return of a legend: altec a7 speaker-system;
The Voice Of The Theatre (Home and Studio too) S-V
by W.A.J.
.
The world-renowned and universally-acclaimed Altec-Lansing A7 Voice of the Theatre speaker-system is back. Well, to be honest, it's been back for some time now, and it can be yours for somewhere around six-grand - each (as @ '06). That's $12,000 per pair, obviously - available only from the 'factory'. But is it really worth it?
This version, of the A7, dubbed the 'Legacy', was re-introduced early in this new millennium (around '02/'03) by the current owners of Altec-Lansing.
Components & Characteristics: The traditional Altec A7 is a combination horn/bass-reflex 2-way speaker system. A compression horn provides mid/high-frequencies above 500 or 800hz, depending on the x-over/h-f units of the particular model. (The current system's x-over is quoted at 900hz). High-frequency drivers were the equivalent of Altec's less-costly units, such as the 802 or 806 (there were several variations, and designations) and the h-f horns were generally the less-costly ‘sectorals’, such as the 811 for the A7-800, crossed-over at 800hz, and the 511 for the A7-500, crossed-over at 500hz. Below this range, a 15" driver coupled to a front-loaded horn/bass-reflex combination-enclosure supplies lower-midrange, and lively bass.
Compared to my other (non-West-Coast) vintage favorites; the folded-horns of the Klipschorn and Tannoy's Westminster, deep-bass from the A7 is virtually non-existent (for my use, a sub-woofer would be a prerequisite). But the bass it does supply is supremely authoritative, 'solid', and even exciting, to a very large degree, albeit seemingly exaggerated, and with a slight touch of 'boom' simulating extension - for those who like that type of sound. One could describe the typical A7's mid-bass as somewhat larger-than-life(like) - though correctable by way of modification.
by W.A.J.
.
The world-renowned and universally-acclaimed Altec-Lansing A7 Voice of the Theatre speaker-system is back. Well, to be honest, it's been back for some time now, and it can be yours for somewhere around six-grand - each (as @ '06). That's $12,000 per pair, obviously - available only from the 'factory'. But is it really worth it?
This version, of the A7, dubbed the 'Legacy', was re-introduced early in this new millennium (around '02/'03) by the current owners of Altec-Lansing.
Components & Characteristics: The traditional Altec A7 is a combination horn/bass-reflex 2-way speaker system. A compression horn provides mid/high-frequencies above 500 or 800hz, depending on the x-over/h-f units of the particular model. (The current system's x-over is quoted at 900hz). High-frequency drivers were the equivalent of Altec's less-costly units, such as the 802 or 806 (there were several variations, and designations) and the h-f horns were generally the less-costly ‘sectorals’, such as the 811 for the A7-800, crossed-over at 800hz, and the 511 for the A7-500, crossed-over at 500hz. Below this range, a 15" driver coupled to a front-loaded horn/bass-reflex combination-enclosure supplies lower-midrange, and lively bass.
Compared to my other (non-West-Coast) vintage favorites; the folded-horns of the Klipschorn and Tannoy's Westminster, deep-bass from the A7 is virtually non-existent (for my use, a sub-woofer would be a prerequisite). But the bass it does supply is supremely authoritative, 'solid', and even exciting, to a very large degree, albeit seemingly exaggerated, and with a slight touch of 'boom' simulating extension - for those who like that type of sound. One could describe the typical A7's mid-bass as somewhat larger-than-life(like) - though correctable by way of modification.
Note: Though several different high-frequency driver/horn combos would have been used over many years, arguably, the woofers had the most effect on the difference in sound between the different models, including the most recent. So, in the interest of brevity, perhaps we should concentrate on those: The Altec 416 woofer - a clone of the former '803', both commonly utilized in previous A7s - is mainly responsible for the A7's reputation, especially regarding mid-bass performance. This is the woofer most loved by A7 aficionados who're mainly into the likes of rock & roll and disco-music, and this is the woofer for which the A7 was originally intended, so far as I'm aware. See comments below, however, about the less 'enhanced' mid-bass characteristics of Altec's '515' woofer, relative to its performance in the A7, or in the, more expensive, A5's identical enclosure. (Comments about exaggerated bass do not apply to this combo, which is more accurate than the cheaper, and perhaps more popular, 416-equipped alternative. In addition to the 515, as is installed in the current version, further upgrading the h-f driver to something like Altec's 288C, with an uncolored tar-filled multi-cellular horn like the 805B, for instance, and suitable x-over, would bring the system to Altec's more desirable A5 level, superior to the A7 and most other contenders, with the potential to be modified for even greater performance surpassing virtually all others).
