Santiago Mods

**TubesNhorns** · May 7th, 2013, 11:22 AM

Long time lurker, first post. Got bit by the audio bug back around 1973. I recently picked up a set of 878B Santiagos. I also have a set of 511B horns with 808-8A drivers + N501-8A crossovers. I like to listen to classic rock loud. This set up will go into my garage/man cave. What changes should I expect if I swap the 511 for the 811 horn + crossover?

I am spinning vinyl. Amps include: Crown K2 (strictly bass LF duty), Hafler 9505 (2) SS, homemade 2A3 SET. Pre-amp is a homemade tube 12A7. I also have a Rane 22 active crossover a Bozak N106B active crossover (6 db slope) leftover from my Concert Grand speakers. This was modified from 400Hz to 500Hz crossover freq. I have a pro EV 18" sub I can throw in the mix.

Anyone have experience bi-amping these units? Should I keep the Santiagos original and stack the 511B's on top? Thanks in advance for your responses. I have enjoyed reading the great advice from all you regulars.

**Old Guy** · May 7th, 2013, 01:37 PM

The 411 does not have a lot of mid, so changing the 511 out for 811 is a bad idea. Biamping could help. The 411woofer really needs a bigger box.

**TubesNhorns** · May 8th, 2013, 04:58 AM

Hi Old Guy. The Santiago has an 811 with 800Hz crossover. I am considering swapping in a 511 crossed at 500 Hz. or potentially keeping both horns in some manner.

**Old Guy** · May 8th, 2013, 10:22 AM

oops. was thinking of a different box

http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/...rs/9846-8a.htm

yes then the 511 might be an improvement. A large ported box seems to work for that woofer. GM posted info here a while back.

**Altec Best** · May 8th, 2013, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Old Guy

oops. was thinking of a different box

9846-8A

yes then the 511 might be an improvement. A large ported box seems to work for that woofer. GM posted info here a while back.

OG the 411 was developed for sealed enclosures.. Wouldn't that be a better option for that woofer ?

**bowtie427ss** · May 8th, 2013, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by Altec Best

OG the 411 was developed for sealed enclosures.. Wouldn't that be a better option for that woofer ?

That's where we see the bulk of em for sure.

But(there's always gotta be a "but").............. the ole fella's spot on. It was quite a while back IIRC. GM worked out a large displacement ported box for the 411.

Altec also used it in a VOT "type" ported enclosure in the 9861.