American acoustics labs find, have Q's
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mars_volta
Super Member
From Chicago IIRC. Looks like a standard 12" foam.
Don't bother, they're kind of crap.
mars_volta
Super Member
If you got them for free, get some cheap foams, fix em and sell them for $20. Big woofers always sell. 
If anything its cheap fun. I've seen and heard much worse speakers. Phenolic ring tweeter... Now where have I seen those before? 
If anything its cheap fun. I've seen and heard much worse speakers. Phenolic ring tweeter... Now where have I seen those before?
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cablephil212
Super Member
If you're still thinking about playing with the foam on those, there is a guy called "bootapest2" on that auction site (I have NO AFFILIATION with him except for his products) that has good foam cheap. He sells quality foam. I've used his services numerous times, and never regretted it. Just remember, YOU have to supply the glue. For that I, as many others here on AK, use Aleens craft glue. Gold bottle is general purpose, and that's what I use. You may get a 100 different answers about this (glue), but to date, no detached surrounds on my re-foams. If you have a WalMart close, they carry it, as does most craft stores.
Measure the cone (foam free), then the inside of the basket, from edge to edge. Also, take note of the cone edge. Some (most) are "angle attached, but there is a " flat attached" (looks like a flat ring or lip around the cone edge). Choose the proper one, "cause they're NOT interchangeable. Write those 2 measurements down. Look up the size (eg: 8", 10", 12", ect) of foam you need, and compare the measurements listed in the ad (towards the bottom). I usually make a list of what I need, then order.
Just a suggestion: If you haven't done a re-foam, order an extra pair (and maybe some dustcaps) just in case.
Good Luck. Have Fun :thmbsp:
PS: Also, think about a x-over re-cap. Check, and write the values down of the x-over caps. This way, you can still listen to them, while waiting for the replacements. :yes:
cablephil212
Super Member
Is your opinion from experience, as in owning a pair of those "exact" speakers, or is it just your "they look like crap, so they can't sound good" keen eyed response? :scratch2:
Sometimes I wonder.
mars_volta
Super Member
I would bet those are a flat surround and not angled. I also would not spend time on a recap. I've had a few of these midwest 12" 3 ways.
mtlmn1971
Active Member
I have a pair of model IV that I acquired from my father back in the day and still have them and use them. They are in my work room. I don't know about those but mine would surprise you. I'd say give them a re-foam. Your cabinets look closely like the pair I have, except mine has a horn tweeter along with the CTS tweet. Mine have circuit protection.
Speaking of Tweeters, make sure yours work. Looks like it has been pushed in.
Speaking of Tweeters, make sure yours work. Looks like it has been pushed in.
Obviously I can't see the crossover, but I'd expect these to behave somewhat like the Marantz Imperial 7. Fun, if not the last word in ruler-flat accuracy.
IMO they were OK speakers, certainly not bad. I used to buy drivers and crossover parts at the factory when they'd have sales and the stuff was of good quality.
DavidF
Active Member
I don't recall ever hearing a sample of their line but I recall the company's adverts in the usual HiFi magazines of the 70's. They popped up often enough to suggest a fair amount of advertising budget to support their products, for what that is worth.
Just use generic surrounds and Ailene's Tacky Glue.
Actually I don't think they look like crap at all. I bought a pair of AAL speakers about a year ago (not this exact model but a very similar one, mine has two midranges) because I thought they looked like they had potential. I was mistaken.
I mean, I'm all for experimenting and checking out new things, don't get me wrong. But these aren't going to sound any better than similar el cheapo Pioneers from the early 90s and people give those away for nothing all the time.
They do look nice though. Might be a candidate for a neat DIY project if you were so inclined. Just realize that anything made of particle board has some inherent limitations.
cablephil212
Super Member
Your post was kind of cryptic. When a person says "Don't bother, they're kinda crap", we're expecting to know why. Lightweight cabinets, cheap drivers, no x-over, ect.
Anyway, All is good. I see where you're coming from.
FYI: I would guess that about all of the (low and midfi) speaker boxes we see here are made of some kind of flake board. That's just the way they did it back then to keep competitive in the marketplace . Some put vinyl over it, and some used wood veneers. To me, I see no problem with flake or MDF, 'till it gets wet.
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