Altec 421-8H recone question

**voice of the theater** · January 2nd, 2014, 09:20 PM

Does anyone know if the Altec 421-8h can be reconed as a 416-8b? Does it have the same motor and appropriate frame size?

**Altec Best** · January 2nd, 2014, 11:08 PM

They are the same frame but different motors.. The 416B is Alnico and the 421 is a ferrite motor.. I don't see why it couldn't be reconed as a 416-8C however.

**bowtie427ss** · January 2nd, 2014, 11:12 PM

I think there is a difference within the gap relative to the length/depth of the gap. You can have Bill load your 421's up with 416 parts, but i think the final result will be something a bit different than a 416C, not necessarily better or worse, just different. Shorter Xmax comes to mind for one thing.

**Altec Best** · January 2nd, 2014, 11:23 PM

Yeah a call to Bill should solve that one.. The 416B has a one piece cast pot return much different than the ferrite 421.

**Old Guy** · January 3rd, 2014, 06:16 AM

I think the kit fits OK, I have not done a set personally. But a reconer friend did some a bit ago. Actually closer to 20 years ago. Anyway- issues I know of-

Biggest one- the 421 assembly is BACK VENTED. The 416 is front vented. Either the magnet hole has to be sealed or a solid dust cap is needed. I'd prefer a solid cap, as IMHO back venting is superior. Better power handling and a cooler running coil, which means less power compression. It won't look like a 416 though.

The result should have a bit more mid band, due to differences in mags. It will sound more like a late ceramic 515, not all bad.

I would work with Bill and follow what he recommends, I know he has done them for people.

**magnarc** · January 3rd, 2014, 08:57 AM

I believe it is the 418 variants that can be directly made into 416s.

**voice of the theater** · January 3rd, 2014, 12:10 PM

Thanks guys--I guess it was the 418's I was remembering (that have the same motor/frame as 416's). I was considering these 421's (see link below) but maybe I'll hold out for a couple of blown 418's. I was going to offer the guy $100 for all four and have GPA recone two which I would use as spare 416's. Is there a specific 418 that can be reconed as a 416-8b? Maybe someone else can use these...

Altec baskets

**bowtie427ss** · January 3rd, 2014, 12:47 PM

418-8C and 418-8H II have the one piece cast, stepped magnet pot as used on the 416-8B. Consult with Bill on specifics like plate thickness/gap depth, or any other factors that might result in parametric differences between them and the 416-8B.