Altec A8
The Altec A8 exists in the record mostly as a spec sheet. Beyond a single database entry, almost nothing is documented about it. No production years, no original price, no dimensions, no reviews. What the record shows is a 3-way, 4-driver loudspeaker system with a 12-inch woofer, an 8-inch midrange, and a 2.5-inch tweeter, crossing over at 800 Hz and 5,000 Hz. The rated frequency response is 40-22,000 Hz, sensitivity is listed at 89 dB, and nominal impedance is 8 ohms. Altec recommended an amplifier of between 10 and 150 watts, with 10 watts cited as the minimum. Period advertisements show Altec touting quality across its speaker lineup, with models like the Capistrano offering a guaranteed frequency range of 35-22,000 cps Audio (December 1960, p.47).
The "4 driver" count isn't explained in the surviving source. It could mean dual tweeters or some other arrangement. The cabinet type, finish options, and weight all went unrecorded. It's tempting to read the A8 as a sibling of the A7 "Voice of the Theatre," but no source makes that connection explicitly, so it stays a guess.
Known specs:
- Type: 3-way, 4-driver loudspeaker system
- Woofer: 12"
- Midrange: 8"
- Tweeter: 2.5"
- Frequency response: 40–22,000 Hz
- Crossover points: 800 Hz, 5,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 89 dB
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Recommended amplifier power: 10–150 W
All of the above traces to a single source, so treat the figures as unconfirmed until a second document surfaces. If you own an A8 or have seen one in the flesh, the archive would love to hear from you.
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