Altec 848A Flamenco

1967 - 1974

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

The Altec 848A Flamenco was the upscale sibling of the 846A Valencia. It used the same professional Voice of the Theatre components, but the cabinet was dressed up with Spanish-style wrought iron grillework. Altec built it from 1967 to 1974.

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 got 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 most distinctive thing about the Flamenco was its Spanish-style cabinet:

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 was more elaborate than the Valencia's, with extra millwork and detailing. That is what justified the higher price.

Flamenco II Center Console System

One unusual thing about the Flamenco was that it was part of 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

With this system approach, the Flamenco became the centerpiece of a complete, coordinated stereo system.

Historical Context

Altec introduced the Flamenco in 1967, when high-fidelity audio was becoming both a technical pursuit and a lifestyle statement. Interest in interior design was growing in the late 1960s, and so was interest in furniture-quality audio components that complemented home decor instead of clashing with it.

The Flamenco was priced at ¥286,300 in Japan (approximately $950 USD in 1970). That was a significant premium over the Valencia, reflecting the more elaborate cabinet and the premium positioning. The price went up 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 was Altec's pitch to buyers who wanted both top performance and top 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. Collectors prize it for both its sound and its looks. Complete, original examples with the wrought iron grilles intact can command $2,500-$4,000 per pair, and premium examples or complete three-piece systems can go higher.

Factors contributing to the Flamenco's collectibility: