How to use Altec 3000H's with a 288-8L or should I?

[endeeinn]

I know this has been talked about in the past but the forum search function isn't working (server error 500) and Google isn't bringing up what I'm looking for so here goes..

I have a pair of NOS 3000H's in their original boxes that I've had for a few years now saving them for something (what I don't know). Lately I've wondering instead of sitting in their boxes what they would sound like on top of my pair of 311-90's/288-8L that sit on top of a pair 416's in 825's (or is it 835?). I've had JBL2405's (1st order crossed at 9000hz) in the past and could not get them to blend in a seamless fashion..the 2405's were good but they just didn't blend seamlessly.

How do the 3000H's compare to the 2405's, I know power handling is less but how is the sound for a home stereo? Would they be a good match for my system?
What should I cross them over at and what order crossover. My current setup uses an active Marchand XM9 (4th order Linkwitz-Riley). The 288's are crossed at 500hz with the Higara horn compensation circuit to flatten response but the top end lacks that sizzle & shimmer.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks.

[Old Guy]

There is a HUGE efficiency difference. IMHO not worthwhile.

[Ronald Lee]

I think the JBL 2405 much superior to the ancient 3000H. I believe it is the same tweeter used in the Altec 601s

[Old Guy]

I think the JBL 2405 much superior to the ancient 3000H. I believe it is the same tweeter used in the Altec 601s

The 601 tweeter is a 3000. You be right.

I don't consider the 2405 superior at all.

It's way louder. There is nothing wrong with the 3000 other than it plays at a very low volume relative to 288's.And the 2405.

[Steve Mac]

I opted for the 288 that had the nicest high end...which is the 288h variant. I have a pair of gpa 288h drivers. The high end is better to my ears than the modified 808's that I had before...plus all that midrange heaven below. I've heard more sparkle with ribbon tweeters...but it allowed me to keep the system as simple as possible...which is ALWAYS advantageous. As they say...YMMV?

[Earl K]

snip,,,,,,I have a pair of gpa 288h drivers. The high end is better to my ears than the modified 808's that I had before...plus all that midrange heaven below,,,,,,,snip

BTW Steve, are your GPA 288H(s), 30 pounders ( as in the original Altec 288H ) ? or 22 pounders like the latest generation from GPA ( sold on eBay ) ?

FWIW, as far as I can surmise , the 22 lb GPA version is the alnico equivalent to the 30 lb, 288-8K ferrite magnet type ( which I own and love dearly ) .


<> cheers

[Earl K]

,,,,snip,,,,,How do the 3000H's compare to the 2405's, I know power handling is less but how is the sound for a home stereo? Would they be a good match for my system?,,,,,snip

- The 3000s are at least 10 db lower in sensitivety compared to the rest of your system .

- You'll simply blow them up trying to make them keep up to the rest of those components .

- Sell the 3000s & buy some mid-100 db ( sensitivety ) Fostex tweeters ( they're pretty "Altecy" in sound & IMO, they have dynamics that are more controlled than the somewhat brittle sounding JBL 2405 ) .



<> cheers

[SOOTSHE]

- The 3000s are at least 10 db lower in sensitivety compared to the rest of your system .

- You'll simply blow them up trying to make them keep up to the rest of those components .

- Sell the 3000s & buy some mid-100 db ( sensitivety ) Fostex tweeters ( they're pretty "Altecy" in sound & IMO, they have dynamics that are more controlled than the somewhat brittle sounding JBL 2405 ) .



<> cheers

or try & find a pair of these.

[Earl K]

John, thanks for posting that Coral H100 spec sheet / till now, I'd never seen one that was legible .

<. cheers

[endeeinn]

Thanks to everyone for your input.