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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
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,973 posts
 
I would agree [have original Altec items hold on to them and treat them as the rare bird they are.] I am happy as all heck that GPA exists still to me OS or NOS Altec is the better sounding but if damaged or in need of a new transducer why not GPA. I but not see anything False maybe just a slight rant. I do think most Altec collectors etc know this but not the general audio buying public so maybe it did need to be said.
clsi OP
2 posts
 
First, I wasn't meaning to disparage Bill and his crew. Bill is one of the two best speaker techs I know.

Many, if not of the things GPA makes sound great. I do not however think they sound as good as Altec. I like the original cones on the 515 and 416, they are just more expensive. Thier versions of the 604 is interesting because although the cones are not as good as the original, the choice of horns are probably better.

The biggest difference are the HF drivers. If you spend extra money and get them to use Alnico mags they sound pretty good, but still not as good as the 288's with the Alnico's and better phase plug. I have a pair of some of the last Altec 288's with Alnics and the better phase plug. They are fantastic. I also have a couple of pair of Altec 802-G. Bill made one by hand and they sound great. The Altec.

I like GPA a lot.....they are just not Altec.
ozone's avatar
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ozone
2 posts
 
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.
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