Altec 908-8A Drivers - How Much Improvement over 807?

**hemicuda** · May 5th, 2013, 10:11 PM

Hi, just looking for some advice from more experienced users of Altec small format drivers. I currently have 807 drivers with aluminum aftermarket diaphragms. I have a chance to get some 908-8A drivers locally for around $125 for the pair. They have no diaphragms in them and no back covers either. But they are in good shape and have the tangerines, etc. One thing that I was wanting to know is how much of an improvement would the 908s be over what I already have? I'm looking for more hi frequency than the 806/807 is giving me. Also, I noticed the one of the tangerines is black and the other is orange in the 908s. Not that it makes any difference but I wondered why they were different? I'm guessing they were made in different years. Please tell me what the advantages and disadvantages are making this swap. I realize the 908s will probably need to be crossed-over higher and will not have as good midrange as the 806/807 that I have now. But I think the 908s will have better upper-end treble and crispiness. Another scenario is that I just buy Altec Pascalite diaphragms and put them in my 806/807 drivers that I'm using now. Which way do I go with it all? I love the midrange the 806/807 can push out but the high-end treble is lacking somewhat. I do have them on an electronic adjustable crossover with CD Horn button (engaged to get any decent treble but it's not enough on the upper end). Thanks in advance!

Brad

**hemicuda** · May 6th, 2013, 08:01 PM

Wow, nobody at all??? I thought this was THE place for Altec discussions, etc. I don't have much time to make up my mind on the 908s at that price...

**Phil-G** · May 7th, 2013, 12:03 AM

servers/hosting is screwed up

**bowtie427ss** · May 7th, 2013, 06:19 AM

Get them, there's nothing to lose at the entry fee.

Frequency response will be shifted upward, better HF extension, and you'll gain a few db of sensitivity, but you won't want to cross them as low as you would go with an 807.

**Old Guy** · May 7th, 2013, 10:40 AM

Part of the problem is you have aftermarket frams that could be your issue. But Bowtie's info is acurate.

**hemicuda** · May 7th, 2013, 07:10 PM

I realize the aftermarket diaphragms ARE an issue. But I don't know if GPA ones are going to give me that much more HF extension. I like the midrange the 806/807 give and the treble is okay. But I need to crank the treble on my preamp all the way up and also have to keep the CD Horn button engaged. This is the only way I can get decent useable HF out of them. Without the CD Horn button engaged; forget it. I don't get enough treble at all. I also realize the 908s will need to be crossed over higher. They claim you can go down to 500hz but I wouldn't do it. I was thinking maybe 1000-1200 hz would be more like it. I like to get them LOUD sometimes. Anyways, thanks for the input. I may just go ahead and get the 908s. I was hoping that putting Pascalite diaphragms in my 806/807 drivers would be enough to boost the treble and extend it out more. I'm not sure it would though.