414's

**RonSSS** · November 26th, 2017, 04:54 PM

Hey gang,

I loaned my 414-8C woofers out of my 9849-8A monitors to a buddy who built a set of speaks with some other brand of 12" woofer.
He does know Altec.
And he loves them.

I don't know the complete history of the 414.
I "think" everything earlier then the -8C were stamped frame?
All were alnico?
The earlier versions having the pot magnet assy some with covers?

I know the -8E is a ceramic magnet. I have one of those too.
Anyway, I'm not giving up my mint -8C's. So if you all know where some more are, my buddy will be interested I'm sure.

Ron

**bowtie427ss** · November 26th, 2017, 07:25 PM

AFAIK, all 414's used a cast frame. The early cast frames had curved spokes. 414z will be painted gold and have no magnet cover. 414A will be painted green with a can/cover over the motor. 414-16B/414-8B use the same motor in a newer style square spoked frame. 414-8C/16C use the one piece cast steel 416-8B type motor structure on the newer frame.

It's possible some very early 414's may have used the stamped steel frame of the 600B, but i cannot find an example.

IMO, the 414 "C" version produces the best midrange of any Altec woofer.

**Elitopus1** · November 27th, 2017, 09:25 AM

I have a pair of 414-16b (same as pic 3) that I listen to every day. They are my favorite Altec woofer.

Got them a few years ago in the off season for 100$ plus shipping. Since then I see prices have gone up a bit.

I wouldnt hesitate to grab a pair of 416C if they came up for a decent price. A saved ebay search is probably a good way to find a pair.

**Phil-G** · November 27th, 2017, 11:12 AM

According to Bill 417s can be reconed as 414s. The 417 magnet is a bit stronger. But other than that its almost Identical. Don't quote me on this. I have a pair i m sending in to try soon. Well see.

**bowtie427ss** · November 27th, 2017, 12:05 PM

The 417 magnet is a bit stronger.

This will equate to limited LF response compared to 414. Compensation via mass added to the moving assembly could restore the LF at the cost of extension on the other end. There's never a free lunch.

If i had a broken pair of 417's, i'd give strong consideration to sourcing a couple of 15 inch frames as cheaply as possible and using the 417 motors to build a proper pair of 416's, particularly in the case of 417H with the one piece cast return assembly. IMO, the end result will hold the most value.

Anybody know what Bill get$ for a new 16 inch frame/basket?