Altec Lansing Stonehenge II (1971)
The Altec Lansing Stonehenge II came out in 1971. It is a two-way bookshelf loudspeaker from Altec's consumer-oriented Stonehenge series. Altec designed it to bring professional-grade audio components into the home. The cabinet is walnut veneer, and the drivers come from pro designs. Vintage audio enthusiasts and collectors still like it.
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 has a warm, dynamic, and highly efficient sound. The horn-loaded compression driver gives clear, detailed highs with excellent dispersion. The 12-inch woofer gives tight, articulate bass with strong midrange presence. It is not known for extreme sub-bass extension. It does well with jazz, rock, and vocal-centric music. The overall presentation is lively and engaging, which is Altec's pro-audio heritage adapted for home listening.
Historical Context
The Stonehenge II belongs to Altec Lansing's Stonehenge series. It was developed during a transitional period when professional audio technologies began influencing high-fidelity home systems. Altec was known for its cinema and studio monitors. It used that experience in driver design - particularly horn-loaded tweeters and durable woofers - to make speakers that offered professional performance in domestic form factors.
The Stonehenge II took a hybrid approach. It combined the efficiency and dynamics of pro drivers with a refined, furniture-grade walnut cabinet suitable for living rooms. Audiophiles who wanted both performance and practicality respected the Stonehenge series for it. The II model offered a balanced blend of size and output. It fit 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. Collectors prize its 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 sell at the higher end of the range.
Conclusion
The Altec Lansing Stonehenge II has an efficient design, warm tonality, and rugged construction. Some owners use it as a daily driver, and others use it as the centerpiece of a classic hi-fi setup.
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