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Desperate to Get Back to Horns

After selling my Altec Model 19’s some 30 years ago out of dire necessity, I’ve been lost ever since, and goodness knows I’ve tried.  From conventional to stat’s, and everything in between, nothing has filled the void.  I even built an Altec 604 based system at great expense, but it just wasn’t for me.

I still can’t accommodate the size of the Model 19’s, and Model 14’s are not on my list because I chose the 19’s over them when I bought the 19’s new.  With that said, I’m wondering if a speaker like the Volti Razz would get me close?  Or perhaps something from the Klipsch Heritage Series, like the Cornwall?

For years, I lusted after a pair of Avantegarde Uno’s, but after hearing them a few years ago, I just wasn’t impressed, not to mention the price point. A buddy of mine told me to check the cost of the drivers in the Klipsch, and I was absolutely shocked how inexpensive they are, so they’re not really a consideration unless I hear otherwise.  I just don’t understand how they can justify the price point of the new Cornwall when the drivers are so inexpensive.

I realize only another pair of Model 19's can replace them, but are there any other speakers in the $5K range, new or pre-owned, that can bring back some of that Altec Model 19 magic? 

seadweller

Showing 1 response by audiokinesis

audiokinesis
2,763 posts
 

I don’t think anybody makes a modern woofer with parameters rivaling those of the Altec 416-8b and 416-8z, so it is rare to find an equivalent speaker today that offers a combination of efficiency and low-end extension similar to that of the Model 19. 

Here’s why (as described to me by a veteran prosound loudspeaker engineer):  The doping compound Altec used on their accordion surrounds had a unique combination of attributes which allowed an exceptionally high compliance, BUT it was toxic in its liquid state and gave off toxic fumes as it cured.  My understanding is that it would be illegal today.  Unfortunately modern non-toxic surround doping compounds simply do not rival its combination of attributes. 

On the other hand horn design has progressed considerably, and compression driver design has progressed, and some modern prosound or prosound-style woofers outperform the Altec woofers in areas other than their combination of efficiency and low-end extension. 

Duke

horn speaker manufacturer who wishes he could build the modern counterpart of the Model 19

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