Model 14 compression driver & horn

[billfort]

Does anyone know what model Altec compression driver was used on the Mantaray horns in the Model 14? I recently got 14 components from a friend and the horn flairs arrived smashed beyond repair and I?m exploring my options for replacements.

Anyone have model 14 Mantaray flairs they would like to sell or have suggestions for a suitable replacement? Will the 811 work with this driver?

Thanks for any help you can offer.
Bill

[MikeInNH]

The drivers are the 902-8g. Basically ANY horn that fits the 902 or 802 series will work.

[gonefishin']

Oh No!


Terrible news Billfort!


I know the outcome, of the finished speakers, will still end up looking great...but I'm saddened to hear about the delay.

best wishes,
dan

[Larry123]

I have model 14's that I loaned out as I did not have room for them, and really found the sound not to my liking. Would like to see picture of 902-8g,what I have is ceramic mag.,plastic cap on back,three even spaced screws. No place Altec ID on it, ink stamp at one spot with letters in boxes,bug screen mounted external between driver and horn.Put this driver in place of 806-8a on 811 type horn in other system. One side original system w/806-8a the other side driver from model 14. Could not listen long to model 14 driver, had much more hi freq. but to me not much at lower end of range. Instruments like trombone, sax, piano male and female voices did not have it for me. Picture of this driver would help me to know if whats on mine is Altec and not some replacement. Can see tangerine. For me possible use in emergency or as tweeter above 5 or 6k.

[Todd W. White]

There is something wrong with your Model 14's. They do NOT sound like that when they are perfomimng to factory specs.

[MikeInNH]

For some reason Altec never put their standard designation number (like 902-8a or 802-8g) on their HOME speakers. They had a stamped number that corresponded to the actual designation number.

Not to sure how many other companies used the Tangerine phase plug. If it has one, it's probably Altec.

I've listed a lot to the Model-14. And even did a side-by-side comparison to my Model-15's. You should NOT be hearing what you did. The model-14 is a beautiful speaker, with a EXCELLENT and very REALISTIC sound. I couldn't tell a difference in the high-end between the 14 and 15, until I moved way off axis. The base for both speakers were the same.

My friend who owns the model 14 use to play Sax for the Boston Symphony. To him (and me for that matter), it was **** near impossible to tell what was playing....the Altecs or him Live. The mid's and highs for the 14, 15 were superb. If you weren't hearing that...then something is very wrong.

[Steve Burger]

I am guessing the issue is in the xover. Another thing that was mentioned that maybe I did not read correctly was that it was A/B'd in another system with 806/811 comparison. If this was the case is it safe to assume you used the 800 hz xover from the other system to test the 902 driver and horn? If so that would explain a lot as the horn is not capable of going that low and there would be a noticeable hole. I have heard 2 sets of model 14's with the original crossover's that had problems develop. It is in line to have Jerry Hubbard design a new xover for it but it is in line after the 604 superxover and model 19 xover. More will be revealed.

[Todd W. White]

The problem could lie in one of two things, or both -

1. The diaphragms are of the symbiotik type, not all aluminum.

2. There are loading caps on the rear side of the diaphragms. I don't like them. Never have. You'd have to remove them and put a rear cover (with felt damping inside) if you take the loading caps off, but it would lower the power handling (unless you replaced the dia's w/ Pascalite versions.

[Larry123]

Not to make a long story. Model 14 comp. driver was removed from model 14 horn, the driver was then placed onto 811 horn of another Altec system, this became the left side of stereo pair,rt.side was 806-8a w/811 horn,comparison was between right/left.Bi-amp 800 Hz.,level set very exact.902 driverhas much more high freq, but to me does not cut it at lower end of freq range, no tests done except music, and I did not enjoy it. I don't want to hear that it's not working correctly, have 2 of them, never overdriven or anything else. Model 14 as a complete system sounds OK, but next to larger Altec system w/811and806, or LE15a/LE85/075 or various 604's, for me it's not what I'am used to.

[Steve Burger]

I prefer the sound of the larger systems over the Model 14 as well. However, I did the same swap in the 846b Valencia's I owned and it was a noticeable improvement all the around. I know there were some quality control problems for a while at Altec so what Todd was saying may be an issue.