I just sent my 2441, AKA 375s, and LE 15 A drivers to Orange County speakers to be Re magnetized and fitted with new diaphragms, the 2441s, and surrounds for the LE 15 As.
When they return I'll build enclosures along the line of those offered by Classic Audio Reproductions. They use drivers from TAD that were designed by the same gentleman that designed all the JBL drivers. I plan on using active crossovers with DSP and time alignment functions and toooob amps.
FWIW, I'd like to see Arnie add a segment to the new Audiogon web site that would cater to those of us over 65 that dream about Marantz model 1s and 2s, AR3s, Bozak Concert Grands and Electro Voice Patricians. He might have done it but I'll need "Audiogon For Dummies" to get me to click on to it.
Hi Pat I really like the old school simplicity of your audio system, classic loudspeakers and Garrard Turntables, just wonderful. I am sure the sound is very impressive, I also think there is many so called high end modern speakers that do not match up to the well designed speakers of the past like the Hartsfields. Thanks Jason.
hello Ken, I too have not checked out Audiogon for awhile.
So hard to put in words how the Hartsfield sound without leaving an impression that I was crazy or over stated it or making other pairs look bad..hahaha. They are 50 plus years old, old tech and driven by old tech gears with $5.00 per foot speaker wire, but yet, they are the best sounding speakers I have ever heard. I have heard many high end modern speakers including those over $100,000 up a pair, they don't deliver such clarity, soundstage, powerful... and power. For the first time after countless of large high end speakers that I have owned, I have never experienced such power like the Hartsfield. The sound is huge, big and overwhelm. The bass is so powerful, fast and responsive. I remembered when I listened to other speakers in other system, I can't help notice that there is always something missing. while listening my thoughts kept running of what needed to be upgraded. The cables were not matched, too little power, D/A need upgraded to a more expensive model. I ended up spent all the way to all highest price of each components. With the Hartsfield, the music just relax me. All I can think about is which records to play next. and another thing, with the hartsfield, they sound so good that weather the record is original pressing or copy don't seem to matter, they sound so nice you don't think about it.
Before i bought I have never listened to the Hartsfield, in fact, I have never even seen the real one. Here in Thailand, there are only 4 in pairs and only one with original buble back 375, mine adds to the fifth pairs with original bubble back 375. So, only a hand full of so-called audiophile hobbyists had the chance to listen to the Hartsfield. But one thing in common to all those that have listened, all say that the Hartsfield were the best and non comes close. And those guys own biggest and highest price pairs. From those words alone, I have had the Hartsfield... I feel so fortunate to this day.
I have no experience with other JBL drivers including the flat back 375 used in later Hartsfield so I can't say how good they sound. but 375 is among the best.
I've not checked out Audiogon for months and tonight, two days after I decided to build a variation of the Hartsfields I see your posting.
The Hartsfield was my speaker of choice in 1957. JBL drivers were unobtainium at less than list price so I built a pair of Electro Voice Patricians. The EV drivers were 20% off at Olson electronics in Milwaukee. I tried to buy a pair of 375 drivers rather than the EV T250s but the cost of the drivers , plus the 537-509 horn lens assemblies from JBL put the trio out of reach. As it turned out, I found all the goodies on ebay a year or so ago for just about twice the price they were in 1957, I lucked out.
I heard the Patricians and the JBL ranger Paragon at Audio Engineers in Milwaukee. I remember the difference in sound between the two and never forgot it.
Over the last few years I've collected many of the top of the line raw drivers from JBL. I plan on having them re magnetized to original specs and then building a pair of killer speakers.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on the Hartsfields and why you chose them. The 375 drivers are among the top compression drivers ever made and sound fantastic and are the focal point of the Hartsfield sound.
