Mick Bell

Since sound travels roughly 700 mph at sea level and it's going to travel over the surface of this horn for a maximum of 14 inches, I don't believe it's going to be affected very darn much whether it travels over the rough cast aluminum or over a smoother painted surface. Mick

On further examination of the horns, they don't seem to have been manufactured with much concern about the surfaces. Which to me says the shape is more important than the texture of the surface. The cast aluminium is smooth but not slick and in fact in some places (welds) quite rough (particularly in the vertical fins). It doesn't seem to me that a good coat of black paint -- to cover the original green -- could do much harm. Mick

My Altec 811s have been around the block a few times! Would painting them alter the acustic properties? Mick Bell

I just purchased a couple of 902 drivers today from Great Plains Audio (405-789-0221). These are a bunch of former Altec guys who make new 902 drivers to original specs using former Altec equipment. The drivers are guaranteed for a year and come with everything needed to secure them to the horns. $190. each. Mick

How do the 5lls differ from the 811s? Mick

Very nice, indeed. Really a very good job. They look just great. Congratulations!

Thanks, I'll take a look at the 2404. Mick

Thanks, guys, for the info. I appreciated it very much. Mick Bell

Some years ago I read an article written by PWK. He said always go with the long wall for better sound.

Al, I'm assuming I'd need 8 ohm 902's for use with 811b horn, ALK crossovers, and K-77-F Tweeter. Is that correct? Mick Bell

Does anyone know a source for Altec 902 Drivers? Thanks, Mick Bell

Thanks, Rick. Just ordered the parts! Appreciate your help. Mick Bell

I was just told by Martin Sound that they nolonger have the adapters to fit K-55 to Altec. Martin Sound claims their supplier doesn't have them any longer. Any ideas for another source? Mick Bell

One heck of a good job, Tom! Did you get the grill fabric from Dura Crest Fabrics?

Before you buy anything, check out the Outlaw Audio LFM-1. I just purchased one for use with my Belle Klipsch and it is an outstanding value. http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfm1_gallery.html Mick Bell

I use an Outlaw Audio LFM-1 with my Belles and it blends in very well. $579. 12" down-firing, 300+ watts RMS, 1300 peak. Very flexible: adjustible crossover, input for pre-amp sub out or from amp (speaker cable), phase reverse. A very attractive cabinet with plexiglas insert on top. Yields very accurate, tight base down to 25Hz. Mick

I drove from Dayton, Ohio to Raleigh, NC to pick up a pair of Belle Klipsch. Took me two days but it was worth every mile! Mick

ANCIENT NOELS, Maggie Sansone and Ensemble Galilei, MMCD108. Well recorded with a variety of interesting sounds: Recorders, concertina, psaltery, pennywhistle, Celtic harp, base viola da gamba, drums, tambourine, guitar, cittern, violin. Mick Bell

Check out the Outlaw Audio LFM-1 (about 579.) http://www.outlawaudio.com/rules.html This is an outstanding sub -- tight accurate bass, well made, 12" down firing woofer, and flexible enough to use with just about any system. I bought one about a month ago and I can tell you it is one great bargain. Works well with my McIntosh C-28 and 2105 driving Belle Klipsch. Mick Bell

Thanks, Al. I need all the help I can get. By the way, those new crossovers are terrific. I appreciate being able to install them before Christmas --- great time for music! Mick Bell

Jim and Al: Thanks for the detailed info! This is a great help. Mick

Thanks for the reply, Jim. Actually, Al tells me that the Klipsch (Electro-Voice) driver is not bad. I probably will use the original driver with an adapter which will fit it to the 811s. Mick

Thanks, Tom. This is very helpful. Al told me that he is working on a kit which will include horns (but not 811s). When ready, he'll put it on his web site. Mick

I used Murphy's Oil Soap and it did a great job on my Walnut finished Belles. By the way, if you unscrew the 4 screws holding the very top on, you can clean inside. Mick

Thanks, Tom. But Al's page doesn't cover the particulars on how that grill and baffle are put together and whether the cloth must be taken off in order to install the 811's. Neither does he cover the extension of the bolts to compensate for the extra 3/4 inch. Michael Bell