What is the BEST horn loaded combo?

[grasshopper]

Hi all. I am gathering opinions on what might be thought of as the best Altec horn loaded transducer/cabinet combo. I will be using a sub at approx 60Hz, so lowest bass performance is not much of a factor. I want to know what my choices are for excellent manners in the 60-800Hz realm.

Just curious what you think, as I haven't heard a lot of Altec- only 9844's and Vot. Thank you.

[Old Guy]

Hmm- first one would have to define "best".

Most efficient to 80 hz? A pair of 210's. Loudest? Ditto.

Best fit in your living room? Not so good.

I've said before, good enginering is always a compromise, and the best is generally the most acceptable compromise. Even $200,000 speaker systems make compromises.

Personally, with a big room, I'd do the bigger cabs. The 210 horn actually loads to about 80, where the A-7 horn poops out about an octave higher. I'd probably think about a modded 815 type of box. A couple in each of 4 corners should do it...

[Steve Mac]

The build process starts in a couple of weeks for
the 80-800 project I've posted on earlier.
I've opted to remove the bass reflex portion
of the 210 design, enlarge the mouth to lower
the horn loading. Additionally I worked on the
expansion part to design out the parallel side walls and get it to expand appropriately for
a home application. It's actually pretty similar
to the single 15 that Dr Bruce Edgar designed
in his 80hz enclosure.

80-800 design

I should have the plywood soon...getting really
itchy to start this finally...

[valhallax]

i concour..given the space, 210 cabinets are really spectacular. in the living room? you bet! where else would you listen to music?

[bfish]

Lookin' good Steve!

Whatcha gonna use for the little wedge (wise move) on the back of the little horn?

[Steve Mac]

Originally posted by bfish:
Lookin' good Steve!

Whatcha gonna use for the little wedge (wise move) on the back of the little horn?

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">On the back? Actually two of the wedges create
the top and bottom parts of the horn...

I've decided on poplar plywood for everything.
Poplar will support a smooth finish and I've
decided that it will probably be covered with a
screen eventually so no on the wood stain
furniture route.

The mouth...as designed supports an inset horn
in the center so without it the mid bass horn will
load a little lower. I'll know more when I can
take some real measurements.

[bfish]

Gotcha Steve.

I'm excited for you too. Keep us informed.