hf driver suspension

[gvasale]

I realize its been a while that the Symbiotic/Kapton suspension was discontinued, but I've been unable A web search yesterday suggests Kapton is still manufactured. Any insight? Thanks.

[GM]

Greets!

Kapton is used for high temp VC formers.

GM

[gvasale]

Thanks for that bit of info. But I'm curious as to why it was discontinued in the suspension. That part of my question was lost with my fat fingers on the laptop. Are there any phoyos of the Pascalite diaphragm assembly anywhere? Thanks.

[gvasale]

Sorry, I'm not the best typist either, lost part of l.h. index finger, tough to relearn.

[Altec19]

In response to the need for higher power handling, Altec introduced the Symbiotic diaphragms. Yes, they handled more power than the aluminum diaphragms but they had a significant decrease in high frequency response. Altec then introduced the Pascalite diaphragms which are a different alloy than the aluminum diaphragms and offered both higher power handling and good high frequency response. Some claim they can audibly discern between aluminum and Pascalite and others say no difference. If you placed one of each side by side the only way to visually tell them apart is by checking the part number stamped on each diaphragm. Symbiotics are very different in appearance with their transparent burnt-orange Kapton suspension.

[gvasale]

The answers are getting better. I have some old 802d, which has sort of a pleated metal suspension, reminiscent of the WE-555, if my memory is correct. I bought some of the "improved" 808-8a drivers about 1971 or so, and they are symbiotics, by virtue of the plastic suspension. I also was given a pair of later (not sure when made) 802-8d, which have a metal dome, with a metal suspension which looks like a series of smaller domes. Any idea about what they are?

[gearjammer]

Pascalite and Aluminum can be identified by looking at them very close with some good lighting on the domes. The two metals have a different grain pattern to them. Some of you guys might need some magnification to see the difference!!! I used to believe you could not but Bill at G.P.A. showed me the difference a few years ago when I brought up the subject when I paid a visit