The BOSS 19: A no compromise DIY built of the Altec Lansing Model 19 with cryo treated components.

In this episode, we interviewed our long time supporter Steve Huelsbeck. Steve recounts his Audio Journey, his early systems, his ADS obsession, his restoration of a set of Altec Lansing Model 19s that ultimately led to his DIY build of THE BOSS 19. Steve's DIY interpretation of this Altec Lansing Top of the Line classic is in many aspects: no holds bar. To address the weaknesses of the original Model 19 (no loudspeaker is perfect), including the sporadic harshness and the lack of deep deep bass, he incorporated many well known upgrades as well as incorporating some unconventional modifications to the design. This include cabinet internal volume enlargement, height increased, strategic bracing, selective used of damping materials, tuning of the 811B sector horn, internal cabling upgrades, crossover upgrades, cryogenic treatment of horns, crossovers, speaker cables, interconnects as well as the use of twisted cables. Some of his methods and ideas may be beneficial to other audio systems. We listened at length to Steve's DIY implementation of this BOSS 19s driven by 18W tube monoblock amplifiers. The sound was amazing and without a doubt this is the best version of the Altec Model 19 that we have ever heard as of 7/14/2026. If you actually see and listen to them, you will agree with our take on Steve's model 19 clones, They are indeed, the BOSS! This video is broken up into 4 main sections. Steve's Audio Journey - 0:00 Steve buys and restores his first set of Model 19s - 11:36 Steve's DIY built of the BOSS-19 - 19:19 Tweaking the sound and epilogue - 44:19 If you enjoy our content, feel free to LIKE and HYPE our videos and of course, Subscribe to our channel. It really helps to get the word out of the virtues of horn based loudspeakers and why they are the BEST for hifi. You can follow us on instagram:   / chicagohornguys   You can further support us by "Buying us Coffees" using the link below: https://coff.ee/chicagohornguys Be a monthly buy us coffee supporter from the Continental US and get a Chicago Horn Loudspeaker Guys hat. or Join us on Patreon (future benefits and contents for Patreon members to be determined. Right now its a Chicago Horn Loudspeaker Guys hat for monthly paid members):   / chicagohornloudspeakerguys   #hifi #stereo #horns #JBL #Altec #18Sound #Radian #WesternElectric #B&C #BMS #Faital #SBAudience #GreatPlainsAudio