Difference Between 806 and 802 Drivers

**amandarae** · January 18th, 2011, 01:55 PM

Hello guys,

I look up at the literature, compared the two and it is obvious that the 802 has a bigger magnet(higher SPL) and higher sensitivity. So I wonder why the 806, particularly the "A" sells much more than say 802D? Am I missing something?

Thanks,

Abe

**Old Guy** · January 18th, 2011, 02:19 PM

I'm used to the 802 selling higher.

Bear in mind a lot of buyers are not that savvy, and overpay. You may just be seeing instances of that. neither is a bad driver, just the 802 is better.

**amandarae** · January 18th, 2011, 08:05 PM

Thank you Old Guy!

I know it has to be something. I have an 806-A. I tried it with 500, 800, 1200 Hz X0 (with 416-8B in a 612C cabs) using 511 and 811 horns. I too prefer the 802D (8 ohms diaphragm installed) than the 806A with an 8 ohms diaphragm by a lot!!

Next, I will try to compare the two using a 414A/614 cabs(being built) at around 900 Hz. I think I already know the answer but hey, something to do to keep my mind away from buying more Altec stuff.

FWIW, I found the 802D(8 ohms diaphragm from GPA) on 811 horns with 416-8B/612C cabs using 1201-8A XO without the boost circuit (0.3 mH and Lpad) in front but with the Zobel compensation equalizer across the driver to sound much-much better than using the same components with the stock 1201-8A.

Thanks again!

**Ronald Lee** · January 19th, 2011, 04:51 AM

If I put a Symbiotik 'phram into a 802, then it becomes a 806?

**bowtie427ss** · January 19th, 2011, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by Ronald Lee

If I put a Symbiotik 'phram into a 802, then it becomes a 806?

It becomes an 808. If you put a symbiotik in an 806, you get an 807.

As for value/selling prices, green hammertone paint seems to be of more importance than the model number for a certain market segment where 802's and 806's are concerned.

EDIT: I should also add that for accuracy's(of driver ID) sake loading caps also come into play here.

**Old Guy** · January 19th, 2011, 01:12 PM

I should probably note th 806 was initially called an 804, then changed for some reason.

I suspect to avoid confusion with multicell numbers

**Old Guy** · January 25th, 2011, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by amandarae

Hello guys,

I look up at the literature, compared the two and it is obvious that the 802 has a bigger magnet(higher SPL) and higher sensitivity. So I wonder why the 806, particularly the "A" sells much more than say 802D? Am I missing something?

Thanks,

Abe

Well, I think we can put to bed the rumor 802-D won't bring a good price.

2 Altec 802-D 802D 16 ohms High Frequency Drivers - eBay (item 200567441651 end time Jan-27-11 08:32:12 PST)