Altec 19 Refurb project

[alteclipsch]

Also noticed the seams in the two halves of the horns have been caulked. Is that normal? It is a performance concern or someone’s ocd on too long a leash?

Are they caulked or welded? I just checked mine, they're welded.

 

[hrtattckcity]

Are they caulked or welded? I just checked mine, they're welded.

They may be welded below, but there is definitely a line of goop at the seam.

 

[UncleBingo]

They may be welded below, but there is definitely a line of goop at the seam.

Some people used to cut the vanes to reduce resonance. Don't worry about it. If they're cut and caulked it's an improvement.

 

[trinhsman]

Thanks Uncle Bingo. I’m not a car guy, but I think I follow. I’ll take it under consideration.

While I don’t see myself easily freeing up 2500 for a pair of new GPA 416’s, I would love to hear them in as original condition as possible.

From other threads it seems like I should be looking for 416-8b’s? That the ferrite c’s don’t have the same appeal? If anyone can confirm that would be great.

If anyone has experience with straight vintage 416-b’s it would be great to know if it a worthwhile hunt. I know some people are having them re-magnetized “at considerable expense”.

Get in touch with AK member Gordonw. He’s kind of a speaker guru on here.

 

[hrtattckcity]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Altec-Lans...946247?hash=item3645d6e907:g:W18AAOSwYPNcLnU0

I was/am watching that one—she has a 416-8c available as well.

Almost close enough to do a local pick up.

I’m guessing it would not be ideal (and there’s probably a great car analogy here) to run a mismatched pair?

Also, I’m seeing all these references to GPA woofers for around 3-400; so they changed hands and tripled the price of the 416?

 

[Tom Brennan]

Some people used to cut the vanes to reduce resonance. Don't worry about it. If they're cut and caulked it's an improvement.

Altec put rubber in that seam in later horns, 511s anyway.

 

[hrtattckcity]

Removed the horns today and it looks like CD’s are not original. Can anyone id these?

 

[EarlK]

Removed the horns today and it looks like CD’s are not original. Can anyone id these?

Sure looks original to me.



PS; Don't like the looks of all that rust though.

 

[hrtattckcity]

Sure looks original to me.



PS; Don't like the looks of all that rust though.

Are they missing the "throat"?-- They look much shallower than other I am seeing online?

 

[EarlK]

Are they missing the "throat"?-- They look much shallower than other I am seeing online?

Altec 902's are certainly shallower than 802's ( due to having a ferrite magnet vs the alnico type found in the 802 )



PS; yes, one difference is the throat is indeed missing.

PS2; the 34850 number on the paper label might be denoting the diaphragm type inside that driver ( or not )

 

[onwardjames]

This is an easy decision. Start saving.

Great score!

 

[hrtattckcity]

If the throat is missing, then it is also missing here:



If anyone has any additional insight on whether a 902 on an 811 should have an additional throat section let me know.

34850 is a diaphragm part number.

They both tested just under 7 ohms on the multimeter. Woofers should arrive in a few days, and I will test everything then.

Altec 902's are certainly shallower than 802's ( due to having a ferrite magnet vs the alnico type found in the 802 )



PS; yes, one difference is the throat is indeed missing.

PS2; the 34850 number on the paper label might be denoting the diaphragm type inside that driver ( or not )

 

[EarlK]

Nothing is amiss in your setup ( except you are missing woofers ).

There is no missing throat section for you to track down and buy.

"Missing" was a poor choice of words on my part ( to use in conversation with someone unfamiliar with Altec's product line and overall vernacular ).

 

[hrtattckcity]

A few open questions;

-if I go mundorf resistors on the crossover is 10w sufficient?

-does anyone have a good photo and/or drawing of the kick-riser on the bottom (are these screwed through the bottom?), and images of how/where casters are attached?

-I am pretty sure these are the same grille buttons that the someone on that auction site is selling for 3.95 a pop. gonna give them a try.
https://www.mojotone.com/Cabinets_x...ro-Discs-Speaker-Grills-other-Removable-Parts

 

[BillWojo]

The drivers you have are about 3/4" shorter than the old alnico drivers but they have better high frequency extension. The downside is that the exit hole is only 7/8" in diameter, not 1" to match the horns. I machined up spacers between the drivers and the horns that are 3/4" thick, one side is 7/8" and it tapers to 1" on the other side matching the existing throat angle.
I also removed the bug screens.

BillWojo

 

[hrtattckcity]

for reference.

 

[Zonker92]

I’m not seeing resistors on the woofers, and I’ve gotta figure 10 watts is ample for the horns. You’d burn the diaphragms out before you toasted the reisistors.

 

[hrtattckcity]

Slowly patching with Mohawk epoxy stick and rubbing with tung oil...

Those bottom edges took a bit of abuse without the risers.

Looking much better.

 

[Tom Brennan]

Nice work.

 

[hrtattckcity]

4 of the 8 attachment points for the woofers have threaded receivers installed in the cabinet.

Should these be in all 8 holes? Should I be installing hurricane nuts in the other 4 spots?