1940's 1950's Altec 614 cabinet

[Tsingtao_1903]

Hey @Tsingtao_1903 how did this build turn out? My son asked me to build him a similar pair with the JBL 328C, he's an Ojas fan. We are going to the listening room in two Saturdays, as he's moving to NYC, just a few blocks away. Thanks.

It's an easy build. The JBL 328C is a very competent coax driver. Also, easy upgrade path to add a horn.

 

[mcombat]

@Tsingtao_1903
By any chance would you be willing to share the cad file you put together? If not, can you share the dimensions of the front baffle? I'm struggling to find the dimensions online. specifically looking for how wide the baffle is.

Started out liking the 614 cabinet style and how well the A808 horn pairs with it. Turns out there are multiple versions and dimensions out there. There is apparently a plan. However, it's for the more modern version, not the original as published in an Altec brochure.

Altec's provided the external dimensions. Specific to the 614 cabinet: 24 3/4" H, 18 3/4" W, 14 1/4" D.
View attachment 67051

The only available 614 plan I could find. 24" H, 20 1/2" W, 15 1/4" D.
View attachment 67052
A few notables: The wall thickness is 3/4". In section A-A view, there is a space of 3/4" between the face frame and the baffle. The baffle is recessed in the two dado cuts in the top and bottom pieces. This means the baffle is fixed. Can not be removed. Corner radius is 1/2" for the top, bottom and sides pieces.

Back to the 1940's-1950's 614 cabinet. My CAD software has a feature where I can import a picture, scale a known dimension, in this case the height of the cab to 24 3/4", then, I can extract other dimensions since everything else is scaled. Below is an example (I've done multiple different pictures). The thickness of the wall is 1/2", not 3/4".
View attachment 67053

Using the same scaling method, extracted the dimensions and details of the inside glue blocks. It's worth noting there were build variations from pictures of various cabinets. Some used rabbet joints; some used butt joints. Glue blocks running the full length, Smaller glue blocks used instead of one long piece....

Anyway, decided this is likely the most common arrangement.
View attachment 67056

In the newer 614 cabinet plan, there is a space/gap of 3/4" between the face frame and the baffle. And the baffle is fixed, not movable. Is there such a gap in the old 614? After many hours on the web, came across a Japanese website showing the baffle separated from the face frame. There is a thin fame holding the screen sandwiched between the face frame and the baffle. Ah ha! The screen and the baffle are then secured to the face frame via the six anchor bolts. The assembly is removable!

View attachment 67057


Can see it here. The baffle (and the screen) is removable from the back. That begs the question. Why are the anchor bolts still around in the newer cabinets? Or, are they?
View attachment 67059

This was a fun distraction. Got to get back on my other stuff.
View attachment 67060

 

[Tsingtao_1903]

share the cad file you put together?

Of course, PM me your email address and preferred file format.

 

[scotwalks]

Have been using the JBL 328C drivers in the OJAS enclosure for about two years now. Didn't work well with my previous Naim pre-/power combo. I switched to a single ended tube amp (Little Italy) and i really love those small boxes. I'm currently thinking about going a bit bigger, a 614 cabinet but haven't deciced on the drivers yet. @Tsingtao_1903 , could i ask you for the CAD files as well? Any suggestions on drivers, would prefer recent ones instead of going all Altec, which are hard to obtain here in Germany.