Crossovers For 414-8C, 811B & 802-8G System

[brian2a3]

Hello!
Found this site (excellent, by the way) and have a question about what would be ideal crossovers for a system consisting of Altec 414-8C woofers, 811B horns and 802-8G compression drivers. Enclosures presently being used are ported, but on the small side, and will ultimately be replaced with 3 CF ported enclosures (ala 614-Ds or something similar). Been trying different Altec crossovers with varying results. As of now, have tried N1285-8A which has adjustable x-over points of 500, 800, & 1200 Hz. 800 Hz was not very good, with excessive HF. 1200 Hz seemed a step in the right direction with better balance, but still not "there". Next was the 604-8K crossover, which I believe is 1500 Hz. This one has been the best, but still feel there is more audio nervana to be discovered. My completely unqualified feeling is that since the 414-8C is good up to 4 kHz, an even higher crossover point might be the ticket. Has anyone here put this system together or have experience with these components that maybe able to give some advise?
Many thanks to any replies!
Brian

[moldyoldy]

You might investigate the XO Altec used in the 9849 series, 1500Hz, 2nd order, with a LF zobel. Probably minor tweaking of your 604 XOs could get you there. That's about all I could offer.

http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/altec/specs/pro-speakers/9849-8a-9d.htm

I'd biamp, but then, my network's biased that way.;)

[brian2a3]

Thanks for the info, Moldyoldy. Had seen those speakers and crossovers, but think they might be pretty hard to come by. As to active crossovers, definitely an option, but would like to keep things simple.

[JBLRaiser]

I'm told that a SS amp with lots of watts and a tube pre-amp go well with the old stuff. I'm using Dynaco amp/pre and I like the results. I plan on having my audio 'guru' build a pre using 6SN7 tubes and will eventually biamp with a small tube amp for the horns. Just some thoughts for consideration.

[Steve Gonzales]

Are your 802-8G's completely stock, or do they have aftermarket Titanium? I'm suprized that you didn't have a good result at 1.2khz. The 414-8C has an almost identical magnetic/motor structure as it's big brother 416-8B. I wonder if the Altec Model 19's 1209-8A- 1.2khz crossover with it's additional midrange equalization would help. I frown at the idea of using the 414's up at 4khz or thereabouts. Talk to Bill at Great Plains Audio, he should have some good advice. Here is the link:

http://www.greatplainsaudio.com/

[Gary L]

I think Steve is onto something in haveing the capacity to adjust both mid and high frequencies. The 1201-8A in the 19s is tuff to find and pricy. The 1209 is another option but I am not sure it employs the same filtering of the 1201.
I have three speakers with very close to your components, 9849-8Ds, Model 15s and 19s. The 15s & 19s both have dual adjustments while the 9849s have one. I wish the 9849s had the additional adj.
For a nice box you might see if you can locate a pair of empty 15 cabinets, a pair just sold cheap at auction. You would need the bent horn to replace the 811s but don't let that hold you back. They are very nice sounding and fairly obtainable and fit your 802s perfectly.
15 cabinets will not fit 811 horns unless you do some cutting in the rear for the driver protrusion. The bent horns are just fine for this combo.
The model 15 XO might work just fine as well and I think it is crossed at 1200Hz and it does have dual adj.

Gary

[cthayer]

the 1209 xo refited with russian pio sound great