Final decision

[Michael7]

Do I understand that right?

Santiago is better than Model 14
Model 14 is better than Model 19 cause Model 19 got not a deep bass?
Valencia (8Ohm I searched the specs) is like the Santiago for comparison

So I would search a Santiago or Valencia ?? Hope I get it :-)

[JayBass]

To be clear, an Altec Valencia 846A is the older 16 ohm model and, in my opinion, the preferred Valencia to mate with Shindo amps. The latter 846B was an 8 ohm model and is not the one to be seeking out if an 846A can be found in good condition.

[fjn04]

So how does an 846A, model 19, or model 17 compare. I have just heard from a 19 owner, that a 17 (alnico) may be a nice alternative. He said the 17 may be better in a smaller space. Obviously the 19 is a beast, and I imagine provides some REAL low bass energy.
Is the Valencia 846 A a bit more refined in general. As far as the 17 goes, I haven't done my research. Cheers -Don

[JayBass]

I believe the Altec 17 is an Altec 604 which is an entirely different speaker than the Valencia or the Model 19.
I have not heard a 604. From my research, I gather that, for my needs, with a Cortese, I am better of with a Valencia or Model 19 than a 604-based Altec. I understand that, if not careful, the 604 can take your head off, harshness-wise. In the words of Steve Hoffman, the 604 helped deafen a lot of studio engineers.
This would i imagine not hold true if we are talking about a Shindo-modified 604, but, rather, a 604 in stock form.
I am happy with my stock Valencias.
Tom Brennan, a poster on Audioasylum, and apparent Altec maven, feels the Model 19 is even better than the Valencias.
I have not had the pleasure of hearing the Model 19 bit would like to someday.

[gortnipper]

A Model 19 is far better than a Model 14, and Model 19 has deeper bass. I would love a pair of 19s - they are considered the best "home audio" speaker Altec made.

Yes, the Model 17 is a 604 duplex speaker in a 620 box. It should sound very, very nice but totally different speaker to a Valencia or Model 19. It is essentially a studio monitor, and are meant for mid/near-field.

I have a pair of 604s in a 10 cu ft box (bigger than a 620) and they sound great with tube gear and Shindos. The real problem with the "harshness" of Altec duplex speakers is the crossover. A custom one will make the speaker shine far better than the stock ones do - like a Jeff Markwart, Mastering Labs, Selah Audio or one of the very nice ones mast_mutter (ebay) makes.

[omodo]

Michael7: you're in Germany? it may be worth your time making contact with Wolf von Langa and trying to audition some of his Altec based speakers. At the very least to see if it's the sound you are looking for.

The Werner Jagusch (mast_mutter) crossover is the way to go, very similar in topology & implementation to Shindo crossovers. Don't waste your time with the Markwart or Mastering Labs, I did.

[JayBass]

Has anyone tried this Werner Jagusch crossover in Valencias.
Per your comment and recommendation, I looked them up on EBay and am thinking of trying a pair.

[JayBass]

I went ahead and purchased the crossovers from Werner Jagusch on eBay. Received and installed yesterday. All indications seem very promising, even with cheap radio shack hook up wire. I was already happy with the stock crossovers, but these, which utilize autoformers, and not even burned in, have brought the Valencias to a new level of coherence and seamlessness that I would not have thought possible. I can also play them louder without any aggressiveness creeping in. Will post updates for all who may be interested since I don't think much has been written about them online, at least in English.

[gortnipper]

Excellent!!

[omodo]

Good to hear Jaybass!

(try Belden #9497 for hookup wire if you can find it, otherwise a twisted pair of Alpha Wire #3057 is close..)