Greetings :

After a lot of interesting study of this site’s past posts, I have some questions, and could use some help.

"Picture" my TOUGH room, dimensions 13 by 15 by 9 feet, with hallways opening up to two larger-volume areas.

What could be done to modify my A7 system, so as to optimize it for this small space in a HIFI application?

System Details as follows:

(1) Electronics will be a 2 Watt SE tube amplifier, operated off of a seriously overbuilt, “fast” power supply , no EQs, digital delays, etc. etc will be used.

(2) Woofers are ALTEC 515Bs, original cones, cleaned outer surrounds, like Per Hasling does.

(3) Tweeters are ALTEC 802s, GPA remagnetized with new 16 Ohm GPA light weight aluminum diaphragms, no bug screens.

(4) Crossover / initially - recapped ALTEC N801As. I likely will NOT go lower than 800 HZ. Future crossovers : ( simpler, first order ) and eliminating the 801A, will be attempted.

(5) Horns in hand are ALTEC 511Bs, BUT – ‘can EASILY go to ALTEC 811Bs, IF 811s make more sense when listening close-up in such a small room. .

My question is, what things SPECIFIC for use in the small room, can I DO to my A7s, to get results ?

Some questions I seek advice on,

(a) what ALTEC horn may work best, and why ?? ALTEC 511 or 811 ?


(b) what sort of A7 port tuning will work best? ( With 515Bs in a small room, and a low powered amp, should I (1) eliminate casters, (2) do a low port tuning and (3) put the port(s) exit close as possible to the floor, for room gain ? )

(c) anything else fellas….I have not thought of ?

Thank you so much. Single-person use. This will be great to hear about.

Jeff Medwin