I was interested in trying a different horn in my Valencia, while still using my small-format 806-A driver. I already suspect that the 511b has a bit less extension than the 811. Would these other horns have even less extension, even with the smaller format driver, and/or would their possibly increased mid frequencies just overbalance whatever highs they may have? (I would still keep the original x-over at 800hz)
You might go to a 511b with those drivers and that crossover frequency so that your driver is loaded well below the HP frequency, but to use any of the big horns in the way you describe would be a completely pointless exercise, in my view. If you want to try a different horn try the emilar 800Hz bowtie. They often go amazingly cheap on ebay, and you might like the sound. I wouldn't use it unmounted.Originally Posted by hornsrule
I think your perspective is off....:coffeedrinker:
The 511 has no less extension than the 811.
What is has is more mid...it allows those frequencies to develop better.
Have you considered adding EQ to the crossover or getting a set of newer crossovers? That will probably do more than changing horns IMHO. At least that would be my first move...
Chopping out some mid thru a better xover helps a lot.
Your neighbors called. They like your music.
I agree, that is the way I heard it also! First I need to resolve if the timing between the 511s on top of the cabinets are not as ideally in phase with the woofer as the 811s are as designed inside of the cabinets. I believe I should try putting the 511 voice coil over where the 811's is, or perhaps better yet, to move the 511s much further forward so they (the woofer and 511) are also more physically time-aligned. (this needs to be done/ruled-out first because I also thought that with the 511s, the bass didn't seem as good, in the "less bass" or out of focus sort of way). .... Then, I will start to tweek the attenuator to balance the two outputs better. I have them at "1" now. Replacing the submerged-in-muck capacitors to see if the values had changed I am waiting on because in all of the hundreds of comments on the N800-F, not once did I actually hear of someone measuring the value of the old caps to see if they changed , and then simply putting fresh ones in. They always seemed to be changing the x-over also. I like to make one variable change at a time. They really are fantastic speakers, and I don't want to lose the "magic" that they now have. Does that seem like a good plan of attack?
The newer Altec passive crossovers allow separate adjustment of high and mid...a serious improvement.
Active crossovers can adjust timing and EQ but may be too complicated.
Your neighbors called. They like your music.
Okay, I again put the 511s in, the drivers exactly above where the 811s were (are). I would like to try to keep the 511s, as they are smoother, yet more present and tactile. I think it's time to increase the attenuator from its "1" position in order to balance these clearly louder 511s, and hopefully regain the beautiful integration that the 811s had. So, the N800-F will only be reducing the gain in the mids, right? It will not be "limiting" the highest frequencies, just an evening-out of the clearly louder 511s? Before I consider changing x-overs, or actively bi-amping, I haven't really "used" the N800-F yet. I,m trying to regain the more perfectly integrated, more in-focus bass pitches and palpability that the Valencia has with the 811s.
Adjusts the overall horn, both mid and high.
Newer Altec crossovers allow separate mid high adjustments.
Active crossover often have delay to time align speakers, can make an amazing difference.
But it adds a lot of gear, as you need another amp for the highs. Plus extra cabling.
Your neighbors called. They like your music.
Well, at this point, because the 511s are better I believe, but maybe not ultimately better in my 16 ohm Valencia. That is what I'm hoping to find out by giving them a chance to be balanced with the woofer better, phase and volume-wise. If I'm unable to match that smooth integration that the 811s have, to match the instant quivering response of the lower mid-range/bass than I will return to the speaker as it was originally, beautifully created. Has this been experienced by others?
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