)

[hosee]

I have 2 of the 3 listed and, while the 4350's may have an advantage in a very large listening area, I prefer the S8 in a smaller home environment. I do not have access to the 4343's for comparison.

[Rolf]

The 4343's is my choice.

[cosmos]

Thank you very much for your replies.

This is very interesting. There are several votes for 4343's, one for the Sovereigns and 0 for the big dog daddy 4350s.

However, when I entered these systems I made an error. What I thought was a 4350 system actually consists of the following: (1) 18" 2245, (1) 12" 2204, 2" driver 375 and a 077 tweeter. This system is setup for quad amp with a 4 way electronic crossover.

In all honesty, I don't think there is a slouch in this bunch and I'd be ecstatic just to play with any of these systems, much less own one. The worst case I can think of is that I end up with a great sounding system.

I love my 250Ti-LE's but these things are on another plane. That is not to say that the 250Ti-LE are any less competent, but they are different. I can't pass up an opportunity to play with a pair of these huge monitors.

[speakerdave]

. . . . (1) 18" 2245, (1) 12" 2204, 2" driver 375 and a 077 tweeter. This system is setup for quad amp with a 4 way electronic crossover. . . . .

This is interesting. I take it the 375 is mounted on the 2311 and has the 2307 diffuser. I'd be interested to know what crossover frequency is used between the 2245 and the 2204 and what the subenclosure for the 2204 is.

The speaker you describe is within a hair's breadth of being a cross between the 4350 and the 4345. The midbass cone of the 4350, the 2202, will fit in the same hole, would probably give you more detail and clarity in the midrange but would not play as low. Even better would be the 2122 of the 4345, but it is a 10" and would require some baffle revision.

It's been suggested to me that the 375 with an aquaplased 4" SL diaphragm would be the ne plus ultra of stock JBL treble drivers for the four-way monitors. Make those two changes and you could easily have one of the best large format JBL monitors on the planet.

David

[cosmos]

This is interesting. I take it the 375 is mounted on the 2311 and has the 2307 diffuser. I'd be interested to know what crossover frequency is used between the 2245 and the 2204 and what the subenclosure for the 2204 is.

I am not sure, but I would suspect about 150 Hz. I believe high cross of the 2204 is at about 1000 Hz. both 18db slopes.

Whatever it is, it's a nice sounding system.