In terms of mods, woofer-options from other brands are also viable, sans the 'Altec-Sound', of course (but I'd stick with the-above Altecs, since very, very few can match their 'designed-in' lower-midrange performance capabilities, and overall musicality, in the cab of the A7/A5). Despite the use of other Altec woofer-alternatives in the A7, 416s and 515s are the better choices, in my estimation. The 421, for example (a musical-instrument speaker) may be OK, with slightly 'improved' low-bass, but not as good as either of the two in their areas of strength, in an A7 (hifi) application, or in overall performance. The same applies to the 411, in my view. In fact; any alternative to the 416 or 515 may be 'OK' - but certainly not ideal. Interestingly (in modifying or building one's own A7/A5) the '515' seems very attractive, as a basis, for those seeking more 'mid-bass neutrality' than that of the 416, for instance, while significantly enhancing other desirable aspects of the famed sound of Altec (ie; clarity, liquid-lucidity, lower-midrange prowess, and high-efficiency/dynamism) a sub-woofer is even more essential here though, in my opinion.
According to an article by Greg Boynton, in 'Sound Practices' magazine, issue #1, 'reprinted' by 'Enjoy The Music'; by the profile, constitution, and suspension of their cones, 515s were optimized for a x-over point no higher than 500hz, while 416s were designed for cross-over anywhere up to the 800hz region, or there-about - DIYers; be advised. Yet, I'm reliably informed that the 515(-8G) - as supplied in the current 'Legacy' model - is one of perhaps two exceptions, in the 515 series, in that they were designed for operation up to 2.5 khz. So the current model's high crossover-point should not be an issue.
[Interestingly, for those who may have wondered why these Altec drivers are so superior to most others at the lower-midrange, etc., I believe that (in addition to substantial cone-surface-area and enclosure-volume, which most similar competitors also have, to their credit, in also enhancing lower-mids' realism) the manipulated parameters, including those articulated by Greg Boynton, are among the reasons why they excel. A few others, such as; Bozak, VitaVox, the Henry Kloss designs, and the even more ancient designs from RCA and Western-Electric, along with perhaps precious few others, do display outstanding lower-midrange characteristics. But the vast majority of others do not - especially today. It's also particularly remarkable that none of the otherwise excellent JBL mid-woofers are as good, at lower-mids, as either the Altec 515/604 (which share the same cone/suspension, I believe) the 416, or the 12" 414. Since J.B.L (the man, himself) had been there at Altec, one would have expected his products to have, at least, equaled the Altecs in one of their most outstanding traits; i.e. outstanding low-mids prowess – they don’t. But then, that's only my opinion.
And, to be fair, by virtue of their typically similar configuration (ie; large cones in large enclosures) JBLs, and others so configured, are generally vastly superior, at lower-mids, to virtually all 'modern' small-coned/small-'enclosured' examples. It's just that these Altecs, 'KlossLHs', Western-Electrics, etc., are a cut above even the best of those others, by a significant margin, in lower-midrange excellence and realism, by virtue of elements intrinsic to their original driver/cone/suspension-design]
Of the variety of Altec's high and low-frequency drivers which were issued with the A7, over the years, a few can be obtained, new, from Great-Plains Audio (GPA) the suppliers of drivers for the current model. Iconic Speaker Manufacturing also supplies new 'Altec' 604-type components, mainly. And used components can be had from e-bay, and all the usual sources, of course.]
What accounts for the superior REALISM of speakers like the A7? Similar to my other favorites, the A7's major claim to fame is, and always has been; lifelike realism. Unmodified A7s are perhaps not as refined, high-frequency-'detailed'/'airy', and adept at stereophonic-gymnastics as the very best of modern speakers. (However, in standard A5s and even slightly modified A7s, their high-frequencies - in common with all other reproduced frequencies - sound much more like those produced by actual instruments, than the popular alternatives. And A7s, especially those with 500hz x-overs, are indisputably and supremely detailed, within the speakers' frequency-limits). Indeed, for those of us who're more interested in the lifelike and realistic reproduction of music, overall, vintage speaker-systems, of the ilk of Altec's A7, have no peers amongst today's typical 'state of the art' also-rans, generally speaking, in my opinion. The high-efficiency afforded dynamism, and the lower-midrange body and articulation, displayed by such speakers, account for their major advantage over today's small-coned examples.
