Altec A8 - N800F Crossover Build

My first Altec project are these 40+ year old A8's.

Attachment 81949

The cabinets and low freq drivers - 416-16c - are original. I'm running Great Plains Audio 909-16's in place of the original HF drivers.



Attachment 81948

The stock N800F networks are in good condition, but I thought I'd see what I could do with some of the caps and parts I had, along with some new parts, in a new build. I used Duelund tinned copper 16awg and 20awg internally as well.

I used this design:
Attachment 81945

I used these parts:
Attachment 81946

It's been exactly one year since I built them, and just this week I feel they are settled in properly. The speakers sounded dull and slower than they should for quite a while. I didn't have the Altec in my space the entire time - they sat in storage for some time - so, it took this long.

I must say, they now sound better than I'd hoped. I'm running a Toolshed Amps Euphoria stereo amp with 2A3's, and in my small (11'x13') space the A8's are sounding lovely. The room isn't ideal, but I was able to dial them in despite the size.

There seems to be some renewed interest in the A8s in general, and in the 32B horns in particular. I've read a number of articles by folks that much prefer the 32Bs over the 511 and 811 horns. It's been so many years since I've heard A8s that I cannot remember anything about their sound.

It's good to hear that you are pleased with yours.

GeeDeeEmm

Nice job on that crossover.....enjoy!

I guess you liked them so much, they’re on eBay!:bouncy: