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power requirements for Altecs [message #17917] Sat, 04 June 2005 12:21 Go to next message
Manualblock is currently offline  Manualblock
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Can we look at some anecdotal evidence concerning the Altec A7's and whether they like some power or are happy with the flea power amps? I would say 20 watts or better for a high power scenario. I know I like the sound of my Valencias with some motor behind them. I am wondering how the 7's do in that regard.

Re: power requirements for Altecs [message #17920 is a reply to message #17917] Sat, 04 June 2005 15:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
wunhuanglo is currently offline  wunhuanglo
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I ran mine (802 or 806 on 511's with 515G) with 40 WPC Crown D75 biamp (so that's 40 WP Driver) - all the juice i could use and then some - ran the amp attenuators at about half-mast.

Re: power requirements for Altecs [message #17921 is a reply to message #17920] Sat, 04 June 2005 16:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Manualblock is currently offline  Manualblock
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That had to be pretty loud; no? So was that your favorite combination?

Re: power requirements for Altecs [message #17922 is a reply to message #17921] Sat, 04 June 2005 17:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
wunhuanglo is currently offline  wunhuanglo
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As I said, all the volume you could want.

At one point I had small format drivers and horns spanning several eras - multiple examples of 802/806/902/811/511.

In the end I guess I liked the 802D/511 best - it was the last and longest lasting configuration - the 511 was late-production with the vanes parted at the center - not welded - and filled with a silicone-like damping compound. This was pure factory - not an aftermarket modification.

But I also hasten to add that imagination could play as big a role as reality.

Re: power requirements for Altecs [message #17923 is a reply to message #17922] Sat, 04 June 2005 17:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Manualblock is currently offline  Manualblock
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I have a pair of 802d's that I have never even listened to. I bought them to build a pair of 19's along with a nice set of practically new 416's.
What a strange hobby;I am of the opinion that imagination is reality; if I could just snatch that pebble from the hand...oh grasshopper.
So do you have a philosophy concerning these speakers?

All kinds of philosophy :-) [message #17925 is a reply to message #17923] Sat, 04 June 2005 21:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
wunhuanglo is currently offline  wunhuanglo
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RE: the A7? Ultimately just unsuitable, which is why I sold off all the Altec stuff and headed in another direction. I added the woofer in the reflex area, trying to get some bass out of them - it was OK but not really satisfying.

Altec in general? Nostalgic, but not inherently superior. Impressive physically, but equaled in performance by modern production of comparable quality. Worth the money? Hard to say when you have to trade around to get parts that aren't beat to death - fragile, right-angled diaphragm leads being a huge problem.

The two way speaker? I'm back to a horn-over-reflex 2-way that really makes me happy right now. The elusive midbass slam is back. Brass sounds like brass, brushed drums sound "scratchy". I think Lansing's Iconic was probably the right idea after all, but... that will last until I'm off on something else again. But for right now I'm considering building a nice pair of cabinets for the current components - put in some effort instead of my usual quick-and-dirty.


Re:I can see the black cat... [message #17926 is a reply to message #17925] Sun, 05 June 2005 03:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BillEpstein is currently offline  BillEpstein
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...but not the horn. Watchu got dere? Is that an 18" woof?
Had a couple or 9 beers with some friends Fri nite and had to show off the system with first, BB and Eric, "Three O'Clock In The Mornin'" then Boston, "Don't Look Back". 9 Watts??? They said!

Amazement at how clean the sound was even at shout-to=be-heard levels. Not quite as clean to my ears as Ella in pentode but this Norh amp can rock!

Re: All kinds of philosophy :-) [message #17928 is a reply to message #17925] Sun, 05 June 2005 11:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Manualblock is currently offline  Manualblock
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You know; I have no allegience to anything made of metal so I see your point. The "trade around" I think is the key; looking at the price for the basic drivers it seems pretty fair, then the more sought after pieces rise exponentially you have to wonder if it is worth it.
So what are those you posted? They look to be a nice manageable size there.


Re:I can see the black cat... [message #17929 is a reply to message #17926] Sun, 05 June 2005 12:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
wunhuanglo is currently offline  wunhuanglo
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Hey, Bill

JBL 2225, 40Hz in 4 ft^3

JBL 2435 beryllium driver, 1-1/2" on P.Audio 316 horn

happy-happy

Dual sealed Altec 3182 (2X18) sub in corner - about 16ft^3

BTW, big fan of port lately - not a cheap date, but excellent sound processing properties


see response to bill - nt [message #17930 is a reply to message #17928] Sun, 05 June 2005 13:01 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
wunhuanglo is currently offline  wunhuanglo
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-nt

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