Legendary LF reproducers! This is an amazingly beautiful set of rare survivors.... in immaculate condition. Altec 803A A 16ohm version -- very early ones.. And, in perfect condition, exceptionally original ... most importantly a FACTORY matched pair! ...From the same run, dated production, Altec #s, special stamps on FRAME mark them as a PAIR. BOTH inMINT CONDITON. ...From early production mid / early 1950's ... genuine and almost 60 years old. Absolutely beautiful cones and original Altec green paint, tags, cones and identification.
Both units were examined carefully, and found to be a perfect match. Both original mid 1950's coils are right at 12 ohms -- matching DCR, and show as nearly idendical on our 20-20k impedance plot (see Exhibits A & G).
Such efficient and versatile original woofers will sell quickly, as they are nearly impossible to find in original condition. These are the original 803A and found use in systems such as: Voice of the Theater, 820 corner system and the Altec Laguna (these large incredibly rare home systems used two 803's 2-per-cabinet).
While newcomer collectors and listners often initially seek the Altec 515 .... the 803A to experienced audiophiles is more frequently chosen for Lansing Iconic & Western Electric type sytems.... and the 515,B,C should be a secondary choice unless you're using a very inefficient box or really lare horns. The 803 series has more presence in high efficiency situations. Altec themselves, usually recommended the 803 woofer -- over the 515 for medium venues, and in HiFi home setups!
This is an examined, matched & tested MINT set. They will be professionally packed for safe domestic or international shipment. Please see our 100%, 5 star feedback on all premium vintage audio.
Study exhibit (c, d) to see an actual unit(s) playing music & signals -- nice sounding drivers!
Early 803's such as these are the ones everyone's looking for, and with good reason -- they combine the best of both worlds.
Excerpt below was originally and very accurate description originally prepared by the expert in vintage audio and dedicated, experienced listener Walter Bender (this was one of his personal favorites of the Hollywood Altec & Lansing eras -- he did prefer these over 515B's ... in most setups) :
""Originally, many speakers had clamp ring arrangements to hold down the cone edges instead of glue. And about in the forties and fifties for the early thinkers, like ALTEC, there was a movement toward 2-way speakers so as to allow more frequency extension which would sell better to the moviegoers. (Originally, many theaters used full-range, stiff-edge units in box cabinets.) ALTEC 803's were at first large stiff-cones with hard paper edges and little cone movement. ALTEC realized that they could get more compliance and thus lower frequencies with a treated edge in the 803A as well as less failure on the surround edge in the mid-fifties. The yet later 803B incorporated a further extension through the use of accordian-fold edges and fabric (or cambric) surround construction. So, the reason the 803A is so wanted by audiophiles is that it combines the largly better detail of the stiff paper while introducing the reliability and better low frequency response of the treated edge. This is an absolutely killer mint pair of 803A's--it's the only pair we have. Hope you can see how nice and perfect they are. They both were made in late-1956 and are both quite perfectly centered, revealed by the tough N-E-S-W test. The DCR's on the factory calibrated FLUKE are matched at 8.4 ohms--the speakers are factory rated at 16 ohms. And on the BK 886 the direct reading modulus of impedance is: 22.09 ohms at 100Hz, 16.74 at 120Hz, 21.45 at 1000Hz and 72.63 at 10kHz. These weigh 17-lbs each, so figure shipping a minimum of 42-lbs packed for Domestic UPS """
This is Early at HiFiTown back writing here.... and since Walt's (above) desciption years ago, I've again carefully examined this pristine pair for this special sale, and it is probably our best set ever. If you want a chance to own some of the best woofers Altec ever produced, you should definitely buy these now.
The impedance was tested with audio signal, found to be PERFECTLY MATCHED, both units. Sound is clean, clear, no rubs, buzzes or distortion. Spyder (dampers) are all centered, no sag (see reports exhibit C & D & video).
Very difficult to find in MINT Condition, all ORIGINAL matched cones, and completely tested. . This nice pair will sell QUICKLY. Buy now to avoid bidder's war.
QUALITY is EXCELLENT. Cones are supple, original edge is tacky, clean and fresh feeling. These woofers were kept as a pair in an estate. Stored in climate control.
See reports (Exhibit A,C,D,E). These are the real McCoy. The Altec 803A, alnico woofer - in this early variety from the early to mid 1950s -- is an excellent choice if you are using vintage tube amps.