If not augmented by super-tweeters and sub-woofers, speakers like the A7 may not be as extended at the very highest and lowest frequencies as some of today's state of the art equivalents, especially those so equipped. However, a listening-session with a slightly modified pair of A7s driven by appropriate (preferably tubed, or tube-like) electronics and a competent source, is one of the finer experiences in life. (It matters little that, in this instance, such a session was necessarily conducted in a friend's garage, since his wife had banned this, admittedly and especially, shabby-looking pair from the house - pending suitable W.A.F.-related refurbishment, presumably). The 'fittingly' shabby state of our environs did little to detract from our wonderment at these relics' ability to conjure such a realistic portrayal of a live musical experience. Extreme highs and lows are hardly missed (many recordings, arguably, do not broach the specified limits anyway) as one is enraptured by the dynamic ebb and flow of musical notes, and the realistic tones of those notes, as supplied thru these 50-odd year-old classics. One is especially struck by the realistic level of midrange-presence, tone, and dynamic nuances (micro and macro) unapproachable by modern 'equivalents'. Lower-midrange prowess - in closely depicting the realistic tones, overtones, harmonics, timbre, and resonances of actual instruments operating in this region - is far superior to that of today's examples, most of which literally ignore this critical region altogether, in my experience.
I reiterate; TONE and DYNAMICS account for such speakers' superiority, over modern examples, at replicating LIFELIKE REALISM - lifelike midrange-presence is also a factor. Huge speaker-cone surface-areas, operating thru the lower-mids from huge enclosures, combined with high-efficiency, are the reasons behind these speakers' superiority, in these areas.
The typical modern inefficient speaker-system - with its single, or doubled, small-coned mid/woofer(s) operating thru the lower-mids with their puny inadequate surface-areas - simply cannot offer similar performance in dynamics, presence, or (lower-midrange) tonality. Therefore, they CANNOT begin to approach a similar level of REALISM - it's as simple as that. Their prominence in the treble-region - seeking 'sweetness', 'air', and detail, and tilting the tonal-balance even further out-of-true - exacerbates the problem, and further deviates from overall realism!
n further describing the tonalities, let's consider some of the characteristics of milk. [Yep, I did say; milk!] I know this may sound ridiculous, but bear with me. Let's say that, in midrange tonality; (a) Live Music = Cow's Milk (the genuine article, straight from the cow; creamy, full of body and somewhat, but not overly, sweet. (b) Classic Speakers (like the A7) = Pasteurized Cow's Milk (as supplied in the carton - processed, but still very close to the real thing in perceived 'sweetness' and, especially, body and taste/tonality - specifically regarding the WHOLE of the midrange. (c) Most Modern Speakers = Sweetened Condensed Milk - mixed-out to a thin constitution, with sugar added. (Very sweet and thin, and very nice in its own way, but not closely representative of the real thing. Mids are too thin, and trebles too 'sweet').
And let's look at dynamics in a similar manner; (a) Live Music = A Roller-Coaster Ride (a thrilling and exciting experience as one is taken thru the highest peaks and lowest valleys of the ride - the dynamics of the music itself). (b) Classic Speakers (like the A7) = Another Roller-Coaster Ride (only very slightly less thrilling and exciting than the original. The difference here is almost negligible - an awesome ride, virtually indistinguishable from the original - recordings permitting). (c) Most Modern Speakers = A Merry-Go-Round Ride. (Nice, with minor ups and downs, or peaks and valleys, but much less than the real thing, the original roller-coaster ride, and ridiculously much less thrilling, or exciting, than the real thing).
Tone and dynamics, superior in realism to those provided by most modern speakers, are the reasons why speakers like the A7 are still relevant today. And these are the reasons why many of us, with realism as our first priority, seek or build speakers which display the A7's capabilities. Realism is also the reason why some modern manufacturers, at the cutting-edge of the industry, copy the principles of speakers such as Altec's A7, and sell these products for hundreds of thousands of dollars. [Here are two examples; the 250-grand (Euro) Cessaro Horn Acoustics 'Gamma 1' horn speaker-system with P8 bass-horns, and Musique Concrete's 'Grand Castine' horn-speaker system. And below is a pic from another of the modern companies (with indecently expensive, $100k+, products) which thrive on these older designs, including the A7 - refer to Silbatone Acoustics]
In terms of mods, woofer-options from other brands are also viable, sans the 'Altec-Sound', of course (but I'd stick with the-above Altecs, since very, very few can match their 'designed-in' lower-midrange performance capabilities, and overall musicality, in the cab of the A7/A5). Despite the use of other Altec woofer-alternatives in the A7, 416s and 515s are the better choices, in my estimation. The 421, for example (a musical-instrument speaker) may be OK, with slightly 'improved' low-bass, but not as good as either of the two in their areas of strength, in an A7 (hifi) application, or in overall performance. The same applies to the 411, in my view. In fact; any alternative to the 416 or 515 may be 'OK' - but certainly not ideal. Interestingly (in modifying or building one's own A7/A5) the '515' seems very attractive, as a basis, for those seeking more 'mid-bass neutrality' than that of the 416, for instance, while significantly enhancing other desirable aspects of the famed sound of Altec (ie; clarity, liquid-lucidity, lower-midrange prowess, and high-efficiency/dynamism) a sub-woofer is even more essential here though, in my opinion.
