Restoring Model 19s

[Redtoys13]

Folks, I am a longtime AL fan (currently have Model 14s and 19s running) but new to the forum and would appreciate any advice on restoring the 19s. I am sure that this has been gone over many times so I hope everyone is patient as well. Binding post options, internal wiring and crossovers are tops on the list so far.

Thanks

[louped garouv]

Folks, I am a longtime AL fan (currently have Model 14s and 19s running) but new to the forum and would appreciate any advice on restoring the 19s. I am sure that this has been gone over many times so I hope everyone is patient as well. Binding post options, internal wiring and crossovers are tops on the list so far.

Thanks

I would encourage you to read up on the threads here and on Todd White's Altec forum...
as you mentioned, this is a fairly common inquiry...

the easiest way to search for the threads, IMHO, is to use an advanced goodle search limiting your search to the forums' URL that you want to search and keywording using terms like: M19, Model 19, 416-8B, 802-8G, etc..

good luck with your quest!

[Altec Best]

Hostboard is down so Todd's forum is as well.They were getting some kind of Fatal Error, not much info has been provided but is supposed to be back up and running later today.

I think I can help out but if your patient I can post links to the threads once Altec forum is back online.

Here's a couple pictures of mine ! I made a few mods.I also replaced the foams that are all but gone on any 19 still out there and IMO it is required to damp the bell of the horn.This is where the slight ring comes from, most of it any way.Made a nice improvement on mine.They look good too.

Now for the XO's you will need to get:

1) 21 uF
2) 16 uF
3) 8 uF
4) 6 uF

I used Solen "Fast Caps" 400v Metalized Polypropylene they aren't real expensive either.

These of course will be needed in pairs one set for each cabinet/speaker, same with the resistors.

1) 3.9 ohm - 2 will be needed
2) 3 ohm - 1 will be needed
3) 2 ohm - 1 will be needed

These were Dayton Audio, 10 watt, 2%, Audio Grade wire wound ceramics.For the 3.9 ohm you will have to get them from Madisound and a couple of the caps all other parts I got from Parts Express.

Please Note: Nobody makes a 21 uF cap unless you special order with quantity.So just use 2 caps such as a 12 uF & a 9 uF to get to your value.IMHO I like to keep the values similar as well such as 12-9 uF as opposed to using something like 20-1 uF to get to the correct value.It is also easier to work with 2 similar sized caps then one big one small,for me anyway.

DO NOT REMOVE/REPLACE THE INDUCTORS/COILS !! They are part of the voicing for Altec ! And they very rarely go Bad ! So it is a waste of money anyway, IME.

OK, Now just clean the L-pads with De-Oxit 5 and work it in real good.I find that they don't go bad to often .However they do oxidize,and need to be cleaned with the aforementioned De-Oxit, especially if they have been abused or were in a dirty environment, if you feel you have to replace heres a good replacement.

https://www.madisound.com/store/prod...roducts_id=551

Also get yourself a nice length of 14/4 AWG wire 10-12' that is stranded, the more strands the better, IMO.Also easier to work with, (Flexible).

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/24-1675

OK Last But Not "LEAST" Bypass the ground lugs with wire to wire connections.The rivets on the board become loose and oxidize.So they make terrible grounds after a long period of time ! The first picture shows the ground lugs (Green Circles) just use a black ground wire from lug to lug (Soldered).

After I did these Mods there was an incredible difference in the sound ! I like to say it was "Night & Day" difference.Could not believe the improvement,Let's just say I was one happy camper ! Now all my drivers/speakers were in Mint Con.with the exception of the XO's which were way out of spec.My drivers are all original and still measured very close to factory specs ! Now these mods are factory specs and values.There is another that Zilch did called the Z19.

Good Luck ! and Happy Listening !