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Altec Carmels?

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I've been frustrated in my search for affordable Model 19's but have found a nice pair of Carmels (original owner from early 60's). Price is $900. Dual 414z alnico woofers with 811 horn and 806 drivers.

Will use a pair of WE91 300b type monoblocks to drive them. 13' x 15' room. Low listening levels.

What is the downside of the Carmels verses the 19's?

Thanks,

Mark

Follow Ups:

RE: Altec Carmels? - djgaloot 23:47:06 11/03/09 (6)
I don't have the 19's but I do have Malibu's which are like the Carmels but with the 414's in a vertical arrangement below the 811. Love them!
- Any tweaks? - mark_mayajensen@bellsouth.net 17:10:09 11/04/09 (5)
  The Carmels should arrive this weekend! Are you running your Malibu's stock?
  
  Mark
  - RE: Any tweaks? - djgaloot 21:58:28 11/06/09 (0)
    No real tweaks yet. I am running them in a multi-purpose environment. For DVD listening they are run stock. For movie watching I use two 15" infinite baffle subs and cut out the lower frequencies to the Altecs because I do not want to damage them with LFEs. Sounds pretty darn good either way. Currently I am using an older H/K a/v receiver. I have an analog set-up I want to hook up as a second source which consists of a Fisher X-202 integrated tube amp and Thorenss TD160 turntable. I have measured the in-room response and the higher frequencies start to roll-off about 12k which is pretty typical. One of the altec forums has an extensive thread about (I believe) 9844s which are similar to the Carmels but with a smaller enclosure. They did a lot of experimenting with different horn drivers, diaphragms, etc. I do not have the link but it is worth looking into if you really want to know what is going on with these components.
  - you going to show - Oface 17:49:54 11/04/09 (3)
    any pics when they arrive?
    
    If you had more questions, you could go to the unofficial Altec forum
    
    -chris
    - http://www.hostboard.com/forums/altec-users-board/ (Open in New Window)
    - picture - mark_mayajensen@bellsouth.net 18:17:51 11/04/09 (2)
      From the seller. Am I being a pest with my questions?
      - no..... - Oface 16:05:03 11/06/09 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: picture posted by mark_mayajensen@bellsouth.net on November 04, 2009 at 18:17:51
        
        But it is like porn... next we want some video....jk!! ;^)
        
        Those look really good......enjoy!!
        
        -chris
      - Got to find somebody here in WV whith some Atlecs - Paully 19:04:21 11/04/09 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: picture posted by mark_mayajensen@bellsouth.net on November 04, 2009 at 18:17:51
        
        I have just been waiting to hear some. I guess its just time to buy a pair, can always sell them later. Nice buy though, I am jealous!
RE: Altec Carmels? - Tom Brennan 13:42:47 11/02/09 (5)
Compared to the 19 the Carmel is lacking extreme highs and lows. However the midrange from the 414s of the Carmels is arguably a little better than the mids of the 416 used in the 19. Both the Carmel and 19 are IMO first rate speakers. As far as dynamics, clarity and imaging go the Carmel is the equal of the 19.

I recently owned both 19s and the Heathkit version of the Carmel, the AS-21. IMO the 19 is the better speaker but not by much.
- RE: Altec Carmels? - mark_mayajensen@bellsouth.net 17:13:24 11/04/09 (0)
  Thanks Tom! Do you know what the 811/806 tops out at? 12-13k hz perhaps? My 50 year old years can get to maybe 14.5 ...wondering about adding a tweeter. Carmels arrive this weekend!
  
  Mark
- RE: Altec Carmels? - terrapin 07:12:07 11/03/09 (3)
  Where would the 846A Valencia fit into this conversation?
  Thanks.
  - RE: Altec Carmels? - Tom Brennan 12:25:00 11/03/09 (1)
    The Valencia used the same treble section as the Carmel but used a single 15" 416 woofer rather than the double 12" 414 woofers of the Carmel. Sound is more alike than not IMO&E.
    - RE: Altec Carmels? - jnorv 17:58:31 11/03/09 (0)
      Tommy, have you figured out how to download your data base? My Dad had an incredable amount of info stored in his brain but I lost it when he passed.
      
      Jim
  - RE: Altec Carmels? - Uncle Mike 09:31:54 11/03/09 (0)
    I believe it's a larger box with 802 drivers on an 811 horn with a 416 low frequecy driver. I own the 846b which came with an unfinished cabinet.
RE: Altec Carmels? - David Yost 06:35:24 11/01/09 (0)
The Carmel won't be as extended in the upper octaves and probably will need stands to sound their best. Nonetheless, they are nice sounding speakers and quite efficient. Also, the trim pots will probably need a good cleaning. I don't know how well the original caps age, but they might be ready for replacement, too. Lastly, the surround treatment will have pooled towards the bottom of the woofers, so if they can be rotated 180 degrees without damage, you should probably turn them.

$900/pair sounds right for a very mint pair of Carmel's, but also right for an average pair of 19's -- whereas a mint set of 19's would probably set you back another $500-600. Maybe you can add a pair of Fostex tweeters to the Carmal's, regain some missing "air" and still come out ahead?

Good luck,
David

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