Back to JBL system/with pictures

[gonzomeep]

I recently switched to ESS AMT1D's after using my beloved L220/222 pairs for a few years. With the addition of a MELOS GK-1 tube pre amp, I thought I would be satisfied for good. Damn, I hate flip-flopping, but as I've always said, your ears are the final judge. After listening for a week, I just didn't feel that ultimate satisfaction I'm used to. I decided to give the L220's another try with the MELOS in the system.

I've got a pretty big room with vaulted ceilings. When you look at the pictures, remember that the L220's are 20" wide and 48" tall and the Sumos are 29" wide. I have taken a lot of flack for using two pairs of L220's in a side by side configuration. My decision to use only one pair is based on my wanting my system fit in my space without turning my Sumos on their sides.

I also expected this "quantum leap" in S.Q., given all the advice against using two pairs. Didn't happen to the extent that I concede completely, but I do like the sound, it does seem that the soundstage is better.

I've posted about the horn mod I've done to the L220's before, but for those that haven't read about it, I've taken the 5" cone midrange out of the L220 and transplanted an elliptical mouth, 800hz McCauley 417 horn and am using a JBL 2421 1" driver on it. The pictures show the difference between the JBL H92 800hz horn and the McCauley. VERY SWEET HORNS. The L220's are triamped via JBL DSC260. The Sumos are crossed using the Sumo Delilah at 50hz.

I'm using JBL LE14H-1 woofers in place of the stock LE14A woofers. The D.A.S. D-301 large format elliptical mouth/slant plate combo is just wonderful with the JBL 2441's on them. They are the same length as the smaller McCauley's and the 2441 is very close in timbre, if not exactly, as the 2421. I use the DSC260 to time align the whole system.

I call them an L220"S" now. SUPER . I'm back to in my comfort zone. I've read so many rotten things about the L220 from some who I don't think really ever had a pair in their personal listening space, and given the same level of technical scrutiny as they've given a lot of other speakers, rather, they parrot some old comment by an un-named JBL engineer. When you actually hear these with the horn transplant, I think you would pleasantly surprised.

 

[Zilch]

I've read so many rotten things about the L220 from some who I don't think really ever had a pair in their personal listening space, and given the same level of technical scrutiny as they've given a lot of other speakers, rather, they parrot some old comment by an un-named JBL engineer.

Poo, Gonzo.

They suck, but I rather like them.

If I didn't, they'd be long, long gone.

Fact is, yours aren't L220s anymore.

Bite the bullet and buy an RTA to set them up optimally.

DSC260 have one? I forget.

[H-1s in mine, too.... :thmbsp: ]

 

[gonzomeep]

No Poo Zlichster, you've read that same crap too, right? Wooly bass- . I wish the DSC had an RTA. I'm gonna get the RTA. I've done just about everything else I said I'd do. We're a bit different in the respect that you're really into measuring, and I'm good ol' ears will suffice til' I get motivated to push the limit, BLIS, I'll get one, or borrow one. And no, they're not really L220's anymore. I've thought about making a block-off cover for the LE14 hole, with a port tube in the center and installing my 2235H's where the PR15's are now. A quasi-L300 deal there. I don't know if there is enough volume to get the most out of the 35's, but it would be a very interesting mod too. Or try that same deal with the LE14H-1's/cover the PR-w/port.
Love these 14H-1's man, KILLER.

 

[Tapehead47]

That is the "Wall of Sound"!! I can't imagine what it sounds like when it's cranked. I understand the Sumos are self-powered?

Nice stuff!

Rick

 

[gonzomeep]

Thanks Rick. I think Sumo made a powered version called the SAMSON II . My subs are the first series and not are internally powered. I use the Sumo Delilah electronic and a Yamaha M80

 

[Gibsonian]

Love the shot of the 220's from the top looking down.

Very nice and I'll bet they sound great.

 

[gonzomeep]

Now with Carver C-9 sonic holigraphy

Thank you Gibsonian, here is another cool L220 shot. I restored all of them from the ground up. One pair is now in London, England. Thanks to member Vintage Pete, I'll have the latest addition to the rig dialed in soon, a Carver C-9 Sonic Holigraphy unit. Thanks Pete!!!! You exemplify what Audio Karma is all about. Sharing a common passion for audio, with respect and dignity for your fellow member.

 

[Tapehead47]

Great picture! Lined up for a rock concert? Man! I wish I could hear any pair of them.

Rick

 

[gonzomeep]

Concert

No concert Rick, I had just completed the 3rd pair and had them all in one room. I thought it would make a cool picture. I think I posted an even better in your "I'm stacked" thread a while back. Great sounding speakers.

 

[Giskard]

...

 

[gonzomeep]

I was very saddened to read that John had passed away, he was a rare talent . As for the L220, I write from experience wrt them. I'm the unofficial "L220 Guy", so it's not because I've read a single statement, but many. I don't really care near as much about the remarks as I used to, if at all. I almost got a pair of L300 cabs from Bart a while back. I had planned to transplant an L94 and 076 into them and use my DSC 260 to cross. Maybe some day.., I think the straight shot advantage that the L94 has over the L91 would be a benefit, the 076, just for looks. TTYL, Steve Gonzales

 

[Giskard]

I almost got a pair of L300 cabs from Bart a while back. I had planned to transplant an L94 and 076 into them and use my DSC 260 to cross. Maybe some day.., I think the straight shot advantage that the L94 has over the L91 would be a benefit, the 076, just for looks.

