Talk to me about 604's

**musiqlovr** · February 13th, 2011, 09:17 PM

I posted this on Audio Kharma and they recommended I repost over here...

Hello,

Ok, so I know this is somewhat generic, but hear me out...

I want to build something around Altec 604's. I listen to just about everything except country and classical. However most of the time you will find me listening to Jazz, Bob Marley, Acoustical Singer Song writer stuff and I love to listen to live music.

I will be using either my Leben CS300XS, a Pair of Quad II 40's or my Marantz PM reference series integrated.

Room-average size, however I am working on a larger room in the basement where they will eventually go. I have a lot of gear and they will not be my primary speakers.

I think I have narrowed the search down to Altec 604's. However, I have no idea what version to get. I like the green basket look for a retro theme. I read to stay away from the 605. So I am appealing to the Altec experts on the board, what 604's should I buy?

If you have time, talk to me about crossovers (dividing networks) also.

Thanks

**Altec Best** · February 13th, 2011, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by musiqlovr

I posted this on Audio Kharma and they recommended I repost over here...

Hello,

Ok, so I know this is somewhat generic, but hear me out...

I want to build something around Altec 604's. I listen to just about everything except country and classical. However most of the time you will find me listening to Jazz, Bob Marley, Acoustical Singer Song writer stuff and I love to listen to live music.

I will be using either my Leben CS300XS, a Pair of Quad II 40's or my Marantz PM reference series integrated.

Room-average size, however I am working on a larger room in the basement where they will eventually go. I have a lot of gear and they will not be my primary speakers.

I think I have narrowed the search down to Altec 604's. However, I have no idea what version to get. I like the green basket look for a retro theme. I read to stay away from the 605. So I am appealing to the Altec experts on the board, what 604's should I buy?

If you have time, talk to me about crossovers (dividing networks) also.

Thanks

You really can't go wrong with 604-8G or H .If you can find a clean pair.They are not green though they are gray 16" but sound the best IMHO !

Now if you don't want to take a chance on a vintage pair you can always buy brand new ones from GPA . 604-8H II or the 604-8H III

**Davidg** · February 13th, 2011, 11:58 PM

You can always buy brand new; GPA 604-8H-II or 604-8H-III, I have the 8H-II's and love them.

Great Plains Audio's Homepage

**Cal Weldon** · February 14th, 2011, 01:21 PM

I have the original 8-H's and I think I like the dual attenuators you get with the XO that you don't get going active or buying the 8-H II's from GPA. If you plan either of the latter, expect to also add EQ. I think the 8-H II is really a reworked K.

**David Yost** · February 14th, 2011, 04:35 PM

While 604s of all stripes are very nice, don't discount the JBL/UREI co-axials as found in the 8XXC series of UREI monitors. Any and all of them will need very large boxes, corner loading, subwoofers, or some combination of the above if you want bass into the 20s, imo.

**cradeldorf** · February 14th, 2011, 06:55 PM

I've seen some on ebay that looked rather abused and and or not correct, buyer beware. I think David has a good thought, get new from GPA. I love my antique 604's. Good luck.

**joyspring** · February 15th, 2011, 05:01 PM

Purchase new ceramic 604s; the benefits of immediate gratification, freedom from frustration and supporting a worthwhile small manufacturer are well worth it.

You'd most likely end up spending more reconing and remagnetising an old Alnico set and still have to keep mindful of inadvertently demagging them.

-BobR

**analog addict** · February 15th, 2011, 10:13 PM

You might want to check with Bowtie....:2thumbsup:

At one point he had some 604's that needed reconing, but was willing to part with them at a reasonable price. With the extra work required, you will spend as much as a new set from GPA, but these will have an older set of magnets and perhaps the look you're seeking....

**theophile** · February 18th, 2011, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by analog addict

You might want to check with Bowtie....:2thumbsup:

At one point he had some 604's that needed reconing, but was willing to part with them at a reasonable price. With the extra work required, you will spend as much as a new set from GPA, but these will have an older set of magnets and perhaps the look you're seeking....

Perversely,in the vintage stakes,if you want an Altec Driver,the best ones may be brand new.Still a 'vintage' driver,just new.