Altec 511B / 811B users? opinions? [message #46218] |
Mon, 31 January 2005 16:23 |
Jerrod Harden
Messages: 38 Registered: May 2009
|
Baron |
|
|
Who's using these antiques in their hifi rigs? When coupled to a current production compression driver such as a JBL 2426 is horn/driver efficiency about the same as with the 2370A? Seems like I remember Wayne recommending a 6db compensation on these with a 1uf cap on the compensation network. Sound about right? How about running these with the midhorn? I love the way they look. Real cool vintage looking appeal, but do they sound as good as they look? Any thoughts? Take care! Jerrod
|
|
|
|
|
|
Re: Altec 511B / 811B users? opinions? [message #46223 is a reply to message #46221] |
Tue, 01 February 2005 07:16 |
Russellc
Messages: 397 Registered: May 2009
|
Illuminati (1st Degree) |
|
|
I feel the 2370 jbl is better, in as much as it more accoustically dead. i like my 511 b much better than the 811b in this regard, but my 511bs are a later harder to find model that comes with the vanes already cut and some kind of rubbery stuff in there. The ones with soild welds will ring more, but they can be modded of course. My 811bs ring like a bell. As to the 2526,it does not roll off any sooner than any of the altec drivers, and sound to my ears to have a little more high end, but maybe its just different. I don't find that much difference at all in terms of response between the 811b and the 2370b, but the directivity may differ due to size, the 2370b is more like the 511b in that regard. the 2002 is a nice driver and all, but not in the same class as the altec or JBL units...that being said, I feel safe in saying that it has a little more on the high end than either the 802, 902 altec or 2526 jbl. ( or 2425 for that matter) It's price is dynamite for the performance given. Just my thoughts, nothing more! Russellc
|
|
|
|
|
Re: Altec 511B / 811B users? opinions? [message #46248 is a reply to message #46244] |
Sat, 05 February 2005 00:56 |
ToFo
Messages: 219 Registered: May 2009
|
Master |
|
|
I largely agree. I like these horns a lot, but there have there different personalities depending on application. Smooth response and wide, flat coverage is my bag. The 2370's do have the coverage, but aren't smooth enough with the drivers I prefer. The Altecs do sound a lot like them with the JBL drivers when listening on axis, but exibit classic collapsing directivity from their curvature. With the PSD 2002 an Altec is flat and smooth, but on the 2370 there is a large dropout at 2.5K and a strong pointy peak at 7K. I now use Theater 4's with Peavey CH-3/PSD 2002. CH-3's aren't gorgeous, and they don't do big midrange, but they are decently flat, smooth and wide with the 2002. Unfortunately not enough top end with the 2426 by comparison. I'm impressed how three horns give such a wide variance of responses with different drivers. It seems the 2426 has great self damping. The 2002 maybe not. It changes personality a lot according to horn. Funny how the 2426 is smooth on all of these horns. Wish I liked the sound balance of this driver without EQ. The Altec horn seems to damp the best, Then the CH-3 has 2370 type coverage with bit of Altec smoothing, Then the 2370A seems totally loose with some drivers. Hmmmm. Thomas
|
|
|
Re: Altec 511B / 811B users? opinions? [message #46262 is a reply to message #46248] |
Sat, 05 February 2005 21:08 |
Russellc
Messages: 397 Registered: May 2009
|
Illuminati (1st Degree) |
|
|
In large part its personal tastes and the room you're stuck with. If I can ever get someone to build the boxes I have the drivers for the 7 Pi w/ mid horn and all JBL drivers. with a little compenstion the high end is fine for me. Otherwise, I do keep a lookout for JBL "mini" baby cheeks super tweet, 2405 or something like that, or the slots which could be tagged on for such high frequency deficiencies. for lack of anything better at this time I will be useing either 811b or the plastic horn intended for the smaller stage 4 pi on a jbl 2425H drivers. I figure as a three way, the passband for the 811 should hopefully be higher than its problem resonant frequencies. Russellc
|
|
|
Re: Altec 511B / 811B users? opinions? [message #46263 is a reply to message #46262] |
Sat, 05 February 2005 22:22 |
ToFo
Messages: 219 Registered: May 2009
|
Master |
|
|
So true. I hate my living room. My bedroom has great acoustics, but... Anyway, it sounds like you've got the makings of a very nice setup. Now that I think about it, all of my trying with the 2370A/2426 were done with my Theater 4 crossover padded down for the efficiency difference. I do not remember adjusting the comp cap to taste. Hmmm, I am glad we got "talking" about this, or I wouldn't have thought about it. It is definitely worth another try. Now I just have to pry the 2426's back from my Brother. Thomas
|
|
|