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ALTEC Santiago Floor Speaker Model 878B vs Altec model 19

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Posted on July 27, 2015 at 18:04:05
EduardG
Audiophile

Posts: 284
Location: So. Cal
Joined: May 30, 2002
 What's the difference between ALTEC Santiago Floor Speaker Model 878B vs Altec model 19? I know that model 19 sport a vent in the front. But other then that they look similar to me.

 

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RE: ALTEC Santiago Floor Speaker Model 878B vs Altec model 19, posted on July 27, 2015 at 19:41:07
viridian
 The Santiagos are not on the same planet as the 19s and are also inferior to the Valencias IMHO.

The 411 woofer is the worst thing about the Santiago, but the cabinet is not well braced compared to the 19 and is much, much smaller as well, just check the dimensions.

The 19s are also more sensitive than the sealed enclosure Santiago and the crossovers are quite different as well.

 

RE: ALTEC Santiago Floor Speaker Model 878B vs Altec model 19, posted on July 28, 2015 at 10:01:33
elektron
Audiophile

Posts: 952
Location: midwest
Joined: February 18, 2004
 Eduard, hi. long time no talk. drop me a PM.

 

ALTEC Santiago Floor Model 878B vs Altec model 19 or Valencias..., posted on August 2, 2015 at 17:13:19
Interstage Tranny
Audiophile

Posts: 3063
Location: Eastern
Joined: October 4, 2006
 Crossovers and woofer to tweeter proximity are important when choosing Altecs. The 16 Ohm drivers have a better reputation, but there are great sounding 8 Ohm Altecs out there. The xover can be simple or complex; simpler will sound better most of the time.

The 16 Ohm Valencia, model 846A has their simplest xover, least number of parts and least db/octave slope; thus less phase shift. The 8 Ohm version has many more parts, including power robbing iron core inductors on their xovers. This hurts efficiency and increases phase shift. If soundstage and imagery matter to you, simpler xovers are your friend. If you sit twenty feet away from your VOTs, this may not matter.

The reasons that the 16 Ohm Valencia excels in imagery, besides the low slope xover, are: the close proximity of woofer surround to tweeter horn mouth as well as the fact that the bass reflex port emanates from each side of the tweeter horn. Toed-in just a bit, these speakers can image in a haunting way.

The Altec VOT family of speakers typically produces a huge sound. However, be aware that many Altec setups can sound "forward" or "bright;" even harsh with some amps...Get the equipment symmetry and setup right and these can be your last speakers....

 

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