Horn for Altec 288

[mefisto]

Greetings all,

I have acquired a pair of Altec 288C without diaphragms, and since people on this forum are JBL/Altec affectionados, I decided to solicit opinion about the driver.

1. Are any of the aftermarket diaphragms worth it, or is the best option to buy from Great Planes Audio?
2. I understand that there is no Be diaphragm for the Altec, but I was wondering if any Be diaphragm would have proper diameter and radius to be adapted to fit?
3. Since I have no information about the driver's history, how do I ascertain the condition of the AlNiCo magnet? Or would it be preferable to send it to Great Planes Audio for re-magnetization?
4. What would be a frequency range (including compensation) to run the driver without strain given appropriate horn/wave-guide?

Regarding the horn/wave-guide, I am lucky not be restrained by WAF. What would be a good horn/wave-guide to try? Although I prefer the freedom of the wide listening area of constant directivity horns/wave-guides, I was quite enamored with my friends Yuichi Arai A290 horn, but I also read that the TAD TH-4003 is quite an improvement. Although I understand that there used to be plans published on the Internet I was not able to find them so if anyone has them and would be willing to share, I would appreciate it.

The other alternative would be to sell the drivers, they appear to be quite prized, and buy a modern 1.4 - 1.5 inch driver and a modern horn/wave-guide.

Any opinion would be appreciated.

Kindest regards,

M

[Ed Kreamer]

If you want to replace the diaphragms, GPA is the best source. They know what they are doing and will give the best performance. Besides, I don't know if any one else makes a replacement diaphragm. As to the horn, Altec made a version of the 511 (511E I think) but they are really scarce. May be a JBL 2380 with an adapter. Again GPA will probably be your best source for advice, and products. The 288 was a terrific driver and would sound good in any system.

[mefisto]

Thank you for the response Ed.

Kindest regards,

M

[more10]

Congratulations to a very good driver. Go for GPA diaphragms.

There are very few horns with 1,4 inch entry. Altec made a few PA (as in Public Adress) horns. You can spot them in train stations and stadiums. 311 is a "modern" Altec horn. They are quite expensive if you find them. These horns are usble down to 300 Hz, but the driver should not be used below 500, http://greatplainsaudio.com/wp-conte...spec_sheet.pdf

The JBL 2309/2310 should work perfecty with Altec adapter 33710. You can cut the 2309 at 800 Hz. http://www.jblpro.com/pub/obsolete/A...ns_Family1.pdf

[sguttag]

I would try to locate some MRII594 horns (medium format). They are good down to 500Hz and sound VERY good. The larger horn, MR94 is best, if you have the space. Also good down to 500Hz.

[mefisto]

Hi more10, sguttag,

thank you for your suggestions. I am building a nice database of possible candidates.

Kindest regards,

M

[more10]

Altec multicells are very expensive. But if you got time and skill Petter Persson will show you how to build your own: https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/mult...cell-horn.html

[more10]

The Altec sectoral and multicell horn brochures can be found here: https://greatplainsaudio.com/altec-l...peakers-horns/

[mefisto]

Hi more10,

the Petter Persson dedication is admirable, way beyond my meager woodworking abilities. I also have never hard a multi-call horn.

Kindest regards,

M

[Sootshe]

This seller has some great products.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MK805B-M...sAAOSwNkJaSQ3X

[barossi]

Hi,

i really like my EV 6040 horns with my Altec 288 drivers.

KR Barossi

[more10]

This seller has some great products.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MK805B-M...sAAOSwNkJaSQ3X

Beautiful! Based in Germany. 4 horns for sale:

https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/baagerse...p2047675.l2559

[Earl K]

Beautiful! Based in Germany. 4 horns for sale:

https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/baagerse...p2047675.l2559

His805B Clones sure look nice.

Hopefully mefisto picks up on the need for a tweeter when using 288's in these MultiCells.

[mefisto]

Greetings all,

Hopefully mefisto picks up on the need for a tweeter when using 288's in these MultiCells.

Mefisto sees the FT(?) tweeter, but his focus has changed because his DS-1428 are coming back.

Kindest regards,

M