814-e2 with tangerines

[Old Guy]

I've seen less than 5 pairs of these in 40 years, not common. I think they are really early G models.

Altec 604 E2 Big Red Duplex Drivers | eBay

[Phil-G]

it'll be interesting to see what they go for. most people would be put off by the label. or the missing label.

[bowtie427ss]

The Mastering Labs crossovers are what usually bring the bigger money, while the Big Reds don't really bring any more than a 604-8G. And i agree with OG, they're just early 604-8G with the oddball Mastering Labs decal.

EDIT: The cone numbers are not right, those are re-cones.

[Russ Farrell]

As District Mgr I visited Audiotechniques from '76 to '82. Couldn't find my spec sheet on the 604E2 to verify, but if IIRC the E2 was 8-Ohm LF and 16 Ohm HF. I was told the original 604E LF's were blown out by the studios every few months, because they used DC300 amps strapped mono, with the clip ("IOC") lights on solid. But studios didn't want any changes so they reconed them. Eventually Audiotechniques also offered the E2, which had much higher LF power handling, and an 8-Ohm coil. But they felt 16-Ohm diaphragms sounded better than 8's. Rick Anderson, their technical guy, did a quick A-B test for me. (Uncontrolled test, but I had to agree.) They dealt directly with Anaheim about engineering and contracts. When I asked what the E2 LF cones were, I was only told they were not 421-8LF or 604HPLN type. Like most OEM agreements, they buyer was responsible for all marketing, customer support, and warranty service. Thats why Altec's name isn't on the labels. The above is offered FWIW, as 35-year old hearsay, recalled by a poor memory. Corrections welcomed.