Altec Lansing Valencia vs. Heathkit AS-101

[jgaupel]

Hi,
Can someone tell me the significant differences between these models?

Jeremy

 

[planet10]

GM?

They certainly look similar

dave

 

[GM]

Greets!

Different cab, tuning, damping, XO with the Valencia's 'bright'/'thumping', 'in your face' 'West Coast Sound' Vs AS-101's somewhat smoother 'HIFI' sound that blended with a typical room much better as the excessive damping differences testifies. Note the Valencia's missing rear cover is covered with the same thin padding as the rest.

Note the two vertical slit vents the Altec horn creates Vs that area heavily stuffed to ~aperiodic loading in the 101s.

 

[picowallspeaker]

Ha ha! That Heathkit Pic of the dual binding posts ment for bi-amping... reminds me of ol' crossover schematics, yes, electronic crossovers, there was the marantz with the 12ax7 and the Heathkit employing 12ay7, then the tubecad Pages...

 

[jgaupel]

picowall,

What information are you trying to get to me? Are you saying that the AS-101 uses the 12ay7 crossover?
Also I have no idea what "tubecad Pages" are.

thanks
Jeremy

 

[planet10]

https://tubecad.com/

dave

 

[EarlK]

The Altec pictured is a first generation Valencia and uses 16 ohm drivers.

The Heathkit pictured uses 8 ohm drivers.

I would say that's a significant difference between the two.

 

[jgaupel]

Thanks all,
The reason I am interested is that I have a set of AS-101s that I need to pick up. I am wondering what to expect; Are these desirable?

Jeremy

 

[GM]

I would say that's a significant difference between the two.

Eek! Indeed! Sadly shows how much attention I paid!

 

[GM]

I am wondering what to expect; Are these desirable?

You're welcome!

Again, IME, so recommend deciding based on your preferences, though either way they're both 'desirable' simply for the drivers, horn combo, so can cheaply convert them to the Valencia performance wise or improve either with a modern XO if designed for your electronics.