Altec Lansing A5b

[Mike8950]

Hello everyone,
I'm looking for some info/advice on a pair of Altec A5b speakers I'm looking at buying. I can't find a ton of info on that exact speaker system and if they would be good for home audio use. They are the 828H cabinets, MRII 594 horns, 288-8k drivers, 515-8G for bass and the N1285 crossovers. Would they need much to upgrade for 2 channel listening or are they good the way they are. I listen to all genre of music. But primarily classic rock and hard rock. The space they are to be used in is approximate 15' wide x 30' long. I have a few different amplifier options from 18w tube, 300w class D, pioneer sx780, sansui 771.. etc.
Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Mike.

 

[Nyjblbob]

I have a positive opinion on these
Depending on the price and condition
But I’ll let a couple of the experienced Pro
Sound guys answer all your queries

Bobhorn

 

[Mike8950]

I have a positive opinion on these
Depending on the price and condition
But I’ll let a couple of the experienced Pro
Sound guys answer all your queries

Bobhorn

 

[Mike8950]

$2500usd

 

[Tube Sound]

I don’t have experience with A5’s but do have Altec Valencia, a different animal. Most if not all of the large horn/big woofer Altec’s are highly regarded. These appear to be from around 1980 or 1981. They are huge but some say will sound wonderful, even in a smaller space. You mention listening to rock, primarily. I don’t usually think of horn Altec’s as rock speakers but they likely sound good with any genre. Normally I relate jazz, blues, classical. Is it possible to hear them before buying? Even if you need to take a small unit like your Pioneer or Sansui. The price is about as low as I’ve seen for any version of A5’s. Not sure about this version but have read about A5’s being the end game for some. I can’t think of any reason they would need alteration to work in two channel. Good luck and please followup if you grab them. Perhaps a thread in speakers.

 

[Nyjblbob]

I was thinking of a 2 guy with tons of experience with
Big format Altec’s
So I’ll give you my personal opinion
I had those cabinets and up close are less
Impressive
Starting at 30’ to 75’ just Wow
For a bit more Bass support
Put them in the corners
I still own the older 288c’s
One of my all time favorite vintage drivers .
I never cared for the Manta Ray horns
especially in the home setting
I never used the Crossover listed
But it is a decent starting point
I personally would biamp them with the low power tube amp on the horns and some big power on the Woofers
I still have 2 pairs of 515b’s but my room is too small for the Huge cabinets they require
Good luck
Hopefully Bowtie427ss or Twiii will
give you some better advice
Bobhorn

 

[Mike8950]

I'm going tomorrow to have a listen to the A5s. He lowered his price down to $3000cad. There is also a pair of Model 19s that came up on local marketplace with upgraded crossovers for $4500cad. Any thoughts on 19s vs A5s?

 

[Nyjblbob]

Once you decide and purchase either pair
Start a new thread on the Lancing forum
You have a big enough room for either pair
To be quite good.
With the M-19’s winning out the WAF
Wife acceptance Factor
And the VOT’s with the stellar 288’s
That
Have the extreme effeciency
For Flea powered Triode amps
Think 45,2a3, or 300b SET
Ask me how I know
Do Not over look the condition of the
Diafragms in both pair
Not only should you take a Volt ohm
Meter to test all the Drivers
But see if you can ask to see them
With the back covers of the horn
Drivers Off
You want to see clean Un-dented
Aluminum domes and especially the surrounds
Of the domes
Good luck
Condition is everything
For the m-19’s also Walnut seems to be
Slightly more desirable than the Oak
Are they scratched and damaged?
Foam around the Horns?
Grills emblem’s are cloth in good shape?
Do they have the Better 16” big frame
416-8b woofers???
Prices are on the low mid Retail for the Vot’
On the mid-high side for the 19’s

 

[Nyjblbob]

Careful now
Those s5’s can lead you down a
Very Deep rabbit hole.