New guy with A7-500 Qs

**EagleFreek** · December 28th, 2009, 11:46 PM

First off, I know absolutely nothing of audio or much of electronics. My dad bought some A7-500's back in the 60's. He says they have 802D horns and not sure of the speakers. After doing some searching it appears the 802D is a driver. At some point in the early 80's he had a cabinet shop put a "shell" around them and install a removable speaker grill with cloth so he could make it look better since my mom absolutely hated them. They haven't had any power put to them since the late 80's maybe early 90's. He originally powered them with a Heath Kit amp he built but replaced it with a Yamaha in the 80's which is long gone also. I remember jamming to music with them back in the day, but I was young and didn't really have an ear for music. What did these things cost new? He told me a figure but I think his memory is foggy. Are they as good as he makes them out to be? Sitting for so long is it possible the woofers would be "dried" up? He is considering bringing them back to life, what would be a decent, cost effective amp to power them with? I've got a couple pics but I can't post them until I have 3 posts.
Thanks a bunch. Rick

**EagleFreek** · December 28th, 2009, 11:47 PM

Post 2

**EagleFreek** · December 28th, 2009, 11:48 PM

Post 3

**EagleFreek** · December 28th, 2009, 11:48 PM

**Altec Best** · December 29th, 2009, 02:38 AM

Hi Rick, Yes they are very nice sounding speakers if properly set-up your dads look like they have the walnut veneers there are a few guys here that have those check this thread for info.

http://www.hostboard.com/forums/alte...s-journey.html

One other thing can you resize your photos they are alittle too big hard to get a good look without scrolling.

I'm sure Panomaniac can help you. Regards ~ JOHN

**gearfreak** · December 29th, 2009, 02:09 PM

Welcome!

Originally Posted by EagleFreek

First off, I know absolutely nothing of audio or much of electronics.

In this case: These are highly efficient speakers compared to what you may be accustomed to. This generally means that they will produce much more sound given the same amount of power from the amplifier (receiver etc.).
In this case, they are also likely not capable of handling tremendous power and you may damage the drivers if you attempt to do so.

So the advice is that you will not need a mega-watt capable amplifier to run them.
...and that whatever you hook up to them (until further discussion) should probably be in the 5-30 Watt output range. In wichever case, avoid the temptation to turn it up to 11 right off the bat.

Originally Posted by EagleFreek

...bringing them back to life, what would be a decent, cost effective amp to power them with?

For cost effective, you will do well to declare a price range.

I'd suggest first to remove the back and determine what model woofer you have in the cabinet. This will begin to determine it's power-handling capabilities. Secondly, take notice of the crossover and it's model designation.

**Panomaniac** · December 29th, 2009, 02:45 PM

Ditto what Gearfreak says.

**EagleFreek** · December 30th, 2009, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by gearfreak

Welcome!

In this case: These are highly efficient speakers compared to what you may be accustomed to. This generally means that they will produce much more sound given the same amount of power from the amplifier (receiver etc.).
In this case, they are also likely not capable of handling tremendous power and you may damage the drivers if you attempt to do so.

So the advice is that you will not need a mega-watt capable amplifier to run them.
...and that whatever you hook up to them (until further discussion) should probably be in the 5-30 Watt output range. In wichever case, avoid the temptation to turn it up to 11 right off the bat.

For cost effective, you will do well to declare a price range.

I'd suggest first to remove the back and determine what model woofer you have in the cabinet. This will begin to determine it's power-handling capabilities. Secondly, take notice of the crossover and it's model designation.

Thanks guys, I appreciate your time. I'm a frequent user of automobile forums and know what it's like for new people to ask the same questions and not know much about their vehicle. So now I'm the noob.

They are 802D drivers for the horns, 416-8B speakers, N-500D crossover. I noticed the crossover seems to be adjustable. Not sure about how much my dad wants to spend yet on equipment. He's gotten pretty frugal in his retirement years. He's got to stretch is retirement dollars as far as he can.
Not to post off topic stuff, but just in case you were wondering where my username came from, I have an AMC Eagle and freek is spelled wrong on purpose.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...0/IMG_0342.jpg
You may also enjoy a pic of my 65 IH Metro. I recently drove it from CO to TN.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...troWheels6.jpg

**Panomaniac** · December 30th, 2009, 04:51 PM

Wow! Love the van!

**gearfreak** · December 30th, 2009, 05:29 PM

Note that there are smaller frame (older, nominally 15") and larger frame ( typically newer, nominally 16") woofers. You will want to find out which you have. (perhaps obvious by sight)

This thus may or may not apply: http://www.altecpro.com/pdfs/vintage...%20Speaker.pdf

Your 802D HF is mentioned herein:
http://www.altecpro.com/pdfs/vintage...%20Drivers.pdf

Have not found anything on N500D. Interesting to note that the sheet mentions N500E.