You cannot buy original Altec 515 /416 /604 cones


People are under the impression GPA in OKC manufactures exact duplicate cones for Altec speakers.

That is NOT accurate. They don't even pass the "look" test. The paper is different and therefore the voice coil is different. The wire mesh in the duct cover is a larger mesh. The differences are not large but they are differences.

The size of the 8XX and 2XXX such as the 802-8G and 288-16H drivers are different. Ask if you can exchange internal parts.

I hate this reality as I love Altec, and I really like and respect the guys at GPA. It is just that IF you have original Altec items hold on to them and treat them as the rare bird they are. You will not be able to reproduce the sound any other way.
clsi

Showing 1 response by ozone

Greetings, Gentlemen -

I'm helping a pal with crossovers for his 604-8G's - he has the McCauley 12 db/octave passives that he got with the 604's, he also has the latest GPA passives.

I'm pushing a DCX-2496 where he can mess with frequency, slope, time delay, EQ, etc. What are your thoughts?

My background includes service for ALTEC 1974-75 as they introduced the 802-8G & 604-8G. Sound 80 co-engineered the 604-HPLN with a 421-8LF cone & no network. Their active crossover was asymmetrical 12dB LP, 18dB HP and included time correction - the best I ever heard from a 604!

ALSO - I'm interested in contacting member "kaiolaf" who had JBL 116A woofers on a classified ad that expired - maybe Clsi or someone has an email for him? I want to buy the JBL's for a L-16 restoration project.