802C diaphragm cracked surround

**Elitopus1** · January 25th, 2020, 09:23 PM

I recently bought a 802C driver that has what I think is the original diaphragm. It is an Altec diaphragm, but I can?t make out all the numbers on the back, but it ends in 814. I noticed when I was looking at it that the diaphragm surround has some cracks in it. I bought it as a parts unit, figuring I would have to get a new diaphragm.
Is there any way I can rig this up to work for while? I was thinking super glue, but I know the surround moves and super glue dries hard.

I figure if I find another 802C body I?ll send the pair in for a recharge and new diaphragms. Makes me wish I had kept the last 802C body I came across.

My other question is there any sonic difference between a 802C and an 802D, assuming they are both reach recharged and with a GPA diaphragm? I have a really clean pair of 802D, and a beat up pair of 802G. Just wondering if I should try to add a pair of 802C to my HF driver collection....

I noticed on the edge of the 802C phase plug there are some extra little slits that the 802D phase plugs don?t have. What?s that about?
7146C451-84C6-4CBC-B793-193377974E84.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

B140990F-956C-4DDD-AFCC-65E5DE36231C.jpg

**Old Guy** · January 26th, 2020, 12:37 PM

As far as rigging it up, a $15 Chinese diaphragm will likely sound as good.

I have never noticed a sonic difference between the C and D. Altec sometimes changed letters at the drop of a hat.
Might have been a subtle diaphragm change or something, but if so, all replacements are identical.

**Phil-G** · January 26th, 2020, 11:07 PM

i have a pair of 802 diaphrams one has broken leads and the other is broken but resoldered. they both worked ok before touched the leads.

**Elitopus1** · January 27th, 2020, 09:41 AM

You?re probably right about a rigged up diaphragm sounding as good as a Chinese unit. I should know better than to think I can repair the moving part.

Hey do they have refoam kits for diaphragms? Lol

I?ve had really good luck with diaphragms with broken leads. The diaphragms in my 604s are like that. I soldered them a few years ago and they still work fine. Does it change the specs having that big blob of solder on the tinsel lead? Maybe. Do they still sound good? Yes.

Are the diaphragms you have the same P/N Phil?

**Phil-G** · January 27th, 2020, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by Elitopus1

You’re probably right about a rigged up diaphragm sounding as good as a Chinese unit. I should know better than to think I can repair the moving part.

Hey do they have refoam kits for diaphragms? Lol

I’ve had really good luck with diaphragms with broken leads. The diaphragms in my 604s are like that. I soldered them a few years ago and they still work fine. Does it change the specs having that big blob of solder on the tinsel lead? Maybe. Do they still sound good? Yes.

Are the diaphragms you have the same P/N Phil?

what ever element they used in model 15s. ask Bowtie. you can have them up when come get the 828 cabinets. lol