New two-way ALtec horn design, questions

**zelgall** · January 20th, 2013, 06:24 PM

I have both. My opinions are non-audiophile in nature. I like the 604-8G for jazz and small classical or the occasional folk album. The 19's are my everyday players because they can do jazz but also shine on metal and classic rock. Neither do low bass or extended high frequencies so they won't be a good choice if you listen to techno or synth music. I have fairly eclectic tastes and a relatively large collection of music of varying styles and both speakers can work well within their limitations. If you want to party, the 19's are the answer. If you want to engage with the performers, the 604's are a better choice. I've had both in rooms varying from tiny to moderate in size (10 x 12 to 14 x 25) and I think they will both play well in these types of spaces. They could be better in a larger setting but it shouldn't turn you off just because your room isn't ideal. Do some room treatments and enjoy the sound.

**atilsley** · January 20th, 2013, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by zelgall

I have both. My opinions are non-audiophile in nature. I like the 604-8G for jazz and small classical or the occasional folk album. The 19's are my everyday players because they can do jazz but also shine on metal and classic rock. Neither do low bass or extended high frequencies so they won't be a good choice if you listen to techno or synth music. I have fairly eclectic tastes and a relatively large collection of music of varying styles and both speakers can work well within their limitations. If you want to party, the 19's are the answer. If you want to engage with the performers, the 604's are a better choice. I've had both in rooms varying from tiny to moderate in size (10 x 12 to 14 x 25) and I think they will both play well in these types of spaces. They could be better in a larger setting but it shouldn't turn you off just because your room isn't ideal. Do some room treatments and enjoy the sound.

Thanks...good to hear that sort of response. I've also enjoyed the 604's.

GM, I had an email from Bert Doppenberg (Oris) who's built up a pair of very large bass horns, but using open baffle. Too big for me, but a dual driver version is very attainable. I thought I'd just include here in our discussion, as my quest has been for a mid-bass horn of a particular size. If this horn catered from 100Hz to, say, 800Hz, then I'd be on a winner. I also like the look of it.
Kind regards.

**mah** · January 20th, 2013, 11:10 PM

Bert discusses them on his forum: http://forum.bd-design.nl/index.php?id=17095

GM · January 20th, 2013, 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by atilsley

If this horn catered from 100Hz to, say, 800Hz, then I'd be on a winner.

Again, you don't have the depth plus 800 Hz is too high unless you roll one driver off or accept the lobing issues of a MTM that will be compounded by horn loading; or, if you put the horn on top, then at your listening distance you'll have the same problem as I did, hearing the vertical scale of the music move up and down because of the super wide c-t-c of a large horn, woofer TMM.

Anyway, I'm down to repeating myself, so I'm done until if/when you may need some cab design help.

GM

**atilsley** · January 21st, 2013, 05:13 AM

Ok thanks. I feel I need to go to college for 5 years just to keep up. I'm no closer to a decision. For some reason, I sense better to stick with stock standard gear, lest you stray into unacceptable compromise.

Regards.

**mah** · January 21st, 2013, 05:46 AM

You don't need 5 years of appropriate college education to get into speaker system design but recognising one's limitations is a good start in a learning curve. Frankly, I don't know why beginners think they can do better than established quality products without doing the 'hard yards'. Grasshopper, I think you have had a revellation. By the way, I have an understanding of the basic principals, math and physics but have no inclination to spend my time and money 're-inventing the appropriate wheel'.

**atilsley** · January 21st, 2013, 06:22 AM

Master. Thank you.

Another gent provided a simple yet clear breakdown of the 604 vs 19. That's the sort of help I needed...matched my understanding.

GM is a pro...no issue there....I just couldnt keep up.

Yet, I love altec, and want to build cabinets...that's my hobby.

Kind regards

**mah** · January 21st, 2013, 06:55 AM

Not a Master but maybe an an initiated apprentice Journeyman.

**atilsley** · January 21st, 2013, 08:06 AM

It's good to journey.

Oh, the db design ob horn does fit my requirements....depth 535mm, mouth width 1230mm, throat width 170mm, radius 950. I don't yet have height, but I'll anticipate 1000mm.

What appeals is the cabinet-free problems.

I get the detail and slam of mid bass, without farting around with ports, vents and undue cabinet resonances. The low q 416's would be in their element.

Thats a journey...