DIY Altec 2 Way Build ala JELabs - 802/32/414
- Thread starter marantzfan
- Start date
Do It Yourself
ICTWoody
No longer a junior member
I didn't try the small Jabo on my Onkens, but I use the larger version, the KH-53 on them already. I use the big Jabo with 288 drivers. They don't go quiet as high as the smaller Jabo's with the 802's, but they'll reach down a bit lower to cross nicely with the 416/Onk combo. I'm very happy with them.
As for imaging... yes. They will image better than the 32. Maybe @jhoyt will chime in too since he was there when I made the swap from my 32/802 combo and then the Jabo/802. But IMO, the Jabo's are more "hifi". They image better and are more focused. It isn't as much a case of better or worse, it just depends on your preference. The Jabo is more like a modern speaker, the 32 is more wall of sound and more natural sounding. A little smoother.
If you have the luxury of sitting in a "sweet spot" and setting up the speakers as such, the Jabo I really liked. If you want to have a wider sweet spot, or listen more corporately, or just prefer a smoother presentation, the 32 is tough to beat.
Does that help?
- Woody
fmena
Junior Member
Thanks Woody ... actually yes it does help immensely... I am more for natural sounding than 3D placement. But before I do anything else I will address some physical room issues I have as I re-finish the basement.
Cheers and thanks.
by the way.... ... fantastic listening area you have ...
Frank M
Cheers and thanks.
by the way.... ... fantastic listening area you have ...
Frank M
The Jabo/802 combo sound very natural and smooth with an Obligatto oiler cap inline.
Alonzo
Just poking fun, I bought his Jabo/802 setup...but they do sound smooooooth.
Hi everyone!
Thanks a lot for the tons of useful information in this thread.
Just wanted to share with you guys an idea of how you can mount the 32 horn on a top of the cabinet.
Best!
Roman.
Thanks a lot for the tons of useful information in this thread.
Just wanted to share with you guys an idea of how you can mount the 32 horn on a top of the cabinet.
Best!
Roman.
Attachments
Thank you guys for the positive feedback.
That's very kind of you.
This is my "entry level" DIY Altec project. It consists of Altec 3156 woofer in Altec 8156X cabinet + Altec 32C horns + Altec 808-8B drivers.
I can probably give you more info on this project if you are interested but I think it is better not to spam here in JELabs' thread
Hey Salectric! Those footers are Soundcare Superspikes.
They are working really well under the speakers and the price is very affordable.
That's very kind of you.
This is my "entry level" DIY Altec project. It consists of Altec 3156 woofer in Altec 8156X cabinet + Altec 32C horns + Altec 808-8B drivers.
I can probably give you more info on this project if you are interested but I think it is better not to spam here in JELabs' thread
Hey Salectric! Those footers are Soundcare Superspikes.
They are working really well under the speakers and the price is very affordable.
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Does anyone have any experience with the Western Electric or Altec 720a compression driver? The 720a seems to be the same as the KS 14704 driver. The WE literature says the 720a was intended for PA applications whereas the 713 and 722a drivers were intended for quality music reproduction. The PA reference doesn't sound encouraging; however, I have been trying a KS 14704 driver the past week and I really like it. I am using it in a 32 horn with 12db filters at 1.2K and 7K. The 7K crossover smoothed out the highs quite nicely. I am just wondering what other folks might think about it.
I apologize for putting this in the 802/32 thread, but I wanted to reach the same people.
I apologize for putting this in the 802/32 thread, but I wanted to reach the same people.
@Salectric I have a pair of the 720A drivers on WE 32 horns, but I haven't gotten around to listening. I will make a point to update when I get to them, but it will probably be... a while.
Thanks!
@gable - I just found potentially an even better rheostat deal at Surplus Sales of Nebraska - they have Ohmite AN3155-50-30 sealed aircraft rheostats for $25/ea.
These should be the same as the Ohmite 30R wirewounds that go for $60-70/ea. albeit in a sealed can. Who knows, this might actually improve things slightly as the windings should be protected from contaminants / fouling.
I'll let @Redboy and @mhardy6647 make the 'nice price or crack pipe' ruling on these.
It's not that much larger than the 25W rheostat - I'm guessing the difference is simply the gauge of the wiring on the ceramic form.
For anyone interested in dipping their toes into this, there are a pair of Altec 32c horns on the ‘bay: Altec 32c Horn pair Western Electric | eBay for a (so far) very reasonable price.
This is why we're all making our own versions of the Western Electric 753C instead of just buying a pair:
If the auction's over by the time you get over there, only $50k for the pair. Some photos for posterity:
Vintage WESTERN ELECTRIC Speaker and Amplifier decals pair not vintage | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage WESTERN ELECTRIC Speaker and Amplifier decals pair not vintage at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
If the auction's over by the time you get over there, only $50k for the pair. Some photos for posterity:
