may I ask an ignorant question? Drivers for 511B horns?

[mhardy6647]

What sort of drivers are typically/traditionally/best used with the Altec 511B horns? I realize that the three qualifiers I used may represent 3 different drivers :-)

I am (with luck) procuring a pair of 511B horns and I am keen to play with them; but I have no idea what drivers would be appropriate.

Thanks!

[spkrman57]

B & C DE250 is one

Altec 902 (Can be bought from GreatPlainsaudio)

Regards, Ron

[robertbartsch]

The Altec 802 is a good driver for the 511 horn.

There are two major horns that Altec manufactured for the 1" compression driver (1) the 511 and (2) the 811. The 811 is the smaller sized horn.

The 511 horn was in production for decades and several 1" compression drivers were used during that time period. In fact, all of these were good. The early models like the 802 used alnico magnets and the later models like the 902 used ceramic motors.

The Altec 902 - 1" compression driver was the last model made before Altec went Pow! Some beleive it has better HF range.

Good luck!

[mhardy6647]

With a pair of 846A Valencias in the living room, I am pretty familiar with the 811 horns :-)

The 511, not so much. Thanks for the information.

[Tom Brennan]

If you drill the matching 3 hole pattern in the 511 flange the JBL 2420 works very well though IME any difference in sound between a 2420 and an 802 (if any) is subtle.

[Russellc]

The Altec 802 is a good driver for the 511 horn.

There are two major horns that Altec manufactured for the 1" compression driver (1) the 511 and (2) the 811. The 811 is the smaller sized horn.

The 511 horn was in production for decades and several 1" compression drivers were used during that time period. In fact, all of these were good. The early models like the 802 used alnico magnets and the later models like the 902 used ceramic motors.

The Altec 902 - 1" compression driver was the last model made before Altec went Pow! Some beleive it has better HF range.

Good luck!

Actually there are two different 511B horns, three if you count 511E, which isnt for 1 inch however.

The 511 comes in an older version, with solid metal welds and a little support thing way back in the throat. The newer versions had the welds open and filled with a rubbery compound, and no support back in the throat. These later versions are superior to the earlier ones, of course the earlier ones can be modded........

Russellc

[jcrobso]

If you drill the matching 3 hole pattern in the 511 flange the JBL 2420 works very well though IME any difference in sound between a 2420 and an 802 (if any) is subtle.

The construction of Altec horns was different from JBLs. The Altec horn are very resonant and will ring like a bell if hit. Several from of dampening can be used to reduce this. JBL applied dampening compounds during manufacturing.

[Tom Brennan]

The construction of Altec horns was different from JBLs. The Altec horn are very resonant and will ring like a bell if hit. Several from of dampening can be used to reduce this. JBL applied dampening compounds during manufacturing.

IME cutting the vanes and damping the kerfs, damping the lips and solidly securing the horn to a baffle will cure the ringing. All that clay on the bell and throat of the horn pictured did nothing.

I've seen quite a few metal JBL horns with no damping.

[mhardy6647]

IME cutting the vanes and damping the kerfs, damping the lips and solidly securing the horn to a baffle will cure the ringing. All that clay on the bell and throat of the horn pictured did nothing.

I've seen quite a few metal JBL horns with no damping.

I don't doubt that the Altec horns ring... but it doesn't have the sonic consequences (in my experience) that it does in, say, the cast metal MR horns on Klipsch Cornwalls.

[Tom Brennan]

I don't doubt that the Altec horns ring... but it doesn't have the sonic consequences (in my experience) that it does in, say, the cast metal MR horns on Klipsch Cornwalls.

I agree, I think that often people "fix" ringing because they can, know what I mean?

[robertbartsch]

My 811s did not ring at all when installed in a suitable cab.

...owned um for +30 years.

[mhardy6647]

heh, the 511b horns arrived yesterday :-)
Now I have to get a little more serious about drivers for them.

[herki the cat]

Hello Rssellc; I am impressed with your expertise with Altec 511 horns. i would like to modify my 511 horns & i have addressed the details within your text as follows. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Please respond via PM. cheers ___LHF Member: = herki the cat.

Actually there are two different 511B horns, three if you count 511E, which isnt for 1 inch however.

The 511 comes in an older version, with solid metal welds___ ( item #1 to modify and a little support thing way back in the throat.


Russellc;..... ( ? can you identify the the weld locations & the little support thing back in the throat __in a sketch, so i can modify my 511horns please ? )

The newer versions had the welds open and __ filled with a rubbery compound, and no support back in the throat.

Russellc;.......( ? what rubber compound should i purchase?)_

These later versions are superior to the earlier ones, of course the earlier
ones can be modded........

Russellc

[louped garouv]

basically, you take a sawz all and go at the front veins in the middle, where you can see the weld... replace with some firm rubber, or similar

i don't know how you would remove the rear brace without taking the whole assembly apart....