best driver for JBL 2365 horns?

[retro soulman]

Hello all! i just restore a pair of 2365 with throats and im about to find drivers for them. The system i use is a pair of JBL 4520 with k140 drivers that they work uncrossed , Vitavox horns with Yamaha ja4280b drivers and a slot tweeter.The speakers play wonderful with a dynaco st 70 tube amp with 2x35 watts!Here in Greece i have 3 options to drive my new 2365. The jbl 2445j , the Gauss 4081 (phenolic) and the JBL 2421 1'' that will add much length to the already long horn and i dont want that (time alignment etc... ) I listen smooth jazz, soul, funk and some afro.... which driver do u prefer???

[1audiohack]

Hi Soulman;

I have 2365's in my shop system and like them very much. I have driven them with 2441's, 2427's, 2445's and 2446's with Al, Ti smooth, Ti ribbed and Be diaphragms. This goes against most of what I would normally like or do, but, a horn and driver constitutes a system and the end result is what matters most.

To me, the 2360 and 2365 sound best with the 2446 and its accompanied ribbed Ti diaphragm and the CD EQ compensation curve JBL created as found in the M552 and other crossovers for the 2380, or 2360. The 2380 curve is just a bit less aggressive and that is what I use for my 2365's, when using the ribbed Ti diaphragm.

The other driver/diaphragm combinations can be EQ'd to get the measured response the same but they then sound strained to me and that defeats the beauty of these big horns, in that they sound very relaxed even very loud. The 2445 with its smooth Ti diaphragm would be my second choice. Is that what you have available to you? I have never heard the Gauss driver, sorry.

My two bits.
Barry.

[Lee in Montreal]

Hi Soulman.

Of the three choices you mentionned, only one makes sense. The 2245 is what was used originally. Is it the best? Not necessarely but the two other contenders would be poor choices. The Gauss driver with phenolic driver will not go high enough in the frequency range. Great for vocals though. The JBL 2421 1" driver will require an adapter, and that will screw the whole design of the horn.

[more10]

I would go with a phenolic driver (JBL 248x if available) and cross them as low as possible. And use a smaller horn with alu diaphragm above the big one.