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RE: Altec 414Z efficiency

Posted by Jim Hodgson (A) on March 3, 2009 at 16:15:45

In Reply to: Altec 414Z efficiency posted by oldgears on March 2, 2009 at 10:53:04:

The following is from Altec's 1966 "Specifications for Engineers and Architects" (I love that for some reason -- I'm far from being either one, though): "Pressure Sensitivity" of the 414A (same as the 414Z) is "99 dB (SPL at 4' from 1 watt)."

I have 414Zs in my Altec Sevilles and Carmels. The Sevilles have one 414Z per enclosure and cross over at 3000 cycles (to use an appropriately vintage term), and the Carmels have two 414Zs per enclosure and cross over at 800 cycles. My 45 SET will drive either of these speakers to breathtaking levels in a room that measures 25' x 20' x 17' (cathedral ceiling).

I'm not sure exactly what to make of AstroSonic's comment that "playback at live levels will not generally be possible." That's not to say that I disagree, however. I will say this: a good rock recording (my recent favorite, although not recently-released, is Jimmy Page & the Black Crowes "Live at the Greek") played on my 45 / Carmel system, at a volume verging on uncomfortable, is as close to the live experience as I've ever come. And the amp was definitely *not* verging on uncomfortable: it somehow seemed to have plenty in reserve.

While this by no means represents a typical listening session for me -- think more like Scarlatti on open baffles -- it's fun as hell every so often. And when I say "verging on uncomfortable" above, that may or may not equate to "live levels." If it doesn't -- if it comes up short in the volume department -- then I guess I don't much care. How enjoyable is auditory discomfort? If "live levels" has as much to do with truly ferocious dynamic contrast, then "live levels" has met its match -- even with flea power.

This is rock music, though, and orchestral recordings obviously present their own wicked challenge: how to get even a glimpse of the live experience of a concert hall in a living room??? Whatever the answer, I don't think that the efficiency, or lack thereof, of the 414Z is going to be what makes or breaks the experience.

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