515B 16ohm vs 515-8G HP

[Dvanamps]

Hi Gang,

I have the option of purchasing a pair of Altec 515-B 16ohm woofers or a pair of 515-8G HP 8ohms woofers. The plan is to use them in an 816 VI 2-way speaker build to go along with my current 511B horns with 808-A 8ohm drivers.

Both woofer options poss potential problems?

1. Will the 515-B 16ohms be able to run in a two way system along side the 808-a 8ohm drivers? (If so what crossover requirements would be needed?)
2. Are the 515-8g HP appropriate for home use in a horn setup? I gather HP = High Power as they seem to have much higher ratings and power handling potential when compared with the typical 515-8G 8ohms. (could be wrong, I have read that the 515-8G, more modern woofers, out perform all previous versions in the 515 series?

It would be great to hear from the group what would be the preferred combination based on your experience, or is it worth holding out for something else perhaps?

You comments are most welcomed.

Best,

 

[Nyjblbob]

Waiting on a few Altec Guys here to chime in

 

[bowtie427ss]

1. Will the 515-B 16ohms be able to run in a two way system along side the 808-a 8ohm drivers? (If so what crossover requirements would be needed?)

Yes, crossover component values would have to be calculated accordingly.

2. Are the 515-8g HP appropriate for home use in a horn setup?

As appropriate as any 515 save for the "E" variant.

Both woofer options poss potential problems?

Considerations rather than problems. 515B is made to be mounted to the rear of the baffle only. It, however would be my preference of 515's for any home application. 515B has a deep and wide collector status, and enjoys a stability of value that matches Mc gear. You never really spend money on it, you just park it there. It's an alnico motor, and immediately draws a cult following from that crowd. It would be a shame to congest them in a box and horn as small as the 816. Find a 210 and cut it in half(see the sound practices "210 split" article), or a pair of 828's at least.

515-8G is ruggedized for high SPL playback and sound reinforcement. It compromises some of the classic 515 midrange magic for other attributes. There's no free lunch. Sadly, it's probably the more appropriate load for any 816 box.

210 split article on page 25: https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Sound-Practices/Sound-Practices-Issue-15.pdf

 

[Nyjblbob]

Thanks for that response Bowtie427
Very recently I had the opportunity to hear the best sounding home system by far.
It was designed by a Professional
Pro sound speaker designer.
Hopefully he won’t get too mad at me for posting a few pictures He does monitor AK
It is Quad amped. Using Set amps.
Except for the 6-15” ss powered subs
With less than 3 watts on the on top end
Consisting Ribbon tweets
Altec 288g’s on big multi cell horns
And the split 210’s with 515 8g’s hp
I measured average 95-96 db’s
With peaks of around 100db. At about 12’-14'
the system was barely even turned up
Nothing I ever heard before came close!
It makes my Modded 604'Gs, M-Q X-overs
with a custom transformer coupled 300b amp,
and powered subs, Sound like a rack system

 

[Drugolf]

Very timely info and post.
I have available to me 4 each 515-8g HP as well as 4 299-16a drivers currently mounted on M64 horns. These were all used in a gymnasium and are more suited for PA use in their current configuration and size. ( 2 817B cabinets).

I just didn't know if theses were worth getting. I can build anything and the 210 split is intriguing.

 

[elitopus]

I liked the 817 cabs I had. They had 921 woofers. I regret selling them. I bet they would’ve sounded even better with the 515GHP woofers. I would grab those if the price is right @Drugolf. All of it.

I have a single 210 cab but hate to cut it in half. But the odds of finding another single 210 cab is unlikely.