Help verifying Horns 511E's

[Altec Best]

I picked up these horns the other night.They are 511E's one had a original box the other did NOT but there is some subtle differences.One horn has 2 mounting rings the other just 1,One has the stabilizing fin in the middle of the horn the other does NOT.There was another tag found in the box of a 511E with a ink stamp date code of 9/1/82 picture taken hand written 511E it says on it and different serial # than the box,but horns have no tags.Took small samples of the coating both have Aquaplas on them.But one is quite thick the other not as thick.Rough throats as Steve Mac has noted with his.One of the driver mounting flanges was definitely from a small format driver that I think they may have just reused.I think there is maybe some quality control issue/cost cutting?? Both horns are well damped though from the knuckle rap (No Ring) but obviously the thicker one a little more so.And the throat on the one horn is a little longer than the other 1/2" inch.And color is slightly differnt two different shades of gray.Any thought would be appreciated.Thanks !!!


Altec 511E's - a set on Flickr

[GM]

The light gray one's flange doesn't appear to be far enough up the expansion to be at 1.4", so I'm going with the dark gray as the 'real deal', though that's not to rule out the other as an improved version since the originals are known to be of a rather unfinished quality. This assumes you've verified that both flanges have 1.4" diameter throats and that the light gray one has a honed flange/horn match.

GM

[Old Guy]

I would have to back GM here...IMHO the dark is real the other homebrew...

[Altec Best]

The light gray one's flange doesn't appear to be far enough up the expansion to be at 1.4", so I'm going with the dark gray as the 'real deal', though that's not to rule out the other as an improved version since the originals are known to be of a rather unfinished quality. This assumes you've verified that both flanges have 1.4" diameter throats and that the light gray one has a honed flange/horn match.

GM

Hi GM, yah the throat measures 1.4" that was the first thing I checked I took samples of the coating and I'm almost positive it is Aquaplas it is more damped than the other.When I hold it up by the flange with a piece of string and rap on it it is like knocking on a 4x4 post.Although the flange is a 1/2" back farther than the other it still measures at 1.4" Thanks for help, you to OG much appreciated guys Regards ~ JOHN

[Steve Mac]

Yep, that's what I said. The dead giveaway for me was the fact that the
larger horn had both mounting rings.
Just for comparison here's some pics of my set:
www.superbadcat.com/images/stereo/511e_2.jpg
www.superbadcat.com/images/stereo/511e_17.jpg
http://www.superbadcat.com/images/ne...altec511e1.jpg
http://www.superbadcat.com/images/ne...altec511e2.jpg
http://www.superbadcat.com/images/ne...altec511e3.jpg

[Altec Best]

Now after looking more closely at your's Steve I think it is a real E your's has the stabilizing fin in the middle like the light colored one you even have the extra hole in the driver mounting flange like the light colored one, the only real difference like you have said is the longer throat and double mounting rings I wish you guys could see them in person pictures don't due them any justice.The opening is 1.4" could have been honed.The one that you guys think is real doesn't have the stabilizing fin in the middle of the horn.The light colored one has real Aquaplas on it that there tells me it is a E or very likely.I'm quite happy with them though I actually think the light colored one is more damped than the dark one.When you rap on that one it is a real thud.When it gets sunny here I'll try to get some good pics out in the sun.Thanks again for your help :2thumbsup: Regards John

[GM]

True, but it looks like it was chopped out as opposed to never having been there. Hmm, the dark one has Aquaplas too, just much thicker, so should be the better damped one. Note that late 511Bs were coated too and driven with a 1" driver wouldn't need as much. Anyway, I still think the dark one is an original 511E and light one is a late design that reflects Altec correcting all that was wrong with the original.

It will be interesting to see how they differ in measurements and subjectively, though if a super tweeter is used I imagine they will sound the same.

GM