According to an article by Greg Boynton, in 'Sound Practices' magazine, issue #1, 'reprinted' by 'Enjoy The Music'; by the profile, constitution, and suspension of their cones, 515s were optimized for a x-over point no higher than 500hz, while 416s were designed for cross-over anywhere up to the 800hz region, or there-about - DIYers; be advised. Yet, I'm reliably informed that the 515(-8G) - as supplied in the current 'Legacy' model - is one of perhaps two exceptions, in the 515 series, in that they were designed for operation up to 2.5 khz. So the current model's high crossover-point should not be an issue.
[Interestingly, for those who may have wondered why these Altec drivers are so superior to most others at the lower-midrange, etc., I believe that (in addition to substantial cone-surface-area and enclosure-volume, which most similar competitors also have, to their credit, in also enhancing lower-mids' realism) the manipulated parameters, including those articulated by Greg Boynton, are among the reasons why they excel. A few others, such as; Bozak, VitaVox, the Henry Kloss designs, and the even more ancient designs from RCA and Western-Electric, along with perhaps precious few others, do display outstanding lower-midrange characteristics. But the vast majority of others do not - especially today. It's also particularly remarkable that none of the otherwise excellent JBL mid-woofers are as good, at lower-mids, as either the Altec 515/604 (which share the same cone/suspension, I believe) the 416, or the 12" 414. Since J.B.L (the man, himself) had been there at Altec, one would have expected his products to have, at least, equaled the Altecs in one of their most outstanding traits; i.e. outstanding low-mids prowess – they don’t. But then, that's only my opinion.
And, to be fair, by virtue of their typically similar configuration (ie; large cones in large enclosures) JBLs, and others so configured, are generally vastly superior, at lower-mids, to virtually all 'modern' small-coned/small-'enclosured' examples. It's just that these Altecs, 'KlossLHs', Western-Electrics, etc., are a cut above even the best of those others, by a significant margin, in lower-midrange excellence and realism, by virtue of elements intrinsic to their original driver/cone/suspension-design]
Of the variety of Altec's high and low-frequency drivers which were issued with the A7, over the years, a few can be obtained, new, from Great-Plains Audio (GPA) the suppliers of drivers for the current model. Iconic Speaker Manufacturing also supplies new 'Altec' 604-type components, mainly. And used components can be had from e-bay, and all the usual sources, of course.]
What accounts for the superior REALISM of speakers like the A7? Similar to my other favorites, the A7's major claim to fame is, and always has been; lifelike realism. Unmodified A7s are perhaps not as refined, high-frequency-'detailed'/'airy', and adept at stereophonic-gymnastics as the very best of modern speakers. (However, in standard A5s and even slightly modified A7s, their high-frequencies - in common with all other reproduced frequencies - sound much more like those produced by actual instruments, than the popular alternatives. And A7s, especially those with 500hz x-overs, are indisputably and supremely detailed, within the speakers' frequency-limits). Indeed, for those of us who're more interested in the lifelike and realistic reproduction of music, overall, vintage speaker-systems, of the ilk of Altec's A7, have no peers amongst today's typical 'state of the art' also-rans, generally speaking, in my opinion. The high-efficiency afforded dynamism, and the lower-midrange body and articulation, displayed by such speakers, account for their major advantage over today's small-coned examples.
If not augmented by super-tweeters and sub-woofers, speakers like the A7 may not be as extended at the very highest and lowest frequencies as some of today's state of the art equivalents, especially those so equipped. However, a listening-session with a slightly modified pair of A7s driven by appropriate (preferably tubed, or tube-like) electronics and a competent source, is one of the finer experiences in life. (It matters little that, in this instance, such a session was necessarily conducted in a friend's garage, since his wife had banned this, admittedly and especially, shabby-looking pair from the house - pending suitable W.A.F.-related refurbishment, presumably). The 'fittingly' shabby state of our environs did little to detract from our wonderment at these relics' ability to conjure such a realistic portrayal of a live musical experience. Extreme highs and lows are hardly missed (many recordings, arguably, do not broach the specified limits anyway) as one is enraptured by the dynamic ebb and flow of musical notes, and the realistic tones of those notes, as supplied thru these 50-odd year-old classics. One is especially struck by the realistic level of midrange-presence, tone, and dynamic nuances (micro and macro) unapproachable by modern 'equivalents'. Lower-midrange prowess - in closely depicting the realistic tones, overtones, harmonics, timbre, and resonances of actual instruments operating in this region - is far superior to that of today's examples, most of which literally ignore this critical region altogether, in my experience.
