JBL K2 S9900 vs Klipsch Heritage Jubilee Horn Speakers.

AlexBerger,

I think you are correct I in saying this is a digital system and true analogue is lost. Klispch really does not say how the crossover works but it does not have a digital input. Does it add another digital to analogue conversion or is it done in the analogue domain (active can be analogue) . I am no expert but I always believed time delays really needed done in the digital domain.

From my own experience of using external crossovers (highpassing subs) I have found them to be very clean and it would be hard to tell in a blind A/B if they were in the circuit or not. I would guess making a passive crossover to smoother the drivers would degrade the sound as much as the active. Both muck things up a bit from a purist standpoint.

Hi @kennymacc ​​​​@james633
I think it is possible to make an analogue active crossover for Jubilees. But it will not be as easy. Time delay can’t be done like in DSP.

But I have a friend who builds DIY speakers with and without horns with passive crossovers. So, he physically moves the midrange section related to the bass section to get perfect phase alignment between drivers. In the case of Klipsch Heritage Jubilee it can ruin these speakers.
I believe Klipsch Heritage Jubilee can sound great with a good transistor amplifier on bass and tubes on midrange-treble. In audio shows and in dealer stores a lot depends on the person who set up the sound in the room. Sometimes these people don’t understand too much in sound.

I see on an audio show the room of the same dealer always sounds good even if changes his stuff. And with another dealer the sound in the room is always bad.
But I believe that the Klipsch Jubilee bass section can work very well even with a 300B SET amplifier in a reasonable size room. If the 300B SET amplifier is properly designed. 8 watt with 107dB speakers is equal to 400 watt with 90dB.

@alexberger  I really don't believe it's necessary to change anything about the Jubilee speakers, including it's crossover.  The speakers are exquisite just the way they are.   You know the old saying........if it ain't broke, don't fix it (LOL).   Also, I would drive the Jubilees with whatever turned me on.  Happy listening.   

At the end of the day, what’s the sound that meets the buyer? From my chair Klipsch made a smart decision going with the Celestion driver, because it gives them the opportunity to cross over to the bass horn just above 300Hz (where it’s needed, because crossing higher would have the bass horn at difficulties here), and that takes a special driver and fittingly large horn to come to fruition, not least controlling directivity that low. Mind you, they have a point source from ~340Hz on up. The only equivalent by JBL to reach that low was the 2490H 3" exit compression driver, but that was a pure midrange driver and had to be crossed not much higher than 2.5 to 3kHz, and so would necessitate and separate tweeter. BMS and B&C have coaxial driver offerings that on paper extends low, but no doubt at higher distortion levels at elevated SPL’s all the way down to 300Hz compared to the Celestion driver.

@phusis ...I had the 9800 predecessor ~20 years ago now. I never heard the 9900, but, i’ve heard the jubilee. There doesn’t seem to be a optimal driver <--> crossover "mismatch", so to speak on the jbl ( associated IR --> perceived resolution/clarity/etc..)

The Klipsch is perhaps eeking out a win for the OP because of the glorious Celestion driver (all credit to Celestion, not Klipsch) and the active crossover --> possible mitigation of phase shifts, prevention of perceived energy scoopouts as is typical of Klipsches.

Eitherway, it’s ok.. i’ve got 4 Yamaha PA horn underdogs keeping me in hog heaven and maintaining fullness of my wallet recently. I’ve got the jubilee beat and If the 9900 sounds anything like the 9800, i’ve got it beat as well 😏.

It’s the end execution in a room/architectural space that matters. Here’s a paper for your reading pleasure...

https://usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/9/322589/i_series_white_paper_en.pdf

I have reported on my own experience of Klipsch Jubilees in another Thread.

In nutshell, the experience has been indelible and one wanted to be met with again, which will happen.

Since my encounter, the owner and my HiFi Groups resident EE, has carried out some changes to drivers, but reverted back to the originals.

The new method adopted to eke more is now from the Amplification side, a Triode Pre-Amp' is being Bespoke Built to see how the signal processing downstream of the Speaker will assist the Speaker to present at the next level.

The investigations are not being done as there is a suggestion the Speakers need it to improve them, they are something special as I have mt them.

The investigations are being done, as the Speakers are totally deserved of finding the ancillaries to act as partners, that really allows them to sing at their very best.