JBL L300
- Thread starter faber12
- Start date
Nice! You are correct, the original L91/2308 plastic lenses have 11 slats with a fairly narrow spacing. The wood reproductions have between 8 and 11 slats. But check out the similar folded metal versions on the JBL L220/L222 which have more and one of the professional PA JBL's have probably 20 or more slats. for some applications, its more about enough slats to cover the horn or driver opening/diameter. I'm sure the spacing is important though and that's probably why JBL went to a plastic molded part to ensure spacing and reproducibility.
The 4430 and 4435 (along with smaller brother 4425) have no super tweeter (077/2405). The 2-way horn driver and compression driver is good to about 16khz and rolls off after that. The 443x series is very smooth, but the Constant Directivity horn takes a bit of getting used to because of the very different dispersion pattern it creates.
The JBL L300 and 4333/434x series of professional monitors are much more in your face type speakers in that they have a two way horn system for mids/highs instead of one driver. completely different design of that era with different style of drivers/horns and presentation.
Valveglow
Super Member
Sizzle??? The highs are so light and airy that it is remarkable. However, an artificially hot recording will still sound (somewhat) hot, but palatably so. Maybe it's the tube gear...though I did try a Crown amp first with highly favorable results. Actually, I had to set the HF control of the speaker to 2:00 to achieve the proper highs in my absorbtive room. Mids are set to about 10:00.
As much of a stretch as this may sound, the mids and highs sound remarkably like the Magnepans they replaced. They are as delicate as anything I have heard but can also sound imposing. The imaging is just as good as the Maggies, which I cannot understand since they are so short. Width, depth, height, and center fill are simply remarkable.
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canuckaudiog
On a quest for high fidelity
If the highs are too hot it is likely an imbalance caused by the non original drivers. When one part of the spectrum becomes unbalanced it effects the entire speaker. If the highs were too dark and dull the bass would sound overpowering and boomy. If the mids were missing the speaker would sound lifeless and thin. Etc.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
faber12
Addicted Member
Valveglow, you make me feel like a noob again. I do not know anyone personally who could use those descriptions and know what they were talking about.
I need to go to one of your gatherings/conventions and learn more about what qualities make a speaker great. Is there an article that you can link me to that explains what things like air, imaging, center fill and the like actually mean. I am like on an audio desert island here, but eager to learn.
Mech986, you have been a great help and encouragement, as most of AK is. I am enjoying this side of the restore almost as much as actually listening the the speakers.
I need to go to one of your gatherings/conventions and learn more about what qualities make a speaker great. Is there an article that you can link me to that explains what things like air, imaging, center fill and the like actually mean. I am like on an audio desert island here, but eager to learn.
Mech986, you have been a great help and encouragement, as most of AK is. I am enjoying this side of the restore almost as much as actually listening the the speakers.
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Check the seller's previous auctions - he had a pair of L200's for sale but no one bid so he's apparently parting them out. Usually, the 136A is not in the L200, but looks like these are the ones out of them, judging from the pictures. I'd bet one of them was reconed as the cones are not the same colors (one is light gray, the other dark grey. Also, looks like they both had good surrounds but I'll bet that one got punctured with a screwdriver while being removed (happens to all of us, but best to remove using a power tool and careful cradling of the screw bit. Both have the correct white circular vinyl gasket on the back of the frame.
This is about the going rate for true 136A's and 2231/2235H's. I'd probably suggest sending them to Orange County Speaker for an Alnico Magnet recharge, and new surrounds for both (may as well to ensure good symmetrical performance and known date of refurbishment.
If you're lucky or a really good bargainer, you might then ask if he'd do a good deal with his slant lenses that don't appear to have been put up for sale yet. And have him throw in the bolts that mounted the woofers, they probably aren't original but will come in handy.
Oh, and don't have him ship the woofers together, no matter how well bolted they are to each other. Its too much weight and unless using custom fitted blown up polyurethane molded supports, hard to protect against damage.
Much better to have him bolt the woofer face down to a 1/4" piece of plywood 15-17 inch square and secure with bolts and nuts. The whole woofer/plywood should then be wrapped or enclosed in a thick plastic bag to prevent dust and any packing material from entering. Then use a 1-2 inch thick sheet styrofoam under the plywood, and a thick cardboard cover, then at least a 2-3 inch thick sheet styrofoam behind the magnet, and a cut piece of double wall heavy cardboard tall enough to go from back of mounting flange to the top of the magnet height wise so it contact the top cardboard & styrofoam.
There is absolutely no place here for styrofoam peanuts or other material. If there is room, sheet styrofoam can be used to support the sides. All of this should be in a cut down 17-18" square or cube double wall shipping box, that is then copiously taped closed so there is absolutely no movement when secured. Boxes like these can be had at U-Haul.
Don't let the shipper cheap out on these materials. The above is the only way to ship these securely (much like JBL's own materials).
http://www.jblproservice.com/pdf/Discrete Sales Models/2235H.pdf
This is not cheap nor inexpensive. But it is what you will find from JBL products - you get what you pay for, both in engineering and manufacturing, and performance.
Valveglow
Super Member
Please check your p.m. faber.
faber12
Addicted Member
Mech986, Thank you for the help on the drivers/shipping. I am thinking that I will wait for a pair that is matching in color, and more disposable money to be available. It is possible that a better deal will come along. Better than just average that is. The speakers are quite listenable in their current state.
I would have gotten back with you both sooner, but the children needed care, and there was dinner to be eaten.
I would have gotten back with you both sooner, but the children needed care, and there was dinner to be eaten.
Well we had a bit of friction at the start of this thread but it looks like destany took hold.
Im glad you have kept them and are learning the history and what makes them tick. You are doing a wonderful job cleaning them up and enjoying working on them. This would have never happened if you sold them and my hats off to you for your true interest to enjoy this hobbie.
Im glad you have kept them and are learning the history and what makes them tick. You are doing a wonderful job cleaning them up and enjoying working on them. This would have never happened if you sold them and my hats off to you for your true interest to enjoy this hobbie.
Don Bocadill
Obsessed, who me???!!
Now....all we need to do is get him hooked on McIntosh gear 
:yes:
:yes:Thanks, are you thinking they would damage the McIntosh equipment?
No the cost of rasing two kids is far more important than HiFi gear.
