A7 Project

[Mustang Marvin]

I have just acquired a new project. Ever since I first saw them I have wanted a pair of A7's. I now have a pair. The pieces I have are the A7 cabinets of course, a pair of 511b horns, a pair of 902 HF drivers, a pair of 418-B LF drivers, and Eminence 800 HZ Xovers.

I was hoping for 416 LF drivers but since this was a package deal, I will take what I can get. I understand the 418's are slightly more efficient but don't go quite as low as the 416's. I probably won't be able to hear the difference anyway.

I am anxious to get started on assembly, but I need to do some cosmetic work on the cabinets first. The horns probably could use a fresh coat of paint as well. I would like to insert a picture, but I am confused as to how to upload one.

I would like some advice as to the components I have as well as any suggestions from the guys here that have built these units before. I don't want to screw up something I have waited for for so long.
Thanks,
MM

[Audio_by_Goodwill]

Your 418's are musical instrument speakers. In general, MI speakers aren't the best choice in a home-stereo/HiFi setup. I don't know the degree to which the 418's will follow this generalization, Though. Even if they aren't the best for you application, I'm sure they'll get you by until you can find some 416's.

[Old Guy]

Yup, what ABG said.

The term "quite" doesn't apply...there simply is no comparison at all. You will lose perhaps two octaves in LF response in a system that isn't strong on LF to begin with.

The 418 isn't even a bass guitar speaker like the 421. The 418 is frankly closer to a lead guitar speaker...that's how we marketed them in the 70's. Works great with pedal steel BTW...we had many working steel players in the tri state area running them way back when.


They will work and make sound...but I would recommend eBaying them and going to 416 as soon as finances or other circumstances allow. There is a reason Altec never offered that speaker in an A7, somebody stuck them in there.

The 418 can be helped a bit in a straight ported box, but the A7 cabs short horn boosts mids in a very heavy mid speaker.

[Mustang Marvin]

Thanks guys,
This is what I was hoping to get. Good information. I know the A7's should have 416's. I believe I will take your advice and try to get some from eBay. I know they ain't cheap, but I hope to offset the cost by selling the 418's back on eBay.

BTW, what do you think of the cross overs? Can I go with the Eminence 800 HZ, or should I try to obtain some original Altecs?

Thanks for your responses...

[Mustang Marvin]

[/IMG]
I hope this works. This is the picture of my A7 project. Work first starts on the cabinets. It would appear I need to trade my 418's for 416's.
Any takers?

[Mustang Marvin]

[/IMG]

I hope this works. This is the picture of my A7 project. Work first starts on the cabinets. It would appear I need to trade my 418's for 416's.
Any takers?

[Mustang Marvin]

I hope this works. This is the picture of my A7 project. Work first starts on the cabinets. It would appear I need to trade my 418's for 416's.
Any takers?

[Old Guy]

Bowtie had a pair of 515's needing reconed...

I think he wanted $150...and a GPA recone would result in about what you would pay off FleaBay but you get essentially new speakers...