Altec Stonehenge I (819A)
1970s
The Altec Stonehenge I (model 819A) was the entry-level model in Altec's distinctive Stonehenge series, introduced in the 1970s as "a dynamic new concept" that combined Altec's traditional engineering with contemporary design aesthetics. Named after the ancient monument and proportioned to its legendary stones, the Stonehenge I offered a more compact, domestically friendly alternative to Altec's larger horn-loaded systems while maintaining the company's commitment to quality and performance.
Specifications
| Type | 2-way, bass-reflex floorstanding loudspeaker |
|---|---|
| Low Frequency Driver | 12" high-compliance bass driver |
| High Frequency Driver | 5" frame cone driver (3.3 square inch effective piston area) |
| Crossover | 819A network with adjustable high-frequency attenuation |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Power Handling | 15W - 150W operational range |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB SPL |
| Frequency Response | Estimated 40 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Dimensions | Approximately 406 mm W × 953 mm H × 362 mm D (16" × 37.5" × 14.25") |
| Weight | Approximately 27-30 kg (60-66 lbs) per speaker |
Driver Configuration
The Stonehenge I featured a conventional but well-executed 2-way design:
- Woofer: 12" high-compliance bass driver with 82 square inch effective piston area, designed for extended bass response in a compact enclosure
- Tweeter: 5" frame cone driver with 3.3 square inch effective piston area, providing smooth high-frequency reproduction
- Crossover: 819A network with adjustable high-frequency attenuation for room matching
Unlike Altec's traditional horn-loaded designs, the Stonehenge I used conventional cone drivers throughout, representing a more mainstream approach to speaker design while still benefiting from Altec's engineering expertise.
Cabinet Design
The Stonehenge I's cabinet was its most distinctive feature:
- Monumental Proportions: Designed with dimensions proportioned to the actual Stonehenge monoliths in Wiltshire, England
- Premium Materials: Luxurious hand-rubbed Afromosian teak or walnut veneers
- Clean Lines: Simple, elegant design that worked well in contemporary interiors
- Bass-Reflex Design: Tuned port enclosure for extended low-frequency response
- Domestic Scale: More compact than Altec's horn-loaded systems, suitable for average living rooms
The cabinet's tall, slender profile (953mm height with only 406mm width) gave it a distinctive presence while minimizing its footprint.
The Stonehenge Series Concept
The Stonehenge series represented a new direction for Altec in the 1970s:
- Contemporary Design: Moving beyond traditional horn-loaded aesthetics
- Domestic Integration: Speakers designed specifically for home environments
- Progressive Naming: Mystical, evocative model names (Stonehenge I, II, III)
- Technical Refinement: Applying Altec's engineering to conventional driver designs
- Aesthetic Statement: Speakers as both audio components and design elements
The series was billed as "a classic of contemporary technology" inspired by "an ancient mystery," blending technical innovation with romantic appeal.
Performance Characteristics
The Stonehenge I offered a different sonic signature than Altec's horn-loaded designs:
- Extended Bass: 12" high-compliance woofer in tuned enclosure for solid low-frequency response
- Smooth Highs: 5" cone tweeter for detailed but non-fatiguing treble
- Moderate Efficiency: 90 dB sensitivity - lower than horn designs but still reasonably efficient
- Wide Power Handling: 15W-150W range compatible with most amplifiers
- Room-Friendly: Conventional dispersion patterns easier to place than horn systems
Historical Context
Introduced in the mid-1970s, the Stonehenge I arrived during a period of transition in the audio market. Consumers were increasingly interested in speakers that offered both good performance and attractive styling that complemented contemporary interior design.
The Stonehenge series represented Altec's attempt to reach a broader market beyond traditional audiophiles who favored horn-loaded systems. By offering conventional driver designs in aesthetically distinctive cabinets, Altec could appeal to consumers who wanted the Altec name and quality but preferred more mainstream speaker technology.
Positioned as the entry-level model in the Stonehenge series, the Stonehenge I would have been priced competitively with other quality bookshelf/floorstanding speakers of the era, though exact pricing information is scarce.
Design Philosophy
The Stonehenge I embodied several design principles:
- Accessible Performance: Bringing Altec quality to a more mainstream price point
- Aesthetic Integration: Design that complemented contemporary interiors
- Technical Competence: Applying Altec's engineering to conventional designs
- User-Friendly: Adjustable controls and wide amplifier compatibility
- Brand Extension: Expanding Altec's market beyond traditional horn enthusiasts
Amplifier Compatibility
With its 90 dB sensitivity and 8Ω impedance, the Stonehenge I worked well with:
- Medium-powered amplifiers (20-100W) for optimal performance
- Vintage receivers from the 1970s
- Modern integrated amplifiers
- Tube amplifiers with sufficient power (15W+)
The adjustable high-frequency attenuation allowed fine-tuning to match amplifier characteristics and room acoustics.
Legacy and Collectibility
The Altec Stonehenge I is a relatively rare and collectible speaker today, prized for its distinctive design and as an interesting alternative to Altec's more common horn-loaded models. Complete, original examples can command prices of $600-$1,200 per pair depending on condition.
Factors contributing to the Stonehenge I's collectibility:
- Design Distinctiveness: Unique Stonehenge-inspired aesthetics
- Brand Appeal: Altec name and quality construction
- Rarity: Less common than Valencia or Model 19
- Historical Interest: Represents Altec's foray into conventional speaker design
- Condition: Well-preserved teak or walnut cabinets are particularly desirable
Restoration considerations include:
- Recapping the 819A crossover network
- Refoaming the 12" woofer if needed (likely foam surround)
- Checking the 5" tweeter for proper operation
- Cabinet refinishing to restore teak or walnut veneer
- Cleaning and verifying the adjustable attenuation controls
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Documentation
- Altec Stonehenge I introduction brochure
- 819A crossover network schematics
- Altec home audio catalogs (1970s)
- Stonehenge series marketing materials
Service Manuals & Schematics
- Manual — archive.org
Related Models
- Altec 1221A
- Altec 3000B
- Altec 600B
- Altec 603
- Altec A4X
- Akai AM-2850 (1975)
- Akai AP-206 (1975)
- Nakamichi BX-1 (1985)
- Acoustic Research research-ar-17 (1978)
- Acoustic Research AR-19 (1994)