I came across a pair of Altec model 305 for a price I just couldn't turn down. Do I need another pair of speakers, certainly not but curiosity got the best of me:). Besides, I`ve never had an Altec speaker before so here was my chance. What caught my attention was the condition this pair was in. Aside from rotting surrounds, they are in near mint condition and came from the original owner. Considering the condition of the surrounds, I didn't dare play music through them but I did run some low level pink noise to verify that all of the components were operational.
I know these aren't highly collectible or even desirable given that there is practically nothing out there in terms of information on that model or series for that matter, they couldn't have been too popular either so I wasn't expecting much out of them.
For those who are unfamiliar with that model, it's a 3 way sealed enclosure with a 10" carbon fiber woven woofer, a 2" and 1" Mylar dome mid and tweeter. The cabinets are finished an all 6 sides with a gorgeous Walnut veneer with a very nice overall fit and finish. The only thing that seems out of place is that a stamped basket is used on the woofer. I would think that a cast basket would have been more appropriate but it does have a good sized magnet, probably in the order of 30 ounces or so and a 2" VC.
The mid resembles a compression driver with the back plate removed. The Mylar diaphragm is mated to a small accordion spider type surround which I found interesting.
Anywho, fast forward a couple of weeks and I install the new foam kit and fire up the system, having no idea what to expect.. I am so happy that what I heard put a smile on my ears:)
The immediate first impressions were how seamlessly the 3 drivers integrated and how well they imaged even with a very basic positioning of the speakers. A very forward of the speaker plane and quite dimensional presentation, something that I look for in a speaker. They are decently lively,detailed and dynamic too.
There isnt a whole lot happening below 45hz or so but what is there tight and tuneful, I suppose things will change some after the surrounds loosen up a little.
I have to say that I havent been this surprised since I had some JBL S38`s a little while back.
I really have no idea how this model was regarded in it`s heyday but Im hoping someone might chime in with their experiences or perhaps point me in the direction of some documentation.
Here are a couple of pictures.
