Altec 353A (1959–1960)
Not much is documented about the Altec 353A beyond its initial advertising push in 1959-1960. The period record shows a stereo integrated amplifier-preamplifier in a single chassis, finished in two tones the ads called “platinum pink and platinum gold.” High-Fidelity (April 1960, p.27) ran a full-page ad stating the 353A delivered 100 watts peak power, 50 watts RMS continuous, and 25 watts nominal per channel in stereo or mono operation. The same ad listed a frequency response of 20-20,000 cps at 25 watts, dual microphone inputs, six stereo or mono inputs, and fourteen outputs. High-Fidelity Trade News (October 1959, p.41) added that it included a matricing network for three-channel stereo and was “fashion-coordinated” to blend into home decor. Beyond these promotional claims, no independent review data, service manual, or production timeline has surfaced.
- Type: Stereo integrated amplifier-preamplifier
- Power: 100 W peak, 50 W RMS continuous, 25 W per channel nominal
- Frequency response: 20–20,000 cps at 25 W
- Inputs: 6 stereo or mono; dual microphone inputs
- Outputs: 14 stereo or mono
- Special features: Matrix network for three-channel stereo
- Finish: Platinum pink and platinum gold
- Period: Announced late 1959, advertised through early 1960
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