Altec 846A Valencia

History & Context

Altec built the Valencia to bring their Voice of the Theatre (VOTT) cinema sound into the home. It came out 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 genuine walnut veneer with book-matched grain. That is a big step up from typical utility-grade studio monitors. The Valencia was as much furniture as audio equipment, and it appealed to homeowners who cared how a speaker looked.

Design Philosophy

Modern speakers chase flat frequency response at all costs. The Valencia went for efficiency and dynamics instead. At 100 dB sensitivity, even a modest amplifier could produce concert-level sound. That mattered 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 sat in.

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)

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

• Original Owner's Manual (PDF)
• 416A Woofer Specifications
• 802D Driver Specifications