Newer 288 drivers any good?

[BillWojo]

I have a chance to buy a set of ceramic magnet 288 drivers for 100 bucks. They are bare drivers with loading caps, no rear covers or rubber magnet covers. Seller says that the diaphragms are original, not sure if 8 or 16 ohm. Are these any good for HiFi use?
Thanks

He Emailed back and said 8 ohm, original diaphragms. Specs look good, going to try and grab them.

BillWojo

[Elitopus1]

I would grab them. Even if you don't like them you could make some money if you decide to pass them on

[BillWojo]

I'll get them this week. I talked to the seller, they had an easy life as general purpose pa drivers in an amusement park. Not sure if they are 8L or 8K models. Any way to tell the difference? They should be better than the 291-8K drivers I have.

BillWojo

[Phil-G]

They should be better than the 291-8K drivers I have.

BillWojo

I can do a side by side tomorrow.

[BillWojo]

That would be cool. I'm wondering if there is a difference between the drivers other than the voice coils.

BillWojo

[Earl K]

I listen to Altec 288-8K's and like them a lot .

They have a decidedly lower voice than the 802 driver .

You may find that adding a tweeter restores some lost sparkle ( though this is truly a version of YMMV ).

These diaphragms seem to fatigue faster than their compatriots, ultimately robbing HF and the lowest octave of response.
- ( I think this is mostly due to usage in industrial settings ).

I would highly recommend a pair of new GPA diaphragms right off the bat ( before judging their use in a HiFi setting ).

[Phil-G]

That would be cool. I'm wondering if there is a difference between the drivers other than the voice coils.

BillWojo

one thing different with a 291 and a 288 is a 291 comes with a symbiotic diaphragm. and won't play as high. I was going to swap it out with one of my 288 diaphragms. to see if I can hear a difference between the housings.