Altec 604-8g's how to improve?

[Earl K]

unfortunately photoFuckit has your pictures hostage.
604 8G Big cabinets big sound

I'll assume that means you can't see 604mans pic.

FYI, I can see the pic because I use an extension for my ( Chrome ) browser called"Photobucket Embedded Image Fix"

This has worked well for me for quite some time ( at least a year now, if not more ).

[gearfreak]

I like the midrange and "live" soundstage.
I would like more bass and a more cohesive sound
...
I dont know how to do those measurments, ie LF frequency response etc.

Thanks

a) to avoid cabinetry work you could first try a "current-drive" / "transconductance" / "constant current" amp instead of a 'voltage drive' amp. Your work would be to determine what is one, and then finding one to build or buy. (we presume the latter).
For that however, you will then need to build a current-drive crossover.
I have a simple working example based on the info presented in: PassDiy

It would seem that in practice there can be a grey area, or transitional zone wherein voltage driven becomes (closer to?) current driven (perhaps a matter of 'added series resistance', perhaps not).
Others can comment on the veracity of those terms used. I am discerning the differences myself at the moment.


b) In olden days, you would plot this manually using a certain technique.
Nowadays Parts Express sells the 'DATS' unit for your computer. There may be others.
Pretty much: You hook up the driver, and press a button.
An example of the (free air) impedance plot I created for my 515's can be seen at: Altec / GPA measurements: 515 - diyAudio



ps. in other threads when 'Z' is discussed, it is nominally referring to 'impedance'

[Phil-G]

I'll assume that means you can't see 604mans pic.

FYI, I can see the pic because I use an extension for my ( Chrome ) browser called"Photobucket Embedded Image Fix"

This has worked well for me for quite some time ( at least a year now, if not more ).

well there they are howabout that.

[604man]

I like the midrange and "live" soundstage.
I would like more bass and a more cohesive sound (compared to my other speakers, PSB Imagine T3's)
I also would like a nicer looking cabinet, taller (ear level) and possibly larger CU ft.

I dont know how to do those measurments, ie LF frequency response etc.

Thanks

What do you mean by a more cohesive sound ???

[Terp]

Well it seems that I have a pair of GPA 604-8HII's and Markwart Crossovers on the way so... Not sure how these things happen sometimes but. They are coming with plans for MLTL cabs so I may go that way. I will do some listening comparisons to the Altec 604-8Gs I have with the GPA crossovers etc and can compare the speakers and the crossovers. Should be fun!

[Phil-G]

there may be a guy in the uk who might be looking for a pair.

[Terp]

Well improvement has occurred. The GPA604-8HII's are a better speaker imo. Better extended highs and lower bass. More of a "live" sound.

[gearfreak]

Thanks for posting the assessment. :-)

So that's using GPA N604-8C xo's?

[Terp]

Thanks for posting the assessment. :-)

So that's using GPA N604-8C xo's?

Yes, currently using GPA crossovers.
I have the Markwart crossovers but they were damaged in shipment and need some resoldering etc. At the same time I am redoing my basement/listening space so havent fixed them yet. Will do soon and will report on that too.

[Baaronj]

Yes, currently using GPA crossovers.
I have the Markwart crossovers but they were damaged in shipment and need some resoldering etc. At the same time I am redoing my basement/listening space so havent fixed them yet. Will do soon and will report on that too.

Terp - any chance you'll be wanting to get rid of those 612 cabs you've got the 604-8gs in? I'm on the lookout for a pair of 612s or 620s for my 604-8gs.