“Altec 345 Stereo EL34 Amplifier. Heavy patina on chassis. No cage, and stereo switch lever / light (many years ago professionally removed for clear signal path). This amp was bench tested for 2hours and sounds wonderful, so we know transformers are very good! (watch and listen to below video, the amp was playing at minimal volume, with only a test monitor speaker -- the amp exhibits excellent detail and realism) (see exhibit A,B, D,E) This amp is mostly original, complete, and in working condition, ttally tube rectified utilizing 2x 5u4 (see the test video below) . Faceplate and original knobs, and it has straight chassis. Everything you need to operate the amp, or to cosmetically restore down to original still supple power cord. The stereo mono switch and display light is missing it's bulb, long ago removed by original owner to further improve sound. Set of tubes included (See exhibit A-J below). (Different from tubes shown in video. ))”
Altec 345 Stereo EL34 Amplifier. Heavy patina on chassis. No cage, and stereo switch lever / light (many years ago professionally removed for clear signal path). This amp was bench tested for 2hours and sounds wonderful! (watch and listen to below video, the amp was playing at minimal volume, with only a Yamaha monitor speaker -- the amp exhibits excellent detail and realism) (see exhibit A,B, D,E) This amp is mostly original, complete, and in working condition, ttally tube rectified utilizing 2x 5u4 (see the test video below) . Faceplate and original knobs, and it has straight chassis. Everything you need to operate the amp, or to cosmetically restore down to original still supple power cord. The stereo mono switch and display light is missing it's bulb, long ago removed by original owner to further improve sound.
These amps are sought after for the premium transformers they host:
2x Altec Peerless outputs# 16453 --Pri 3500 ohms CT, sec = 32, 16, 8 !! (amp terminals do not utilize the 32 ohm tap). In usage, they resemble WE171C ( they are larger) in functionality and taps.... designed for PP Pentode outputs. They would work wonderfully with all types 5881, 6L6, WE350B
1x Peerless power 16328 (6328), primary 720V at .28A, 53V at .006a and 6.3 at 7 amps!
The home HiFi craze of the early 1950's caught many of the larger audio companies flat footed. None of them larger or more respected, than Altec Lansing. This was the latter part of the 1940's, right before and during the revolution of Stereo. They hurridly developed a beautiful Home equipment line to compete with the other giants of Loudspeaker technology ... .. Electrovoice and JBL. Skirting around the lofty and cosmetic laden clientle of east coast rivals (who didn't yet produce Loudspeaker systems) .. Marantz, McIntosh, and lower down Fisher and Scott. First all of their beautiful products were Mono-centric ... the Altec 345A was one on the very first Stereo
Altec's knowhow, had centered around top quality, amazing sounding Cinema amplifiers (both the Altec 1520 and the IPC Projector line come to mind). The key reason early Altec sounds so wonderful ... the original Peerless transformers!
Busting into the HiFi scene with their own version of a hot rod, home STEREO EL34 amp. The Altec 345 was a flagship product for the home ... it wasn't cheap. And was straightforward, powerful, great sounding, strangely modern looking in the then mid century home. The 345 was a Muscle Car of an amp. A cinema quality PP pentode amp in a stereo chassis. Serious indrustrial prowess disguised as a tame in-home product.
Altec had homefield advantage, with their own mature, inhouse high quality transformer manufacturing outfit -- Peerless Transformer Co.. Peerless transformers are some of the best, and set up with nice simple circuit, and not too much feedback -- this really is a wonderful sounding circuit for PP 6CA7 / EL34 tubes!
These amps are rare. Few were sold. It was much more power than owners of the day needed.
This unit has only fair cosmetics, it retains the cool, 1950s proud & loud Stereo fascia. The face is nice, and will polish beautifully. The ridiculous Left / Right switch light circuitry went long ago missing in favor of a cleaner signal path, and simpler to use, stock left / right volume pots. Though it's no longer cosmetically pristine, I can't imagine -- if you want the best output transformers for EL34, and a clean straightforward design .. that you wouldn't consider this amp -- well worth it for the RARE outputs and power -- that themselves would make a fine custom amp! You're getting iron you KNOW is great and working well, along with a working amp and schematic -- this amp is well worth your time and love.
Before my test, the amp the amp received a set of used, tested tubes.... included is the full compliment of 2x6C4, 2x 6Au6 and, used set of EL34.
It has numerous, still-working many 1950s era components, and many fresh caps as well. Amp works, we guarantee transformers are good (NO DOA) . As always, plan ahead for some future care & maintenance, and operate always with common sense.
Cosmetic age related cosmetic flaws are numerous and place this 345A in fair cosmetic condition. These include minor scratches on face, some and oxidation on chassis (see exhibit F)
Highly versatile and timeless transformers. The amp you can use and enjoy now..
Solid state amps have their role in life. In the 1970s the MosFet was supposed to put tubes out of business. They didn't.
Even with the needed cosmetic restoration, you'll love this amp I highly recommend the 345A, as an investment -and- collectible you can enjoy. If long term trends continue, you will find the rare Peerless transformers to be treasures.
Shipping weight is 45lbs.
Will be shipped domestically via UPS ground with tracking number, quickly after purchase.
Overseas buyers welcome, shipping costs will be quite high due to weight. Will be professionally double-boxed. All tracking #'s and proof of shipment via email. See our 100% feedback on all vintage items.
Buy now to avoid a bidders war. This is a nice amp and will sell quickly.
See our 100% feedback, to be assured SAFE PACKING & DELIVERY.
Please study photos below. SAFE PURCHASE, 100% - *** Domestic or OVERSEAS OK. FAST SHIPPING, WILL DISPATCH IMMEDIATELY after PAYMENT -- OVERSEAS OK, FULL TRACKING number via email after shipment.
