JBL 2344a modification for a 2 way

[homebuilder]

In earlier posts, I was looking for advice on using the TAD 1201H driver as a mid bass, for a 4 way active design. We have just started building the cabinets, using 2 layers of Baltic Birch. I hope to post some pictures later of that progress.

While playing around with the JBL 2344a horns for this project, we have been thinking of an idea to build a modern version of the JBL 4430 or 4425, utilizing (2) JBL 2206 per side. One would be choked to cut off some mid bass information, but both 12" would share the bass duties.

This would use the JBL 2344a. We are wondering if anyone has looked into, or experimented with modifying the JBL 2344a horns to utilize a compression driver larger than 1". (Without using throat adapters) Also, has anyone considered how to remanufacture these? Would there be patent issues?

Thanks!

[Robh3606]

Hello homebuilder

"JBL 2344a horns to utilize a compression driver larger than 1". (Without using throat adapters) Also, has anyone considered how to remanufacture these? Would there be patent issues?"


We have discussed it a few times over on Lansing Heritage. You can't simply modify them, you would have to redesign the horn. It is not a simple design. There are a couple of clones that have larger throats but the don't measure as well up top especially off axis which is the whole point of the design. When you open up the throat you open up the difraction slot. The spacing in the slot determines your upper limit for angle coverage in that horn. The wider opening lowers this frequency.

Why do you want to use a larger driver?? You could cross these over at about 1.2-1.5k to the 2206's. A 1" driver should be just fine crossed that high.

You are not going to get any extended bass response using 2206's. If you want to go with a 2 1/2 way using the 2344 you would be better off jusy cloning a 4435. If you want extended bass just add a sub and don't use the second 2206.

Rob

[homebuilder]

Robh:

Thanks for your comments. I try to read the Lansing site too. It is full of great information.

I have read some of the tests of the clones, and they don't stack up very well. I kind of assumed someone had looked at the 2344a before. They have really started to go up in price (used) lately.

Our thought regarding the (2) 2206's is this: in our main projects, my friend and I are both building with 2242, 2344a, 2404. To round out the 4 way, his is a 2206 for the mid bass, and mine is the TAD 1201H. These end up being really large, really heavy boxes, and have to be built separately so you can move them. The thought (for a different project) was to get a bit more extension and output with the extra 2206, for a speaker that could be built in a much, much smaller cabinet. The 2206 only needs a bit over 1 cf. (The TAD 1201H is the same) Although I have a large room, I have moved numerous times for career reasons, and lugging around a speaker the size of the 4435 is tiresome. Or, several boxes that are large and heavy.

We hoped to keep the crossover a bit lower than you suggest, and wondered if a larger compression driver would help out on the top end too.

Comments?
Thanks!