806/807 or 802/808?

[je2a3]

I recently acquired the driver to the left with no markings and need advice from more experienced Altec users. The driver in question is about 1/4" shorter and 1 lb. lighter than the 802-8D to the right. Is it safe to assume that "smaller unit" is an 806/807?

Thanks in advance!

JE

[Altec Best]

Most likely,but could be one of the numbered units like the #23746 that came in the 9849.If it has original diaphragm in it you could get some more info on it's model #. By checking the diaphragm number on the diaphragm..

[je2a3]

Most likely,but could be one of the numbered units like the #23746 that came in the 9849.If it has original diaphragm in it you could get some more info on it's model #. By checking the diaphragm number on the diaphragm..

Thanks Altec Best! This came with a blown Symbiotic diaphragm and given its rough condition, it must have been part of a touring PA/SR system. Was the 23746 issued in other Altec systems aside from the 9849?

Anyway, it's been a while since I handled an 806/807 and thought it was significantly smaller and lighter than an 802/808.

BTW, the driver to the left without back cover and gasket is about 2.54" high vs. 2.7" for the one marked 802-8D.

JE

[bowtie427ss]

Both drivers are 802/808.

The driver on the left is an "old style" steel pipe and plate welded together return pot. It is a straight cylinder.

The driver on the right is the new style one piece cast steel return pot. It has a slight taper in the length of the body.

An 806 is 3/8 inch shorter than the driver on the left.

Here's a pic from my workbench, 802-8D (old style, straight) left, 802-8G (new style, tapered) right:



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Here's an old style 802 next to an Altec for Heath 806:



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Left to right, 902-8A, 806-8A, 802-8G, 288-16K:

[je2a3]

Thanks for all that good info, bowtie427ss!

JE

[bowtie427ss]

IMO, worth pointing out that if the driver on the right, the one with the one piece cast return pot, and rough exterior finish does NOT have a plastic radial phase plug(tangerine), it is very uncommon. So uncommon that i dare say very few were made and one would be hard pressed to find a mate. Further, i would opine that such a combination would narrow it's birth date down to sometime in 1975. By '76 they're going to have tangerines.

[je2a3]

IMO, worth pointing out that if the driver on the right, the one with the one piece cast return pot, and rough exterior finish does NOT have a plastic radial phase plug(tangerine), it is very uncommon. So uncommon that i dare say very few were made and one would be hard pressed to find a mate. Further, i would opine that such a combination would narrow it's birth date down to sometime in 1975. By '76 they're going to have tangerines.

It has the old metal phase plug. Fortunately, I have another unmarked body that shares the same phase plug, similar in finish, dimensions and weight as the 802-8D.

I really appreciate all these valuable details, thank you very much!

JE

[bowtie427ss]

I really appreciate all these valuable details, thank you very much!

You're very welcome, and i must pass some of that thanks on to those who have taught me including some current and previous members of this forum.