From the early days of HiFi -- before Altec decided they needed a more wattage handling in their woofer lineup. For almost any listener & for MOST conditions, the 803A will deliver the goods with superior clarity in it's dept. -- that's tight, accurate bass and lower voices. This is one of the last models to be made in Altec-Hollywood era design, with outer clamp rings that allow easier cone adjustments and alignment. These EARLIER cones also have a single accordian roll -- that gives them a tighter & faster cone for more LF efficiency and detail.
Originally installed in USA, cinema type A7 systems & ultra high end late 50-1960s era home hifi installtions & sytems. Where they performed wonderfully in singles and in pairs-per channel. They mate well with ALL Small and mid size Altec / Lansing 1" drivers and some 2" drivers (in smaller rooms with short horns).
If you are using vintage horns & drivers of any brand, with moderate power -- the ULTRA clean & high efficiency 803A, green clamp ring (pretty much identical to Hollywood era, with the added dampner) 16 ohm version is a wonderful choice. The high gauss alnico V magnet gives these amazing woofers exquisite detail in almost any cabinet. On open baffles w/wings, or almost any kind of projector baffle, many bass reflex - - all good ways to use these .... They are some of the best ever woofers made in 1940s & 1950s America.
For LF in your system, it's hard to do better -- ever. Many owners of rare Klangfilm, JBL, & Western Electric drivers -- opt to utilize vintage Altec or Lansing for superior LF tone & reproduction.
The mose throughly tested and nicest condition you will see anywhere.Buy now to avoid a bidder's war.
Vintage Altec is now sought after by listeners all over the world. Buyers of these nice units will enjoy a true investment in sound, and for financial gain ... for years to come...(as you're probably aware, the $ value of vintage WE, Lansing and Altec drivers in this condition have doubled many times over the past 30 years).
Excellent for projects where audio quality and realism is crucial...and only a few tube watts are needed!
All 100% happy customers, NO DOA, please view feedback for testimonials of happy customers.
Professional 5 star packing. We always double box in hardboard, securely fastened, inner boxes and safest cushioning. Fast overseas dispatch with tracking #s emailed..always!
Legendary LF reproducers! This is an amazingly beautiful set of rare survivors.... in immaculate condition. Altec 803A A 16ohm version -- very early ones.. And, in perfect condition, exceptionally original ... most importantly a FACTORY matched pair! ...From the same run, dated production, Altec #s, special stamps on FRAME mark them as a PAIR. BOTH inMINT CONDITON. ...From early production mid / early 1950's ... genuine and almost 60 years old. Absolutely beautiful cones and original Altec green paint, tags, cones and identification.
Both units were examined carefully, and found to be a perfect match. Both original mid 1950's coils are right at 12 ohms -- matching DCR, and show as nearly idendical on our 20-20k impedance plot (see Exhibits A & G).
Such efficient and versatile original woofers will sell quickly, as they are nearly impossible to find in original condition. These are the original 803A and found use in systems such as: Voice of the Theater, 820 corner system and the Altec Laguna (these large incredibly rare home systems used two 803's 2-per-cabinet).
While newcomer collectors and listners often initially seek the Altec 515 .... the 803A to experienced audiophiles is more frequently chosen for Lansing Iconic & Western Electric type sytems.... and the 515,B,C should be a secondary choice unless you're using a very inefficient box or really lare horns. The 803 series has more presence in high efficiency situations. Altec themselves, usually recommended the 803 woofer -- over the 515 for medium venues, and in HiFi home setups!
This is an examined, matched & tested MINT set. They will be professionally packed for safe domestic or international shipment. Please see our 100%, 5 star feedback on all premium vintage audio.
Study exhibit (c, d) to see an actual unit(s) playing music & signals -- nice sounding drivers!
Early 803's such as these are the ones everyone's looking for, and with good reason -- they combine the best of both worlds.
