Altec Lansing 846B Valencia (1974)
A floor-standing bass reflex speaker system released in 1974 as the successor to the 846A Valencia, available in two variants including the 846B.
Overview
The Altec Lansing 846B Valencia is a floor-type speaker system introduced in 1974. It is the second-generation Valencia and succeeds the 846A. It was sold alongside the similar 846E, and both share the driver and crossover configuration of the Voice of the Theater A7-8. The 846B has a deep slit on the front grill, which sets it apart from earlier models. It was made in the USA, came in an American walnut finish, and was marketed mainly in Japan. There it carried an original price of ¥268,000 per unit around 1976.
Specifications
| Model Rating Method | 2-Way, 2-Speaker, Bass Reflex System, Floor Type |
| Units used (Low) | 38 cm Cone Type (416-8A) |
| Units used (High) | Horn Type (806-8A + 811B) |
| Crossover Network | N801-8A |
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Frequency Response | 40 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Power Handling | 50W (continuous program) |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB (New JIS) |
| Crossover Frequency | 800Hz |
| External dimensions (846B) | 673 mm wide x 752 mm high x 514 mm deep |
| Weight (846B) | 44.9 kg |
Design
The 846B Valencia uses a bass reflex cabinet. The deep slit on the front grill is its visual motif, and it is what separates it from the 846A. The 846E Valencia shares its cabinet design with the 846A. Altec approved it and sold it as a domestic unit.
Context
This speaker system succeeds the 846A Valencia and is the second generation of the Valencia line. In Japan it was offered in two versions: the 846B and the 846E.
Market
Used pairs turn up now and then on the secondary market, with one listing noted at $2,450. Reported problems include dead horns and no bass from the woofers. Restoration usually means repairing the horns and updating the crossovers.
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