Hello,
could some expert please confirm whether this is an original Altec 515B cone or an aftermarket one. Never seen such a cone on original Altec speakers, hence my question. Could maybe made by GPA?
could some expert please confirm whether this is an original Altec 515B cone or an aftermarket one. Never seen such a cone on original Altec speakers, hence my question. Could maybe made by GPA?
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TTBOMK, GPA cones should look just like my '50s originals and '70s recones of another '50s pair, which these don't. Not only is the obvious pebble grain missing, that shiny band the dust cap is in shouldn't be there plus the screens don't look right to me.
Look carefully and you can see the grain plus screen detail: SR System Audio: GREAT PLAINS AUDIO – GPA 515-8C vs GPA 515-8G
GM
Look carefully and you can see the grain plus screen detail: SR System Audio: GREAT PLAINS AUDIO – GPA 515-8C vs GPA 515-8G
GM
One cone is stamped "OCSC-5165". Is this original Altec cone number?
Yes, there are many things look non- original, the band around the dust cap, visible grain structure missing, the surround has no shining laquer painted on, color of the cone seems light blue/green. But seller (like any other seller) claims the cones to be original Altec. Its just that I would like to judge myself and learn how to select original Altec cones vs. aftermarket, because aftermarket shoulnd't sound as good as the old originals.
Yes, there are many things look non- original, the band around the dust cap, visible grain structure missing, the surround has no shining laquer painted on, color of the cone seems light blue/green. But seller (like any other seller) claims the cones to be original Altec. Its just that I would like to judge myself and learn how to select original Altec cones vs. aftermarket, because aftermarket shoulnd't sound as good as the old originals.
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Sorry, no. It's an Orange County Speaker re-cone: Orange County Speaker Repair is now GLS Audio
Worse, even later 515B, factory re-cones don't sound the same and it's my understanding that GPA can only replicate the last version of it, so for me if mine should become damaged I'll probably just sell them as is and move on now that there's other brand's neo motor drivers with as good or better 'tone', etc., plus higher power handling, less weight [a big deal now at my level of decrepitude 🙁].
GM
Worse, even later 515B, factory re-cones don't sound the same and it's my understanding that GPA can only replicate the last version of it, so for me if mine should become damaged I'll probably just sell them as is and move on now that there's other brand's neo motor drivers with as good or better 'tone', etc., plus higher power handling, less weight [a big deal now at my level of decrepitude 🙁].
GM
Hi GM,
This guy’s recone job of older 416 variants using the GPA kit kinda hints that the mass is now somewhat heavier and the dustcap screen vent is thicker than the old ones, with a water-based goop used this time for the surrounds.. It’s interesting that they sent him the wrong size gaskets?
Still, looks top notch quality though..
YouTube
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Greets!
Interesting! Have read lots of folk's that have used GPA recone kits, some on even really old drivers and nary a one has commented about the gasket issue or different DC screen.
EPA mandated the switch to a latex based dope, but C.P. Moyen's replacement works just as well as its acetone? based predecessor and a heck of a lot less messy, smelly.
Re added mass, the 16 ohm were heaviest, then beginning with the 8 ohm they dropped down, then each new model was heavier, working their way back to 16 ohm weight.
I can only speculate as to why, but the lightest is the 416-8B, so combined with AlNiCo, little wonder why it's the all time fan favorite. 😉
GM
Hi GM,
I never knew that info, from ‘heavy’ to ‘light’ and slowly back to ‘heavy’ again.. Thanks!
I never knew that info, from ‘heavy’ to ‘light’ and slowly back to ‘heavy’ again.. Thanks!
Hi GM,
just came across this interesting post from 2 years ago where you state that "there's other brand's neo motor drivers with as good or better 'tone'".
I'm very curious to know what other brands you are referring to that have similar or better tone compared to your 515B's? I have gone through a number of highly regarded modern 15" but none of them had the wondeful tone of my Altec 416-8B's, and I'm sure the 515B's are even better.
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