Altec Lansing 9842-8D Studio Monitor (1969)
The Altec Lansing 9842-8D is a 2-way studio monitor introduced in 1969 as part of Altec's professional audio lineup. It was designed for broadcast and recording studios, and it turned up in control rooms across the United States during the 1970s. It has a reputation for durability, high sensitivity and an articulate midrange, and collectors and studio restorers still look for it.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Model | 9842-8D |
| Year of Production | 1969–1970s |
| Type | 2-way passive studio monitor |
| Woofer | 15-inch paper cone with cloth surround |
| Compression Driver | Altec 802D |
| Horn | Altec 811B (constant directivity) |
| Crossover Frequency | 800 Hz |
| Crossover Type | Built-in passive network |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 50–60W RMS (recommended) |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB (1W/1m) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz – 15 kHz (approximate) |
| Cabinet Material | Heavy-duty plywood with front grille |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 30" × 15" × 15" (approximate) |
| Weight | ~65 lbs per cabinet |
Historical Context
Broadcast and recording studios of the day wanted reliable, accurate, high-efficiency loudspeakers, and the 9842-8D was developed for that market. It combines the 15-inch 515B woofer with the 811B constant directivity horn and the 802D titanium diaphragm driver. The system is tuned for vocal clarity and midrange presence.
Sensitivity is 99 dB, so it reaches high sound pressure levels with the modest tube and early solid-state amplifiers of the time. The crossover is built in and the construction is rugged. That suited radio stations, mastering suites and film dubbing stages.
The 9842-8D shares its design with other Altec monitors like the 604 and 605 series, but it was tailored for near-field and mid-field studio monitoring. The midrange is forward and the bass is punchy. That made it popular for voice tracking and mix evaluation before digital.
Sound Signature
The 9842-8D has a forward and articulate midrange, and vocals and instruments cut through the mix. The 15-inch woofer gives tight, punchy bass with good transient response, though extension below 50 Hz is limited without augmentation. High frequencies are slightly rolled-off above 12 kHz. That makes for a smooth, non-fatiguing sound, which engineers appreciated during long sessions.
Because it is so efficient, the 9842-8D works very well with low-powered amplifiers, including vintage tube gear. Its dynamic punch and studio-monitor transparency give it a "live" feel that many modern speakers lack.
Maintenance and Restoration Tips
Like all vintage loudspeakers, the 9842-8D needs a careful inspection and possibly restoration to perform its best:
- Crossover Capacitors: The original electrolytic and paper capacitors in the crossover network often degrade over time. Replacing them with modern film capacitors improves reliability and sonic clarity.
- Woofer Surrounds: The foam or cloth surrounds on the 15-inch woofers may deteriorate. Re-foaming or full reconing by a specialist is recommended if there is audible distortion or reduced excursion.
- Horn Driver (802D): Check the titanium diaphragm for corrosion or tears. The phase plug can be cleaned gently, but avoid disassembly unless experienced. Voice coil alignment is critical.
- Grille and Cabinet: The heavy plywood cabinet is durable, but check for wood damage or loose joints. The original front grille may need reweaving if damaged.
- Magnets and Wiring: Ensure the woofer’s magnet is securely mounted and that internal wiring is intact and not brittle.
Restoration should keep originality where possible, especially for collectors. Matching pairs with original drivers and date-coded components bring higher prices.
Collectibility and Market Value
The Altec 9842-8D scores 7/10 in collectibility. The reasons are its professional heritage, solid build and desirable midrange. It isn't as well known as the 604, but it is increasingly recognized for its studio pedigree.
As of 2024, a matched pair in good working condition typically sells for $800 - $1,500. Prices rise for fully restored units or those with rare date codes. Originality, working drivers and clean cabinets all affect value significantly.
Conclusion
The Altec Lansing 9842-8D was built in the late 1960s, with high efficiency and a studio-accurate midrange. Properly maintained, it still performs as it was built to over 50 years ago.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Altec 9842-8D listings are live right now — these searches show current Altec and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Altec 1214A
- Altec 1224A
- Altec 1590B
- Altec 1592A
- Altec 1594A
- Eico 3150 (1967)
- Fisher CUSTOM-ELECTRA-I (K-14/K-15) (1957)
- Fisher CUSTOM-ELECTRA IV (E33/E44) (1960)
- Akai AM-2400 (1978)
- Akai AM-2600 (1977)