Atelier Rullit field coil

[rogerh113]

What a great experience, which led to a very satisfying hobby / career. Imagine if you had gone to a Lincoln Log convention ...: )))

[GM]

No career, just passionate hobby.........my career was designing electrical power & control systems that was as boring as it sounds, but the places it took me, the satisfaction of the projects I was involved in from a wide range of (in retrospect decided even this info might still be classified ) related, all of which I'll apparently have to carry to the grave based on an 'incident' a few years ago where I mentioned a seemingly thoroughly innocuous, obsolete, 'something' in passing to a racing/vintage cars pen pal in the employ of England's Gov't. as a teacher of some sort.

[bowtie427ss]

If cost is not among the first few priorities, it seems like a pair of Shindos pop up for sale about once a year.

For the remainder of us mortals... there was a gentleman(Wolf Von Langa) in Germany several years back who was building field coil converted 604's and 515's. My memory isn't what it used to be, but IIRC, he may have even sold the field windings as a kit for a short time.

They have even been sold on ebay occasionally.

I'm not sure if Joe Roberts looks in on this site anymore. But, if he does, maybe he will post as i think he knows Wolf personally.

The wayback machine might offer more info.

VinylSavor: Cool Links: www.kilimanjaro-series.com

[Altec Best]

Yes I seen them Altec Field Coils from Wolf years ago. IIRC they were quite expensive back then, but man they are sweet.. Roger thanks for posting the Holy Grail Driver by Steve Schell. I just learned of his passing last year. I was upset to hear this news as Steve was always a kind fellow always willing to share his knowledge.

Thanks for telling me about the 601 - very little out there about the 601 (well pre web), and according to this write up, only 100 made. The article does have some nice pictures of a 601 in impressive condition.

Holy grail driver

Years ago I had a long conversation with Steve about this 601 driver and I just recently learned of his passing. Very Sad as he was such a nice fellow. He posted photos of that Holy Grail Driver. Which I downloaded for posterity. Thought I would post them for other folks to see.. Courtesy of Steve Schell RIP.

[img]601-7 by Altec Best, on Flickr[/img]

[img]601-2 by Altec Best, on Flickr[/img]

[img]601-6 by Altec Best, on Flickr[/img]

[img]601-5 by Altec Best, on Flickr[/img]

[rogerh113]

The look of the 601 is down to business, as is the 604. The von Langa and Rullit offerings look much more like jewelry. Not a bad thing I guess, and likely a requirement selling into today's market at that price point.

Too bad they made so few 601s - the likelihood of hearing one is vanishing small. I also gather that starting the music without energizing the field coil can destroy the voice coil. The wife is less inclined toward process than I am (safest way to put it), and a small error could result in the demise of the drivers. Still would likely give it a shot if they were affordable (more plentiful).

[Altec Best]

The look of the 601 is down to business, as is the 604. The von Langa and Rullit offerings look much more like jewelry. Not a bad thing I guess, and likely a requirement selling into today's market at that price point.

Too bad they made so few 601s - the likelihood of hearing one is vanishing small. I also gather that starting the music without energizing the field coil can destroy the voice coil. The wife is less inclined toward process than I am (safest way to put it), and a small error could result in the demise of the drivers. Still would likely give it a shot if they were affordable (more plentiful).

Roger they would be for the man cave. No wives aloud ! No risk of injury ! Just tell her she could get electrocuted guaranteed not to touch them ...

Steve said his had a serial that you can actually see is #150 So I would surmise that there were at least 150 but I don't think there were much more than that. As the permanent magnet 604's came out soon after.

[rogerh113]

The wife is pretty rough. The SET amp in the living room has 900VDC on the anode caps - doesn't bother her a bit....

Fortunately I think only the coaxial 601s would work for me. It would be hard to move from the point source to multiple speakers. Instead of just moving forward, there are tradeoffs. I think I will just be enjoying the 604 8g for a long time.