Altec Valencia shrillness

At this point I seeing it going 1 of 2 ways.

1) Passive. Get better passive crossovers. Then you could run off 1 amp if you can except the level difference between the 8 ohm and the 16 ohm speaker sets. (3dB) Would that really be a problem? I see passive as the most trouble free route. Also allows easy amp changes to find what you like. You'd end up with about a 5 ohm load. No amp should have trouble with that.

2) Go active if you want to tweak (and tweak and tweak). It can be fun and a learning experience, but it won't be easy. Get a Rane, not a Behringer. The Rane is smoother sounding, for sure. Berhriner is not bad, but the output circuits have a lot of high harmonic distortion above about 1KHz (I've measured it) which leads to listening fatigue.

You want the L-pads on the horns no matter what. You could use what you have, or get new ones from P.E. You do not need 2 crossovers - not! You do need 3 amps (6 channels). A simple Y cable out of the crossover to the 2 bass amps will work great, no need for the splitter. You only need 2 amps here because you want a level adjust on the woofers. (The tweeters already have level adjust - the L-Pad) If you can live with the 3dB lower level out of the 16ohm speakers, then you don't even need 2 bass amps (see passive above).

Bottom line. The active can be simple: preamp->crossover->bass & treble amps->speakers. Or simply use 2 bass amps if you want the 16ohm pair to run as loud as the 8s.

Don't over think it! :doh:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bowtie427ss

No opinion offered, just a comment: I found it to be a little more cut and dry after finally grasping a basic understanding of the relationship between load impedance, amplifier output impedance, and damping. Thank you GM!:2thumbsup:

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No argument, just trying to communicate, I would get it working THEN tweak.

I found the Y cables. You all have talked me into the Rane, especially considering what was said about the HF distortion, something that started this whole mess.

Any suggestions about where to buy the Rane, and what model to get? I saw the used one on E-bay, but am a little leary about buying used. I guess they would have their manuals on line.

I have found several AC 22S for $375, with free shipping. There is also a SAC 22 for $200 + shipping. I can't see what the difference is by their description, but I don't think the SAC 22 has the time delay. If the more expensive one will sound better, I would spring for it.

The SAC is the older version, now discontinued. It's simpler than the new version, but simple is all you need. The delay probably won't do you any good anyway, as it's on the bass. If it were on the treble, you might be able to use it.

So I'd go with the SAC.

Thanks, you just saved me $100.

At 200 the Rane is money well spent.

The nicer Behringer I posted a link to doesn't have the distortion issues, and has delay, but Behringer may have reliability issues. They were bad when the switch was made to lead free solder. They have them licked but what guarantee do you have a retailer won't send an old unit?

OTOH. Behringer's customer service is the best on the planet. Period. I will say that about them.

Jim Savery (head at Behringer service) is sharp, and a great person. Have had numerous conversations with him.

This is just the kind of thing I Love and really enjoy about this board period !!

Very,Very Gracious Folks Here !!! :thankU: :2thumbsup:

Looks like I could use a Rane myself ! :D

Zilch on the other forum uses the Behringer CX3400 with the CD button in the on position.

CD horn equalization for constant directivity horn compensation

He's treated this topic inside out and knows what he's talking about.

Behringer CX3400 Super-X Pro Crossover 3-Way/4-Way | Parts-Express.com


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Thanks OG, good to know.

The SAC Rane does not have the shelving filter for the horn, but you have to open the SC-22 and solder in to little caps to get it anyway. Better to do that at the L-Pad, I say.

Note: On the Rane you'll need XLR to RCA cables. Rane say do NOT connect pin 2 or 3 to ground (as is common practice) just leave it disconnected. If you have doubts about the cables, I or somewhere here can make them up for you.

Once you get this up and running, I would highly recommend a tube amp for you horns. I just put a little 6V6 single ended amp on mine and the improvement was HUGE. No other solid state or push-pull tube amp sounds as good. It was $200 very well spent.