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View Full Version : Altec - What do I have?



BigT
12-13-2007, 11:38 AM
My very first hi-fi speakers were Altecs, bought sometime in the mid-70s. On the back there was a label that said "Voice of the Theater" but they certainly were not intended for theater. I recall something that said that they were the consumer version of the theater speaker. They look very much like the Altec Valencia ( http://www.wardsweb.org/audio/Altec/Altec129.html ) but not exactly. All corners were mitered and the top did not overhang the edges. It had two ports alongside the woofer. It used a 15" woofer and a multicell horn midrange/tweeter and a foam grille with an Altec nameplate.

I have yet to find this particular speaker listed anywhere in any Altec website, on Ebay or anywhere. My brother has them now. The beautiful wood finish is unscratched and unblemished and in perfect condition. The foam grille has deteriorated but has been replaced. One horn driver had been replaced. I wished my brother would allow me to look at them closer but so far he has been reluctant.

I really would like to find out if anyone knows anything about this speaker and, especially, what it might be worth. He doesn't want to sell but both he and I are curious.

JSF13
12-13-2007, 12:16 PM
Sounds like the enclosure from the 1974 Altec Enclosure Guide for V.O.T.T components.

http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/altec/plans/1974-enc-design/page31.jpg

Tom Brennan
12-13-2007, 12:28 PM
Sounds to me like it might the later version of the Valencia, the 846B. It had a simpler cabinet, a foam grille and dual round vents.

http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/altec/catalogs/1975-home.htm

BigT
12-13-2007, 01:35 PM
Sounds like the enclosure from the 1974 Altec Enclosure Guide for V.O.T.T components.

http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/altec/plans/1974-enc-design/page31.jpg


Yes - this is what it looks like. What are the drivers and horns in it? Can anyone estimate what it's worth?