Cut Altec

[bowtie427ss]

Then opt for the 515E.

GM

In the 210 horn will not the 515B give the best of both worlds in terms of midrange and LF extension?

There were at least 2 versions of 515E, finding 4 that match would be a challenge, and that takes us back to truncating frames which i have no problem doing to the low interest drivers like flat mag 515E. But the 515E with the cast backplate seems to hold a much higher resale value, and i'd hate to destroy that value by chopping them up.

The other option would be "if" GPA can build them(515E) up, which i have doubts about as well. I expect new GPA product would be 515G. Beyond that, market value on 515E's would make building new ones a very poor investment from a cost/value perspective.

OTOH, if i were to commission GPA to build 4 new alnico 515B on old style 15 inch frames, i think their value in the "inter-market" will always equal if not exceed the initial cost.

See how tempting it is to go with a non-Altec woofer in this application?

I think they look terrible.

This is truly the biggest caveat, and it kills their value among the majority of the potential market. It makes a lot of people cringe. I can't really blame them as they KNOW it's not supposed to look like that.

Whenever you cut into a frame on anything you are compromising it's integrity. Uncut frames could easily be bent from shipping,in proper torquing of the bolts to the baffle,etc.... Let alone cut ones.

While every word is true here, the modification in question is almost inconsequential. The weakest point on a new style 16 inch frame is where the motor bolts to it, and this is where the vast majority of frame damage/failure occurs. Just ask the board member who found most of his 421 motors laying in the bottom of his 817 cabinets after having them trucked home from an event.

[Altec Best]

While every word is true here, the modification in question is almost inconsequential. The weakest point on a new style 16 inch frame is where the motor bolts to it, and this is where the vast majority of frame damage/failure occurs.

OK but my point is why add another weak point to the basket ? Also you are essentially killing any chance to ever sell them again if you choose to do so.I doubt he will ever sell those 421's due to this fact.And if he does,he won't get anything near their true value IMHO.

When I see any kind of Altec "Destruction" it just doesn't sit well with me...

The more drivers that are destroyed the more rare and expensive these cherished Altec's will become.

I would NEVER cut into a frame to apply a speaker to a particular cabinet.I would be more apt to install a correct fitting driver dimensionally ! But that's just me. YMMV


BTW - If you want to cut into a JBL frame by all means !

[bowtie427ss]

BTW - If you want to cut into a JBL frame by all means !

The ironic thing here is that JBL has applied the engineering foresight to truncate the frames of several of their drivers that are/were used for tandem mounting and linear arrays for what, a half century now? I refer specifically to the classic and long produced Linear Efficiency series LE-8, LE-10, LE-14, 2105, 2115, etc., as well as some of their current production. Check out the mid drivers in the full size Vertec arrays, the frames are truncated to the extent that they allow those drivers to be mounted so close that the surrounds touch each other on neighboring drivers.

The flip side of this, and you'll really like this part AB, truncated JBL frames are the ONLY frames i've ever seen damaged in shipping. There's no question that they're more fragile. But, in certain designs it is a necessary compromise to overcome edge diffraction and lobing/comb filtering.

Of course their standard round 15 inch frames will direct bolt in place of 15 inch Altec frames, which makes them potential candidates when all else fails. If they were good enough for Woodstock, they'll be good enough for me.

I can truly appreciate the sentiments fellas, but lets remember one thing here. There are far more remaining drivers than unaltered original cabinets. The LAST thing i'm going to do any cutting on are the cabinets, and i'm not any more likely to cut driver frames for these either. They're early, serial numbered, and their paint and decals are good enough that they should be preserved without hacking them. There are plenty of driver options that will fit without any modifications. Hopefully, i'll be able to come up with a reasonable Altec solution like building new drivers on old frames.

[Altec Best]

I can truly appreciate the sentiments fellas, but lets remember one thing here. There are far more remaining drivers than unaltered original cabinets. The LAST thing i'm going to do any cutting on are the cabinets, and i'm not any more likely to cut driver frames for these either. They're early, serial numbered, and their paint and decals are good enough that they should be preserved without hacking them. There are plenty of driver options that will fit without any modifications. Hopefully, i'll be able to come up with a reasonable Altec solution like building new drivers on old frames.

Bowtie do you have any 416 A's, 803's laying around for this app ?

I'm like you, I love lots of Bass.

[GM]

In the 210 horn will not the 515B give the best of both worlds in terms of midrange and LF extension?

There were at least 2 versions of 515E..........

The other option would be "if" GPA can build them(515E) up..............

See how tempting it is to go with a non-Altec woofer in this application?

Yes, but you said you'd trade some HF for LF and since the E optimally requires a larger cab it de facto has more bass potential in-room.

I wasn't aware there were two versions of the E. My observations are based on the original only.

Considering GPA has a number of 416, 515 options, I see no obvious reason why they can't build you some E or maybe even 411 bottom end with original 515 top end. Now the latter would truly be the best Altec woofer of all assuming the hit in efficiency is acceptable.

Yes, I've been researching AE, 18Sound and a few others lately for original 515-like performance.

GM