Altec Lansing 875A Granada

The Altec Lansing 875A Granada is a high-efficiency loudspeaker system introduced in 1968 as part of Altec's consumer-focused "Voice of the Home" series. It was meant to bring professional studio monitor performance into the living room. It pairs Altec's horn technology with a compact, furniture-grade enclosure. Vintage audio enthusiasts and collectors still like it for its lively dynamics, vocal clarity and efficient design.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model	Lansing 875A Granada
Brand	Altec
Production Years	1968–1972
Power Handling	50–75 Watts RMS
Impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity	96 dB (1W/1m)
Crossover	N800-F passive network
Woofer	12-inch paper cone with foam surround
High-Frequency Driver	806A compression driver
Horn	811B constant-directivity horn
Cabinet Design	Front-ported, walnut veneer
Dimensions (H×W×D)	27" × 14" × 12" (approx.)
Weight	52 lbs per cabinet

Historical Context

The 875A Granada came along when high-fidelity audio was moving from a niche hobby to mainstream home entertainment. Altec was already known for its professional theater and studio monitors, like the A7 "Voice of the Theatre," and wanted to adapt that performance for home use. The result was the "Voice of the Home" series, which included the 875A as a flagship model.

The 875A uses the 806A driver and 811B horn, both derived directly from Altec's professional line. That gave it exceptional clarity and dynamic range. The N800-F crossover joins the horn-loaded high frequencies to the 12-inch woofer. The cabinet is walnut veneer with a front-ported design.

The design reflects Altec's priorities: efficiency, durability and sonic transparency. It was built around the tube amplifiers of the era, which often had low power output. That made the 875A's 96 dB sensitivity a major advantage.

Sound Signature

The 875A has a forward and dynamic midrange, which suits vocal-centric music, jazz and classic rock. The horn-loaded 806A driver gives crisp, detailed highs with excellent dispersion. The top end is slightly rolled off compared to modern tweeters, so it sounds smooth and non-fatiguing.

The 12-inch woofer gives punchy, articulate bass with a natural attack, and the front port extends the low-frequency response. It isn't as deep as larger floorstanding designs, but the bass stays tight and well-integrated. Overall the 875A has an efficient, lively, and engaging presentation and needs minimal amplifier power.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

Because of their age, surviving 875A speakers often need restoration to perform their best. Here are common issues and recommended maintenance steps:

Foam Surround Replacement: The original foam surrounds on the 12-inch woofers typically degrade after 40+ years, leading to distortion or complete failure. Replacing them with modern rubber or foam kits is essential for restoring bass response and reliability.

Crossover Recapping: The N800-F crossover uses electrolytic and paper capacitors that may have dried out or drifted in value. Replacing these components (especially the electrolytics) improves clarity and prevents potential damage to drivers.

Horn Diaphragm Inspection: The 806A driver’s aluminum diaphragm can become damaged if overdriven or mishandled. Check for tears or misalignment; replacement or reconing may be necessary.

Cabinet Care: The walnut veneer is prone to wear, scratches, or finish degradation. Light cleaning with wood polish and, if needed, professional refinishing can restore the cabinet’s luster without compromising collectibility.

Grille Replacement: Original grilles are often missing or damaged. Reproduction grilles are available, or custom versions can be made to match the original perforated metal design.

Collectibility and Market Value

The Altec Lansing 875A Granada holds a collectibility rating of 7/10. It appeals to vintage audio collectors, horn speaker enthusiasts and people building period-correct systems.

A matched pair in good working condition typically sells for $800 - $1,500, with prices influenced by:

Originality (especially drivers and crossover)
Cabinet condition
Completeness (grilles, labels, hardware)
Provenance or rare finishes

Fully restored pairs with documented parts and performance upgrades may command higher prices, particularly when paired with compatible vintage tube amplifiers.

Conclusion

The 875A has a powerful midrange, high sensitivity and a horn design that suits dynamic, expressive sound. With proper care and restoration it still performs over 50 years after its debut.

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