Altec Model 83

1975 - 1980s

The Altec Model 83 was a compact 2-way bookshelf speaker. It had an 8" woofer and a horn-loaded tweeter, and it gave buyers with limited space some of Altec's efficiency and dynamics.

Specifications

Type	2-way, bass-reflex bookshelf loudspeaker
Low Frequency Driver	8" (200mm) cone woofer
High Frequency Driver	3" compression driver on small horn
Crossover Frequency	2,000 Hz
Nominal Impedance	8 Ω
Power Handling	30W continuous, 60W program
Sensitivity	94 dB/W/m
Frequency Response	45 Hz - 18 kHz
Dimensions	13" H x 11" W x 9" D (approximate)
Weight	Approximately 25 lbs per speaker

Design Overview

The Model 83 was part of Altec's home speaker line from the mid-1970s. It was built to compete in the popular bookshelf speaker market. The Voice of the Theatre systems and the large floorstanding models were massive. The 83 was made for smaller rooms, or for use as surround speakers in larger systems.

Key Features

Horn-Loaded HF: Unlike many bookshelf speakers of the era that used dome tweeters, the 83 maintained Altec's horn-loading philosophy
High Efficiency: 94 dB sensitivity allowed use with modest amplifiers
Compact Cabinet: Sealed or ported enclosure (sources vary) optimized for bookshelf placement
Altec DNA: Despite the small size, maintained the Altec voicing with fast, detailed reproduction

Intended Use

Altec marketed the Model 83 for:

Secondary rooms (bedrooms, offices)
Small apartments
Surround channels in home theater systems
Extension speakers for whole-house audio

Performance

The Model 83 offered:

Surprisingly full bass for an 8" woofer
Detailed, extended highs from the compression driver
Wide dynamic range typical of horn systems
Good horizontal dispersion for flexible placement

Cabinet and Finish

The Model 83 was available in:

Walnut vinyl veneer (most common)
Oiled walnut (early production)
Removable grille cloth in black

Legacy

The Model 83 is not as famous as the Model 19 or the Voice of the Theatre systems. Used ones turn up on the market now and then at accessible prices, which makes them an entry point into vintage Altec ownership.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ALTEC MODEL 83                                                  Jul 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $181                                    Latest             $35 │
│ Median    $50                                     Trend           ▼ Down │
│ Low       $14                                     Volume           ~6/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   $200 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                             .                                   │
│        │                          .             .                        │
│   $114 ┤                          .                                      │
│        │        .    .       .                         .                 │
│        │                     .    .                                      │
│        │.  .  .              ..   .  . .            .                   .│
│     $0 ┤    .                .        . ..                   .        .. │
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │▁  ▁▁ ▁ ▁    ▂       █▁   ▄  ▂▁▁▁▁      ▁   ▁  ▁     ▁        ▁▁▁│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-02                      2026-04                      2026-07│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