How good is the Altec 511B horn compared to todays tweeters

[fpitas]

Got a link to a design paper for the H9800? It has flat sides in every picture I've seen; I thought bi-radials had curved surfaces.

As for the reverberation time factoring into it, the home listening environment isn't usually that well-controlled.

The H9800 is a BiRadial; it is a constant-directivity design based on the work of D.B. Keele.



Room reflections will not affect clarity so long as RT60 (reverberation time) is sensible and room modes are well-distributed, and additionally an even power response yields a spectrally balanced reverberant field.

This was the impetus for developing constant-directivity design and it is nearly impossible to find contemporary control room monitors or even well-designed high-end audiophile loudspeaker systems that do not have even power response.



Good directivity index is only one criteria inherent in horn/system design (albeit a very important one); others include good low-frequency loading, low second harmonic distortion and freedom from unwanted constructive/destructive interference and diffraction. Commercial designs attempt to balance these depending on intended use (cinema, sound reinforcement, critical listening, etc.)

Apparently those audiophiles are willing to sacrifice certain attributes to maximise others.

BobR

[joyspring]

Got a link to a design paper for the H9800? It has flat sides in every picture I've seen; I thought bi-radials had curved surfaces.

My apologies; my error. I was referencing the horns in the TOTL S9800. The H9800 does appear to be a standard radial horn.

As for the reverberation time factoring into it, the home listening environment isn't usually that well-controlled.

All the more reason to use excite the reverberant field evenly as the spectral balance of reflections must resemble the original sound for Precedence Effect to work. Most typical living rooms have usable RT60 (400 - 600 mS) and can work with even power response loudspeaker systems with little room treatment.

BobR

[Old Guy]

What's the best car? depends on your driving habits, budget, taste, and the roads you drive on... Whats the best tweeter? Depends on your listening habits, budget taste, and the room it's in.

[Alien_Shore]

I am no expert, but agree with GM.
The 511 horn isn't a 'tweeter' by a long shot. Coupled with a compression driver capable of handling the 500-800 Hz range, and you'll hear the difference. There is so much richness of sound in those low-mids up to high-range that just sounds fantastic.

[fpitas]

I agree with that. I assumed by "tweeter" the OP meant the upper half of a 2-way system; but if it's really just a tweeter he's looking for, there are better choices than a 511.

I am no expert, but agree with GM.
The 511 horn isn't a 'tweeter' by a long shot. Coupled with a compression driver capable of handling the 500-800 Hz range, and you'll hear the difference. There is so much richness of sound in those low-mids up to high-range that just sounds fantastic.

[cbooch]

What's the best car? depends on your driving habits, budget, taste, and the roads you drive on... Whats the best tweeter? Depends on your listening habits, budget taste, and the room it's in.

The room for sure ...and for some reason sometimes tuesdays sound better than thursdays......I know that sounds weird but .......