Thoughts on Z19 XO

**Coelacanth** · June 4th, 2015, 09:57 PM

My plans to build Altec 19 inspired speakers are now under way, with the 811b horn I ordered in transit. I have been in touch with Bill @GPA and am working through shipping options to get the drivers to New Zealand. I have also decided upon a plan for the cabinetry - more on that later.

Decision on which XO to use is now the only hurdle. GPA make their replacement XO, which is one option, but the Zilch version would likely cost me less, and I am happy to do the work myself. I do not plan on bi-amping however, wheich I understand is one of the key benefits of the Zilch design. I hear mixed reviews re sound quality.

Just looking for some opinions before I commit.

Thanks

**westend9** · June 5th, 2015, 12:31 AM

It's been a while since I looked at Zilch's Z-19 but I remember other Altec users building and enjoying the network. You could probably build a hybrid Z-19 and construct it to easily punch in your own values of components. I use active crossovers so am partial to those.

What do you have in mind for the enclosures? Are you building the stock Model 19 construction? There are a few other box designs out there so if you have particular needs with your listening space, there are options. FWIW, I have big MLTL cabs, designed by GM and I wouldn't go back to the stock cabs.

Hope you can take some time to post your DIY efforts on the Forum so others can benefit (like me, lol).

**Coelacanth** · June 5th, 2015, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by westend9

It's been a while since I looked at Zilch's Z-19 but I remember other Altec users building and enjoying the network. You could probably build a hybrid Z-19 and construct it to easily punch in your own values of components. I use active crossovers so am partial to those.

What do you have in mind for the enclosures? Are you building the stock Model 19 construction? There are a few other box designs out there so if you have particular needs with your listening space, there are options. FWIW, I have big MLTL cabs, designed by GM and I wouldn't go back to the stock cabs.

Hope you can take some time to post your DIY efforts on the Forum so others can benefit (like me, lol).

I am open to cabinet designs. If your MLTL's sound better than stock, Id like to see the plans...

**westend9** · June 5th, 2015, 12:50 AM

Give me a few minutes to find the build threads, my bookmarks are all messed up. In the meantime, you can follow this link to information about the Z-19: ALtec Model 19-XO upgrade discussion - Page 5

Build thread of my enclosures:http://www.hostboard.com/forums/f700...tl-416-8b.html

**Coelacanth** · June 5th, 2015, 01:19 AM

Thanks Westend... love to hear more about how they sound...

**westend9** · June 5th, 2015, 01:51 AM

What GM surmised by using an MLTL design and what is readily audible is that the "West Coast bump" of the original stock Model 19 cabinet disappears. This bump in the frequency response is at about 100-150hz. The TL action of the cabinet also affords the 416 woofer to reach down to it's Fs of below 30 hz. The removal of the bump and the TL afford a very easy roll off to the very lowest tones. The best way I could characterize it is that the bass is effortless. I didn't notice it right away since my ears were trained to hear that concussive slam at 100 hz but the bigger cabinet plays much lower. I'm not an organ music guy, preferring easy jazz and a mix of rock and blues so most of what the Altec woofer does well for that is all present and has an accurate presentation of those lower frequencies.

Since I'm using an active crossover with a 24db filter and pulling the 811/802g in at around 1000-1100 hz, it is letting the woofer and the horn operate in their best ranges, IMO. I also use a Heil AMT1 super tweeter om the very top crossed in at 9 Khz to add some sparkle on the top and trick the ear to a more spatial presentation because of the Heil's dipole effect. It is tricky to dial that in with a third amp and it can be overdone. The Heil AMT is very efficient and doesn't need a lot of watts to get the dipole thing evident. I know some guys that use the same and block off the back of the Heil. I find it to be a neat trick so let it happen as built.

**Altec Best** · June 14th, 2015, 03:32 PM

I personally didn't like them as much as the originals.. I thought they were a little more bright up top..And IIRC I think Zilch bypassed the MF adjustment.So they give you less tonal control...I may be wrong on that it has been awhile since I tried them. YMMV however.. Like with all audio testing and determining sound preferences, it is really something that should be done for ones self. As what sounds good to me may not sound good to you and so on..