Altec Lansing 808

The Altec Lansing 808 is a full-range dynamic loudspeaker developed in the late 1940s to early 1950s. It was designed for home console radios, public address systems, and professional monitoring. It is still a sought-after vintage speaker among audiophiles and restorers, mostly for its warm sound and sturdy construction.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Driver Size	8 inches
Driver Type	Full-range
Impedance	16 ohms
Sensitivity	Estimated 95–100 dB (1W/1m)
Power Handling	Compatible with 5–15W tube amplifiers
Magnet Type	Alnico (Aluminum-Nickel-Cobalt)
Cone Material	Paper
Surround	Cloth
Enclosure Compatibility	Open-back or small acoustic enclosures
Typical Use Case	Console radios, PA systems, extension speakers

Historical Context

The 808 appeared shortly after World War II, when advances in materials and manufacturing made high-fidelity sound available to more people. It was part of Altec Lansing's early consumer and professional product lines. It was engineered for reliability and clear midrange reproduction, which suited both home entertainment and public address work.

Altec was formed from the merger of Altec Service Corporation and Lansing Manufacturing Company. It drew on expertise from both cinema sound and broadcast audio to build durable drivers. The 808 became a staple in furniture-style console radios. It was often paired with tube amplifiers of modest power, where its high sensitivity and 16-ohm impedance gave efficient performance.

The 808 is not as widely documented as some of Altec's later theater or studio monitors. It still played a foundational role in building the brand's reputation for sturdy, natural-sounding drivers. The design reflects the era's preference for simplicity and serviceability, with easily replaceable components and a rugged build.

Sound Signature

The Altec Lansing 808 has a warm, mid-forward tonal balance typical of vintage full-range speakers. It favors vocal clarity and instrumental presence, which suits jazz, blues, and spoken word. High frequencies are surprisingly clear for a single-driver design of its time, though they roll off gently above 10 kHz. Bass is limited by modern standards, with minimal extension below 80 Hz, but it stays tight and articulate within its range.

In well-designed enclosures, often open-back or small sealed cabinets, the 808 gives a coherent, uncolored presentation. Many enthusiasts describe it as "musical" and emotionally engaging.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

Because of their age, surviving Altec Lansing 808 units often need restoration to perform well. Here are key considerations:

Surround Replacement: The original cloth surrounds frequently degrade over time, leading to distortion or mechanical rubbing. Re-coning services or replacement surrounds (foam or butyl) can restore proper cone movement.
Magnet Recharging: Alnico magnets may lose strength over decades. Specialized services can re-magnetize the driver to restore sensitivity and efficiency.
Terminal Inspection: Check for corrosion or loose connections at the binding posts and voice coil leads. Clean with contact cleaner and tighten as needed.
Capacitor Check: If used in a crossover network (rare for full-range use), replace any old capacitors to prevent degradation in sound quality.
Cabinet Compatibility: When repurposing the 808, pair it with an appropriate enclosure. Open-back designs enhance warmth, while small sealed boxes can improve bass control.

Keep the speaker away from excessive power and humidity. Vintage components are not designed for modern high-output amplifiers.

Collectibility and Market Value

The Altec Lansing 808 holds moderate collectible appeal, rated around 6/10. It is not as well known as the 604 or 605 coaxial models, but it is valued for its historical significance, Alnico magnet, and vintage tonality. Units in working condition with original components command higher prices.

As of recent market trends, individual 808 speakers typically sell for $50 - $150, depending on condition, provenance, and whether they've been restored. Original labels, intact baskets, and matching pairs increase value.

Conclusion

The 808 is limited by today's standards, but its expressive midrange continues to attract tube audio enthusiasts, restorers, and collectors. It works in a restored console or a modern minimalist setup.

Similar items on eBay

No exact Altec lansing-808 listings are live right now — these searches show current Altec and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:

Search Altec lansing-808 on eBay Browse Altec audio gear on eBay

As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.