I reiterate; TONE and DYNAMICS account for such speakers' superiority, over modern examples, at replicating LIFELIKE REALISM - lifelike midrange-presence is also a factor. Huge speaker-cone surface-areas, operating thru the lower-mids from huge enclosures, combined with high-efficiency, are the reasons behind these speakers' superiority, in these areas.
The typical modern inefficient speaker-system - with its single, or doubled, small-coned mid/woofer(s) operating thru the lower-mids with their puny inadequate surface-areas - simply cannot offer similar performance in dynamics, presence, or (lower-midrange) tonality. Therefore, they CANNOT begin to approach a similar level of REALISM - it's as simple as that. Their prominence in the treble-region - seeking 'sweetness', 'air', and detail, and tilting the tonal-balance even further out-of-true - exacerbates the problem, and further deviates from overall realism!
n further describing the tonalities, let's consider some of the characteristics of milk. [Yep, I did say; milk!] I know this may sound ridiculous, but bear with me. Let's say that, in midrange tonality; (a) Live Music = Cow's Milk (the genuine article, straight from the cow; creamy, full of body and somewhat, but not overly, sweet. (b) Classic Speakers (like the A7) = Pasteurized Cow's Milk (as supplied in the carton - processed, but still very close to the real thing in perceived 'sweetness' and, especially, body and taste/tonality - specifically regarding the WHOLE of the midrange. (c) Most Modern Speakers = Sweetened Condensed Milk - mixed-out to a thin constitution, with sugar added. (Very sweet and thin, and very nice in its own way, but not closely representative of the real thing. Mids are too thin, and trebles too 'sweet').
And let's look at dynamics in a similar manner; (a) Live Music = A Roller-Coaster Ride (a thrilling and exciting experience as one is taken thru the highest peaks and lowest valleys of the ride - the dynamics of the music itself). (b) Classic Speakers (like the A7) = Another Roller-Coaster Ride (only very slightly less thrilling and exciting than the original. The difference here is almost negligible - an awesome ride, virtually indistinguishable from the original - recordings permitting). (c) Most Modern Speakers = A Merry-Go-Round Ride. (Nice, with minor ups and downs, or peaks and valleys, but much less than the real thing, the original roller-coaster ride, and ridiculously much less thrilling, or exciting, than the real thing).
Tone and dynamics, superior in realism to those provided by most modern speakers, are the reasons why speakers like the A7 are still relevant today. And these are the reasons why many of us, with realism as our first priority, seek or build speakers which display the A7's capabilities. Realism is also the reason why some modern manufacturers, at the cutting-edge of the industry, copy the principles of speakers such as Altec's A7, and sell these products for hundreds of thousands of dollars. [Here are two examples; the 250-grand (Euro) Cessaro Horn Acoustics 'Gamma 1' horn speaker-system with P8 bass-horns, and Musique Concrete's 'Grand Castine' horn-speaker system. And below is a pic from another of the modern companies (with indecently expensive, $100k+, products) which thrive on these older designs, including the A7 - refer to Silbatone Acoustics]
The Altec A7 may be my third choice in the trio of classics I've mentioned in this piece, but it's certainly no poor-relation to these others. In fact, one could argue that it's more accomplished than both. (Not necessarily so, in my opinion, mind you, but 'one could argue....'). Nevertheless, the A7's quality, and the significance of its accomplishments, are the stuff of legend: Its production-run lasted from the mid 50's to nineties - over fifty-years (if we also count the years since its recent re-introduction). For very many years A7s were, arguably, the world's most popular studio-monitors. At one stage, there were more Altec A7s and 604s doing such duty than all other studio-monitors combined, allegedly. (Tannoy aficionados, worldwide, may present strong arguments to the contrary, though).
Aside from its common-place usage in many of the better recording-studios, and sound-reinforcement applications, not to mention the homes of discerning audiophiles, A7s were also popular in very many of the world's cinemas/theatres. (This is where the series of Altec-Lansing's speakers - to which the A7 belongs - got the name; The 'Voice of the Theatre', VOT, or VOTT, as they're popularly called). It would be virtually impossible to exist on this planet without being exposed to Altec's A7 VOTT, in some way, even today, as we listen to recordings influenced by them, and attend cinemas which are absolutely proud to use them. I believe it's one of the great speakers ever produced - with awesome potential, in which, I believe, its greatest value lies. Appropriately modified versions have the potential to outclass any example, from whatever era, in absolute realism, in my opinion.
