Altec 811B Horn + Big Woofer DIY System

Discussion in 'DIY' started by spwath, Jan 8, 2018.

  1. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    Last edited: Jan 26, 2018
  2. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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  3. Darren G

    Darren G Friend

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    @spwath My dad ended up bi-amping his Altec Santiagos. Adds expense, but opens up a whole new world of possibilities. I really couldn't hear any differences when he swapped out amps for the woofer, but that horn is very revealing (to me) and I'd spend the money there if budget allows (power being no concern given how efficient it is).
     
  4. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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  5. dmckean44

    dmckean44 In a Sherwood S6040CP relationship

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  6. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    Not yet. Im waiting for a few things: One, see if I can get a steal on craigslist, 2, get more money, and 3, I wont be able to build these until the summer anyway.
     
  7. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Reminding myself to box up and send the 511s to you. I don't trust UPS or FedEx packing services for this one.
     
  8. MrTie

    MrTie Friend

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    Just to add to this, if you are looking for a Junokuchi I have had Joshmo's on long term loan, and I know HE is willing to sell it.
     
  9. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    I probably couldn't afford it, at least for now.
     
  10. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    I bet it would be cheaper then if you tried to DIY it yourself. I know if I'm offloading my DIY projects I wouldn't even consider selling it for more than the BOM, especially on this site.

    I see you want to trade your Valhalla. You could try....
     
  11. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    Just picked up the Emilar drivers. Literally new in box, never used. That's pretty amazing for their age, and the price of $125.
    Time to sell the faitalpros
     
  12. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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  13. dmckean44

    dmckean44 In a Sherwood S6040CP relationship

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    They're not really my favorite bass horns. The LF cutoff from horn loaded to bass reflex on these is around 250hz so they tend to sound boxy. I also think the price is high, but that seems to be the case with all Altec stuff these days.
     
  14. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    Ok, all I really need now are the woofers, and the time to build these. Any thoughts? I would be open to buying used or vintage things too, as the rest of the components are that.
    Trying to keep the woofer cost around $300 for the pair, but could go a little more. Just not yet.
     
  15. dmckean44

    dmckean44 In a Sherwood S6040CP relationship

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    I would suggest 15" woofers. A front ported box will be the easiest to place in your smaller rooms you'll be dealing with while in school. I would be realistic and plan for ~40hz in room bass response and crossing over to the horn around 750hz.

    When you get your woofers, I'll let you borrow my DATS usb audio tester so you can use real measured parameters when building your box instead of manufacturer provided ones so there will be less surprises.
     
  16. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    I actually already have a DATS :)
    Yeah, I was thinking 15" ers, but not sure what. Maybe some older jbl or altec or something, but I don't know exactly what is good.

    These will be good for college, because they will sound nice when I listen to my music, and I don't have to worry about them breaking when my friends play their (shitty) music at parties! Plus they could probably get pretty loud... Pa speakers will do that.
     
  17. dmckean44

    dmckean44 In a Sherwood S6040CP relationship

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    If you get woofers that are pretty effecient, you can use transformers to level match in your crossover which tends to sound a lot better than a L-pad.

    Did you ever choose an amplifier?
     
  18. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    I am getting the junokuchi from @JoshMorr

    Once I find the woofers I'll have to give that thought. Hopefully I can find something close to the sensitivity of the horns, or as high as possible.
     
  19. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    31" woofers or bust

    [​IMG]
     
  20. dmckean44

    dmckean44 In a Sherwood S6040CP relationship

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    I'm not so sure about speakers with crown molding.
     

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