Altec A7 build

[santhoshl]

Hi fellow Altec Enthusiasts,
I would like to share with you my Altec Lansing A7 build. It is not exactly complete [staining still pending and also a few tweaks], but is functional and will be an ongoing project . I have based this on the Altec 828 cabinet plan available on the Heritage site.

References:
In addition to the original plan, I have also used the plan on MFK Projects as a reference.
This Horn Flare diagram was of great use. Thanks mfk-projects, if you are reading this.
The sound practices article shared on Jeff Markwart's site was very useful in building the Altec A7s to sound more Hi-Fi (I have never heard the original, as they are very rare here in India).

Drivers:
LF: 416A refurbished with cones from GPA (16ohm)
HF: 802-8g with 811-B horn (8ohm)

Crossover: 1st order, crossed at 1Khz. Capacitors are "KBG" Russian PIO Military grade. Resistors are el-cheapo ones I could find, plan to source some Mills resistors from Parts Connexion.

About the partnering gear:
Source:
1) Turntable(s):
i) Project Xperience II with Carbon Fiber Tone Arm and Ortofon Rondo Red Cart
ii) Pioneer PL-15 with original cart and JICO stylus
2) CD Player: Marantz CD-94

Amplification:
Currently running it with an ADCOM GFA-535 MkII amp and GFP-345 Pre. In the process of selecting a SET tube amp.

I have used Altec 416a driver because that is what I had and also the sound practices article recommended a 416 more than a 515.

I would like to thank this Altec Forum for the valuable information in here, my friend and Fellow Member Rajiv for pointing me to this forum and offering tips at every stage in this project. Also Panomaniac for answering my questions on the flare design .

Here are some pics shot over the last two months. The entire build has been documented on my DIY site : Home to the Indian DIY'er and Hobbyist . Appreciate your feeback and suggestions.

[cradeldorf]

Nice work Buddy, Keep us up on any new developments. Also welcome to Vintage Altec Land.

[mah]

Very nice. May pass the WAF test.

[santhoshl]

Nice work Buddy, Keep us up on any new developments. Also welcome to Vintage Altec Land.

Thanks cradeldorf for your kind words

Very nice. May pass the WAF test.

Thanks mah, she likes it. What she does not know yet is that I will be adding 805 horns soon

[bowtie427ss]

Beautiful workmanship!

I really like how the system fits in that space!

You need a preamplifier, the Adcom is not up to the standards of the rest of your system, not even close.

[santhoshl]

Beautiful workmanship!

I really like how the system fits in that space!

Thanks bowtie for your encouraging words.

You need a preamplifier, the Adcom is not up to the standards of the rest of your system, not even close.

I plan to listen to a few SET amps with the A7s before I zero down on a tube amp. I tried it with a SET amp running 45 tubes, it sounded magical.

[Altec Best]

Beautiful work ! Nice job ! I noticed you are using 16 ohm woofers and 8 ohm HF drivers.I'm curious on the mismatch ?

[Panomaniac]

With 16 ohm woofers you won't need as much attenuation for the 8 ohm horns.

Very beautiful build, bravo! I think you will be very happy with the 805s. You really should close up those ports some, you'll get more bass.

[Alien_Shore]

With 16 ohm woofers you won't need as much attenuation for the 8 ohm horns.

Very beautiful build, bravo! I think you will be very happy with the 805s. You really should close up those ports some, you'll get more bass.

I thought the same thing. And yes, great build. Thank you for sharing with us.

[cradeldorf]

I'm gonna lean the other way and say I bet the bass is pretty nice.