Sounds pretty cool.

I deleted the contents of my other post. I just figured that you should know that it all was real. I posted way more information over the years than what some would deem prudent. I guess oftentimes no story is better than half the story.

 

[gonzomeep]

...

 

[gyusher]

I miss my JBLs. . . This thread is making my JBL side itch. . .

 

[gonzomeep]

I miss my JBLs. . . This thread is making my JBL side itch. . .

Shouldn't be too difficult to scratch that itch. Member "Zilch" has an ongoing/developing 2-way that would be the ticket for a serious DIY'er. Otherwise, there are JBL's-a-plenty on the open market. What are you looking for, size/price-point wise?

 

[gyusher]

Shouldn't be too difficult to scratch that itch. Member "Zilch" has an ongoing/developing 2-way that would be the ticket for a serious DIY'er. Otherwise, there are JBL's-a-plenty on the open market. What are you looking for, size/price-point wise?

I've owned and bought new ;
L112/L212/L150A/L250/L46/L56/L19/L20/L7

Actually 3 pair of L112s, One pair my daughter still has. My 150s stayed in their box for 25 years until I sold them last year, not my favorite JBL.

I will be buying a very nice pair of L46s from a fellow inmate.

Long, long story short the ones I miss most are the L112 and the L250. Had to start moving all over the country and left them behind. Now things are not so crazy and I could have a decent pair. If I can afford what I want. . .

If I were to scratch that itch for serious I guess it would be for most any of the larger home models from the L112 to the L250. I know where I can buy a mint pair of L150As cheap real cheap but the 150 is one of my least favorite JBLs. However it may well be a good one to mod by getting rid of or upgrading the PR. . . Because of it's similarity to the 112 you would think it more desirable. . . it is that similarity that I would build on. . .

I have fooled around with a few L112s that I find from time to time. In a few months I'll be in a better position to do this. I can start thinking about which direction to go now. . .

I do go kinda crazy over some of the gorgeous pro types that you JBL guys show off from time to time but my room is small and something like my old 250s would be as big as I could use realistically.

That said you guys are making that itch want to be scratched. . .not a bad thing. . .

 

[gonzomeep]

Well now, you are a fellow JBL'er for sure. I've got a good friend that used the L112 crossovers, LE5-9's and 2214h's in his L150's. Absolutely massive improvement!
The 2214H's are found in the 4425 SM and L100t speakers. Not that the 128H is a slouch, no, it's just that the 2214h+PR300= AWESOME.
My modded L220's are almost exactly as tall as my L250's (53" tall), even with the large format horn/lens/driver combo on top.
The L250, especially the "ti" version is a dream speaker for sure.
Not my cup of tea, I like compression drivers, so it is just a personal preference type deal there.
I've got to say that the addition of the twin Sumo subs has made the most profound difference in my system. You could pair them with just about anything.
They will add that authority to the music, that you would otherwise have to push your mains fairly hard to achieve, if at all.
Most all the big JBL woofers are very musical woofers. Sure, there are mutant-foam surround rumblers with 2" xmax capability.
More bass isin't always better bass. I am so pleased with the JBL 2235H's that the Sumo's use. Same goes for the LE14H-1's. Keep us posted about your search when the time comes. Looks like you know your JBL's a good deal already. I can help you find some L250's. I know where 2 pairs are right now, and can help you find just about any JBL driver/horn/lens too. No charge, no $$ gain for me, just a courtesy. Good luck scratchin' that itch gyusher :thmbsp:

 

[Tapehead47]

Gonzo: The Sumo subs use JBL woofers?

Rick

 

[gonzomeep]

Gonzo: The Sumo subs use JBL woofers?

Rick

Hi Rick. Yes, the Sumo subs use JBL 2235H woofers in completely stock form. I believe that this woofer has true 20hz capability. Certainly strong in to the low 20's. It is a clone of the JBL B380 seen here http://lansingheritage.org/html/jbl/specs/home-speakers/1983-b380-b460.htm --take a moment and read that--

The Sumo Delilah electronic crossover is a bit nicer cosmetically, than the little JBL BX63 electronic that both the B460 and B380 use. I do not know if it performs better. It's definately a bit more outwardly flexible, as far as front panel features. How are them Forte's treating you?

 

[Tapehead47]

Really impressive stuff, Gonzo. I hope you use wood screws and not nails in your listening room! (however, I CAN see screws backing out of the joists). And you use TWO of them!

'Sumo' seems the appropriate name for your monsters. I remember way back there was a manufacturer of power amps called Sumo. Is that the same company?

The Fortes are really impressive. I've been keeping my neighbors awake nightly. Rumor is they're drawing up a petition...(just kidding).

Rick