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, introduced in 1968 as the successor to the 808-8B. It was built for professional and high-fidelity systems. It was commonly paired with horns like the 511B and 811B, and Altec used it in speaker systems such as the Valencia, Flamenco, and Model 19. It is known for a smooth, detailed sound and is considered a classic among vintage Altec drivers. Collectors and restorers still look for it.
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 has a 1.75-inch aluminum diaphragm and a radial slit phase plug, mounted with a 2-bolt pattern. It uses a "small format" diaphragm assembly, and the motor has a tapped machine screw terminal platform. The driver can be bought without a diaphragm. Early Symbiotik diaphragm versions had voice coil terminations that were prone to metal fatigue. Later production corrected that. The Symbiotik diaphragm uses a polyimide/mylar-type suspension, and it was Altec's response to 1960s demand for higher power handling.
Context
Introduced in 1968, the 808-8A succeeded the 808-8B and sat below the 802-8G as the more affordable option. 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 accepts several diaphragms, including Altec 20275, 34852, 34647, Symbiotik, and Chinese clones. Original or GPA-made diaphragms are preferred for fidelity.
Market
The 808-8A is a sought-after vintage driver, and motors without diaphragms are often available cheaply. 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, so they must be sourced intact. Restoration often includes re-magnetization and corrosion cleanup. Users report success with Evapo-Rust and manual cleaning.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.