Are These Altec rare or valuable
- Thread starter jim t
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The Malibu is rare. Last one sold here in NJ earlier this year in an estate sale. I've there and see it. Huge, looks impressive. I think someone from the forum bought it for $1600 at the last minute? If only I have space for it, well I can only afford to clean those sealed metal cassettes tapes from that home.
sheltie dave
Addicted Member
Rare, but not quite THAT valued.
elitopus
Addicted Member
That pair is in good shape, has matching date codes, and close S/N. But, they are not worth as much as say a pair of Altec model 19.
I love the Altec AlNiCo 414 woofer. Its my favorite 12" woofer from any company. Maybe I would think differently if I could afford a pair of WE 728
I love the Altec AlNiCo 414 woofer. Its my favorite 12" woofer from any company. Maybe I would think differently if I could afford a pair of WE 728
bowtie427ss
Lunatic Member
2 fairly different speakers that are going to appeal to 2 fairly different markets.
Given the early manufacture of the Malibus, their green treble components, and gold curved spoke 414's their value in their respective market should be ALL THAT of model 19 in it's respective market.
Just my .02...........
Never have seen those before. Looks like a little Magnificent.
I got the NJ pair for less than $1,600, but only because everyone else really low-balled the Estate Sale folks. So my offer was the only one that met the owner's quite reasonable minimum. The owner threw in about 300 albums (a decent mix) for free.
The Malibus are currently my primary speakers. They sound great with lower power (< 50 watt) sources. I haven't yet tried them at maximum input because it might shatter some windows, as these speakers are quite efficient. They are also quite beautiful.
You need to check the crossovers (potted, and possibly failing) as mine weren't working. I'm currently playing with how best to bypass the Altec crossovers.
You also need to check, and probably rotate, the woofers. These woofers use the coated fabric surrounds and if the speakers have been exposed to heat the coating tends to run to the bottom. As the coating accumulates it clogs the surround and sticks to the cabinet (affecting response). This condition can cause the surround to fail. The coating is soluble in solvents like MEK, and can be gently painted back to uniformity. There are also a few places wehere you can by the Altec goop. Mine had this issue to a minor degree, so I had to carefully remove them and rotate them 90 degrees (the original wiring didn't have slack to rotate them 180 degrees).
$2,200 is wishful thinking, but doable if you can ship internationally. $1,600 seems to be a very good domestic price. Clean cabinets with perfect wooden grilles can get you a premium.
The Malibus are currently my primary speakers. They sound great with lower power (< 50 watt) sources. I haven't yet tried them at maximum input because it might shatter some windows, as these speakers are quite efficient. They are also quite beautiful.
You need to check the crossovers (potted, and possibly failing) as mine weren't working. I'm currently playing with how best to bypass the Altec crossovers.
You also need to check, and probably rotate, the woofers. These woofers use the coated fabric surrounds and if the speakers have been exposed to heat the coating tends to run to the bottom. As the coating accumulates it clogs the surround and sticks to the cabinet (affecting response). This condition can cause the surround to fail. The coating is soluble in solvents like MEK, and can be gently painted back to uniformity. There are also a few places wehere you can by the Altec goop. Mine had this issue to a minor degree, so I had to carefully remove them and rotate them 90 degrees (the original wiring didn't have slack to rotate them 180 degrees).
$2,200 is wishful thinking, but doable if you can ship internationally. $1,600 seems to be a very good domestic price. Clean cabinets with perfect wooden grilles can get you a premium.
motobecane
New Member
No to worry, these beauties are not be neglected in the garage.
Furiousedge
New Member
So you're the one?!
jaaronb
Active Member
Gorgeous speakers. With some great input from Bowtie and others here, I recently reso-modded a pair of Altec 9824 monitors, which have the (exact) same components as the Malibu's OP posted. Cabinet volumes are pretty close too, since I mounted the horns externally.
Beautiful soundings speakers I can't recommend highly enough. If you spring for them and have questions about anything, let me know.
Beautiful soundings speakers I can't recommend highly enough. If you spring for them and have questions about anything, let me know.
