You're welcome!
Haven't researched it and with the understanding that no modern driver can replicate AlNiCo's 'luxurious' response when in its optimal heat rise (euphonic FMD) zone, the only one I know for sure that's not outright too expensive for the vast majority would be a modded/custom made AE and assuming Nick McKinney is still active, then he's the one I would contact as we had discussed ~replicating my increasingly 'unique' 515Bs way back in Lambda Acoustic days.
For reference, this factory measured 515B is near enough a copy of what I have ('snap' to die for 😉), so another option if using a 'sub' and wanting a near enough original Lansing 515 [~40-60 Hz Fs depending on its heat rise) would be (like I'm leaning towards, recommend) to just find a vintage/modern AlNiCo guitar driver since if you were to research all the way back to the MGM Shearer horn you'll find what we consider a ~zero Xmax 'full' range Musical Instrument [MI] driver!
Happy hunting 😉: http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/altec/specs/components/515b/page02.jpg
FYI/FWIW here's a builder/restorer that's begun seriously researching Altec/GPA alternatives: https://www.garyfischerspeakers.com...cZGcP14fNGO0-XuXVpgXRybuSlvyDiw6RO4b0oKZnvvc8
It would be a real shame if there is no replacement for the Altec 515b. These drivers are the main reason for building my mid bass horn. The snap and mid range character, clarity are truly superb. Luckily, I have a spare pair of 515b's. I know of no modern driver replacement for the 515b.
Joe
Joe
I love this video Joe, I've watched it several times. Your system is a true inspiration!
Midbasshorns with double 515B's each side, I bet that sounds fantastic 🙂
Thank you GM,
very interesting that Gary Fischer, possibly the number one Altec system restorer, has switched to Faital, Radian and Beyma!
He writes this on his website;
"Realizing this day was coming years back, I sought out other audio component companies for replacement drivers.
Only to find a higher quality of replacement drivers from BEYMA, FAITAL PRO, and RADIAN.
In testing, the new tech drivers out perform the originals."
This is certainly encouraging 🙂
HI, GM
I just wanted to thank for all the years of great information you have shared with the DIY community. Your information has helped me several times !!!
Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays,
Joe
I expected nothing else.
As good and advanced Altec were in their heyday, we are talking 50´s technology here.
Science and technology has definitely advanced since.
Happy Holidazes to you!
You're welcome! Glad I could 'peel back the veil of science' a bit as Tom Danley likes to call it thanks to him and a number of other pros/avid DIYers have done for me and sadly much too late to give credit where most due, W.E./Lansing/Altec, the folks that left us precious few things to invent beyond improved materials, manufacturing technology and only fairly recently been able to match their best field coil driver specs.
😀 Indeed! Wasn't aware of him till I joined FB for the Altec and a few other vintage driver's pages.
Sorry for reviving an old thread - but
Are they = GPA still in business? - I have tried mail and phone several times, and there is absolutely zero response.
Or is it just because they don't support international customers?
Are they = GPA still in business? - I have tried mail and phone several times, and there is absolutely zero response.
Or is it just because they don't support international customers?
It's my understanding it's mostly just Bill, but last time I checked they were announcing Father's Day sales on FB, but with no more current ones, have to wonder if his age finally laid him low: https://www.facebook.com/GreatPlainsAudio/
I emailed them today about support (e.g. Alnico re-magnetizing) and continued production of the 416-8B.
sforopel@greatplainsaudio.com
sforopel@greatplainsaudio.com
Yeah. I didn't have any luck - and eventually found the drivers (not Alnico) I needed, within the EU on the used market.
Hopefully you will get through to them one way or another. Should be easier within the US.
Hopefully you will get through to them one way or another. Should be easier within the US.
I called them today, 1-951-347-2732. Someone picked up; not Bill H. I should have asked his name. Possibly, he was one of these two guys from Troy audio.
https://greatplainsaudio.com/an-int...ping-the-altec-tradition-vibrant-by-jeff-day/
https://www.troyaudio.com/home-2/
I had explained our concern about continued support for Altec products, after having problems reaching them via the website phone, email, instagram, et al.
But he said they often don't pickup the phone as they're just too busy. When I asked about continued production of drivers like the 416-8B driver he said they have no plans to do otherwise. So that's certainly great news for those like me looking for another pair.
Question about longevity of GPA 461-8B Alnico flux density: Say one has a pair bought brand new from GPA circa 2016, never used and installed in 100 liter sealed cabinets. With reference to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-loudness_contour -and at 10 ft in a 2470 cu ft room-if the above 416-8B in a sealed 100 liter box is typically used several hours weekly to play down to ~ 70Hz at between 80 and 85 db (with Rythmik F12 subs below), how long before they will need to be sent back to GPA (or to Gary Fischer?) for refluxing?