802 vs 902 compression drivers

[Panomaniac]

A question about these.

I see that the 902 is well liked and recommended for home use. I have a pair of 802-8D. Is this a similar motor? Of course they have the Symbiotic frams, which I don't like. But could they become a 902 with better frams?

I also have a pair of 806 and find them much smoother and better balanced than the 802. I would love to get the 806 sound out of the 802 but with better high end.

Bottom line. Can the 803-8D be upgraded to something similar to the new 902?

Thanks!

[GM]

FYI, 802 with Symbiotic are 808 MI drivers and sound nothing like an 802 with its alum. diaphragms, especially if they're the later 23744 ultralights.

802 = AlNiCo, 902 = Ferrite.

The 802 has more bottom end 'grunt' while the 902 has a bit better top end due to shifting its BW up a bit, so while the 902 is rated to 500 Hz, it's on the ragged edge SQ wise and can't have too steep a cut-off, so I view it more as an improved 806.

Bottom line IMO, best trade-off of both is the interim 802-8G with whatever is the closest replacement for the 23744 since these by now would likely be work hardened if not NIB, probably making them no better than the 802-8D's original 34647 alum.. If you want better, then AFAIK you'll have to step up to the TAD/Beryllium combo.

For now though, new diaphragms in those 802s along with re-zapping should give you all the 806s can offer and then some.

GM

[Steve Mac]

FYI, 802 with Symbiotic are 808 MI drivers and sound nothing like an ....
GM

Jeepers....just a few minutes ahead of me...as usual.

[Panomaniac]

Thanks guys - good info.

I guess my question really boiled down to "what's the best that can be done with the 802?"

Am going to get a set of 288 frams for my 291s, thus making them 288s. Just wondering if the 802 (which I don't like the sound of) could be made better in the same way. Seems like they can. Thanks!

[Altec Best]

Hi Pano, GM beat me to the punch also I have 802's,806's,902's and for me the 802-8G's with the lite fram the 23744 is the best sounding small format driver Altec made IMO.I've been stock piling the 23744 and have a few fairly new ones. you would do yourself a service if you can borrow,buy, a pair and give a listen.:2thumbsup:

What horns are you using with the 802's 511B's or 811B's ??

I have a few spare sets of 802-8G/23744's if you need to borrow for a listen. And "NO" you can't borrow them for 10 years

[Panomaniac]

How 'bout 7 years, then?

I used the 802 with Symbiotic on the 511 and the 811. Ditto the 806. The 806 was by far better sounding. Drops of fast at the top, but the midrange is so much smoother.

Do you use the loading caps with your lite frams?

[Steve Mac]

A question about these.

I see that the 902 is well liked and recommended for home use. I have a pair of 802-8D. Is this a similar motor? Of course they have the Symbiotic frams, which I don't like. But could they become a 902 with better frams?

I also have a pair of 806 and find them much smoother and better balanced than the 802. I would love to get the 806 sound out of the 802 but with better high end.

Bottom line. Can the 803-8D be upgraded to something similar to the new 902?

Thanks!

No, and I'm speaking based on the comparison sheet by the late Bill Eckle:
Altec

-the 802-8D phasing plug is different than the 902?
-I think with the aluminum diaphragm that GPA sells, you got a great sounding driver nonetheless.
-but compared to a 288H in a 511E, forget about it!