Originally Posted by
bowtie427ss
Let's just say that i know a lot more now than i did when i first started buying 802G's and other Altec components.
Today i don't give them(802G) a 2nd look in most marketplaces as they simply command too much money with no significant attributes to justify it beyond them being the proper driver for certain "original" loads such as in a model 15 or 19. I would seek them for a proper restoration.
For a custom build with a projected XO below 1khz i'd most likely seek 802D or earlier. For a build with a projected XO above 1khz i'd be looking toward Altec/GPA 902's.
I would need to see proof that the Tangerine is responsible for extended HF response before i consider that claim to be valid. Until proven differently, i view the tangerine for what it is/was, a cost cutting measure, very little more.
802G has an attribute that i believe is far more contributory to it's slightly unique sonic character than the tangerine, something you've not seen mentioned by the "experts" with their pretty charts and fancy graphs.
I'm referring of course to the magnetic circuit, specifically the "pot" or motor structure. Of all these drivers we're discussing, the 802G/808B is the only one that uses a ONE PIECE CASTING for the magnetic return structure(pot). Previous 802's are welded together from rolled steel pipe and plate, 902's have rolled steel front and back plates. Different alloys have different magnetic properties. Anything that changes the magnetic properties of a loudspeaker is likely to affect the loudspeaker's performance, no?
This MAJOR change in construction also took place in the 416 woofer and resulted in the 416B.
FWIW, 416-8C's were made in 2 versions, one used rolled steel back plate, one used a cast backplate. 515E's were also made in 2 versions, yep, one has a flat rolled steel backplate, the other a rounded cast backplate, they sound different from each other, and are usually valued differently in the marketplace. Yet, you will see no mention of these varying attributes from the "experts".
Remember, just because you read it on the internet doesn't make it true. Do your own research, make your own measurements, reach logical conclusions.
EDIT:Bill Eckle does indeed acknowledge "improved magnet structure" for both the 802G and 416B.
These "improved structures" are at least in part the one piece cast pots, and IMO are the single biggest contributor for any variation in sound from their predecessors.
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