Altec Santiago (878A & 878B)

Name: Altec Santiago
Brand: Altec

1971 - 1978

The Altec Santiago is a floorstanding speaker system that brought Voice of the Theatre performance into the home with distinctive styling and solid engineering. Available as the 878A (early) and 878B (later) models, the Santiago featured Altec's Dynamic Force woofer technology and professional compression drivers in a domestic-friendly enclosure.

Specifications

Type	2-way, 2-speaker bass-reflex system
Models	878A (early), 878B (late)
Low Frequency Driver	411-8A 15" Dynamic Force woofer (878B) 414 12" woofer (some 878A)
High Frequency Driver	806-8A compression driver (878B) 902 driver (some 878A)
Horn	811B 90° x 40° exponential sectoral horn
Crossover	N801-8A network
Crossover Frequency	800 Hz
Nominal Impedance	8 Ω
Power Handling	60W continuous program
Sensitivity	96 dB/W/m (new JIS)
Frequency Response	35 Hz to 20 kHz
Dimensions	676mm W x 765mm H x 495mm D (26.6" W x 30.1" H x 19.5" D)
Weight	49.9 kg (110 lbs) per speaker

Model Evolution

878A Santiago (Early 1970s)

The original Santiago featured:

Woofer: Typically 414 12" woofer or similar
Compression Driver: 902 series or 806-8B
Horn: 811B sectoral horn
Crossover: N801-8A or similar network
Cabinet: Walnut veneer with distinctive styling

878B Santiago (Mid-Late 1970s)

The updated model featured improvements:

Woofer: 411-8A 15" Dynamic Force woofer
Compression Driver: 806-8A compression driver
Horn: 811B sectoral horn
Crossover: N801-8A network
Cabinet: Black mesh three-dimensional grill, natural slate top design

Dynamic Force Woofer Technology

The 878B's 411-8A woofer featured Altec's Dynamic Force technology:

Large Voice Coil: 4" voice coil for high power handling
Heavy Magnet: 18 lb magnet structure
Advanced Suspension: Designed for controlled excursion
Efficient Design: High sensitivity for dynamic performance
Durability: Built for reliable long-term operation

Altec promoted the Dynamic Force woofer as delivering "concert-hall performance" in a home speaker system.

Cabinet Design

The Santiago cabinet was designed to be both functional and attractive:

Bass-Reflex Design: Tuned port for extended bass response
Construction Quality: Solid wood and veneer construction
Distinctive Grille: Black mesh three-dimensional grill on 878B
Top Design: Natural slate top on 878B models
Finish Options: Walnut and other wood veneers
Internal Damping: Proper acoustic treatment for clean sound

The cabinet was designed to be substantial enough to properly support the drivers while maintaining domestic-friendly dimensions.

Performance Characteristics

The Santiago was designed to deliver professional-grade performance:

High Efficiency: 96 dB sensitivity for dynamic performance
Extended Frequency Response: 35 Hz to 20 kHz range
Good Power Handling: 60W continuous program capability
Smooth Response: Voice of the Theatre components provide characteristic Altec smoothness
Low Coloration: Designed for accurate reproduction
Dynamic Capability: Can handle complex musical passages

Voice of the Theatre Heritage

The Santiago incorporated technology from Altec's professional Voice of the Theatre systems:

Compression Driver Technology: Same basic technology as professional systems
Horn Design: 811B horn used in many professional applications
Crossover Philosophy: 800 Hz crossover point similar to professional systems
Component Quality: Professional-grade drivers and components

This gave the Santiago a performance character similar to professional systems but in a package optimized for home use.

Comparison with Similar Models

Model	Woofer	HF Driver	Characteristics
Santiago 878B	411-8A 15"	806-8A + 811B	Dynamic Force woofer, slate top
Valencia	416 15"	806A + 811B	Classic Altec home system
Model 19	416-8B/Z 15"	802-8G + 811B	Flagship 2-way system
VOTT A7	416 15"	802 + 811B	Professional cinema system

Amplifier Pairing

With 96 dB sensitivity and 8Ω impedance, the Santiago works well with:

Tube Amplifiers: 15-30 watt tube amps provide ample power
Vintage Receivers: 1970s solid-state receivers from 30-60 watts
Modern Amplifiers: Both solid-state and tube designs
Modest Power: 20-40 watts is sufficient for most listening

The Santiago's efficiency makes it suitable for use with a wide range of amplification.

Restoration and Maintenance

Common restoration tasks for Santiago speakers:

Crossover Recap: Replacing aging capacitors in N801-8A network
Woofer Inspection: Checking 411-8A woofer for condition
Compression Driver Service: Inspecting 806-8A drivers
Cabinet Refinishing: Restoring wood veneers if needed
Grille Restoration: Repairing or replacing grille fabric
Internal Cleaning: Removing dust and debris from cabinet interior

Historical Context

The Santiago was introduced during the early 1970s, a period of rapid growth in the high-fidelity market. Consumers were increasingly interested in bringing professional-quality audio into their homes, and manufacturers responded with products that bridged the gap between professional and domestic applications.

Altec, with its strong heritage in professional audio, was well-positioned to offer home speakers with genuine professional technology. The Santiago was part of this strategy, offering Voice of the Theatre performance in a living-room-friendly package.

Pricing was competitive with other high-end speakers of the era, positioning the Santiago as a premium but accessible option for serious audio enthusiasts.

Legacy

Today, the Santiago is valued for:

Professional Heritage: Genuine Voice of the Theatre technology
Solid Performance: Capable of satisfying critical listening
Distinctive Design: Attractive styling that stands out
Collectibility: Sought after by vintage Altec enthusiasts
Restoration Potential: Good candidates for restoration projects

Well-restored Santiago speakers typically sell for $1,500-$2,500 per pair, with prices higher for exceptional examples or rare early models. They represent an excellent value in vintage Altec speakers, offering professional-grade performance at a more accessible price point than flagship models like the Model 19.