Altec 803A vs 416
- Thread starter Galaxie65
- Start date
bowtie427ss
Lunatic Member
I'm sure it wasn't always as visually obvious as in a factory fresh example.
There were probably variations in the amount/thickness that was applied, and it no doubt in many cases dulled down even drying out to a degree as some of the cloth dopes did with exposure to the world.
Time has a way...
There were probably variations in the amount/thickness that was applied, and it no doubt in many cases dulled down even drying out to a degree as some of the cloth dopes did with exposure to the world.
Time has a way...
MissionX
Keep it Silky
Do you think 2 x 414s would be top dog in the Altec LF department vs. 1 x 803B, 416, 515B?
twiiii
Lunatic Member
I owned Carmels and I know for sure two 414's in the right tuned box are superior to a single 15. Yes I know the 414's have higher resonance frequencies in free air but we don't use them in free air. I mean Bozaks 12's have free air resonance of 40 HZ, but 4 of them in a Concert Grand positioned properly are flat to just below 25 HZ. If you put two Grands side by side they are flat to below 20 hz because of cross coupling. If you want the Best bass place two 515's into a 32 cu ft enclosure and then see what happens. Some of the Best 16 HZ pipe organ bass you have ever felt. I can't hear much below 25 HZ but I can sure feel 16 HZ generated by my XRT 28's. ML-4's with 4 12's each were famous for generating 16 HZ. You could connecting them to 120 VAC wall out let for a few seconds and really shake a room with out damage to the speakers. Thats about 1600 watts. 120 X 120 / 8= 1800. watts Under the peak capability of a 1.25K amplifier.
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MissionX
Keep it Silky
I don't think I will be building a 32 ft3 enclosure soon.
So hifi wise, 2 x 414 would be better than 1 x 515B or 416, correct? You know..... for vocals and midrange and maybe they will go deeper? I have 9 ft3, or so, enclosures. I get these subwoofer cabinets that have been stripped. I just need to put a new baffle on the front and can put anything I want in it. I know you like Bozaks and I do like the 12" woofers and they are cheap. Kinda gettin' off track. The thread is 7 years old though.
So hifi wise, 2 x 414 would be better than 1 x 515B or 416, correct? You know..... for vocals and midrange and maybe they will go deeper? I have 9 ft3, or so, enclosures. I get these subwoofer cabinets that have been stripped. I just need to put a new baffle on the front and can put anything I want in it. I know you like Bozaks and I do like the 12" woofers and they are cheap. Kinda gettin' off track. The thread is 7 years old though.bowtie427ss
Lunatic Member
No, the 414's won't go as deep as a 416. The 414 moving mass is too low, or it's compliance too stiff, whichever way you want to look at it.
If you change moving mass, or the compliance, then you will no longer have the bodacious midrange that 414's do soooo right.
If you want the best of both worlds, then you need a 414 and a 416 in the same speaker system.
Altec did exactly that. The 9862 was probably Altec's most hifi attempt at a loudspeaker.
Altec Model 9862 on thevintageknob.org
vintage Altec monitor with Tangerine super-tweeter.
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MissionX
Keep it Silky
That's pretty cool. Sourcing the horn lens, UHF tweeter and crossover(or schematic) could be challenging. Punching the numbers in a crossover calculator isn't too difficult. I have 2345 and 2370 lenses that could be adapted to a 2-holer, I think. Also some Radian 475PBs still in the boxes. They are 2 or 3 hole. A ton of 808s and a couple 902s and various Aluminum, paper and Symbiotic diaphragms. Sold my working 3000s. Have a pair of 2404s, though. I like the idea of a 416 and 414 as a foundation.
9862 on audioheritage
9862 on audioheritage
