Altec Lansing 807-8A (1970)
At 83 mm deep and rated for 50W, this driver punches well above its size in vintage PA and studio monitor builds.
Overview
The Altec Lansing 807-8A isn’t a speaker you’d casually plug in and forget. It’s a high-frequency compression driver, the kind that demands attention—not for flash, but for what it enables. Released in 1970, it was engineered as a dedicated HF unit, built to be mated with a horn and integrated into larger systems like the A7-8. This wasn’t a consumer-grade tweeter; it was industrial audio hardware, designed for durability and high output in professional environments.
Its role was specific: handle everything from 800 Hz up to 20 kHz, a range that covers presence, sibilance, and air without flinching under load. With a rated power handling of 50W—matching its allowable input—it could keep pace with loud midrange drivers and powerful amplifiers of the era. While the factory didn’t publish weight or full dimensions, its 83 mm depth suggests a compact but robust motor structure, designed to bolt directly onto horns like the 811B without protruding excessively. It wasn’t meant to be seen, but to be heard—clean, sharp, and with authority.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Altec Lansing |
| Model rating type | Driver unit |
| Frequency characteristic | 800 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Allowable input | 50W |
| Power handling | 50W |
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Driver size | 8" |
| Driver type | Dual Cone |
| Applicable Horn | 811B |
| Adaptive network | N801-8A Network |
| External dimensions depth | 83 mm |
| Pressure Sensitivity | 109.5 dB w/1 watt input measured 4' from 111.7 dB w... |
Key Features
Symbiotik (Symbiotic) Diaphragm Assembly
The 807-8A introduced Altec’s newly developed Symbiotik diaphragm, a composite structure merging polyimide film with an aluminum alloy. This wasn’t just a material swap—it was a structural upgrade aimed at thermal and mechanical resilience. The design reportedly doubled the allowable input over previous models, a significant leap in an era when driver failure under high SPL was common. The name “Symbiotik” wasn’t marketing fluff; it reflected the interdependent behavior of the layered materials, each compensating for the other’s weaknesses under stress.
Edge-Wound Flat Aluminum Ribbon Voice Coil
At the heart of the motor is an edge-wise wound voice coil made from flat aluminum ribbon. This technique increases packing density, improving thermal dissipation and allowing more conductor in the magnetic gap—critical for maintaining linearity at high power. Unlike round-wire coils, the flat profile reduces air resistance and mass, contributing to faster transient response. While exact coil diameter or former material isn’t documented, the use of aluminum (lighter than copper) suggests a deliberate push for efficiency and speed.
811B Sectoral Horn Compatibility
The 807-8A was designed explicitly for use with the 811B sectoral horn, a pairing that enabled wide-band high-frequency reproduction. One source refers to the 807-8A as “the original 8-ohm companion” for the 511B horn, suggesting it may have been adapted across multiple horn models despite the 811B being the officially listed match.
Historical Context
Introduced in 1970, the 807-8A arrived during a period of refinement in professional loudspeaker design, where reliability and power handling were becoming as important as frequency response. It served as the HF driver in systems like the A7-8, filling the upper register with clarity under demanding conditions. By integrating advanced materials and a high-efficiency voice coil,
Collectibility & Value
The Altec Lansing 807-8A is no longer in production, and original units in working condition are increasingly scarce. Listings on secondary markets reflect niche demand: a used 807-8A paired with an 811B horn once appeared for $250, while updated versions with replaced diaphragms have been offered as premium rebuilds. Some builders source them as components for custom cabinets, valuing their proven performance in vintage-inspired designs. However, no standardized valuation exists, and prices vary widely based on condition, provenance, and whether the diaphragm has been serviced.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.