Best crossover for Altec 604-8G in 620 enclosure?

**joce64** · February 13th, 2013, 10:52 AM

Hi to all,

I am new to this site :-)

I figure this question have been asked many times but I could not find a proper answer...

I recently bought a pair of the above.

I have done many research on the net to find the a suitable answer about the best choice of crossover.

Opinions of people seems to varies a lot... I am aslo confused, because the Great Plains MK3 crossover have been designed for their H model, but is a more "recent" model than Jeff Markwart 2005 design.

According to my tastes, I know I prefer using the adjustable volume for the tweeters -could follow different type of music -, even thought is is not optimal according to some people. I have the following questions:

1. Which crossover is better for the 606-8G: Great Plains MK3, Jeff Markwart or Iconic?

2. What total cost in parts should I expect If built the JM whit the best price/ratio component available?

3. If you preffer JM or Iconic, what capacitor (type and brand) should I use in the building.

Thanks for your help!

**joce64** · February 13th, 2013, 10:58 AM

PS1: I never heard any of the above.

I possible, please describe your listening experience or experience in comparing the different type, if you had a chance to hear more than one...

PS2: Another option, often mentioned (some even prefer it to modified crossover) is to upgrade the actual crossover with better caps and wiring. If you also have this expereince, please comment (and provide if possible the caps used..).

I deeply thanks you all in advance,

Jocelyn

**bowtie427ss** · February 13th, 2013, 11:22 AM

Any of the stock Altec 604 crossovers produced AFTER the 604-8G network are a significant improvement.

That said, i bi-amp my 604-8G's and will likely never explore a passive solution again for them.

**KBergsson** · February 13th, 2013, 01:36 PM

Hi regarding 1: I tried rebuilt standard crossovers and JM crossovers with some mundorf caps. Liked the JM better than the rebuilt standard crossover, but was not happy and was thinking of buying som russian PIOs or just selling the altecs and buy some Harbeths. I then got a hint here on the forum to check out Werner Jagusch autoformer and pio crossovers. These totally transformed my altecs, and im still wery happy with them a couple of years later.
Regards
Kjartan

**joce64** · February 15th, 2013, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by KBergsson

Hi regarding 1: I tried rebuilt standard crossovers and JM crossovers with some mundorf caps. Liked the JM better than the rebuilt standard crossover, but was not happy and was thinking of buying som russian PIOs or just selling the altecs and buy some Harbeths. I then got a hint here on the forum to check out Werner Jagusch autoformer and pio crossovers. These totally transformed my altecs, and im still wery happy with them a couple of years later.
Regards
Kjartan

Thanks to you both,

Bi-amping is a bit difficult for me at the moment...

M. Bergsson: I send an email to Werner Jagush (aka mast_mutter on ebay) as I dont quite understand his products...

He sells his crossover around 500$. Would this crossover still have the tweeters working like an attenuator? Or do I also have to buy in addition what he call autoformer? In this case it is still around 700$ plus shipping, compared to Great plains at around 200$

I dont have a lot of technical knowledge, so I dont I dont even know what PIO mean... (place it oustide?).

In fact, the best way to answer me would be to explain me your personal set up (if ever you have pictures or drawings..).

I want the best possible, but I cannot afford essays and errors, as these different crossover have to be done by a third partie. As you experienced both crossover (stock upgraded and JM upgraded) I value your experience...

Have you ever got a chance to hear the Great Plains MK3 in comparison?
I thank you in advance.

**joce64** · February 15th, 2013, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by bowtie427ss

Any of the stock Altec 604 crossovers produced AFTER the 604-8G network are a significant improvement.

That said, i bi-amp my 604-8G's and will likely never explore a passive solution again for them.

Hi Bowtie,

So I guess you would recommend to buy the Great Plains MK3 crossover?

I also have the possibility to have a local very experienced speaker repairman conceive a new crossover for the 604-8G and change the stock attenuator for a new one... I dont know if these would surpass the GPA MK3...

Thanks for your help..

Jocelyn

**bowtie427ss** · February 15th, 2013, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by joce64

Hi Bowtie,

So I guess you would recommend to buy the Great Plains MK3 crossover?

I also have the possibility to have a local very experienced speaker repairman conceive a new crossover for the 604-8G and change the stock attenuator for a new one... I dont know if these would surpass the GPA MK3...

Thanks for your help..

Jocelyn

Sorry, no experience or familiarity with the GPA network.

I used a pair of 604-8H networks with my G's for a while with pleasing results. Sadly, there's no easy way to make that later style network fit a 620A cabinet without modification and veneer work, thus i opted to go active.

Jeff Markwart very nicely describes the functionality of the 604-8H network here: Altec Lansing 604-8H Crossover Revelations

**Altec Best** · February 15th, 2013, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by bowtie427ss

Sorry, no experience or familiarity with the GPA network.

I used a pair of 604-8H networks with my G's for a while with pleasing results. Sadly, there's no easy way to make that later style network fit a 620A cabinet without modification and veneer work, thus i opted to go active.

Jeff Markwart very nicely describes the functionality of the 604-8H network here: Altec Lansing 604-8H Crossover Revelations

Hi Jocelyn !

"Welcome to the Altec Board" ! I too have 604-8G's but in 612C cabs.. I agree with Bowtie the 604G crossovers are nothing to write home about..The 604-8H crossover is a big improvement over the G IMHO.. Since you can't Bi-amp at the moment I would suggest you try the 604-8H crossovers first and as time goes by you maybe in a better position to try Bi-amping in the future...Crossovers IMO are a matter of tastes/preferences.. So having said that you will have to try some different ones that suit your tastes... The Jeff Markwart 604-8H crossover however is a good starting point. Welcome to the community and world of Altec Lansing.Look around, search for 604-G/H crossovers here,there is a wealth of info on this board..

AB