Altec Lansing 802-8D (1973)

At 3.2kg and packing a 15,250-gauss magnet, this driver delivers vintage PA punch with a precision edge

Overview

The Altec Lansing 802-8D isn’t a speaker you casually stumble upon—it’s a focused piece of pro-audio engineering from 1973, built for deployment, not display. At 3.2kg and 114mm in diameter, it’s dense, compact, and clearly meant to be bolted into a horn and forgotten until showtime. This is a compression driver, not a full-range unit, and its purpose is singular: to convert high-frequency signals into high-efficiency acoustic output with the kind of magnetic authority that defined American PA design in the early '70s. It’s a refined evolution of the original 802 series, suggesting Altec wasn’t reinventing the wheel but tightening tolerances, improving materials, and doubling down on what worked. High performance is credited to an aluminum alloy diaphragm and a special double-slit structure, both precision-machined to reduce distortion and stabilize response under load.

Owners report pairing it with the 511B or 811B horns for broadband playback, a combo that leverages the 802-8D’s 500 Hz crossover point and 30W power handling. While the factory spec sheet claims a frequency characteristic of 500 Hz to 20 kHz, real-world measurements suggest a more conservative bandwidth—extending from 600 Hz to 10 kHz, with a noticeable dip between 1300 Hz and 1800 Hz. That anomaly doesn’t vanish under load; it’s baked into the acoustic behavior, a quirk some will work around, others may not even notice depending on system integration. Still, the 110 dB sensitivity rating (per 1977 JIS standards) means it plays loud with little input, a trait prized in both installed sound and touring rigs of the era.

Despite its industrial intent, the 802-8D has surfaced in recent years as a sought-after vintage component, often described in listings as “tested and functional” or “serviced and tested.” One unit even carried documentation of maintenance completed in July 2024 by a designated service provider—proof that a niche support ecosystem persists. Replacement parts, including generic titanium diaphragm foils and coils, are available, though the original design specifies an aluminum alloy diaphragm. Whether that’s a path to restoration or compromise depends on the purist’s mood.

Specifications

Key Features

Aluminum Alloy Diaphragm with Double Slit Structure

Performance hinges on the driver’s precision-machined aluminum alloy diaphragm and what Altec called a “special double slit structure.” This design aimed to control airflow and minimize turbulence at the throat, reducing distortion during high-SPL operation. The double slit likely refers to a phase plug configuration engineered to equalize path lengths from the voice coil to the horn throat, a common technique in high-efficiency compression drivers. While later models would experiment with titanium, the 802-8D stuck with aluminum—lightweight, rigid, and thermally stable under sustained drive.

15,250 Gauss Magnetic Circuit

The 15,250 gauss flux density isn’t just a number—it’s a statement of intent. For a 1973 driver, that’s a robust magnetic field, contributing directly to the 110 dB sensitivity and tight control over the 45mm voice coil. High flux means greater electrodynamic efficiency, translating input power into cone movement with minimal lag. This kind of magnetic authority was typical of Altec’s pro-grade units and helped the 802-8D maintain output under the punishing conditions of live sound, where amplifiers ran hot and signals were often clipped.

Compatibility with 511B and 811B Horns

The 802-8D wasn’t meant to fly solo. Its design integrates specifically with the 511B and 811B horns, both of which shape its dispersion and extend its effective bandwidth. Used in conjunction, the system achieves what Altec called “broadband playback,” a claim backed by the 500 Hz crossover specification. The throat diameter of 25mm ensures a secure, acoustically sealed fit, while the N501-8A and N801-8A adaptive networks likely provide impedance correction and mild equalization to smooth the transition between driver and horn.

Collectibility & Value

The 802-8D is consistently labeled “Super Rare” across collector circles and described as “hard to find” in marketplace summaries. Recent sales listings show units trading between $274.95 and $279.99, a price that reflects both scarcity and demand from restorers and vintage PA enthusiasts. While generic replacement diaphragms and coils are available—some using titanium instead of the original aluminum alloy—fully serviced units with documentation, such as one maintained in July 2024, command attention. Functionality is frequently confirmed in listings, with sellers noting clear sound output and operational integrity. No original pricing data survives in the record, but its 1976-era Japanese market equivalent was ¥56,500 per unit, a premium tag even then.

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Related Models

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• Akai AM-2850 (1975)
• Akai AP-206 (1975)
• Nakamichi BX-1 (1985)
• Acoustic Research research-ar-17 (1978)
• Acoustic Research AR-19 (1994)