JBL 2344A Bi-Radial Horn (c. 1989)

Name: JBL 2344A
Brand: JBL

The JBL 2344A is a bi-radial horn. It uses the constant-coverage design JBL introduced with its 4430 and 4435 studio monitors, and it was later offered as a standalone component.

The horn's big selling point is its 100° x 100° dispersion, held constant across a wide band by the bi-radial geometry. The 2344A is relatively shallow at 163 mm deep, and JBL noted that this makes phase alignment with a woofer easier when it is mounted on a baffle. It crosses over at 1 kHz and was designed to pair with the 2426J or 2426H compression drivers, with a 2.5 cm throat.

Surviving documentation is thin. AboutProSound dates the 2344A to roughly 1989 and confirms its lineage from the 4430/4435 systems. A Japanese database lists it at ¥59,000 per unit around 1992. Beyond that, the record is mostly enthusiast chatter. Forum posts on audioheritage.org describe DIY builders testing the 2344A against the 2370A with 2425 drivers, and one owner's friend claiming it leaves Altec 511B/811B horns "for dead" in hi-fi use. The same forum cautions that a 2344 without its compensation network won't perform properly. These horns were designed as part of a system, not as drop-in replacements.

Known specs:

- Type: Bi-radial (constant coverage) horn

- Dispersion: 100° x 100°

- Crossover frequency: 1 kHz

- Compatible drivers: 2426J / 2426H

- Throat diameter: 2.5 cm

- Dimensions: 318 x 318 x 163 mm (W x H x D)

- Original price: ¥59,000 (1 unit, c. 1992)