“Altec 345 Stereo EL34 Amplifier. Heavy patina on chassis. No cage, and stereo switch lever / light (many years ago professionally removed for clear signal path). This amp was bench tested for 2hours and sounds wonderful, so we know transformers are very good! (watch and listen to below video, the amp was playing at minimal volume, with only a test monitor speaker -- the amp exhibits excellent detail and realism) (see exhibit A,B, D,E) This amp is mostly original, complete, and in working condition, ttally tube rectified utilizing 2x 5u4 (see the test video below) . Faceplate and original knobs, and it has straight chassis. Everything you need to operate the amp, or to cosmetically restore down to original still supple power cord. The stereo mono switch and display light is missing it's bulb, long ago removed by original owner to further improve sound. Set of tubes included (See exhibit A-J below). (Different from tubes shown in video. ))”
Altec 345 Stereo EL34 Amplifier. Heavy patina on chassis. No cage, and stereo switch lever / light (many years ago professionally removed for clear signal path). This amp was bench tested for 2hours and sounds wonderful! (watch and listen to below video, the amp was playing at minimal volume, with only a Yamaha monitor speaker -- the amp exhibits excellent detail and realism) (see exhibit A,B, D,E) This amp is mostly original, complete, and in working condition, ttally tube rectified utilizing 2x 5u4 (see the test video below) . Faceplate and original knobs, and it has straight chassis. Everything you need to operate the amp, or to cosmetically restore down to original still supple power cord. The stereo mono switch and display light is missing it's bulb, long ago removed by original owner to further improve sound.
These amps are sought after for the premium transformers they host:
2x Altec Peerless outputs# 16453 --Pri 3500 ohms CT, sec = 32, 16, 8 !! (amp terminals do not utilize the 32 ohm tap). In usage, they resemble WE171C ( they are larger) in functionality and taps.... designed for PP Pentode outputs. They would work wonderfully with all types 5881, 6L6, WE350B
1x Peerless power 16328 (6328), primary 720V at .28A, 53V at .006a and 6.3 at 7 amps!
The home HiFi craze of the early 1950's caught many of the larger audio companies flat footed. None of them larger or more respected, than Altec Lansing. This was the latter part of the 1940's, right before and during the revolution of Stereo. They hurridly developed a beautiful Home equipment line to compete with the other giants of Loudspeaker technology ... .. Electrovoice and JBL. Skirting around the lofty and cosmetic laden clientle of east coast rivals (who didn't yet produce Loudspeaker systems) .. Marantz, McIntosh, and lower down Fisher and Scott. First all of their beautiful products were Mono-centric ... the Altec 345A was one on the very first Stereo
Altec's knowhow, had centered around top quality, amazing sounding Cinema amplifiers (both the Altec 1520 and the IPC Projector line come to mind). The key reason early Altec sounds so wonderful ... the original Peerless transformers!
Busting into the HiFi scene with their own version of a hot rod, home STEREO EL34 amp. The Altec 345 was a flagship product for the home ... it wasn't cheap. And was straightforward, powerful, great sounding, strangely modern looking in the then mid century home. The 345 was a Muscle Car of an amp. A cinema quality PP pentode amp in a stereo chassis. Serious indrustrial prowess disguised as a tame in-home product.
Altec had homefield advantage, with their own mature, inhouse high quality transformer manufacturing outfit -- Peerless Transformer Co.. Peerless transformers are some of the best, and set up with nice simple circuit, and not too much feedback -- this really is a wonderful sounding circuit for PP 6CA7 / EL34 tubes!
These amps are rare. Few were sold. It was much more power than owners of the day needed.
This unit has only fair cosmetics, it retains the cool, 1950s proud & loud Stereo fascia. The face is nice, and will polish beautifully. The ridiculous Left / Right switch light circuitry went long ago missing in favor of a cleaner signal path, and simpler to use, stock left / right volume pots. Though it's no longer cosmetically pristine, I can't imagine -- if you want the best output transformers for EL34, and a clean straightforward design .. that you wouldn't consider this amp -- well worth it for the RARE outputs and power -- that themselves would make a fine custom amp! You're getting iron you KNOW is great and working well, along with a working amp and schematic -- this amp is well worth your time and love.
Before my test, the amp the amp received a set of used, tested tubes.... included is the full compliment of 2x6C4, 2x 6Au6 and, used set of EL34.
It has numerous, still-working many 1950s era components, and many fresh caps as well. Amp works, we guarantee transformers are good (NO DOA) . As always, plan ahead for some future care & maintenance, and operate always with common sense.
Cosmetic age related cosmetic flaws are numerous and place this 345A in fair cosmetic condition. These include minor scratches on face, some and oxidation on chassis (see exhibit F)
Highly versatile and timeless transformers. The amp you can use and enjoy now..
Solid state amps have their role in life. In the 1970s the MosFet was supposed to put tubes out of business. They didn't.
Even with the needed cosmetic restoration, you'll love this amp I highly recommend the 345A, as an investment -and- collectible you can enjoy. If long term trends continue, you will find the rare Peerless transformers to be treasures.
Shipping weight is 45lbs.
Will be shipped domestically via UPS ground with tracking number, quickly after purchase.
Overseas buyers welcome, shipping costs will be quite high due to weight. Will be professionally double-boxed. All tracking #'s and proof of shipment via email. See our 100% feedback on all vintage items.
Buy now to avoid a bidders war. This is a nice amp and will sell quickly.
See our 100% feedback, to be assured SAFE PACKING & DELIVERY.
Please study photos below. SAFE PURCHASE, 100% - *** Domestic or OVERSEAS OK. FAST SHIPPING, WILL DISPATCH IMMEDIATELY after PAYMENT -- OVERSEAS OK, FULL TRACKING number via email after shipment.
