History of 806A Driver?

[[email protected]]

I was wondering if anyone had some idea of the history of the 806A? In looking at eBay auctions it seems that the 806A is the *most* frequently listed small format driver by far. Is it because an unbelievable number of them were made? Or prehaps the systems they were in are now being replaced at a very high rate due to age? By the latter question I'm implying that there are fewer 802s because those systems are older and they're already gone, and fewer 902s because those systems are newer and still in service? Appreciate any insight. Thanks.

[Jim D]

The 806 magnet series drivers are in this author's opinion the most common of any quality 1" compression driver period! The driver came about due to Altec loudspeaker engineer Alexis Badmeif's (sp?) desire for ALTEC to be able to sell a less expensive HF driver than the 802. He cut off the magnetic return pot and used a smaller magnet to create the 804A. However there was also an 804 multicell and the number was changed to 806 to avoid confusion. The 804/806 is slightly less efficient and has slightly less HF extension and detail. It's primary use was in the A7 (800hz) and the home speakers like the malibu, valencia, etc. There are more because they were less expensive and used in more systems. Later they were converted to 8 ohms, (806-8A) and about the same time also converted to the 807 for use in MI PA systems with the Symbiotic diaphragm. They are pretty good drivers all in all, but not as good as the 802 and later 902/909 drivers. Jim