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Tri Amping JBL 4435

damacman said:
Why not add (4) 18” subs to the mix and then run the 4435s at 80Hz and up? I mean, we are taking party, right?
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Pretty much this. Except I would high pass the 4435s at around 50Hz. And maybe run just a single MD7 sub with a metric buttload of power behind it.
 
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MarioGharios said:
Hello, I am looking for recommendations for tri amping my JBL 4435s.

After considering using a modified passive crossover at length with Zonker, I was advised by an engineer friend of mine to use an active solution and to tri amp, to remove inefficiencies and losses of the passive configuration. Truth is, I no longer trust my crossover/L pads and building a new crossover is expensive.

I use my system for listening and moderate volume dance parties. What I have noticed with my speakers is that at high volume, the mid range woofer starts to bottom out on both speakers, while the low range woofer does its job perfectly well. Which brings me to my plan.

I am considering using a K231 crossover:

https://sublimeacoustic.com/products/k231-stereo-3-way-active-crossover

with 2 chips configured for

40hz-100hz/100hz-1000hz/1000hz+

one with slope 12db
the other with 24db

Opinions much wanted! thanks
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Nice looking crossover. Definitely specify the 24dB L.R. filter for it's sharp cutoff.
 
the setup for this Saturday's party. No 4430 has been left outside too long :)

same pic twice sorry
 

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Nice. Avoid the temptation to boost ANY treble frequencies. Even though the 4430 only goes up to 17Khz, excessive treble volume when the whole system is pumped up can be very harsh and damaging to the ears. The system is up high so that helps but overzealous volume can be very rough. Been there done that with dancing in front of awful DJ systems and probably DJ’s with damaged hearing. I rarely see them get out in front of the speakers to check how they sound. Don’t get me started with how some of their MP3 recordings sound.
 
mech986 said:
Nice. Avoid the temptation to boost ANY treble frequencies. Even though the 4430 only goes up to 17Khz, excessive treble volume when the whole system is pumped up can be very harsh and damaging to the ears. The system is up high so that helps but overzealous volume can be very rough. Been there done that with dancing in front of awful DJ systems and probably DJ’s with damaged hearing. I rarely see them get out in front of the speakers to check how they sound. Don’t get me started with how some of their MP3 recordings sound.
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the point in using the 4430s on a PA system is to specifically profit from their imaging and clarity to stay around 100 db. Using regular PA speakers, you need more SPL to find the sound as pleasurable.

Of course, source material has to be impeccable, we play vinyl exclusively thru proper hifi carts. As far from MP3 as possible :)
 
Macaroonie said:
Perhaps you should address why the 2234 is bottoming.
Also there is response shaping / compensation on the HF that your proposed X/o does not address ( unless I missed something ).
Perhaps you should consider a DBX 260 or similar DSP as being a more powerful speaker management tool.
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I think I found out what’s happening. I’m playing vinyl without a subsonic filter :)
 
Tri-amping at the correct crossover rates can be a challenge. There is a Canadian company. that makes a crossover where you can choose frequencies and roll rates that you need. They are famous for their power amps. I am having a senior moment as to the name, Bryston. Accuphase also make electronic crossovers that would work, but they are pricey. I am sure there are other that will do the job to. I use Urei crossovers to tri amp, but they don't have the first order 6db per octave capability. Having used electronic crossovers with Altec, JBL, EV, Bozak, Frazier and Klipsch there can be benefits. A lot of those bene fits don't apply to home speakers. Ported speakers using amps with high damping factor only offer a slight change. Adding tube amps for highs is a personal choice. I prefer tubes for the midrange of some three way speakers. The main issue I have with consumer JBL is that they cross the 15 inch woofer too high. They make a great 8 inch and 10 inch mids, that I much prefer and would cross to the woofer around 200 to 300 HZ at 6 db per octave to guarantee better transient response with out ringing or extreme phase shifts. Of course with digital technology of today there are many other solutions you might try. However with out the proper analyzers and other test equipment tri-amping can be a very frustrating exercise. Personally I would restore the passive cross over and choose a smooth sounding SS amp with a high damping factor. Hafler Dh500 comes to mind as does Mcintosh MC 452. Crown Reference series and Ayre, can be a little dry but you might try them. I am not fond of Threshold and Krell though some swear by them. Bryston makes very dependable amps that I could be happy with, but having owned Mc for over 57 years I am not going to change now. My oldest piece will be 50 later this is year the newest Mac will be 2 years old pretty soon. Having owned over 40 pieces of Mac I won't say I am devoted, but I am pretty close.
 
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