Altec 848A Flamenco

Name: Altec 848A Flamenco
Brand: Altec

1967 - 1974

Altec 848A Flamenco - home version of Voice of the Theatre with Spanish-style grillework (1967-1974)

The Altec 848A Flamenco was the premium, style-forward counterpart to the 846A Valencia, sharing the same professional-grade Voice of the Theatre components but housed in an exquisite cabinet featuring distinctive Spanish-style wrought iron grillework. Produced from 1967 to 1974, the Flamenco represented Altec's commitment to combining uncompromising audio performance with sophisticated furniture design for the discerning audiophile.

Specifications

Type	2-way, bass-reflex floorstanding loudspeaker
Low Frequency Driver	Early: 416A 15" woofer (16Ω) Late: 416-8A 15" woofer (8Ω)
High Frequency Driver	Early: 806A compression driver on 811B horn (16Ω) Late: 807-8A compression driver on 811B horn (8Ω)
Crossover	Early: N-800G network (16Ω) Late: N801-8A network (8Ω)
Crossover Frequency	800 Hz (12 dB/octave)
Nominal Impedance	Early: 16 Ω (1967-1970) Late: 8 Ω (1970-1974)
Power Handling	Early: 30W rated Late: 50W allowable input
Frequency Response	35 Hz - 20 kHz (late version)
Dimensions	710 mm W × 700 mm H × 490 mm D (28.0" × 27.6" × 19.3")
Weight	45.0 kg (99 lbs) per speaker

Driver Configuration

The Flamenco underwent a significant technical revision around 1970:

Early Version (1967-1970) - 16Ω Configuration

Woofer: 416A - 15" cast-frame woofer with Alnico V magnet, 16Ω
Compression Driver: 806A - 1.75" diaphragm compression driver, 16Ω
Horn: 811B - 90° × 40° exponential sectoral horn
Crossover: N-800G - 800 Hz crossover network, 16Ω

Late Version (1970-1974) - 8Ω Configuration

Woofer: 416-8A - 15" cast-frame woofer with Alnico V magnet, 8Ω
Compression Driver: 807-8A - 1.75" diaphragm compression driver, 8Ω
Horn: 811B - 90° × 40° exponential sectoral horn
Crossover: N801-8A - 800 Hz crossover network, 8Ω

Cabinet Design

The Flamenco's most distinctive feature was its exquisite Spanish-style cabinet design:

Wrought Iron Grille: A 23" wide × 24" high expanse of simulated wrought iron (actually dense molded plastic painted black) creating a dramatic visual statement
860A Cabinet: Bass-reflex enclosure with the same internal volume and tuning as the Valencia
Premium Finishes: Available in rich walnut veneer with meticulous craftsmanship
Furniture Integration: Designed as both a high-performance speaker and a piece of fine furniture

The cabinet construction was more elaborate than the Valencia, with additional millwork and detailing that justified its premium price position.

Flamenco II Center Console System

A unique aspect of the Flamenco was its integration into a complete stereo ensemble system:

882B Flamenco II Center Cabinet: Sold separately as a matching center unit
Component Housing: Space for tuner, amplifier, turntable, and tape recorder
Oak Construction: Thick, premium oak construction with dedicated finish
System Dimensions: 2,550 mm W × 710 mm H × 490 mm D (100.4" × 28.0" × 19.3") for complete three-piece system

This system approach allowed the Flamenco to serve as the centerpiece of a complete, aesthetically coordinated stereo system.

Historical Context

Introduced in 1967, the Flamenco arrived during a period when high-fidelity audio was becoming both a technical pursuit and a lifestyle statement. The late 1960s saw increasing interest in interior design and furniture-quality audio components that could complement rather than clash with home decor.

Priced at ¥286,300 in Japan (approximately $950 USD in 1970), the Flamenco commanded a significant premium over the Valencia, reflecting its more elaborate cabinet construction and premium positioning. The price increased to ¥305,400 after the 1970 revision.

As noted in Stereophile, "Despite their different names and very different stylings, the 846A Valencia and 848A Flamenco were produced side by side from early 1966 to 1974." The Flamenco represented Altec's appeal to consumers who wanted both ultimate performance and ultimate style.

Design Philosophy

The Flamenco embodied several key design principles:

Performance Equality: Same professional-grade components as the Valencia for identical sonic performance
Aesthetic Excellence: Elaborate, style-forward cabinet design as a statement piece
System Integration: Designed as part of a complete, coordinated stereo system
Craftsmanship: Additional millwork and detailing beyond functional requirements
Lifestyle Positioning: Audio as both technical pursuit and design element

Performance Characteristics

Sonically identical to the Valencia, the Flamenco delivered:

High Efficiency: Approximately 100 dB sensitivity for dynamic, lifelike reproduction
Natural Midrange: Horn-loaded compression driver for clarity and presence
Solid Bass: 416 woofer in tuned enclosure reaching to 35 Hz
Wide Dispersion: 811B horn for consistent coverage and imaging
Low-Power Compatibility: Perfect match for tube amplifiers and vintage receivers

Amplifier Pairing

The Flamenco's amplifier requirements varied by version:

Early 16Ω Version: Best with tube amplifiers designed for 16Ω loads
Late 8Ω Version: Compatible with virtually any amplifier
Both Versions: Excellent with low-powered tube amplifiers (5-30 watts)
High Sensitivity: Delivers satisfying volume even with modest amplification

Legacy and Collectibility

The 848A Flamenco is among the most sought-after and collectible Altec models today, prized for both its sonic performance and distinctive aesthetics. Complete, original examples with the wrought iron grilles intact can command prices of $2,500-$4,000 per pair, with premium examples or complete three-piece systems reaching even higher.

Factors contributing to the Flamenco's collectibility: