Different M500 Maestro Series

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · September 22nd, 2007, 11:52 PM

I just bought an M500 at auction.... for $5.00!! I'm trying to do some research on it now. I've done a search, and I find a bass reflex box, with a Mantaray horn.... that is not what I have, However. The M500, that I purchased, looks to be based on the 816VI cabinet, that can be seen here....

816VI link

What's the deal with the multiple versions? Any have any info on this horn version of the M500?

GM · September 23rd, 2007, 01:04 AM

Who knows? Altec got really sloppy in its last decades. Bill's A700 is the only Mantaray/816 VI combo that comes to mind: http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/...akers/a700.htm

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · September 23rd, 2007, 01:46 AM

Originally posted by GM:
Who knows? Altec got really sloppy in its last decades. Bill's A700 is the only Mantaray/816 VI combo that comes to mind: http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/...akers/a700.htm

Ah, I just found what I've got..... apparently, I was looking in the wrong spot before.

It's here .... a 9894

Maybe it just uses the M500 crossover? Also, mine doesn't use much plywood. It's mostly, ans OSB looking material.

I need to get some pictures up!

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · September 23rd, 2007, 02:01 AM

I guess it could be a 9864, too. I haven't compared the two spec sheets closely enough to determine which matches mine, yet.

**Old Guy** · September 23rd, 2007, 05:24 PM

I would suspect the cossovers were similar. Either at some point the crossovers were changed out, ot during the bankruptcy a production decision was made to just "get em out".

**bfish** · September 23rd, 2007, 05:34 PM

"Engines" were meant to be biamped, with specific EQ/DSP requirements, and AFAIK, were never issued with a passive XO. That said, a stock M500 XO (from a completely different system) is probably the closest ready-made for the purpose, but still a long way from being correct for the application. M500s used 95dB reflex-loaded 3154s, a huge difference from a horn-loaded 515.

Regardless, if you got an Engine for $5...what a score! Congrats!

**bfish** · September 23rd, 2007, 09:36 PM

Counting the EV variants, there were many Engine-equipped models, with the basic differences being;

12" or 15"
60 or 90 degree HF horn
cab layout and dimensions (most reliable model ID factor)

A quick look at the XO cutout should reveal if it was Altec-installed (which I doubt).

Properly biamped and EQ'd, a single could make an awesome center channel for HT.

Some of the 8500 series DEQs (dirt cheap used) were intended for Engine use.

Wish you had 2, I'd buy the XOs, as that's all I lack in putting together a second M500 pair.

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · September 24th, 2007, 01:20 AM

Originally posted by Old Guy:
...... or during the bankruptcy a production decision was made to just "get em out".

So this is a 90's product then?

**Old Guy** · September 24th, 2007, 01:29 AM

In the interest of 100% disclosure- I don't know much about that item- I was getting seriously away from Altec at that point..but to answer to the best of my ability that is a 90's product.

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · September 24th, 2007, 01:32 AM

Originally posted by bfish:
[QB]Counting the EV variants, there were many Engine-equipped models, with the basic differences being;

Did the EV versions use a EV driver, or was it the same Altec driver? ....This design is from the EV years, of Altec, correct?

12" or 15"
60 or 90 degree HF horn
cab layout and dimensions (most reliable model ID factor)

To me the 9864 and 9894 look identical, to each other and to mine.

A quick look at the XO cutout should reveal if it was Altec-installed (which I doubt).

The cutout looks factory to me, although, a little big..... about the size of the hole needed for one of the bi-amps Altec had for the 828 cabinet. It has a piece of masonite stapled in place and the M500 crossover is mounted in that. It all looks factory finsihed, Though. The masonite is painted, and even has a few stampings on it.... although not very legible.

Properly biamped and EQ'd, a single could make an awesome center channel for HT.

Right now, it's making a fine left channel in my stereo :-)

Some of the 8500 series DEQs (dirt cheap used) were intended for Engine use.

I'm not familair with Altec electronics... do mean something like this ebay auction

Wish you had 2, I'd buy the XOs, as that's all I lack in putting together a second M500 pair.

I wish I had 2, too....., but man that would have cost me $10!!! :-)