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In the Forum: Horn-Loaded Speakers
In the Thread: Altec Model 19 in Boston.
Post Subject: Good speakers to cut sushi....Posted by Romy the Cat on: 3/13/2010
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 Paul S wrote:
Romy, what exactly was bad, and how?

Honestly, my knowlwedge and objectives were in infancy back then.  Also, it's been so long that my "memory" is probably crowded with parasitic ideas passing themselves off as memories.  But I remember the 808 driver was quite maddening.  My buddy and I wound up making tar-filled "511" horns and crossing them over at 800 Hz (still using basically stock Altec crossovers).  This crossover was obviously too high for the 515/bins, but it worked out considerably better for the tar 511 horn than using the smaller tin can horn at 800 Hz or using Altec's 500 Hz  X/O with the larger horn.  That "metal" 811 is a ratty-assed horn, one of the worst, ever.  It's probably not usable in any way.

I don't remember the 802, but if to do it again today, I would try to "make the most of" the 808's aggressive, spitty quality.  This driver responded all over the place to various adjustments, and I cannot say that I was really systematic, with evolved objectives, during the short course of my experiments.  I would definitely re-work the crossover.  And the horn is shite.  It's hard not to think of adding channels.

Yes, Paul, you are partially right pointing some of the Altec 19 problems. I did ask the guy what kind drivers and horns the speaker had before he bought it but intend of giving a defensive answer (what I would be able to predict the sound) he begin to tell me how much the former owned loved them. I always consider that those Altec whore-intellectuals are a clueless but he I guess did not know it. His reaction pissed me off that time but now it kind of became my fault that he does not like the Altec 19. How can I explain to the guy that is I select or modify the specific configuration of the Altec 19 then the problem might be avoided. Those people think that brand and model are some kind of assurance of sound… too far from truth….

This Altec 19 has the worst horn possible – the celebrated 811 and 1200kHz crossover point.  Sure, a larger horn with larger Altec horn need to be used and driver the crossover much lower. You were very right about it. With 150W SS amps that we borrowed it sounded more like Altec 19 shall but the guy was panicking about the 811’s noise – I think he never heard it and do not know how to extrapolate it out. He is trying me to get Altec 19 from him. I have to admit that I do have admiration how they look like and I have a phenomenal place in my new home on the both side of fireplace – and they in new condition do look super sexy. If I get them I would trash this worn section and would put there a true 500Hz able driver, something like Vitavox S3 or a big Altec 9xx with 250Hz horn proper horn or, for fan, with a wooden 18 sections multicell like 1803 or alike.  Sure it would be my own crossover. What would I do with it? To listen the CNN news? I have no other needs for more speakers in my house then Macondo and MiniMe.  If it will be a big house with a lot of extra room then it does not mean that I will need to build more speakers. When I bring all the crap that I have in my storages in my new basemen it will be too many speakers/drivers per sq feet then necessary… I do not know, I like to work on this Altec 19 and to help him but he lives too far and I see no interest to do it if they are mine. They are very good to cut sushi on them though….

The Cat

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