Indeed, a version from The Voice of the Theatre line, dubbed the A5 (very similar to the A7) modified by the famous Jean Hiraga, is reputed to be just that - one of the most realistic reproducers of sound ever built. Aspects of these mods are available on the 'net, for those sufficiently interested (the 'critical' cross-over circuit is here) though I'm not sure ALL aspects were made public.
[Edit: Subsequent to my completion of this endeavor, this interesting piece has come to my attention. It's a reprint of a Sound Practices' (issue #11) article by John Stronczer, President and Founder of Bel Canto Design, outlining his experience in auditioning the above-cited Altec/Hiraga A5, his efforts at copying some aspects of its mods in his own subsequently-acquired A5, and his insight as to why even standard A5/A7s are as realistic as they are, from an engineer's perspective. ***Coincidentally, he too has stepped away from a very, very long association with highly-rated Spendor speakers (reputedly some of the best conventional speakers, ever - mine was the BC1) to now enjoy much more realism from speakers which are much more capable of achieving it.]
Though this piece was inspired by the fact that the current owners of the Altec-Lansing name have seen fit to release a version of the A7 in today's market-place, a commendable effort, this article should not be viewed as a whole-scale endorsement of that particular version, as I do have a couple of 'concerns' with it. I would, however, whole-heartedly encourage anyone so inclined to build (or have built) their own version of the original A7, incorporating all the mods that make this great speaker even greater. This piece should, ideally, be seen more as a pointer in that direction, encouraging the requisite research.
Here are the specs of the latest version, nonetheless, as supplied by the owners' manual:
Specifications;
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
±10 dB 45 Hz to 20 kHz
LOW FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF
-3 dB 54 Hz
SYSTEM POWER CAPACITY 125 W
Rating based on test signal of
continuous pink noise, per IEC
spectrum for two hours duration.
SENSITIVITY 97 dB
1 watt at 1 meter
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 Ohms
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY 900 Hz
NOMINAL COVERAGE 90° horizontal, 40° vertical
HALF-SPACE REFERENCE EFFICIENCY 3.2%
MAXIMUM ACOUSTIC POWER OUTPUT 7 acoustic watts
Sine wave input
SYSTEM POLARITY Positive voltage to RED produces
forward cone motion
BINDING POSTS Two pair. Jumpered for mono wiring.
Bi-amp capable. Accepts either spades
or bananas.
FINISH Black, abrasion resistant splatter
DIMENSIONS (W x D x H) 30 x 24 x 52 inches
NET SYSTEM WEIGHT 170 lbs
Concerns: Before closing, I should point-out that one of the 'concerns' I have, with the latest version, is with its price-tag. Against the back-drop of the $4k-odd Klipschorn - with its cheaper drivers, but much more intricate, labor-intensive, and much more expensive folded-horn bass-bin - it's difficult to see the justification for paying more for a much simpler and cheaper design. Especially since the bass of the Klipsch is superior to that of the A7. (Not that the A7's bass is 'bad', especially with the 515 woofer - further improved after mods, and the addition of a sub-woofer - but I believe the Klipsch's bass is the better of the two speakers', in standard form). If based primarily on bass, my advice to those with 12-grand to spend (on a brand-new, plug-and-play, speaker-system) would be to buy the Klipsch, and keep the change (or upgrade the mid/high horns to Altecs, etc). I'll reiterate from another angle; if accurate and slightly more extended bass is a priority, the K-horn is, arguably and by a small margin, a better speaker than this current version of the A7 (in standard trim) in my opinion, despite the latter's advantage regarding versatility in placement options (the Klipsch must, ideally, be corner-placed). If, however, the time alignment of drivers (impossible with the Klipsch) and/or a better-quality mid to lower-midrange and upper mid-bass performance, take precedence over the slightly more extended or 'satisfactory' overall bass of the Klipsch, in one's opinion, then the A7 rules. (Perhaps I should revise my own order of preference, regarding these two classics, after all). The point is; both speakers may be close, with the ultimate choice dependent on one's preferences. But in terms of their 'over-the-counter' prices, the Klipsch is the run-away winner.
Yet, viewed against the back-drop of the prices of the modern, even 'state of the art', speakers which can't compete with it in realism, the price of the A7 seems that much more attractive. If the Klipsch is eliminated as an option, for whatever reason, then the A7's price-value quotient can scarcely be challenged, considering its awesome performance and, more importantly, its even more awesome performance-potential. Everything is relative - the facts are on display - and the choices are yours to make!
