Altec Surround Sound Anyone?

**voice of the theater** · May 16th, 2011, 11:53 AM

Usually when I hear the phrase "Altec surround sound" I'm thinking Barfomatic--but gladly not the case this time. I'd love to hear/have a 604 based surround sound system. He's got five 604's (with crossovers) for sale--four 604G's and one 604H (604H for the center channel maybe??). Two of the 604's are (supposedly) NOS and all are supposed to be in good shape. Terrible photos and he's asking $3750 OBO. I'd want to see some REAL photos (and preferably audition them) before I shelled out three grand (+?), but this could be one kick ass home theater surround system IMHO! Wondering if there's four 604G's and one 604H, why are there three of one style crossover and two of another? I'm sure someone out there who really knows 604's has a good answer/theory to that. Can't even read the crossover model numbers in the fuzzy photos......

Altec 604s For Sale | AudiogoN

**magnarc** · May 16th, 2011, 12:44 PM

Absolutely worth that money.

A good pair of Gs with XOs go for $1500-2000 US, an XO for $150-200 each.

Not sure about the XO , the smaller ones look like N501/801s.

**bowtie427ss** · May 16th, 2011, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by magnarc

Absolutely worth that money.

A good pair of Gs with XOs go for $1500-2900 US, an XO for $150-200 each.

Not sure about the XO , the smaller ones look like N501/801s.

Agree with your valuation.

The stock 604-8G/model 17/Stonehenge III crossover is in the same chassis as the N501/801

Looks like one of the 8G pairs came with 8H crossovers(an improvement IMO).

Also note the difference in cone color among the 8G's.

**voice of the theater** · May 17th, 2011, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by magnarc

Absolutely worth that money.

A good pair of Gs with XOs go for $1500-2000 US, an XO for $150-200 each.

Not sure about the XO , the smaller ones look like N501/801s.

Yes, seems like a good deal especially considering that two of the 604's are NOS....

Originally Posted by bowtie427ss

Agree with your valuation.

The stock 604-8G/model 17/Stonehenge III crossover is in the same chassis as the N501/801

Looks like one of the 8G pairs came with 8H crossovers(an improvement IMO).

Also note the difference in cone color among the 8G's.

I believe the 8H crossovers have the h.f. compensation (EQ) similar to the Model 19 or Model 14 crossover--I would consider that an upgrade as well. I guess if I were to buy these for a surround sound set-up, I'd use the 8H for the center channel, the two 8G's with H crossovers for front left and right, and the other two 8G's as the two rear channels.... In the right cabs, this would be a system I'd love to hear. Considering there's no cabinets, shipping should be reasonable for anyone who wants these. I'd like to think they'll go to a good home (maybe even to a member here)......

I know the ATC's that the seller replaced these with are very highly regarded--anyone here ever heard them?
TransAudio Group - SCM150ASL

Interesting review here: ATC SCM50ASLT SPEAKER REVIEW and only $21,000 per powered speaker.....

**magnarc** · May 18th, 2011, 03:55 AM

I have enough 604Es to do the 5 channel surround, in fact I have 7 so I can have two per side for each surround channel.

Eventually I'll get to hear it.

Probably construct 620 style enclosures, including a special mid one that provides a stand for a TV and has an angled baffle to point the horn up a few degrees.

Or I'll end up with a projector and use a perforated screen.

**donaldpatten** · May 21st, 2011, 12:18 AM

Checkout the photos in the A7 Hill Craft thread running close behind this one.
The front three are 605As. The rears are Snell Acoustics J/II, that suprisingly are a good match to the 605s. The Snells are a GW find, that I replaced the foam rings on.

Don