Recommendations for other drivers also appreciated. I would prefer something with at least 95db/w/m and good performance up to 3 or 4 kHz. The Altec 414 is certainly a candidate, although it would likely require a larger cabinet than the 406.

TIA,

Bob

• Found Altec 406 Application Data

Thanks for the info and links. Enjoyed the Altec enclosure brochure. I used to have one on nice textured heavy white paper, last seen with rusty staples. It's a nice piece of history with some classic enclosure designs. It reminded me a lot of information in a book: loudspeaker enclosure Design by Alexis Badmeif (sp?)whom I think was with Altec. The design advice for BR's was to maximize the radiation resistance of the driver - enclosure combination by choosing the box volume resulting in a vent area that was the same as the drivers piston when tuned to the drivers Fs.

I found some info on the Lansing Heritage site:

A 1971 Home audio brochure describes the 406 as a 10-inch, cast frame, 3-inch VC, 50 w program, 9 lb 7 oz alnico magnet structure (same as the 414), 28 Hz Fs, 8 ohms and bandwidth of 25 - 4500 Hz. The same brochure shows the 406 was used in the Bolero, a 2 cf passive radiator system, and in the Madera, a 1.9 cf sealed box. These models were replaced by 1974, and the 406 was dropped/discontinued. It was produced for about 6 years. It was only used in the mid-priced home speakers (a lot were sold so many 406's are around). They were not a part of the classic Altec theater speaker product line and seem to be poorly known. The 406B was listed in the 1970 Allied catalog for $56, the 414B for $58, and the 416A for $62.

I am still screening candidate drivers , so I have none to measure for T/S or sensitivity. My post on the High Efficiency Speaker Asylum did net a reply stating that the sensitivity was about 93 db/w/m. Strangely, the post was there this morning but had vanished by mid afternoon when I checked again. If the sensitivity estimate (93db/w/m) is correct, the 406 is a little lower than I want to go. I may try the 414.

Are any of the Eminence 10 or 12 inch drivers worth considering? I sure don't need multi-hundred watt power handling for use in my home with a 45 SET. Just need good efficiency, decent response to a few kHz, and favorable T/S parameters.

Regards,

Bob

I'm fond of the 22xx series JBL's, but the under-two-watt situation and the certainty of iron that may not like Zmax fluxuations makes them iffy. Their impedance peaks at resonance aren't real high, but they aren't low either. Same with the newer Eminence Magnums, and with them, only the new Magnum 12 will get you up high enough to consider as a midwoofer. It's good stuff, but you need a little bit of oomph to drive them, and I'm not sure I'd pair them with a 45 amp. It would sure be nice to try these options though.

The Eminence Alpha 10 sound like its worth a try, as you can hardly loose. How about the JBL 2218 and a powered sub. Does the 2218 have a smooth and high resolution midrange or is it more of a driver that is 'hardened for a 1 kw strike'?

Bob

Thanks,

Bob