HC Speakers? What else?

[Vebo]

So, I was looking around at HC speakers for my Allen ADC 3500, and wondering why I cannot just use some great speakers off on an old stereo sound system? Or even buy new ones that like DJs use, etc. My understanding is that the 3500 takes three speakers...

[myorgan]

Vebo,

That works if you find passive 3-way speakers with a 20-20k frequency response, and they need to not draw too much power from Allen's 100 Watt amplifiers. If you have S-100 amplifiers, I find I like them better, but you will probably have an ADC multi-channel amplifier.

HC-12 speakers tend to be a bit tubby-sounding, but will probably serve your organ well. HC-14 and HC-15 speakers will work as well, since you don't have any 32' stops on that organ. Others have used HC-13 speakers (if you can find them). They have a smaller form factor than the full-sized Allen speakers.

Search the Forum for speaker replacements for Allen's HC-series speakers. I seem to remember that in a home situation, one member found bookshelf speakers that worked well for them. Just be careful you don't choose capriciously when looking for substitutes.

Michael

P.S. The amplifiers can generally handle 1-2 Allen speakers per channel ca. 3.5Ω to 7Ω resistance. Outside these parameters, and you'll cause problems with the amplifier(s).

[Vebo]

My understanding is that this organ originally drove 3 HC14s

[AllenAnalog]

I would not be inclined to use speakers off an old stereo system except as an interim solution. DJ speakers run the gamut of quality and frequency response and are usually designed for a different type of audio signal (pulsing bass and very high presence) than the continuous frequencies that an organ produces. They might emphasize artifacts and other undesirable sounds that the ADC tone generation system produces since it is a design from the 1980s and not as sophisticated as today's digital organs.

All of that said, until you can acquire some Allen HC speakers, you can use anything you want but may not get the optimal or most pleasing sound out of the instrument. My data shows there is an S-100 amp and a dual channel D-40 amp as standard equipment for the 3 channels. Be aware that the tone generation cage puts out 5 channels of audio but channels 1 and 4 are mixed to feed the S-100 amp and channels 2 and 5 are mixed to feed one half of the D-40 amp. Channel 3 feeds the other half of the D-40 directly with no mixing.

[Vebo]

Thanks AllenAnalogue. You are a priceless resource in the forums, and for Allen Organ Company too.

As for the rest of these forums folks, they have given me a new obsession and hobby, and a new pursuit. I'm not sure if I bless them or curse them, but I love it here!