• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Altec Model 19 Score...

Well, I have had these in commission now for about two weeks and although I intended them to go with tubes, I think they sound best with low power class A solid state.

I am driving them with my DIY First Watt F5 and Pass B1 and the combination is sensational. It's evident to me now that I need a really good phono preamp and perhaps even a better DAC to see what this combination is capable of producing.

A friend of mine has stock model 19's and mine have the Zilch designed Z19 crossovers in them and I can say without hesitation that the Z19's are a marked improvement.

I am so happy with these speakers right now that all the work that went into them was easily worth it as was the wait to finally hear them. :thmbsp:
 
Last edited:
Great news Anthony!! I thought my 19's sounded particularly good with my little Nikko Alpha/Betta 2 (85wpc) MOSFET rig. Very smooth & revealing. I agree about the Z19 networks making a big differance. Last thing I did before I sold my 19's was to biamp them with Fisher Model B on top and the Nikko on the bottom WOW was that ever delightful!

Keep us updated- you have a great speaker platform, dial in the right amp(s) combo and it will only get better!!
DC
 
I also think your right about the phono stage because a clean vinyl MFSL LP is just astonishing on the 19's.Sound's like the band is in your living room !

Great Job Anthony !

Now you have a beautifully restored pair of 19's for another 25 years.That's what I also love about Altec as well, as they are so durable with a little TLC. Not to mention they sound Fabulous !
 
Great stuff Pass/Altecfan. :D

Despite the fact that the great Altecs could sound good hooked-up to almost anything,I always maintain that they sound much better hooked-up to a prime Source component and superb amplification.Everything I have done with mine over the last 9 years only underlines that assertion.

I would imagine that they would sound superb hooked-up to the B1/F5. :yes:

Enjoy your listening(and feed them plenty of vinyl).
 
Well, not much of an update other then to say that I REALLY love these speakers. I just got some new speaker cables on them (Audio Art Bi-Wire) which I picked up from Grumpy for a very paltry sum and they have made an improvement. Also, these cables are 10' each whereas the last were 20' each, so I'm sure that may be a little bit of what I am hearing as well.

Now the next question is about positioning. My last pair of main speakers were panels which were very sensitive to setup, toe-in, etc. What is the best way to setup the Altecs. For now I just have them facing forward with no toe in and about 10 feet apart with the listening positon about 12 feet away. I really havent done any measurements yet to get things dialed in as I wanted to see if there are any recommendations for horns which might differ from what I am used to...
 
I have mine elevated about 20", slight toe in. I think you could spread them further apart. They have such huge soundstage this way. :banana:
 
marantzfan said:
Well, not much of an update other then to say that I REALLY love these speakers. I just got some new speaker cables on them (Audio Art Bi-Wire) which I picked up from Grumpy for a very paltry sum and they have made an improvement. Also, these cables are 10' each whereas the last were 20' each, so I'm sure that may be a little bit of what I am hearing as well.

Now the next question is about positioning. My last pair of main speakers were panels which were very sensitive to setup, toe-in, etc. What is the best way to setup the Altecs. For now I just have them facing forward with no toe in and about 10 feet apart with the listening positon about 12 feet away. I really havent done any measurements yet to get things dialed in as I wanted to see if there are any recommendations for horns which might differ from what I am used to...
Click to expand...
Can you pull them closer together and allow for some toe in? I think the 811's do better with a little toe in, seems to make a better stereo image.

marantzfan said:
I don't know if I ever mentioned it, but these have pretty low serial numbers. 545 and 613.
Click to expand...
Me too, WE-001, WE-002 :D
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0001.JPG
    IMG_0001.JPG
    106.9 KB · Views: 35
westend is giving you good advice there marantzfan.

The uppermost frequency reach of the 811 horn is like a laser beam.If you can see directly down the throat of the horn,then you will be getting all that they can give of the treble.

Your 19s look awesome. :thmbsp:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom