Altec 846A Valencia

Name: Altec 846A Valencia
Brand: Altec

1966 – 1974

The Altec 846A Valencia was the first home speaker system to use professional Voice of the Theatre components. With a 15" woofer, massive horn-loaded tweeter, and furniture-grade cabinet, it brought cinema sound into living rooms.

Quick Specifications

Woofer	15" Altec 416A with 3" voice coil
Tweeter	802D compression driver + 811B horn
Crossover	1200 Hz (Altec N-800E)
Impedance	8 ohms
Frequency Response	45Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity	100 dB SPL (1W/1m)
Power Handling	50W continuous, 100W peak
Dimensions	29" × 20" × 15" (H×W×D)
Weight	85 lbs each
MSRP (1966)	$480/pair (~$4,500 today)

History & Context

The Valencia was Altec's attempt to bring their legendary Voice of the Theatre (VOTT) cinema sound to home environments. Released in 1966, it used the same 416A woofer and 802D compression driver found in professional installations, paired with the compact 811B sectoral horn.

The cabinet was crafted from genuine walnut veneer with book-matched grain patterns—a significant step up from typical utility-grade studio monitors. This made the Valencia as much furniture as audio equipment, appealing to discerning homeowners.

Design Philosophy

Unlike modern speakers that chase flat frequency response at all costs, the Valencia embraced efficiency and dynamics. The 100 dB sensitivity meant that even modest amplifiers could produce concert-level sound. This was particularly valuable in the 1960s when high-powered amplifiers were rare and expensive.

The trade-off was size—at 29" tall and 85 pounds, the Valencia dominated any room it occupied. But for enthusiasts seeking genuine cinema dynamics at home, there was no substitute.

Restoration Notes

Woofer foam: 416A woofers typically used cloth surrounds, not foam. Check for dried/cracked suspension.
Compression driver: 802D diaphragms available from Great Plains Audio (original Altec supplier).
Crossover capacitors: N-800E networks use vintage oil-filled caps; modern film caps change the sound significantly.
Cabinet veneer: Walnut veneer can be restored; avoid stripping original finish if possible.
Grille cloth: Original was typically brown or black coarse-weave fabric.

Market Value (2024)

Excellent condition, original drivers	$1,200 - $2,000/pair
Good condition, serviced drivers	$800 - $1,200/pair
Project units, needs restoration	$400 - $700/pair

Prices have risen significantly as vintage Altec gear has gained recognition. Original, unmolested examples command significant premiums.

Comparable Models

Altec Voice of the Theatre A7 - The professional cinema version; similar drivers, different cabinet
Klipsch Klipschorn - Contemporary competitor with different horn philosophy
JBL Paragon - Luxury home speaker from competing manufacturer

Documentation & Manuals

Community Notes

The Valencia represents a golden age of American audio when efficiency and dynamics mattered more than compact size. In an era of small, high-powered speakers, the Valencia reminds us that there's no replacement for displacement. Properly restored, these 50+ year old speakers can produce sound that rivals modern systems costing ten times as much.

Have experience with the Valencia? Share your restoration tips or listening impressions.