Altec Lansing 846A Valencia (1967–1970s)
A floor-standing, 2-way horn speaker system with a Spanish-style wood grill and a bass reflex cabinet.
Overview
The Altec Lansing 846A Valencia is a consumer speaker system introduced in 1967 as part of Altec's push into home hi-fi during the 1960s. It became a bestseller and is considered a representative model of Altec’s medium-size systems. The speaker uses a 2-way, 2-speaker bass reflex design and was offered in two versions: an early 16 Ω model and a later 8 Ω version updated around 1970. Two cabinet variations existed—one for international markets and a designated domestic (Japanese) type. The Valencia was designed to bring theater-like dynamics to home audio and could be paired with optional center cabinets like the 883A to form a full stereo ensemble.
Specifications
| Released in | 1967 |
| Production years | 1960s–1970s |
| Type | 2-Way, 2-Speaker, Bass Reflex System, Floor Type |
| Units Used (Early) | Low band 38 cm cone type (416A), High pass Horn Type (806A + 811B) |
| Units Used (Late) | Low band 38 cm cone type (416-8A), High pass Horn Type (807-8A + 811B) |
| Network (Early) | N-800G |
| Network (Late) | N801-8A |
| Cabinet | 859A |
| Impedance | 16 Ω (early type), 8 Ω (late type) |
| Frequency characteristic | 35 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Input | 30W (rated), 50W (Allowable Input) |
| Crossover frequency | 800Hz (12dB/oct) |
| External dimensions | Width 700 x Height 760 x Depth 490 mm |
| Sold Separately | Center Cabinet 883A |
| Center Cabinet 883A External dimensions | Width 2,520 x Height 760 x Depth 490 mm |
| Original price (Japan) | ¥276,300 (1 unit, around 1970), ¥305,400 (after 1970 revision) |
| Domestic price (Japan) | ¥193,400 (1 unit, around 1970), ¥240,000 (after 1970 revision) |
Design
The 846A uses the 859A cabinet with a bass reflex system. It has a 15" woofer (416/416A/416-8A) paired with a compression driver (806A/807-8A) on an 811B horn. The wooden lattice grill pattern comes from 16th-century decorative tiles from the Valencia region of Spain.
Context
The 846A was part of Altec's home hi-fi expansion in the 1950s and 1960s, alongside models like the Flamenco and Model 19. It was built to deliver theater-like dynamics in domestic settings. The early 846A shares its configuration with the A7 (16 Ω), and the late version lines up with the A7-8 (8 Ω). Optional center cabinets - the 880A (Valencia II) and the 883A (Valencia III) - were sold separately to build a complete stereo system. The 883A had space for audio components and a hand-finished walnut exterior.
Market
The Altec Lansing 846A Valencia is still collectible. In 2006, pairs were valued between $800 and $1,400, with some selling for over $1,800. More recent listings run wide, from $229 for rear covers to $4,500 for a complete pair with original parts. Grill damage is known to cut the value by approximately $200. Replacement grills are available. Enthusiasts suggest replacing the capacitors in the crossover, but no official maintenance data is documented.
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