Altec 9848a
The Altec Lansing 9848A is a classic two-way loudspeaker system developed during the golden era of audio engineering, introduced in the late 1950s. It represents a pivotal moment in loudspeaker design, bridging the gap between professional sound reinforcement and high-fidelity home audio. Known for its robust construction, high efficiency, and exceptional sonic clarity, the 9848A was part of Altec Lansing's renowned "Voice of the Theatre" series, a line originally designed for cinema sound but quickly adopted by audiophiles and sound professionals alike.
Design and Components
The 9848A is a passive, two-way speaker system housed in a large, trapezoidal plywood enclosure. Its design prioritizes acoustic neutrality and durability, with internal bracing to minimize panel resonance and a carefully engineered crossover network. The cabinet is typically finished in a textured black paint or vinyl wrap, with a perforated metal grille protecting the drivers. The enclosure's shape helps reduce internal standing waves, contributing to a cleaner soundstage.
At the heart of the 9848A are two legendary Altec Lansing drivers:
- 515-8G Compression Driver: This high-frequency unit features a 2-inch titanium diaphragm and a 1.4-inch throat, coupled to a large-format exponential horn. The horn is integrated into the front baffle and is designed to provide wide dispersion and high sensitivity—typically around 110 dB at 1 watt/1 meter. This driver is renowned for its dynamic clarity, low distortion, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making it ideal for both music and speech reproduction.
- 518A-8 15-inch Bass Driver: This large-diameter, low-frequency unit is built with a heavy-duty cast aluminum frame, a 4-inch voice coil, and a large paper cone with a cloth surround. It is designed for high excursion and excellent transient response, capable of producing deep, articulate bass despite the limitations of the era's materials. The 518A-8 is notable for its high efficiency and power handling, contributing significantly to the system’s overall sensitivity.
The crossover network, located inside the cabinet, is a passive design using inductors, capacitors, and resistors to divide the audio signal between the high- and low-frequency drivers. The crossover point is typically set around 1,200 Hz, a frequency chosen to optimize the overlap between the horn-loaded tweeter and the woofer while maintaining phase coherence. The components used in the original crossover were of high quality for the time, though many modern restorers upgrade them to improve reliability and performance.
Technical Specifications
- Type: Two-way, bass-reflex (vented) loudspeaker system
- Frequency Response: 45 Hz – 16 kHz (±3 dB)
- Sensitivity: 109 dB @ 1W/1m
- Nominal Impedance: 16 ohms
- Power Handling: 25 watts continuous, 50 watts peak
- Crossover Frequency: 1,200 Hz
- Cabinet Type: Trapezoidal, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood with internal bracing
- Dimensions: 32 inches (H) × 15 inches (W) × 15 inches (D)
- Weight: Approximately 65 lbs (29.5 kg) per cabinet
- Terminals: Single binding post pair (original), often upgraded to modern dual or bi-wire terminals in restored units
Applications and Historical Context
Originally, the 9848A was marketed for professional applications such as movie theatres, public address systems, and recording studios. Its high sensitivity made it ideal for use with the low-powered vacuum tube amplifiers common at the time. A single 10-watt tube amp could drive the 9848A to surprisingly loud levels, which was a major selling point in the 1950s and 1960s.
Despite its professional roots, the 9848A gained a strong following among audiophiles due to its dynamic range, transparency, and ability to reproduce live music with startling realism. In home audio setups, the speakers were often paired with high-quality tube amplifiers from brands like McIntosh, Fisher, and Marantz. Their open, natural midrange and crisp highs made them particularly well-suited for jazz, classical, and vocal recordings.
The 9848A was also used in broadcast studios and early rock and roll venues. Some notable recording engineers and studios of the era used Altec Lansing monitors—including variants of the 9848—for mixing and mastering, further cementing the brand's reputation for accuracy.
Performance Characteristics
The 9848A delivers a sound that is often described as "lively," "immediate," and "uncompressed." Its high efficiency allows it to maintain dynamics even at low listening levels, a trait prized by vintage audio enthusiasts. The horn-loaded tweeter provides exceptional clarity in the upper mids and highs, with a slight forwardness that enhances vocal presence. The 15-inch woofer delivers tight, punchy bass with good extension for its era, though modern listeners may find the low end less deep compared to contemporary subwoofers.
One of the most admired qualities of the 9848A is its ability to project sound into large rooms without strain. This makes it well-suited for open-plan living spaces or dedicated listening rooms. However, the speaker's high sensitivity also means it can be demanding on amplifiers—poorly matched or low-damped solid-state amps may cause harshness in the highs.
Restoration and Modern Use
Today, the Altec Lansing 9848A is a sought-after vintage speaker, especially among collectors and restorers. While original units can still be found, many require refurbishment due to aging components. Common restoration steps include:
- Replacing the foam or cloth surround on the 518A-8 woofer
- Re-coning or re-foaming the bass driver if damaged
- Upgrading the crossover components with modern film capacitors and air-core inductors
- Replacing deteriorated wiring and terminals
- Repairing or refinishing the cabinet
When properly restored, the 9848A can outperform many modern speakers in terms of dynamic expression and musical engagement. It pairs especially well with high-quality tube amplifiers or high-damping-factor solid-state amps that can control the bass driver effectively.
Legacy
The Altec Lansing 9848A stands as a testament to mid-20th-century American audio engineering. It combines industrial durability with sonic excellence, embodying the transition from public address systems to high-fidelity home audio. While newer technologies have surpassed it in frequency extension and power handling, few modern speakers match its visceral impact and emotional connection to the music.
For vintage audio enthusiasts, the 9848A is more than just a speaker—it's a piece of audio history. Whether used in a restored hi-fi system, a retro recording studio, or as a centerpiece in a classic audio collection, the 9848A continues to deliver a listening experience that is both powerful and deeply authentic.
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