i recently aquired a somewhat vintage setup . I have a Mcintosh mc2255 / c28 with a pair of pioneer Plx 1000 s connected to a xone 22 Dj mixer . I have been looking for a pair of vintage altec speakers to use with this system and what seems to be a good deal on a pair of Altec valencias has come up . In the mean time my neighbor put a single altec 602a speaker in cabinet that seems original in his garbage . That speaker sounds great. I have been looking for a second but to no avail . So the question of the day is , should I wait to find another 602 or would the purchase of the valencias pay dividends in the long run sound wise ? Any help from the altec guys out there would be great . Thanks in advance
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Can’t speak to the 602A, but I absolutely love my Valencias 
The room is 12x25 with the speakers on the long wall about eleven feet apart
gdmoore28
Super Member
Go with the Valencia's, then wait for another 602a. The Valencia's will sound much better. The big problem with the 602 is its 3000 series tweeter - repair is no longer possible. (This tweeter used an Altec microphone diaphragm and hasn't been available for years. The one person who used to manufacture the diaphragms has retired and his equipment sold.) The 3000 is quite fragile, and if you scorch one you will end up with nothing more than a nice woofer.
The Valencias, on the other hand, are repairable and will give you immediate listening pleasure. Additionally, there are a number of crossover modifications that will improve them either further. (We'll be happy to refer you to the relevant posts, etc.)
Good luck, welcome to AK, and keep us updated on your progress in building your new system. Lots of narrative and photos are the life-blood of AK. Oh, and welcome to the Altec fraternity. Altec is a storied and historical brand with lots of followers, along with a few resident brand experts here on AK. All of your technical and restoration needs are here for the taking!
GeeDeeEmm
For reference: the Altec 602a
For reference: the Altec Valencia
The Valencias, on the other hand, are repairable and will give you immediate listening pleasure. Additionally, there are a number of crossover modifications that will improve them either further. (We'll be happy to refer you to the relevant posts, etc.)
Good luck, welcome to AK, and keep us updated on your progress in building your new system. Lots of narrative and photos are the life-blood of AK. Oh, and welcome to the Altec fraternity. Altec is a storied and historical brand with lots of followers, along with a few resident brand experts here on AK. All of your technical and restoration needs are here for the taking!
GeeDeeEmm
For reference: the Altec 602a
For reference: the Altec Valencia
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Go with the Valencia's, then wait for another 602a. The Valencia's will sound much better. The big problem with the 602 is it's 3000 series tweeter - repair is no longer possible. (This tweeter used an Altec microphone diaphragm and hasn't been available for years. The one person who used to manufacture the diaphragms has retired and his equipment sold.) The 3000 is quite fragile, and if you scorch one you will end up with nothing more than a nice woofer.
The Valencias, on the other hand, are repairable and will give you immediate listening pleasure. Additionally, there are a number of crossover modifications that will improve them either further. (We'll be happy to refer you to the relevant posts, etc.)
Good luck, welcome to AK, and keep us updated on your progress in building your new system. Lots of narrative and photos are the life-blood of AK. Oh, and welcome to the Altec fraternity. Altec is a storied and historical brand with lots of followers, along with a few resident brand experts here on AK. All of your technical and restoration needs are here for the taking!
GeeDeeEmm
For reference: the Altec 602a
For reference: the Altec Valencia
Thanks for the info , years ago I had a pair of vot a7 . I miss that altec soundGo with the Valencia's, then wait for another 602a. The Valencia's will sound much better. The big problem with the 602 is it's 3000 series tweeter - repair is no longer possible. (This tweeter used an Altec microphone diaphragm and hasn't been available for years. The one person who used to manufacture the diaphragms has retired and his equipment sold.) The 3000 is quite fragile, and if you scorch one you will end up with nothing more than a nice woofer.
The Valencias, on the other hand, are repairable and will give you immediate listening pleasure. Additionally, there are a number of crossover modifications that will improve them either further. (We'll be happy to refer you to the relevant posts, etc.)
