Altec 846B Valencia
1974 - 1980s
The Altec 846B Valencia is the second-generation evolution of the iconic Valencia series, introduced in 1974 to succeed the original 846A. This classic bookshelf-style floorstanding speaker combines professional-grade Voice of the Theatre components with refined home audio aesthetics, delivering the legendary Altec horn sound in a more compact, furniture-friendly package.
Specifications
| Type | 2-way, bass-reflex floorstanding loudspeaker |
|---|---|
| Low Frequency Driver | 416-8A 15" woofer |
| High Frequency Driver | 806-8A compression driver on 811B horn |
| Crossover | N801-8A network |
| Crossover Frequency | 800 Hz |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Power Handling | 50W continuous program |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/W/m (New JIS) |
| Frequency Response | 40 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Dimensions | 673 mm W × 752 mm H × 514 mm D (26.5" × 29.6" × 20.2") |
| Weight | 44.9 kg (99 lbs) per speaker |
Driver Configuration
The 846B Valencia uses the same professional-grade components as the Voice of the Theatre A7-8 system:
- Woofer: 416-8A - 15" cast-frame woofer with Alnico V magnet, 3" voice coil
- Compression Driver: 806-8A - 1.75" diaphragm compression driver
- Horn: 811B - 90° × 40° exponential sectoral horn
- Crossover: N801-8A - 800 Hz crossover network
Cabinet Design
The 846B featured a significant redesign from the earlier 846A model. While maintaining the same basic bass-reflex architecture, the 846B introduced a distinctive deep-slit front grille design that became its visual signature. The cabinet was constructed of high-quality plywood with internal bracing and acoustic damping materials.
Unlike the more furniture-like appearance of the 846A, the 846B had a more modern, angular aesthetic that reflected mid-1970s design trends. The cabinet was available in oiled walnut veneer or vinyl woodgrain finishes, with removable acoustic fabric grille cloth covering the distinctive vertical slit openings.
Evolution from 846A
The 846B represented several improvements over the original 846A Valencia (introduced in 1966):
- Updated Drivers: 416-8A woofer and 806-8A compression driver (vs. 416-8Z and 806A in early 846A)
- Revised Crossover: N801-8A network with optimized components
- Modernized Styling: Angular cabinet with distinctive vertical grille slits
- Improved Bass Response: Tuned port design refinements for better low-frequency extension
Performance Characteristics
The 846B Valencia is renowned for its:
- Exceptional Dynamics: 100 dB sensitivity allows for lifelike dynamics with modest amplification
- Natural Midrange: The horn-loaded compression driver provides clarity and presence without harshness
- Authoritative Bass: The 416 woofer in the tuned enclosure delivers solid bass into the 40 Hz range
- Wide Soundstage: The 811B horn provides excellent dispersion and imaging
- High Efficiency: Perfect match for low-powered tube amplifiers and vintage receivers
Historical Context
Introduced in 1974, the 846B Valencia arrived during a transitional period for high-fidelity audio. The speaker market was shifting toward smaller, more domestically acceptable designs, yet there remained strong demand for the dynamic, lifelike sound that only horn-loaded systems could provide.
The Valencia series represented Altec's successful effort to bring professional studio and theater sound into the home. By packaging Voice of the Theatre components in furniture-grade cabinets, Altec created speakers that appealed to both serious audiophiles and design-conscious consumers.
The 846B was positioned as a premium home speaker, competing with models from JBL, Klipsch, and other high-efficiency speaker manufacturers. Its $268,000 yen price in Japan (approximately $900 USD in 1976) placed it in the upper mid-range of the market.
Design Philosophy
The Valencia embodied several key Altec design principles:
- Professional Heritage: Using proven studio/theater components for uncompromising performance
- High Efficiency: Maximizing output per watt for dynamic realism and compatibility with tube amplification
- Controlled Directivity: Horn loading for consistent dispersion and reduced room interaction
- Furniture Integration: Balancing acoustic performance with domestic aesthetics
Amplifier Pairing
With 100 dB sensitivity, the 846B Valencia works beautifully with:
- Low-powered tube amplifiers (5-30 watts)
- Classic solid-state receivers from the 1970s
- Single-ended triode (SET) amplifiers
- Modern high-efficiency class D amplifiers
The 8Ω impedance makes the Valencia compatible with virtually any amplifier, unlike some earlier 16Ω Altec models.
Legacy and Collectibility
The 846B Valencia is highly sought after by vintage audio enthusiasts today. Its combination of professional-grade components, high efficiency, and distinctive 1970s styling has made it a collector's favorite. Well-restored examples command premium prices on the vintage market, often selling for $1,500-$2,500 per pair depending on condition.
Many consider the Valencia series to be the direct predecessor to the legendary Model 19, which refined the concept further with updated drivers and crossover design. Owners often describe the Valencia as having a "live" quality that brings recordings to life with exceptional presence and dynamics.
Common restoration projects include:
- Recapping the N801-8A crossover networks
- Refoaming the 416 woofers (if needed)
- Replacing horn diaphragms with modern equivalents from Great Plains Audio
- Cabinet refinishing and grille cloth replacement
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Images
The following sources may have images of this equipment. Always verify license terms and provide proper attribution when required.
Source 1: HiFi Wiki
- Link: HiFi Wiki
- License: Varies - check individual image
- Attribution Required: Yes
- Commercial Use: Unknown - verify on site
- Notes: User-contributed content. Attribution recommended.
Source 2: HiFi Engine
- Link: HiFi Engine
- License: User-contributed manuals
- Attribution Required: Yes
- Commercial Use: Reference only
- Notes: Great for specs/manuals. Request permission for images.
Source 3: Audio Database
- Link: Audio Database
- License: User-contributed
- Attribution Required: Yes
- Commercial Use: Unknown
- Notes: Verify license before use.
Source 4: Radio Museum
- Link: Radio Museum
- License: User-contributed
- Attribution Required: Yes
- Commercial Use: Unknown
- Notes: Attribution required for user photos.
Attribution Notice: This page links to external image sources. When using images from these sources, ensure you comply with their license terms. CC0 images require no attribution. CC BY and CC BY-SA images require attribution.
Documentation
- Altec 1968 Enclosure Design Guide (includes Valencia plans)
- Altec Sound Products Catalog (1970s)
Related Models
- Altec 1221A
- Altec 3000B
- Altec 600B
- Altec 603
- Altec A4X
- Akai AM-2850 (1975)
- Akai AP-206 (1975)
- Nakamichi BX-1 (1985)
- Acoustic Research research-ar-17 (1978)
- Acoustic Research AR-19 (1994)