Value of used symbiotic daphragams?

**VolvoHeretic** · February 13th, 2013, 10:44 PM

I might have the opportunity to purchase a set of small motor symbiotic diaphragms for my A7-500s. How much should I offer? I want to be, above all, fair.

**Alien_Shore** · February 13th, 2013, 10:45 PM

depends - are they new or used? aftermarket or original altec parts?

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · February 13th, 2013, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by Alien_Shore

depends - are they new or used? aftermarket or original altec parts?

New/used? .... um read the subject line again :-)

Is there even such a thing as aftermarket symbiotik?

**bowtie427ss** · February 13th, 2013, 11:03 PM

Is there even such a thing as aftermarket symbiotik?

Sort of. Radian. They go up a bit higher than the symbiotik. But, they cost as much as a GPA aluminum phragm which sounds better.

As for used ones, they're a gamble at any price. Unless you can be absolutely sure of limited or "light" use, expect that the lead in conductors are fatigued and ready to snap most any time. Certainly the mileage will vary from phragm to phragm with some lasting 20 minutes or less to others that might last 20 years. Sadly, there's no way to measure how much gas is left in their tank so to speak.

**VolvoHeretic** · February 13th, 2013, 11:51 PM

I want the power handling ability of the 30 watt diaphragms. If I have to purchase pascalites from GPA, then so be it. I am sold on the "other phram". My Piezos make up for any frequency discrepancies.

**VolvoHeretic** · February 13th, 2013, 11:58 PM

So, way less than 50 % of replacement cost? He might as well save them for blow-outs and I should just get new. I now have one symbiotic and one aluminum and the difference is minimal, I don‘t know what the fuss is all about.

But then again, maybe I listen to my music differently than most Altec Users.

**Old Guy** · February 14th, 2013, 06:54 AM

You are probably the first person I ever met who actually likes them.

NOS ones appear on Fleabay occasionally. If you want to stay with that sound, watch there for Radians. I have seen NOS Radians at about half price, All things come to he who waits.

IMHO the Radians are flatter and go a little higher than Symbiotik. They are an outgrowth of Emilar/Renkus Heinz tech. Renkus was ex-Altec.

**Altec Best** · February 14th, 2013, 01:42 PM

IMO you would be better off saving a little more money and buying the #26420 diaphragms from Bill. They are Pascalites.. You will get the higher power handling you are looking for with much better HF extension.I sent a pair to GM to try out and am looking forward to his impressions of them.

**Old Guy** · February 14th, 2013, 03:21 PM

The Pascalite winds up between the Radian and regular aluminum fram for power handling.. Pascalite has better highs, but in all honesty the Radian is top dog for sheer power. If I were still using Altecs for live likely would have the Radians, but for home for sure Bill's frams.

**RonSSS** · February 14th, 2013, 05:27 PM

I have a pair. OEM #34726. From my 904-8A's. They are mint. The lead in conductors are perfect, I looked at them with my microscope. These have the spade type connectors. Have the loading caps as well.
Shoot me a PM

Ron