" "Altec" model: "804A"" 804a ([1957])

Name: " "Altec" model: "804A"" 804a
Brand: " "Altec" model: "804A""

The Altec Lansing 804A is a legendary studio monitor speaker introduced in 1957 as a high-fidelity, full-range loudspeaker system designed primarily for professional audio environments. It was developed during a golden era of audio engineering when Altec Lansing was a dominant force in sound reinforcement, broadcast studios, and recording facilities. The 804A, often referred to as the "Voice of the Theatre," is part of Altec’s renowned 800-series of studio monitors and is particularly prized for its clarity, dynamic range, and durability.

Design and Construction

The 804A is a two-way, bass-reflex loudspeaker system featuring a coaxial driver configuration. This means the high-frequency compression driver is mounted concentrically within the center of the low-frequency cone driver, allowing for time-aligned sound reproduction and improved phase coherence. The coaxial design was revolutionary at the time and contributed to the speaker’s accurate imaging and wide dispersion characteristics.

At the heart of the 804A is the 15-inch (38 cm) low-frequency driver, model 418A. This large paper-cone woofer is built with a heavy-duty voice coil and a large magnet structure to handle high power and deliver strong bass response. The woofer is housed in a large, ported (bass reflex) cabinet that enhances low-frequency extension and efficiency. The port is located at the rear of the enclosure, allowing for flexible placement while maintaining deep bass output.

The high-frequency section consists of the 284A compression driver mounted to a 802A Tractrix horn. The Tractrix horn design, based on a mathematical curve, provides controlled dispersion and reduced distortion by minimizing internal reflections. The 284A driver uses a titanium diaphragm and a neodymium magnet (for its time, a high-performance rare-earth magnet), enabling extended high-frequency response up to approximately 16 kHz with minimal coloration.

The crossover network, located inside the cabinet, is a passive design that splits the audio signal between the woofer and the horn driver at around 1,200 Hz. The crossover components are robust and designed for long-term reliability under high signal loads, typical of broadcast and studio use.

Technical Specifications

Model: 804A
Type: Two-way coaxial bass-reflex loudspeaker
Low-Frequency Driver: 15-inch (418A)
High-Frequency Driver: 284A compression driver with 802A Tractrix horn
Nominal Impedance: 16 ohms
Power Handling: 25 watts continuous, 50 watts peak
Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 16 kHz (±3 dB)
Sensitivity: 98 dB (1W/1m)
Crossover Frequency: ~1,200 Hz
Cabinet Type: Rear-ported (bass reflex)
Dimensions (H×W×D): 27.5" × 15.5" × 14.5" (70 cm × 39 cm × 37 cm)
Weight: 65 lbs (29.5 kg) per cabinet
Recommended Enclosure Volume: Built-in, optimized for coaxial loading

Professional Use and Legacy

The Altec 804A was widely adopted in radio stations, recording studios, and film dubbing theaters throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s. Its high sensitivity (98 dB) made it ideal for use with vacuum tube amplifiers, which were common at the time and typically delivered lower power output. The speaker’s ability to reproduce sound with clarity and authority, even at high listening levels, made it a favorite among audio engineers.

One of the 804A’s defining characteristics is its dynamic punch and midrange presence. The coaxial design ensures that both high and low frequencies originate from a single point source, improving stereo imaging and reducing off-axis coloration. This made the 804A particularly effective in control room monitoring, where accurate sound reproduction is critical.

Despite its age, the 804A remains highly sought after by vintage audio enthusiasts, collectors, and even modern recording engineers who appreciate its "vintage" sonic character. The speaker delivers a warm, slightly forward midrange that many describe as "musical" or "lively," especially when reproducing vocals and acoustic instruments.

Restoration and Modern Use

Due to their age, many Altec 804A units require restoration to perform optimally. Common issues include deteriorated foam or cloth surrounds on the woofers, dried-out crossover capacitors, and worn voice coils. Fortunately, a robust aftermarket exists for replacement parts, including reconing services, modernized crossovers, and even upgraded compression drivers.

Some enthusiasts retrofit the 804A with modern amplification, using bi-amping techniques to bypass the passive crossover and drive the woofer and horn separately. This can extend the frequency response and improve control, although purists argue that it alters the speaker’s original character.

When properly maintained, the 804A can still hold its own in modern listening environments. While it lacks the deep sub-bass extension of contemporary speakers, its midrange clarity and dynamic delivery make it excellent for critical listening, especially in the reproduction of jazz, rock, and vocal-centric recordings.

Comparison with Other Models

The 804A was part of a broader family of Altec Lansing studio monitors. It was succeeded by models like the 805A and the legendary 604-series, which became even more iconic in the professional audio world. The 604E, for example, used a similar coaxial design but in a smaller enclosure and became a staple in broadcast studios.

Compared to the 604, the 804A offers deeper bass due to its larger cabinet and 15-inch woofer, but it is less compact and more difficult to integrate into smaller rooms. The 804A was also more expensive and less widely produced, making original units rarer today.

Conclusion

The Altec Lansing 804A stands as a milestone in loudspeaker design, representing the pinnacle of mid-20th-century audio engineering. Its combination of high efficiency, robust construction, and professional-grade performance made it a mainstay in studios and broadcast facilities for decades. While no longer in production, the 804A continues to be revered for its sonic character and historical significance.

For vintage audio collectors, the 804A is more than just a speaker—it's a piece of audio history. Its bold design, powerful output, and enduring legacy ensure that it remains a symbol of Altec Lansing’s golden era. Whether used in a restored studio setup or as a centerpiece in a high-fidelity listening room, the 804A delivers a listening experience that is both authentic and emotionally engaging. It is a true classic, embodying the craftsmanship and innovation that defined professional audio in the analog age.

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