IPC driver question

[60goldtop]

I was wondering if any of the Altec guru's could help me out determining the value of a quartet of vintage drivers? They are IPC LU-1081's from 1953. If memory serves me correctly they are essentially early Altec 515's. All four were rebuilt by Altec in 1997 and have been sitting in their shipping cartons ever since. I had plans for them at one time, but after sitting around for 12 years I don't think it's ever going to happen. I don't have the space for cabinets of that size an likely never will. There is a single driver listed on Ebay for $1399, but that seems a bit unrealistic. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[analog addict]

Interesting....

Do they look like this?
















If they were rebuilt it's possible that the cones/surrounds were "upgraded" from 515 to 515B, including the doped cloth surround. I know that GPA hasn't offered a true 515 recone until recently. I have seen a 515 rebuild now being offered, but haven't inquired as to the details.

As for the value, well, to be trite, it's whatever you can get for them. It's my understanding that original 515's are highly prized in the Asian markets, but I don't know how much demand has slipped due to the recession.

I would hope that you could get at least $500 for a nice pair, and hopefully twice that. As for 515's rebuilt to 515B's, I'm not even going to venture a guess

Mine aren't for sale, and hopefully won't be until that final CL listing....

[60goldtop]

Interesting....

Do they look like this?

Thanks so much for the reply. Yes, they look exactly like those. Mine are dated Jul. 53. I believe that you are correct in regards to being rebuilt as 515B's. The have a slightly larger hole in the dust cover than the units pictured and they have the doped accordion style surround like the 515B. Thanks again.