N8500-8A vs 3110A

[4345]

I have been trying to crossover a 2206(8ohm) to a 2447(8ohm) at 800 hz. I have been using the 3110A without too much luck. The horn is too loud and can not be attenuated down enough without using another attenuator. I was curious if the Altec N8500-8A would work well with the JBL combo?

Are the parts in an N8500-8A up to par with the 3110A.

Any help would be appreciated.

[spkrman57]

They are intended to work in different ways compared to each other.

I use JBL bottom end and Altec/Edgarhorns myself utilizing the "Pi" speaker crossovers with very good results.

I can't answer your question specifically as I am not familiar with the Altec N8500-8A crossover. My experience is mainly with older vintage Altec gear!

Good luck!

Ron

[johnaec]

I have been using the 3110A without too much luck. The horn is too loud and can not be attenuated down enough without using another attenuator.What I'd suggest is inserting a fixed "L-pad" made of 3 resistors between the 3110A and 2447. Zilch posted an example that I tried and it drops the HF by 6dB. It just about perfectly balances my combo of 2206H/3110A/2446J/2308A.

I searched for the post with the example, but couldn't find it. Maybe Zilch can post a diagram and pic of what I'm talking about. I know you said you didn't want more attenuation, but with the efficiency of the 2447 there's no other way I know of unless you go to some kind of active EQ/crossover.

John

[John]

The only thing I can tell you about the N8500 is that it has duel freq. operation. 500hz. + 800hz. there is a switch at the back. Altec came out with that unit to be used in the VOTT systems. Instead of having two units that they can install in the systems depending on which horn was supplied. They came out with this duel purpose unit that would work with the 511 or 811 horn.

[Zilch]

Does the Altec crossover have the HF boost that 3110A does?

It matters. You need that to get the 2447's to play out to 16 kHz, unless you're providing CD compensation via other means.

Just pad down the HF output as Johnaec suggests. 6 dB is a good starting point.

3110A really wants a 16-Ohm HF driver, though it'll work with 8. Start with 8 Ohms in series with the driver, maybe. I'd use a pair of 16-Ohm 10+ watt resistors in parallel, 'cause the resistors will be dissipating as much power as the driver. If you're playing really loud, use 4 x 32 Ohms in parallel.

If you need more attenuation that that, use an additional fixed 16-Ohm L-Pad.

[toddalin]

They came out with this duel purpose unit that would work with the 511 or 811 horn.

Duel??? Which one usually wins?;)

(Sorry, couldn't resist!:D )

[4345]

Thanks for the responses. I am going to give the N8500-8A's a try. I have them arriving in a few days. If they sound good, great. If not, I will mess with the 3110A's. I am not sure I can follow your advice so well Zilch. I am not the greatest with the technical stuff. That is why I thought I would try the Altecs.

I have three of these cabinets for my home theater (L,C,R) so I did not want to bi-amp the speakers. Too compicated for my 5.1 system.

I think the N8500-8A was used on late model 1980's A7's. So, it should be a halfway decent unit. I wonder if the attenuator will turn down the horn enough?

[Zilch]

If not, I will mess with the 3110A's. I am not sure I can follow your advice so well Zilch. I am not the greatest with the technical stuff. That is why I thought I would try the Altecs.Send me a PM if you get to where you want to work with the 3110A's. I'll walk you through it. Easy, really....