Hi and Happy New Year

My Altec saga continues. I have been working with a pair of 803 multicells which came with 291A drivers.
It would seem, that as I have become spoiled by 24db/oct linkwitz riley crossovers and their amazing transparency, I have now become spoiled by the speed and transparency of aluminum!

Just tried a pair of 390 drivers after a month of fine tunnning the 291's. My hope was to add a bit more body to the bottom, but I did not expect to sacrifice anything on top.
For reference the crossover is in the midrange decade 350/3500 24 db/oct.

To get lower, 390's use a phenolic diaphragm and rolled suspension.

But I must say, while single voices and single notes of instruments are very good.
Grouped harmony, guitar and piano chords etc are just plain distorted by comparison with the 291's. all the air, delicacy and lighting fast transient response is gone. Bummer!
Funny, because I thought crossing at 3500 would not affect the perception of speed all that much.

So, Unless there is something wrong with these drivers, I suspect I have to move my attention to the midbass horn. because trying to get the 803 down to 350hz is just riddled with too many compromises.

thought I would share that with the group.
I would appreciate any comments about this experience.
Also, are there any published distortion specs on these drivers? THD, and IM perhaps.
It would be good to compare the 291 vs 390(290) regards distortion.

Kevin

Jan 2 2011