Altec Lansing Stonehenge II (1971)

The Altec Lansing Stonehenge II, introduced in 1971, is a classic two-way bookshelf loudspeaker from Altec’s consumer-oriented Stonehenge series. Designed to bring professional-grade audio components into the home environment, the Stonehenge II combines robust engineering with warm, engaging sound reproduction. With its distinctive walnut veneer cabinet and pro-inspired driver technology, this speaker remains a favorite among vintage audio enthusiasts and collectors.

Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model	Lansing Stonehenge II
Brand	Altec
Year of Release	1971
Production Period	1971–1975
Type	Two-way, passive, bass-reflex
Woofer	12-inch paper cone with foam surround
Tweeter	Horn-loaded compression driver
Enclosure	Acoustic suspension with front-firing port
Impedance	8 ohms
Power Handling	Up to 50W RMS (per channel, stereo)
Sensitivity	94 dB (1W/1m)
Frequency Response	50 Hz – 18 kHz (approximate)
Cabinet Finish	Walnut veneer
Dimensions (H×W×D)	24" × 14" × 12" (approx.)
Weight	42 lbs per cabinet

Sound Signature

The Stonehenge II delivers a warm, dynamic, and highly efficient sound profile. Its horn-loaded compression driver ensures clear, detailed highs with excellent dispersion, while the 12-inch woofer provides tight, articulate bass with strong midrange presence. Though not known for extreme sub-bass extension, the speaker excels in musicality and clarity, making it ideal for jazz, rock, and vocal-centric genres. The overall presentation is lively and engaging, characteristic of Altec’s pro-audio heritage adapted for home listening.

Historical Context

Part of Altec Lansing’s Stonehenge series, the Stonehenge II was developed during a transitional period when professional audio technologies began influencing high-fidelity home systems. Altec, renowned for its cinema and studio monitors, leveraged its expertise in driver design—particularly horn-loaded tweeters and durable woofers—to create speakers that offered professional performance in domestic form factors.

The Stonehenge II stood out for its hybrid approach: combining the efficiency and dynamics of pro drivers with a refined, furniture-grade walnut cabinet suitable for living rooms. This bridging of worlds made the Stonehenge series highly respected among audiophiles seeking both performance and practicality. The II model, in particular, offered a balanced blend of size and output, fitting well in medium-sized rooms without requiring massive amplification.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

Due to their age, vintage Stonehenge II speakers often require some maintenance to restore optimal performance:

Woofer Foam Surrounds: The original foam surrounds commonly degrade over time, leading to distorted bass or mechanical rubbing. Refoaming with modern butyl rubber surrounds is a recommended and cost-effective fix.
Crossover Components: Electrolytic capacitors in the crossover network may dry out or fail. Replacing these with modern film capacitors can improve clarity and reliability.
Grille Fabric: Original grilles may be torn or discolored. Replacement with acoustically transparent fabric maintains aesthetics without affecting sound.
Cabinet Care: While the walnut veneer is durable, it may show scratches or fading. Gentle cleaning with wood-safe polish and avoidance of direct sunlight helps preserve appearance.
Binding Posts: Check for corrosion or loose connections. Upgrading to modern 5-way binding posts improves connectivity and appearance.

Collectibility and Market Value

The Altec Lansing Stonehenge II holds a collectibility rating of 7/10, prized for its blend of pro-audio lineage, solid build quality, and vintage appeal. Well-maintained or restored pairs are in steady demand among classic audio enthusiasts.

As of recent market trends, a pair of Stonehenge II speakers typically sells for $300 to $600, depending on condition, originality, and restoration quality. Fully restored units with upgraded components and preserved cabinets often command prices at the higher end of the range.

Conclusion

The Altec Lansing Stonehenge II remains a compelling choice for vintage audio lovers seeking a speaker that delivers both sonic character and historical significance. With its efficient design, warm tonality, and rugged construction, it exemplifies Altec’s successful effort to bring professional sound into the home. Whether used as a daily driver or as a centerpiece in a classic hi-fi setup, the Stonehenge II continues to impress with its timeless performance.