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Seeburg DDS1 & Altec H-811 B Horns Project

taking my time...

Lots to read...ok I am assuming that the selenium drivers that you guys are using are the 8ohm versions ....but looking at parts express you can replace the 8ohm diaphragm with the 16 ohm version.... without modifying the crossover...I am going to try this first then add an L-pad and see where were are after that....
Thoughts?
stay tuned


Lawrence
 
New DDS1 owner here! I think.... They're still in my truck. I haven't examined their insides or cleaned them yet. What are the latest developments for refurbing the crossovers? I'd like to see the updated crossover schematic, with the attenuation an eq. Does anyone have a link to it? I have more info searching to do obviously! Thanks!
 
I'm a little confused about crossover updating... To implement the eq and L pad, with the original Altec drivers, I follow the schematic except keep the old coils, correct? What's the verdict on compression drivers, nowaday? Is the selenium the best bet? I have some 1" titanium P. Audio drivers in storage, maybe I'll try them too. I need a screw on adapter, I assume, since they're the screw on version. I'm still eager to hear them with the original Altec first. Thanks!
 
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I don't know nearly as much as these other guys but I updated the existing caps and installed a altec 30904 attenuator and am very happy. It balances the horn with the woofers very well. Look on ebay there were some there recently. You need one for each speaker.
Paul
 
No problem. Before the mod I felt the horn was over powering except on music with strong bass. Now it's much better. I play lp's threw tube equipment.
Paul
 
Do you have a variable Lpads installed also, or just a the Altec attenuators? I see some of the Altec attenuation units for fifty bucks each on ebay.
 
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I bought a couple from one of the parts stores and installed them before i got the attenuators. It helped then to back down the horn. With the attenuator installed i really don't need it. It's still there but I don't use it. Save the $ for now you can always put one in later if you want to. I would update all the capacitors and update the speaker terminals. After that listen to it for a while then build or buy the attenuator 30904. That way you'll know the difference.
Paul
 
Sounds good! I have some spare Lpad controls available, should I need them. It sounds like new caps and the attenuation circuit make big improvements.
 
Very interesting Aportilla! So you're using a cap on the horn and coil on the woofer? Any L-pad or eq? Thanks!
 
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Update: I managed to open these suckas and see what's inside. Yup, stock Altec 806a and gold Utahs. I tested all the drivers and... All good! Phew, which is fortunate since there was no way to hook them before purchase. Cabinets are in pretty decent shape actually, after spending time scraping and scouring all the dust and grime away. I had to reglue a strip of laminate to the front bottom of one, which was no big deal. Mine have had the grills and horns repainted black. Pretty nasty looking, right now. Is there a recommended way to remove the black chipped paint from the horns? The horns are gold, after checking from the inside. Also, how do you remove the front metal grills? Mine need to be cleaned or painted. Thanks experts!
 

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Well crap, it turns out one of the horn diaphragms is falling apart. They both look like original aluminum. Soooo, it looks like I will have to consider either replacing the diaphragm, substitute my P. Audio ti drivers, or buy a set of the recommended Seleniums. Ive managed to pull the horns to clean and repaint. Is there a reasonably priced Altec diaphragm out there? I'm going to take off the speaker grills next... Any suggestions on the best way take them off?
 

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You can repair those diaphragm leads but it's difficult. AK'er dgwojo has done a few, I believe. I tried conventional soldering and didn't have much luck but there is a way.
 
Unfortunately, the diaphragm is beyond repair. The photo actually shows the good diaphragm. The other is shattered, separated all around the voice coil. I pulled it out so that the pieces don't fall inside. Thanks for the suggestion though.
 
GPA sells bona-fide Altec diaphragms ( on eBay ) for @ $90.00 ( a steal IMHO ) .

I wouldn't buy anything else ( like HK aftermarkets ) .

:)
 
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