Model 19 and 17

**KBergsson** · July 15th, 2009, 09:57 AM

Hi I'm new to this group.
I have been pondering buying the new 604's from GPA and build 620 cabinets. I have been listening to Lowthers in Mau IV's for the last 10 years (how time fly's). But would like to get slightly more lower mid/upper bass for the next ten

.

I have never had the opportunity to hear Model 17's or 19's for that matter. I have heard Klipsch corner horns and was impressed at the time but neither K-horns nor Altec's are abundant in northern Europe.
The views and reviews I have read indicate that I could learn to like the Altec mod 17's and therefore they for me are worth the gamble of a relatively simple DIY approach with GPA drivers and home made cabinets.

I have however recently seen a pair of model 19's advertised for sale (approx 800km's away), but they are not standard. I.e. the 416's has been exchanged with 515-8's (don't know which one) and the compression driver membranes have also been exchanged (awaiting more info) although compression driver magnets are still alnico, cabinets seem to be in great shape (oiled oak).
I could probably bring the comp drivers back to spec. but buying 2x416 as well and exchanging the 515-8's would make this too costly a project. Can the 515 be made to work well in the mod 19's bass cabinets and are there known/tested mods for the standard mod 19 xover for the different 515-8's.
Best regards
Kjartan

**oface1** · July 15th, 2009, 09:53 PM

Welcome Kbergsson,,,,

I would play it safe and go with a known variable. I would go with the New GPA's. I am sure VAT/shipping will be killer though....but a lot less than those 19's with cabs.....

They are new, none had gotten their fingers in places that are sensitive, and you know what you have bought.......

With modded gear of a certain or uncertain vintage... you will never quite know what you get till it is too late....

Others will sure to chime in and give ton's of advice... I bought some used 604's, but they will be needing new cones and phram's,,,

Welcome to the forum and read up ,,,,,,

later,

-chris

**KBergsson** · July 16th, 2009, 02:03 AM

Thanks Chris, thats my gut feeling as well, to buy new from GPA. Its just easy to get excited when you haven't seen anything interesting for sale in your area for awhile

.
Kjartan

**westend9** · July 16th, 2009, 09:54 AM

This gentleman is close to you and may offer some solutions regarding your Altec wishes:Hasling Audio Systems Denmark I have no affiliation or business with this individual. Just thought I'd offer up a somewhat local purveyor.

It's difficult to provide advice regarding the Model 19's you're interested in without knowing the condition of the speakers. The installation of 515's wouldn't preclude a sale, for me. If you wished to keep everything stock, you could sell the 515's and acquire 416's with the proceeds.

As was posted, purchase of new drivers from GPA adds a level of assurance but also increases the price. Mostly, buying Model 19's is going to entail some maintenance, at some point. The model is no longer being made and provision for new diaphrams, remagnetizing, and crossover work should be taken into consideration, IMO. I would take a look at the Model 19's for sale, pretty hard. Good enclosures ae getting scarce and if you find they are in exceptional condition, you have a leg up on some sales.

**KBergsson** · July 16th, 2009, 03:46 PM

Thanks very much Westend9 for the info. I don't remember this company, althoug I seem to remember the name. I lived in Denmark from 1980-1991. Got the audio bacteria there

.
I will contact Hasling Audio, I see they have a lot of Altec stuff on stock.
I will probably make a trip to Denmark this winter anyhow. Whatever way I choose its good to know of a specialist company within an hours and a half flying distance.
Best regards
Kjartan

**westend9** · July 17th, 2009, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by KBergsson

Thanks very much Westend9 for the info. I don't remember this company, althoug I seem to remember the name. I lived in Denmark from 1980-1991. Got the audio bacteria there

.
I will contact Hasling Audio, I see they have a lot of Altec stuff on stock.
I will probably make a trip to Denmark this winter anyhow. Whatever way I choose its good to know of a specialist company within an hours and a half flying distance.
Best regards
Kjartan

You are welcome. If you have been listening to Lowthers, you owe yourself the opportunity to listen to a larger Altec horn based speaker. I have smaller Fostex full range bass horns and the dynamics of my Model 19's add a lot to the presentation. Where the bass horns shine in the midrange, they are outclassed by the finesse of the Altecs through the entire range. Good luck on your search!