Blvdre

My understanding is that the driver impedance wouldn't be an issue with the A, I'd just need to change the tap settings on the squawker autoformer to match the driver levels. It wouldn't be the first time "my understanding" was wrong I've never heard of a LaScala bass horn being crossed over that high. Anyone ever try this, and if so, how did it perform up there? I do like the idea of smoothing out the horn response. Yeah, I originally thought about running the system as a two-way, but it seems most end up adding a tweeter later on.

OK, so I am familiar with the Universals - that's what I'm currently running w/my K55's and 77's. Dean, I was thinking of crossing the 902's even a bit higher to give them some breathing room, say 600Hz - what would the appropriate coil value be? I'm right with you on the tweeter crossover, seems a shame not to let the 902 do it's thing - 7500Hz sounds good to me. One more thing; what model autoformer is used in the A?

I've been pondering an upgrade path for my LaScalas for some time now. I thought I was going to go the K510/K69A route until I realized the Klipsch saleman had quoted me wholesale prices, thinking I was a dealer I suppose. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. So I made up my mind to go with the Altecs, grabbed a set of 511B's on the cheap, and have a pair of Bill's brand new 902-8's on the way. I'd like to add a tweeter to the mix as well, maybe the APT-200. I currently am running Wright's WPA3.5 monos with a WLA12 pre. I really like the sound of this combo, very natural. My listening levels are reasonable, and given the positive reviews about the SET/ 1st-order x-over combo, I'd like to give this set-up a try. I did a search and found that people seem to favor either the standard A, Al's A, or the DHA x-overs. I'm trying to figure out what would best suit my needs. I like the idea of the DHA providing a constant load to the amp. Don't know about Al's A's, only his Universals which I am currently running with my stock LaScala set-up. Any opinions, comments, guidance are welcome.

Thanks for the correction Harry. Bill at Great Plains seem to think the 511A's only came in green. BTW, I love the green horns.

I believe the 511A was green and also had the 1" throat, for all intents and purposes the same as a 511B. Here's a helpful website for all that is Altec. It's a bit hard to navigate, but be persistent, you'll find what you're looking for. http://alteclansingunofficial.nlenet.net/

For a lower-cost solution, you could try the Etymotic musician's ear filters: http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/er915and25pr.html I have a pair myself, and highly recommend them. The frequency attenuation response is pretty flat, they're comfortable, and fairly discreet.

If you're the one that's drunk, how come I see a blue gorrilla?

Ok, I see now. That would be helpful, as the mat would discharge any ESD build-up on the record. A wrist-strap would dissipate any static that has built-up on yourself.

For an ESD mat to work, there would need to be a path to ground, and the ground strap has to pierce the mat, so not practical. I would guess an anti-static mat specifically designed for turntables wouldn't have a path to ground per se, but would probably be constructed of a material resistant to building up a static charge. I suppose if you had a conductive mat/platter/bearing/suspension you could tie that to ground, thereby eliminating ESD build-up......um, yeah, look for a discwasher ant-stat gun as suggested.

That's easy, the tube amp makes a nicer piece of furniture.

I tried to, ended up with a glove box full of broken glass.

Ooh ooh, let me...."and forthwith no ss gear shall naught taint thine gossamar lobes with thou barbaric coarseness, lest ye be smite down by my most noble glassware! Seriously though, my 3.5 watt SET's kick your SS's *** Delusion is also a common trait. ...works for my sex life, too!

Ooh ooh, let me...."and forthwith no ss gear shall naught taint thine gossamar lobes with thou barbaric coarseness, lest ye be smite down by my most noble glassware! Seriously though, my 3.5 watt SET's kick your SS's *** []

Geeze, I'm not pullin' that trigger. Though, if you decide a 12 will do, I've got you covered [:|]

Gotta love that little Cindi

Yup, tight band. I was disappointed that their original drummer wasn't with them. His replacement wasn't quite pulling it off, just not the right feel or sound. ...and Peg Bundy was hot, that's all I'm sayin'.

Good to know (I already have more than I know what to do with...). Have the RoHS specs had any effect on rosin based fluxes? I'm not a fan of any "no clean" fluxes, they just don't clean the area as well as the old rosin. My feeling was that industry went to the no clean because it's easier to clean, post wave machine (yes, you still have to clean "no clean" flux), and that it's more electrically inert, but toxicity may have also played a role. I love my rosin core, and it's easy enough to clean with a brush and alcohol.

I think she was being rewarded for her music, not her behavior. A strong album, "Rehab", and "I'm no good" are by no means the best of the lot. People who abuse substances do so for various reasons, the main thrust being self-medication. No one really wants to be an addict, because in the end, you know what the deal is: the problem won't go away by getting high. So you either kill yourself, or you get better. In spite of her rehab tune, it sounds like she's trying to get better. Like most addicts, it'll take 5 or 10 or 15 attempts. If she doesn't die first, she'll be good to go. Hope she sticks around, she writes great music. Hopefully kids see her for what she is, a posterchild for the anti-drug campaign, and not the embodiment of the "romantic, tortured artist".

I just use the old rosin core lead and tin, clean up the flux afterwards with a bit of alcohol. I can't imagine silver would hurt though.

Got the La Scalas packed up and ready to go, where do I send 'em? Oh, and if the boxes look a bit small, and smell funny, think nothing of it. [A]

Sounds like a nibble....

I would certainly be interested in a passive design for the k-510/ La Scala as well. A schematic would suffice, and I wouldn't mind shelling out for a well thought out design.

I'm not opposed to trying an active x-over set-up. In fact I'd love to give it a go, but it would be a more expensive (slower) route.

Shawn, thanks for the clear explanation, and the visuals, very helpful. I like the fact that the Klipsch combo has better dispersion, but to deal with the EQ issue, I assume I would need to go with active x-overs, which would also require at least an extra low-end amp. My assumption being you can't implement a shelving x-over in a passive network.

Shawn Pardon my ignorance, I'm a bit x-over impaired, so the k510/k69 combo would require a shelving filter to boost the high-end, due to the mass roll-off? Does this mean there is roll off present at the drivers high-end, inherent in the driver design? Can you elaborate on the concept of "...does not trade dispersion for EQ..", having a hard time wrapping my around that one. BTW, are those your Alt-Scalas? I was thinking along those lines, integrating the 511 in to the top. nice to see it realized.