My other 'concern' is with this A7 version's advertised efficiency-rating of 97db/1w/1m. While a 97db rating is absolutely respectable, way above average, and certainly capable of generating near-lifelike dynamics, I also believe those rare speakers with efficiencies closer to, or above, 100db (like the Klipsch) are slightly more accurate in tracing the dynamics of live instruments, in some circumstances - though I could be wrong. And while the efficiency-rating of the Klipschorn is firmly established at 104db, and beyond all doubt, the ratings of the various versions of original A7s are less well-established. Figures fluctuating between 98 and 103db have been variously quoted, for several different models utilizing disparate Altec drivers. Regardless of that, the question remains: Why is the current A7's efficiency quoted at only 97db, especially in light of the supposedly much higher efficiency of the 515 woofer currently installed? Of course, we can always speculate:
One of several possible explanations could be that; Altec's 416 woofer is less efficient than the 515. But their more expensive, and also currently-utilized, 515 woofer is supposed to be even more efficient, with even better lower-mids, and less exaggerated mid-bass - perhaps potentially more accurate overall, if combined with a good sub-woofer. One, therefore, wonders whether a mix-up has caused the efficiency-rating of a less efficient 416-equipped A7 to have been quoted, instead of the true efficiency-rating of the 515-equipped unit currently marketed. Or could it be that the latest 515 is less efficient than previous versions? According to the original Altec specs, this 515-8G should have a sensitivity of 105db. Cross-over losses would not have lowered that figure by much - unless the bass of this 515 is so much lower in level, than that of its mids, that those mids have to be lowered drastically, in sensitivity, to match the relatively reticent bass.
Whether my 'woofer-theories' help to explain the disparity in efficiency-ratings, or whether the original efficiency-ratings for the A7 (103db, especially) had been 'over-estimated', I'm not sure. But if the current factory-offered A7 is, indeed, 97db efficient, while the less expensive Klipschorn is at 104db (with 'better' bass to boot) then, I believe, this is enough to give one cause for consideration, especially in light of the vast difference in price.
But don't rush-off just yet. The tables are completely turned if one should decide to have a speaker-system custom-built (or 'DIYed' - with hand-picked Altec drivers, for instance) and with all mods included, from day-one. In this context, the basic Altec A7 design is worth its weight in gold, as far as I'm concerned. Here's why:
The foregoing notwithstanding; the A7's '828' enclosure is much easier, and less expensive, to build (or have built) than a Klipschorn - or a Tannoy Westminster, for that matter. (A used A7 is another cost-effective option). And a custom-built A7 or A5 costing less than a new Klipschorn, and incorporating the mods of a Jean Hiraga, for instance, would be, absolutely, superior to unmodified examples of both my other vintage favorites, not to mention virtually ALL typical modern state of the art designs, in several aspects, not least; overall REALISM - at less cost.
Indeed, compared to the $100k+ prices of similar modern (horn) examples, even the price of the latest A7 'Legacy' edition (as a basis for the inevitable mods) seems a 'bargain'.
Aside from its common-place usage in many of the better recording-studios, and sound-reinforcement applications, not to mention the homes of discerning audiophiles, A7s were also popular in very many of the world's cinemas/theatres. (This is where the series of Altec-Lansing's speakers - to which the A7 belongs - got the name; The 'Voice of the Theatre', VOT, or VOTT, as they're popularly called). It would be virtually impossible to exist on this planet without being exposed to Altec's A7 VOTT, in some way, even today, as we listen to recordings influenced by them, and attend cinemas which are absolutely proud to use them. I believe it's one of the great speakers ever produced - with awesome potential, in which, I believe, its greatest value lies. Appropriately modified versions have the potential to outclass any example, from whatever era, in absolute realism, in my opinion.
Indeed, a version from The Voice of the Theatre line, dubbed the A5 (very similar to the A7) modified by the famous Jean Hiraga, is reputed to be just that - one of the most realistic reproducers of sound ever built. Aspects of these mods are available on the 'net, for those sufficiently interested (the 'critical' cross-over circuit is here) though I'm not sure ALL aspects were made public.
[Edit: Subsequent to my completion of this endeavor, this interesting piece has come to my attention. It's a reprint of a Sound Practices' (issue #11) article by John Stronczer, President and Founder of Bel Canto Design, outlining his experience in auditioning the above-cited Altec/Hiraga A5, his efforts at copying some aspects of its mods in his own subsequently-acquired A5, and his insight as to why even standard A5/A7s are as realistic as they are, from an engineer's perspective. ***Coincidentally, he too has stepped away from a very, very long association with highly-rated Spendor speakers (reputedly some of the best conventional speakers, ever - mine was the BC1) to now enjoy much more realism from speakers which are much more capable of achieving it.]
