ALtec 604E touch-up...

[Guglielmo]

Hello to all!

Please I need an information. Recently I got a mint matched pair of 604E. The only spots are some grey paint on the magnet that is slightly chipped.

Do someone knows the kind of enamel and its RAL code to make an "original" touch-up?

Moreover a stupid question: the 4 contact post are not marked. Which are the positive ones? Left or right?

Thanks for help!

Cheers,

Guglielmo

L1010057a.jpg

[bowtie427ss]

They are marked.

You'll find them lightly stamped with a "1" or "2".

Verify that the HF jumper wires from the cover to the diaphragm are properly connected and haven't been reversed, then read here carefully: http://audioroundtable.com/misc/Altec_AN-9.pdf

[Guglielmo]

Thanks bowtie427ss.

In the meanwhile I had the chance to get a mint pair of Mastering Lab 604/605 Crossovers. I am waiting to collect them so I am taking infos about them.

Are these more better than original Altec ones? I hope so...

Do you suggest to put the crossover wires directly into 604 posts or to solder the cable ends in advance or, even better, to put some pin connectors on the wires'?



Thanks!

Guglielmo

[bowtie427ss]

Are these more better than original Altec ones? I hope so...

They're certainly much less common, and highly sought after. I think we should leave determining what sounds best to your ears.

Do you suggest to put the crossover wires directly into 604 posts or to solder the cable ends in advance or, even better, to put some pin connectors on the wires'?

I believe the factory connectors on 604, both the early clamp type, and later spring clip type are designed to "bite" directly on the soft copper. I like to carefully tin just the very tip of the wire to keep it gathered, and to prevent fraying, and loose strands. Terminating wire is one of those areas where there is always more than 1 "right" way to do it.

Personally, my 2 favorite methods of terminating speaker lines are bare wire "clamped" by a reliable means, or large spades and binding posts. My feeling is that these methods offer the largest effective contact area, and are the least susceptible to vibration and oxidation.