Good luck, welcome to AK, and keep us updated on your progress in building your new system. Lots of narrative and photos are the life-blood of AK. Oh, and welcome to the Altec fraternity. Altec is a storied and historical brand with lots of followers, along with a few resident brand experts here on AK. All of your technical and restoration needs are here for the taking!
GeeDeeEmm
For reference: the Altec 602a
For reference: the Altec Valencia
So just a follow up question . After some more inquiry the valencias are 16 ohm version . With the 250 watt Mcintosh should this be a big concern sound wise or price wise ? The external condition is good with a few small issues . I still have to demo them for sound quality . The price is about half of what I've seen advertised on eBay .
gdmoore28
Super Member
After reading up on the McIntosh MC2255 power amp, I'm not sure that you can use it with 16 ohm speakers:
"The McIntosh MC 2255 basic power amplifier is rated to deliver its output into loads of 1, 2, 4, or 8 ohms, from 20 to 20,000 Hz, with no more than 0.02 per cent harmonic or intermodulation distortion. Its stereo outputs may be paralleled or bridged to drive a mono load with a maximum output of 500 watts at 0.02 per cent distortion. Depending on the connection used, the mono load impedance can be from 0.5 to 16 ohms.
The unusual load capabilities of the MC 2255 derive from the use of large autotransformers to match the output transistors to their loads. Like vacuum-tube amplifiers, the MC 2255 has output terminals designated for 1, 2, 4, or 8 ohms. Thus, regardless of the speaker impedance, the output transistors are optimally loaded and can deliver their full power without excessive distortion or overheating."
http://www.hifi-classic.net/review/mcintosh-mc2255-284.html
Unless somebody here can chime in with the correct recommendation, I'd call McIntosh directly and check on this. I don't know how auto-transformers function when presented with an impedance that they are not rated for.
Pricewise, the fact that your Valencias are 16 ohm versions should have no impact on value whatsoever. Sixteen ohm impedances were quite common in older systems, and most tube amps were rated for them. If they are in the nice shape you say, and the listening tests reveal no obvious problems, you've probably stumbled upon a very good buy.
GeeDeeEmm
"The McIntosh MC 2255 basic power amplifier is rated to deliver its output into loads of 1, 2, 4, or 8 ohms, from 20 to 20,000 Hz, with no more than 0.02 per cent harmonic or intermodulation distortion. Its stereo outputs may be paralleled or bridged to drive a mono load with a maximum output of 500 watts at 0.02 per cent distortion. Depending on the connection used, the mono load impedance can be from 0.5 to 16 ohms.
The unusual load capabilities of the MC 2255 derive from the use of large autotransformers to match the output transistors to their loads. Like vacuum-tube amplifiers, the MC 2255 has output terminals designated for 1, 2, 4, or 8 ohms. Thus, regardless of the speaker impedance, the output transistors are optimally loaded and can deliver their full power without excessive distortion or overheating."
http://www.hifi-classic.net/review/mcintosh-mc2255-284.html
Unless somebody here can chime in with the correct recommendation, I'd call McIntosh directly and check on this. I don't know how auto-transformers function when presented with an impedance that they are not rated for.
Pricewise, the fact that your Valencias are 16 ohm versions should have no impact on value whatsoever. Sixteen ohm impedances were quite common in older systems, and most tube amps were rated for them. If they are in the nice shape you say, and the listening tests reveal no obvious problems, you've probably stumbled upon a very good buy.
GeeDeeEmm
bowtie427ss
Lunatic Member
The math is not difficult.
The Valencia's are good for about 35 watts continuous @ 16ohms.
Your power amp rated at 250 watts continuous into 8 ohms will still put out a minimum of 125 watts @ 16 ohms, more than 3 times what the Valencias can handle.
The Valencia's are good for about 35 watts continuous @ 16ohms.
Your power amp rated at 250 watts continuous into 8 ohms will still put out a minimum of 125 watts @ 16 ohms, more than 3 times what the Valencias can handle.
Thanks I appreciate the help