JBL 2441 Compression Driver

The JBL 2441 is a professional large-format compression driver featuring a massive 4-inch voice coil and Alnico V magnet structure weighing over 10 kg. Used in JBL's flagship studio monitors including the 4355, the 2441 represents the pinnacle of analog compression driver design with exceptional power handling and smooth response to 18 kHz.

Specifications

Type	Large Format Compression Driver (2-inch throat)
Diaphragm Diameter	4 inches (100mm)
Voice Coil Diameter	100mm (4 inches)
Magnet	Alnico V (over 10 kg / 23 lbs)
Throat Diameter	2 inches (50.8mm)
Nominal Impedance	8 Ω or 16 Ω
Power Handling	100W continuous program
Frequency Response	500 Hz - 18 kHz
Sensitivity	113 dB/W/m (on appropriate horn)
Weight	~11 kg (24 lbs)

Design Features

The 2441 represents JBL's ultimate expression of the compression driver art, combining several advanced technologies:

4-Inch Voice Coil: Massive voice coil diameter allows for exceptional power handling and heat dissipation
Alnico V Magnet: Over 10 kg of Alnico V provides an extremely stable, high-flux magnetic circuit
Diamond Suspension Diaphragm: Aluminum diaphragm with diamond-pattern surround provides smooth response to 18 kHz
Precision Phase Plug: Computer-optimized phase plug geometry for smooth frequency response
2-Inch Throat: Large throat diameter for coupling to professional horns

Applications

The 2441 was used in JBL's most prestigious professional systems:

JBL 4355 - Midrange compression driver in flagship studio monitor (with 2307/2308 horn)
JBL 4344 - Four-way studio monitor
JBL 4343 - Professional monitoring system
JBL 4350 - Large format studio monitor
Cinema and sound reinforcement systems

In the Wild

Featured in Resistor Magazine's restoration profile of Iwan Arjanto's vintage JBL collection. The 2441 is the midrange compression driver used in the JBL 4355 studio monitors that Arjanto has built from scratch.

In the 4355, the 2441 is paired with the 2307/2308 bi-radial horn to cover the critical midrange from 1.2 kHz to 10 kHz, where the 2405 slot tweeter takes over. This three-way horn system (mid-bass, compression driver midrange, slot tweeter UHF) is part of what gives the 4355 its legendary clarity and dynamic range.

"Vintage studio monitor speakers are more solid than JBL L100, but the horn and tweeter assemblies are unbreakable (JBL 2420 and 2405)."

— Iwan Arjanto

While Arjanto specifically mentions the 2420 and 2405 as "unbreakable," the 2441 shares the same robust construction philosophy and Alnico magnet stability that makes these professional drivers so enduring.

Evolution from the 375

The 2441 is closely related to the legendary JBL 375 compression driver, sharing the same 4-inch voice coil diameter and Alnico magnet philosophy. The 2441 incorporated refinements to the diaphragm and phase plug for even smoother high-frequency response. Today, the 2441 remains a sought-after driver for high-efficiency horn systems and studio monitor restoration.

Maintenance & Restoration

The 2441's Alnico magnet structure is exceptionally stable and rarely requires recharging. Common maintenance includes:

Diaphragm replacement (after decades of use or damage)
Cleaning of phase plug and throat
Terminal and connection maintenance
Re-sealing driver-to-horn interface

The massive Alnico magnet makes the 2441 quite heavy (~11 kg), so proper mounting hardware is essential.

Compatible Horn Lenses

The 2441's 2-inch throat pairs with JBL's professional horn lens systems:

JBL 2307 / 2308 - 80° x 45° bi-radial horn system used in the legendary 4355 studio monitor
JBL 2390 - 100° x 45° folded-plate lens for professional cinema applications
JBL 2392 - 80° x 45° slant-plate lens assembly optimized for 2" drivers
JBL 2395 - 140° x 45° wide-coverage lens for cinema and large venues

Related Drivers

JBL 375 - Legendary predecessor with similar 4" voice coil
JBL 2420 - Smaller 2" voice coil compression driver
JBL 2421 - Evolution of the 2420 with improved phase plug
JBL 2405 - Slot tweeter often paired with 2441 in studio monitors

eBay Listings

JBL Vintage 2 " Compression Driver Throat for Vintage JBL- 3

$74.50

JBL 2" New Bronze Compression Driver Throats For 375, 2441,

$235

JBL 2441 Compression Driver Pair Speaker from JAPAN

$1,698

Vintage JBL 2441 Compression Driver [Single] Professional Se

$640

See all JBL 2441 Compression Driver on eBay

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Documentation

External Resources

Lansing Heritage: JBL 2441 - Detailed specifications, photos, and historical information
HiFi Engine: JBL 2441 Manuals & Specs - Factory datasheets, service manuals, and technical documents
Audio Karma: JBL Forums - Community discussions, restoration guides, and technical advice

Historical Articles & Reviews

Resistor Magazine: Returning Vintage JBL Studio Monitors to Life - Profile featuring the 2441 in 4355 studio monitor restoration