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tell me about Altec Valencias

I enjoy listening to my 846B Valencias and think they sound good. They are not the best speakers I have heard but do enjoy there sound.

If it was between HPM's and the 846B's for me I could not get the HPM's out the door quick enough(not that they would have ever made it in the door :) ).

I'd say for sure have a listen to them. You may find that you actually enjoy the sound. :music:
 
I heard Valencias in the early days and they were coupled to McIntosh tube gear. I think the amp was a McIntosh MC225. They sounded great to me then, effortless and open.
I agree that they are not the best match for SS amps but I feel that with the right amp they can really sing.
 
I had a pair. Sold them. I had a Klipsch Academy center and thought I had the ultimate theater setup. Yeah, if I was sitting in a theater! If you want horns, you gotta have the room to let them blow! If you want to rock, then the Pioneer HPM or JBLs are tight-n-right. Those Valencias are NOT near field monitors! If you have open space to fill, the Valencias can fill it. On vocals, ooooooh-yeah. Get them with the option to set them aside. I wish I still had mine but space is limited here in my end-times shelter.
 
You can't go very loud with solid state in a small room with them, you'll feel the pain. With tubes, you get a little more headroom for volume. However, since they are small for an 811 horn cabinet, I'd get them if cheap enough and then figure them out. Best of luck and post pics if you get them. There is enough info around here to improve them.
 
Altec's are hard to beat

well, I'm kinda biased. I've gone from ESS (AMT) very bright, to KG4s, to Cornwalls, to now finally Altec's 416 806/811 (home brew valencias). The altec's have tight bass and and the best mid range I have ever listened to. Very efficient, really only need a low power amp, can run strong on a low power SET.

JSP:thmbsp:
 
Very interesting Zilch.. It does appear though the 902 driver has a lot better range and a little better graph than the 806.. What a see saw though.. pretty interesting.. I'm not real sure how to read the waterfall and spectral decay charts though, but compared to the waveguide one, the 902 really doesn't look that bad.

I do know I could the 902 on the 511 horn a LOT more plesant to listen to..

All I know is I really really like the sound of what I have, and would be hard pressed to spend a chunk of money to change that..
 
I use an McIntosh 2100 solid state to drive my Altec 846s. I think good, vintage solid state (McIntosh) is just as good as tubes.

;)

-Storm.


TnT2 said:
Wow, unbelievable responses, though I can't say I am surprised here. I guess I am at the other end of the spectrum as I don't care to own (or do own but don't use) some speakers such as the A25, Large Advent and the speakers of the same type from the 70's and 80's. Among other large speakers, I also have both Valencia 846A and 846B versions. To my ears, the 846B sounds better integrated. For vocal and classic Jazz, the Valencia really shines. The bass, while not super deep, is very pleasant to listen to. The highs are a little lacking and could be supplemented, if needed.

I noticed that some posters don't post what the amplification was use for their auditioning. Solid state just don't seem to sound good on these Altec as they are so darn efficient and most of these vintage solid state just don't sound that good at low power level. I briefly audition a pair of Cornwalls and maybe I didn't give them enough of a chance, but they don't come close to either versions of the Vals.

That said, I am giving more accurate speakers a chance, via the EWG with the JBL 2225H.
Click to expand...
 
I bet the Valencias would sound good with my Sony STR-6055 receiver, it is very tube-like. I wish I had the room for them or the 19's, I bet they have great dynamic range. I do have to say that my current Polk combo, in a 12x14 room, is excellent.
 
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