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RE: Sonic Differences between Altec 417 & 414

Posted by waj4all on October 20, 2012 at 12:57:56:
O.K., so now I've finally gotten myself a decent demo of the (doubled) 414. Perhaps I should share my findings:

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First I should also disclose that I believe the midrange is THE most important region of the audio-spectrum and that, for lifelike sound, it is extremely imperative that a speaker-system reproduce ALL of the mids in the most natural and realistic manner possible - most of the popular modern small-coned examples do not (i.e. lacking the lower-mids, and overall dynamism). I also believe that Altec 416s & 515s (especially the latter) are amongst the best at reproducing ALL the mids, among the drivers readily available TODAY. [In a modified DIY application, my own current doubled-12" drivers *(linked below, for the curious) seem to depict instrumental and vocal tonality in a manner I prefer to that of the excellent 515 (dynamism may be slightly better with the latter, tho I can't be sure unless compared in my own system).]

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After this, my most recent encounter with doubled 414s, it seems the the same scenario applies as to that of the 515 (based on my memory of the latter). I must admit that, in my previous encounters with the 414 countless years ago, I didn't look for the features I look for today. Nevertheless, I saw no reason not to accept others' opinion that its mids were perhaps as good as those of the 515, with which I'm somewhat more familiar. (Some have even hinted that the 414 is better, in this regard - perhaps others may want to comment on this). However, months ago, I was unfortunate enough to encounter a pair which reminded me of the 'unpleasant' sound of the 417. (In retrospect that system, driven by a 'cheap' vintage ss amp known to me to be 'atrocious', was the most likely cause of the sub-par performance of the speakers). Nevertheless, doubts crept in, to the extent that I now questioned the efficacy of my intent to, one day, seek to A/B-compare doubled 414s to the doubled 12"ers I currently use.

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However I'm pleased to report that my most recent encounter with the 414 (subsequent to the O.P of this thread) reaffirms my accord with the 'popular' notion that it fully deserves its reputation as a completely viable qualitative alternative to the 416 and, especially, the 515 - more so, when doubled. Driven with decent equipment, it bears no resemblance to the 417 whatsoever - thankfully - a 'drastically different animal', as Alpha Al would say. (The 417's only advantage is in loudness per watt). [Oh, and btw, I'm inclined to stick with my current drivers for their tonality, and for the moment, tho the 414 is indeed confirmed to be a worthy alternative (and dynamism does seem slightly enhanced with doubled examples). A direct A/B-comparo could some day sway me in its direction, however. Though I doubt this.... who knows? But aren't such things part of what makes hifi so interesting?]

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Many thanks to those who also shared their opinions, here.

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Cheers!