Altec 908's with Mantarays

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March 18th, 2012, 10:37 AM
voice of the theater

Altec 908's with Mantarays

Pretty good deal IMHO especially if the drivers are matched. Not so sure though, since I thought Model 14's came with 902-8A's (not 908's), and one of them doesn't look to be the original driver.......

Altec Lansing 908-8A Tweeter Compression Drivers and Horns Mantaray Model 14 s | eBay
March 18th, 2012, 10:44 AM
Old Guy

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Worst case would likely be a diaphragm change, driver bodies are identical. Back caps available at GPA. FWIW if made on different days, could be "matched" still.
March 18th, 2012, 10:56 AM
voice of the theater

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Interesting--I didn't know the difference between a 902 and a 908 was just the fram. Seems like a decent deal then-either way. I know what you mean, especially since the 14's were made AFAIK right up until Altec "went under" in the mid 80's, both drivers could be original even if different from each other--and Altec was using up what stock they had left on hand......
March 19th, 2012, 10:32 AM
analog addict

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Any idea what GPA is asking for a back cap? The set of 902-16As I've cobbled together have one back cap and one ummm...whatever that other thing is called...loading cap. I can't remember.

I'm kinda tempted to pull the trigger on this one, but still on the fence.
March 19th, 2012, 03:41 PM
Old Guy

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Loading cap. Not sure what GPA wants for a back cover, best to call.
March 19th, 2012, 04:36 PM
bowtie427ss

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

I think they're in the $25-$30 range. That's unpainted, no terminals, just the casting.
March 19th, 2012, 07:17 PM
cradeldorf

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Somebody jumped on them. :)
March 19th, 2012, 08:10 PM
analog addict

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowtie427ss

I think they're in the $25-$30 range. That's unpainted, no terminals, just the casting.

Well I did call Bill H today, and he said $25 including the terminals. He didn't mention paited/unpainted, but I don't really care.

Beats paying almost $200 for some stuff I already have
March 19th, 2012, 09:33 PM
badtoby

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

They have been re-listed. Once you replaced the frams and the back cap would you not be $50-60 short of new GPA 902's ? Don't know what the horns are worth
March 19th, 2012, 11:18 PM
VolvoHeretic

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

I sure wish that someone would start a thread and list all of the compression horn drivers with their similarities and differences so that I could get a clue. :)
March 20th, 2012, 12:34 AM
mah

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Altec

altec

HORN

Sourced from part of Bill Eckle's legacy.
March 20th, 2012, 01:14 AM
VolvoHeretic

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Thanks MAH. :)
March 20th, 2012, 01:22 AM
cradeldorf

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Thanks Marshal, I've never seen those links before. :)
March 20th, 2012, 01:09 PM
voice of the theater

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Quote:

Originally Posted by mah

Altec

altec

HORN

Sourced from part of Bill Eckle's legacy.

Great info--he really knew his stuff. From your first link regarding the 902A series "Entirely new driver with ferrite magnet. Has the same radial phase plug as 802G.
Replaced both 802 and 806 drivers. Is thinner driver than older units. Originally built with very light and fragile diaphragm. Sounds fabulous."

and from the same page regarding the 416-8B "All units built on 16" frame. Has improved Alnico magnet structure. Best of all 803-416 woofers . Brought back in late 1980s for a short period. Black in color."

I like/agree with his observations regarding (sound) quality as well......
March 20th, 2012, 01:17 PM
voice of the theater

Re: Altec 908's with Mantarays

Quote:

Originally Posted by badtoby

They have been re-listed. Once you replaced the frams and the back cap would you not be $50-60 short of new GPA 902's ? Don't know what the horns are worth

GPA sells the horns as well--and they're very inexpensive. As far as the drivers/frams, there is something to be said for brand new vs. over 30 years old. Not to mention nice to support GPA---the only company that is keeping classic vintage Altec Lansing gear "alive" and serviceable with genuine "factory/original" parts built to Altec spec.....