Altec 808-8A (1968)
A 1.75-inch aluminum diaphragm compression driver introduced in 1968 as a more affordable alternative to the 802-8G.
Overview
The Altec 808-8A is a high-frequency compression driver produced by Altec, introduced in 1968 as the successor to the 808-8B. Designed for use in professional and high-fidelity audio systems, it was commonly paired with horns like the 511B and 811B and used in Altec speaker systems such as the Valencia, Flamenco, and Model 19. Known for its smooth and detailed sound, the 808-8A is considered a classic among vintage Altec drivers and remains sought after by collectors and restorers.
Specifications
| Power Rating | Up to 30 watts rms |
| Frequency Response | 500 Hz to 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Voice Coil Diameter | 1.75 inches |
| Diaphragm material | Aluminum |
| Diaphragm size | 1.75 inches |
| Magnet weight | 8.5 lbs |
| Mounting | 2-bolt |
| Phase plug | Radial slit |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs |
Design
The 808-8A is a compression driver featuring a 1.75-inch aluminum diaphragm and a radial slit phase plug, mounted via a 2-bolt pattern. It uses a "small format" diaphragm assembly and includes a motor with a tapped machine screw terminal platform. The driver can be purchased without a diaphragm, and early Symbiotik diaphragm versions had voice coil terminations prone to metal fatigue, a flaw corrected in later production. The Symbiotik diaphragm uses a polyimide/mylar-type suspension and was Altec’s response to 1960s demand for higher power handling.
Context
Introduced in 1968, the 808-8A succeeded the 808-8B and was positioned as a more affordable alternative to the 802-8G. It belongs to the 808 series of compression drivers and shares design lineage with other Altec models like the 802 and 806. The Symbiotik diaphragm technology may have originated from research at LTV by John Hilliard and Jonas Renkus. The driver can accept various diaphragms, including Altec 20275, 34852, 34647, Symbiotik, and Chinese clones, though original or GPA-made diaphragms are preferred for fidelity.
Market
The 808-8A is a sought-after vintage driver, with motors often available cheaply without diaphragms. Replacement diaphragms from Great Plains Audio (GPA), made to original Altec specifications, typically cost more than the motors themselves. Original Symbiotik diaphragms are irreplaceable in modern production and must be sourced intact. Restoration efforts often include re-magnetization and corrosion cleanup, with users reporting success using Evapo-Rust and manual cleaning.
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