Altec Lansing 299-16A and MR 11 564 horn

[David Ketley]

Altec Lansing 299-16A and MR 11 564 horn.
Anyone use these units are they any good?

Someone wants to swap for my JBL 4726As
Any comments are most welcome.

Dave

[withTarragon]

Sure, I have used those horns and I have a pair for sale.

To bring others up to speed on the nomenclature for the horns. The Mantaray series 2 (or II) is better than the original series. The 5 refers to it loading down to about 500 Hz and the 6 indicates the horizontal dispersion is 60ded and the 4 indicates the vertical dispersion is 40 deg. These are constant directivity horns (freq response off-axis is comparable to the response on-axis). They accept the 3 bolt 1.4 in drivers. The size of the horn is not small.

Using long throw horns like this in a home environment can be done and can have certain advantages. If you are in a man-cave with a low ceiling, they will minimize some of the near reflections (a good thing). Since they are CD horns, the power response is more uniform (another good thing). In my set up, the problems with room acoustics were attenuated and I got a very pinpoint stereo image. In some ways the precision on the imaging can be scary. I like this effect, some folks do not.

In my own experience, I found that a higher crossover point was preferred and a steeper crossover slope was also perferred.

In what sort of configuration are you going to use yours?

[Altec Best]

Hey Dave ! I have a pair of the 299's they are awesoms drivers.They are 30 lbs. each.And like them very much.They will put out a whole lot of sound "Loud" as stink. :)

http://www.greatplainsaudio.com/vintage_altec/299-Series_hfdriver_spec_sheet.pdf

This Mantaray horn I'm not as familiar with.I have the MR II 594.

http://www.altecpro.com/pdfs/vintage/SpeakerAndMics/horns/MRII564%20HF%20Horn.pdf

[David Ketley]

I propose using them in my 4 way active system. Im using a Ashley 4 way analogue crossover and would want to try them from 1000HZ up with a Heil Ess tweeter covering the upper frequency range.
I understand the 299-16A is a nice sounding driver?
What sort of money should I pay if my contact wants cash instead of a swap?

Thanks

Dave

[Altec Best]

I propose using them in my 4 way active system. Im using a Ashley 4 way analogue crossover and would want to try them from 1000HZ up with a Heil Ess tweeter covering the upper frequency range.
I understand the 299-16A is a nice sounding driver?
What sort of money should I pay if my contact wants cash instead of a swap?

Thanks

Dave

Dave that always depends on condition.I just bought a nice pair for $500 :D There is a seller on eBay that sells them for $425 each which I think is very steep ! (aaokc)

They are in very nice condition with new Diaphragms.All this will have to be taken into consideration like if you have to replace the diaphragms in them,that should change the cost.They are ferrite motors so you won't ever have to have them re-magged like Alnico.

[David Ketley]

Many thanks its just a case of assessing whether the proposed swap was about right in terms of value.
I know these units have the original diaphragms three in all with horns and cages. Also in the deal two 3127 12" in small cabints.
Just got the 4726As running not bad for PA equipment.

[David Ketley]

Swapped the JBL 4726As and 4 2225s two ok two needed rocone for 3 Altec Lansing 299s with the MR 11 564 horns and two 12" Altecs in reflex boxes.

The 299s came with strong steel cages for mounting.

Put the 299s + horns in instead of my 2425s with biradial horns and all is sounding very nice.

Crossing over at 1000Hz.

Many thanks for the help and feedback.

Dave

[Altec Best]

Put the 299s + horns in instead of my 2425s with biradial horns and all is sounding very nice.

Crossing over at 1000Hz.

Many thanks for the help and feedback.

Dave

I think you did well ! I like the 299 it is a very nice sounding driver.I think they work effortlessly,therefore the sound is very,very,smooth ! acoustic output 145 db loud as stink ! With very low distortion. :D

[David Ketley]

Thanks but Ive been informed that the very best is the Tad 4002 but a very different cost and yes its all a matter of comparison.

My guess is the horn on the 299s could be greatly improved with better dispersion any suggestions?

[Altec Best]

Thanks but Ive been informed that the very best is the Tad 4002 but a very different cost and yes its all a matter of comparison.

My guess is the horn on the 299s could be greatly improved with better dispersion any suggestions?


Yes the horn is too small IMHO ! If you had a Multicell (805-1005-1505) or a MR 594 they would sound much better IMO.

The Tads are way overpriced IMHO.Do they sound good ? Yes but for Around $2000-$3000 for a single driver. Please ! :blink: If you are 20 years old and your hearing is still hearing up near 20k yeah maybe,but not now.You get the right horn for those drivers you will be quite pleased IMO. And still have $3500-$5500 in your pocket ! :p

[stephane RAME]

I use 2-way
http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?11750-My-new-Loudspeaker-Systems-%E2%80%93-Great-Plains-audio

Stéphane