Excerpt below was originally and very accurate description originally prepared by the expert in vintage audio and dedicated, experienced listener Walter Bender (this was one of his personal favorites of the Hollywood Altec & Lansing eras -- he did prefer these over 515B's ... in most setups) :
""Originally, many speakers had clamp ring arrangements to hold down the cone edges instead of glue. And about in the forties and fifties for the early thinkers, like ALTEC, there was a movement toward 2-way speakers so as to allow more frequency extension which would sell better to the moviegoers. (Originally, many theaters used full-range, stiff-edge units in box cabinets.) ALTEC 803's were at first large stiff-cones with hard paper edges and little cone movement. ALTEC realized that they could get more compliance and thus lower frequencies with a treated edge in the 803A as well as less failure on the surround edge in the mid-fifties. The yet later 803B incorporated a further extension through the use of accordian-fold edges and fabric (or cambric) surround construction. So, the reason the 803A is so wanted by audiophiles is that it combines the largly better detail of the stiff paper while introducing the reliability and better low frequency response of the treated edge. This is an absolutely killer mint pair of 803A's--it's the only pair we have. Hope you can see how nice and perfect they are. They both were made in late-1956 and are both quite perfectly centered, revealed by the tough N-E-S-W test. The DCR's on the factory calibrated FLUKE are matched at 8.4 ohms--the speakers are factory rated at 16 ohms. And on the BK 886 the direct reading modulus of impedance is: 22.09 ohms at 100Hz, 16.74 at 120Hz, 21.45 at 1000Hz and 72.63 at 10kHz. These weigh 17-lbs each, so figure shipping a minimum of 42-lbs packed for Domestic UPS """
This is Early at HiFiTown back writing here.... and since Walt's (above) desciption years ago, I've again carefully examined this pristine pair for this special sale, and it is probably our best set ever. If you want a chance to own some of the best woofers Altec ever produced, you should definitely buy these now.
The impedance was tested with audio signal, found to be PERFECTLY MATCHED, both units. Sound is clean, clear, no rubs, buzzes or distortion. Spyder (dampers) are all centered, no sag (see reports exhibit C & D & video).
Very difficult to find in MINT Condition, all ORIGINAL matched cones, and completely tested. . This nice pair will sell QUICKLY. Buy now to avoid bidder's war.
QUALITY is EXCELLENT. Cones are supple, original edge is tacky, clean and fresh feeling. These woofers were kept as a pair in an estate. Stored in climate control.
See reports (Exhibit A,C,D,E). These are the real McCoy. The Altec 803A, alnico woofer - in this early variety from the early to mid 1950s -- is an excellent choice if you are using vintage tube amps.
From the early days of HiFi -- before Altec decided they needed a more wattage handling in their woofer lineup. For almost any listener & for MOST conditions, the 803A will deliver the goods with superior clarity in it's dept. -- that's tight, accurate bass and lower voices. This is one of the last models to be made in Altec-Hollywood era design, with outer clamp rings that allow easier cone adjustments and alignment. These EARLIER cones also have a single accordian roll -- that gives them a tighter & faster cone for more LF efficiency and detail.
Originally installed in USA, cinema type A7 systems & ultra high end late 50-1960s era home hifi installtions & sytems. Where they performed wonderfully in singles and in pairs-per channel. They mate well with ALL Small and mid size Altec / Lansing 1" drivers and some 2" drivers (in smaller rooms with short horns).
If you are using vintage horns & drivers of any brand, with moderate power -- the ULTRA clean & high efficiency 803A, green clamp ring (pretty much identical to Hollywood era, with the added dampner) 16 ohm version is a wonderful choice. The high gauss alnico V magnet gives these amazing woofers exquisite detail in almost any cabinet. On open baffles w/wings, or almost any kind of projector baffle, many bass reflex - - all good ways to use these .... They are some of the best ever woofers made in 1940s & 1950s America.
For LF in your system, it's hard to do better -- ever. Many owners of rare Klangfilm, JBL, & Western Electric drivers -- opt to utilize vintage Altec or Lansing for superior LF tone & reproduction.
The mose throughly tested and nicest condition you will see anywhere.Buy now to avoid a bidder's war.
Vintage Altec is now sought after by listeners all over the world. Buyers of these nice units will enjoy a true investment in sound, and for financial gain ... for years to come...(as you're probably aware, the $ value of vintage WE, Lansing and Altec drivers in this condition have doubled many times over the past 30 years).
Excellent for projects where audio quality and realism is crucial...and only a few tube watts are needed!
All 100% happy customers, NO DOA, please view feedback for testimonials of happy customers.
Professional 5 star packing. We always double box in hardboard, securely fastened, inner boxes and safest cushioning. Fast overseas dispatch with tracking #s emailed..always!
