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Onken options

Mr. Bissness said:
Getting closer...
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A nice side by side comparison with the LaScala,s
I would have thought the Onkens would be bigger.
When you load them up with the 515’s curious about a comparison
With the A7’s and LaScala’s
looking good.
Is the Cabinet builder the guy from Georgia?
Or another one closer to you near Nashville?
 
Leben said:
I was just thinking about these the other day and was hoping they’d arrived. Glad they made it! Let us know what you think when you get a chance to enjoy them a while.
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Is that a custom made Xover?
 
Yes it is a modified z19 to work with the 16ohm drivers. Initial impressions are pretty great! I will know more once in stereo and some time to adjust for room acoustics.
 
Very nice. I have been contemplating building Onken cabinets for some spare Altec parts I have laying around.
 
I am completely satisfied with the new set up! I still need some critical listening vs a set of chorus ones with LMAHL tweeter. But I can say these Onkens easily replaced my recently sold La Scalas.
 
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I am still interested in the performance of the Bass Response, with these Onkens
and 515b’s. Particularly sub 40 cps! Bass.
Is there any? I know the Onkens were designed for 416 8b’s, a very different speaker
Most of the gang with 604’s, specifically the newer 16” frames say a 10 cu ft cab + is required for better Bass response
Bobhorn
 
Hi..

I build Onken 360L (4 Port) speakers. Approx 14 cubic ft.

The two options are a Altec 416-8A woofer or a Altec 421A Woofer.

The 416-8A can run right up to 4K, same with the 421A. (The 416-8A I use has been re-coned by GPA from a 421A to now a 416-8A. ( better bass in the 416A)

Now.. as far as alternate options you can also use a Klipsch K33 Woofer. Specifically the 1988 version. Quite frankly if you listen closely the K33 has better bass response but not as high power rating. But! it not a overly dramatic bass.

you can run the Altec 515’s too, you just have to make sure your baffle opening is 14.1”.

MD


Mr. Bissness said:
Looking for woofer options for a set of Onken cabinets. I currently have two different paths I can go.

Originally I thought about using my 605b with the original N-1600-d, but then I thought it would be nice to repurpose a set of DIY A7s. The A7s have 515b , 511b / 802d drivers crossed with n-500g.

The Onken design is a 360L birch design. Any pros or cons using either driver would be greatly appreciated. Or should I be looking at more classic cabinet designs?
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Hi..

The mounting port is 14 1/8” & you have to face mount the driver. The raised ribs were for strength! Your talking 18-21lb Magnet on the woofer! :)

*If you send those 515’s to GPA for re-coning & magnet recharge. You will be good to go for another 50+ year’s!

Mr. Bissness said:
So I have decided on the Onken... has anyone successfully front mounted older 515b drivers with the raised ribs? The cabinet builder is saying we can reset and cut notches for front mounting vs adding a rear access panel. Does anyone have experience using either method?

best
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Hi..

the Onken 360L is tuned to 28hz right out of the box! :) That was the phenomenal uniqueness of the design.

The original build was with 1” high density plywood & several reinforcement pieces. Today.. your best bet is to use 3/4” or 1” Fiber Board because it has almost no resonance to it, hence better overall sound quality. Not to mention finishing is way easier! Lol

*As long as you only used a double layer of felt or wool fiber cloth. (U-Haul) felt blankets are 10.00 each. You will need two blankets (1 for each speaker) to cut up and line the cabinet as per the original instructions. Do not use egg crates or fiberglass. (Massive bass loss from the material)

MD

Nyjblbob said:
I am still interested in the performance of the Bass Response, with these Onkens
and 515b’s. Particularly sub 40 cps! Bass.
Is there any? I know the Onkens were designed for 416 8b’s, a very different speaker
Most of the gang with 604’s, specifically the newer 16” frames say a 10 cu ft cab + is required for better Bass response
Bobhorn
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Hi..

Simply put.. find a set of 620’s & don’t look back!

MD

Drugolf said:
Like you said, a good cabinet/furniture could do some things to shore up everything else in the construction to allow a rear removable panel. I am doing the same right now in another cabinet design where I want to be able to get in optional ways. My rear panel is centered on the back panel between braces and I used inset nuts so in taking it on and off I don't wear it out at all. You will likely get some flack from purists of the Onken that it ruins the intended purpose of the Onken which is stability. Again, a good woodworker can strengthen some of the other joinery to make up for it I would think. That's my feeling anyway.
Or, sell off the 515 and get 416 or even 604 etc.
I am about to embark on doing the petite Onken. I want to be able to try different 12" drivers including the 414 and 601. I may also consider using HDF. Damn ply is getting really expensive, especially the stuff recommended for the onken.
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Thanks Mike for that information.
So I’m guessing that due to the mention of other Altec Woofers,
the Onken Cabinets are not suitable for the 515’B’s that I already own.
I have Big Red Cabinets with the cutouts to allow mounting older 15”
Altecs with the Strengthening Ribs.
 
Hi..

There is no problem running the 515’s in the Onken’s. Just make sure the baffle opening for the woofer is 14.1”. You will love “the sound” only Altec creates. ;)

Q: What flavor of 515 do you have ? 8G, 8-16G or 8GHP ? If it’s the 8GHP’s then you have the very best woofer (next to GPA’s new model) that was ever built!
 
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