[Overview]
■ Overview ■
This item is a pair of the extremely rare, slim bass-reflex 2-way system, the ALTEC A8, released by Altec Lansing in the late 1960s.
Among the “Voice of the Theater (VOTT)” series, which was born in 1945, the A8 is positioned as one of the smallest models. Even so, it fully inherits the essence of the series: high efficiency, high sound pressure, and dynamic musical expression.
While carrying on the design philosophy of large theater systems such as the A5, the A8’s greatest feature is its slim cabinet design with reduced depth, making it suitable for small theaters and limited spaces.
This design marked a major turning point for the VOTT series, expanding its use beyond theaters and into private listening environments.
Production numbers were extremely limited compared with the A5 and A7, and the A8 is known today as a very rare model with few surviving examples.
This particular pair is an original system composed of the following components:
ALTEC 416Z black 15-inch woofers,
ALTEC 806A black compression drivers,
and N800-F networks.
In addition to the supple, fast low-frequency response characteristic of the 416 series, the smooth and open mid-to-high range of the 806A connects naturally, creating a sense of scale and presence that is hard to imagine from such a compact enclosure.
This is a well-balanced 2-way configuration that truly embodies “The Altec Theater Sound.”
The cabinets were designed for professional use, so while their appearance is rugged and free of decorative elements, they possess a functional beauty that reflects the idea of “letting the sound speak for itself.”
Thanks to the shallow-depth design, they can be installed comfortably in a typical listening room while still delivering theater-like energy and realism.
The cabinets are well dried and in good, open-sounding condition.
Both left and right speakers are a matched pair with consistent sound pressure and sound quality.
There are signs of use appropriate for their age, including paint peeling and scratches, but overall they remain in generally good condition.
Please refer to the posted images for details.
[Specifications]
416-16Z 16Ω
The woofer uses the ALTEC 416-16Z.
This is an excellent woofer unit representative of ALTEC, also used in models such as the Valencia.
Among ALTEC’s woofer units, it is regarded as an exceptionally fine model.
In particular, this black die-cast type is very rare.
Operation and sound output have been confirmed and are guaranteed.
The speaker cone paper and edges are both in good condition, with no sagging or hardening.
Please judge the exterior condition from the photos.
Type: Woofer
Magnet: Alnico V
Impedance: 16Ω
Frequency range: 20Hz – 1600Hz
Sensitivity: 100dB
Edge: Cloth
Magnetic flux density: 11,000 gauss
Dimensions: 38cm x 18cm
Weight, each: 8kg
806A 16Ω
The tweeter uses the 806A 16Ω mid/high-frequency driver, released in 1964.
This is one of the most highly regarded drivers made by ALTEC and is also well known for its use in models such as the Valencia.
It offers the classic Altec sound: smooth and soft, yet sharp, clear, and full of presence.
This is also a highly rare 16Ω black-type unit.
Operation and sound output have been confirmed and are guaranteed.
The diaphragms are also in good condition.
Please judge the exterior condition from the photos.
Type: Horn driver
Magnet: Alnico V
Impedance: 16Ω
Frequency range: 500Hz – 22000Hz
Sensitivity: 110dB
Diaphragm: 1.75″ aluminum
Magnetic flux density: 15,000 gauss
N800F Network
The network uses the famous N800F, released during ALTEC’s golden era.
It forms a 2-way system with an 800Hz crossover.
Crossover frequency: 800Hz
Power handling: 100W
System type: Bass-reflex, floor-standing
Size, each: W760mm x H1070mm x D310mm
Weight, one side: approx. 70kg
Total weight: approx. 150kg