Though this piece was inspired by the fact that the current owners of the Altec-Lansing name have seen fit to release a version of the A7 in today's market-place, a commendable effort, this article should not be viewed as a whole-scale endorsement of that particular version, as I do have a couple of 'concerns' with it. I would, however, whole-heartedly encourage anyone so inclined to build (or have built) their own version of the original A7, incorporating all the mods that make this great speaker even greater. This piece should, ideally, be seen more as a pointer in that direction, encouraging the requisite research.
Here are the specs of the latest version, nonetheless, as supplied by the owners' manual:
Specifications;
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
±10 dB 45 Hz to 20 kHz
LOW FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF
-3 dB 54 Hz
SYSTEM POWER CAPACITY 125 W
Rating based on test signal of
continuous pink noise, per IEC
spectrum for two hours duration.
SENSITIVITY 97 dB
1 watt at 1 meter
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 Ohms
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY 900 Hz
NOMINAL COVERAGE 90° horizontal, 40° vertical
HALF-SPACE REFERENCE EFFICIENCY 3.2%
MAXIMUM ACOUSTIC POWER OUTPUT 7 acoustic watts
Sine wave input
SYSTEM POLARITY Positive voltage to RED produces
forward cone motion
BINDING POSTS Two pair. Jumpered for mono wiring.
Bi-amp capable. Accepts either spades
or bananas.
FINISH Black, abrasion resistant splatter
DIMENSIONS (W x D x H) 30 x 24 x 52 inches
NET SYSTEM WEIGHT 170 lbs
Concerns: Before closing, I should point-out that one of the 'concerns' I have, with the latest version, is with its price-tag. Against the back-drop of the $4k-odd Klipschorn - with its cheaper drivers, but much more intricate, labor-intensive, and much more expensive folded-horn bass-bin - it's difficult to see the justification for paying more for a much simpler and cheaper design. Especially since the bass of the Klipsch is superior to that of the A7. (Not that the A7's bass is 'bad', especially with the 515 woofer - further improved after mods, and the addition of a sub-woofer - but I believe the Klipsch's bass is the better of the two speakers', in standard form). If based primarily on bass, my advice to those with 12-grand to spend (on a brand-new, plug-and-play, speaker-system) would be to buy the Klipsch, and keep the change (or upgrade the mid/high horns to Altecs, etc). I'll reiterate from another angle; if accurate and slightly more extended bass is a priority, the K-horn is, arguably and by a small margin, a better speaker than this current version of the A7 (in standard trim) in my opinion, despite the latter's advantage regarding versatility in placement options (the Klipsch must, ideally, be corner-placed). If, however, the time alignment of drivers (impossible with the Klipsch) and/or a better-quality mid to lower-midrange and upper mid-bass performance, take precedence over the slightly more extended or 'satisfactory' overall bass of the Klipsch, in one's opinion, then the A7 rules. (Perhaps I should revise my own order of preference, regarding these two classics, after all). The point is; both speakers may be close, with the ultimate choice dependent on one's preferences. But in terms of their 'over-the-counter' prices, the Klipsch is the run-away winner.
Yet, viewed against the back-drop of the prices of the modern, even 'state of the art', speakers which can't compete with it in realism, the price of the A7 seems that much more attractive. If the Klipsch is eliminated as an option, for whatever reason, then the A7's price-value quotient can scarcely be challenged, considering its awesome performance and, more importantly, its even more awesome performance-potential. Everything is relative - the facts are on display - and the choices are yours to make!
My other 'concern' is with this A7 version's advertised efficiency-rating of 97db/1w/1m. While a 97db rating is absolutely respectable, way above average, and certainly capable of generating near-lifelike dynamics, I also believe those rare speakers with efficiencies closer to, or above, 100db (like the Klipsch) are slightly more accurate in tracing the dynamics of live instruments, in some circumstances - though I could be wrong. And while the efficiency-rating of the Klipschorn is firmly established at 104db, and beyond all doubt, the ratings of the various versions of original A7s are less well-established. Figures fluctuating between 98 and 103db have been variously quoted, for several different models utilizing disparate Altec drivers. Regardless of that, the question remains: Why is the current A7's efficiency quoted at only 97db, especially in light of the supposedly much higher efficiency of the 515 woofer currently installed? Of course, we can always speculate:
One of several possible explanations could be that; Altec's 416 woofer is less efficient than the 515. But their more expensive, and also currently-utilized, 515 woofer is supposed to be even more efficient, with even better lower-mids, and less exaggerated mid-bass - perhaps potentially more accurate overall, if combined with a good sub-woofer. One, therefore, wonders whether a mix-up has caused the efficiency-rating of a less efficient 416-equipped A7 to have been quoted, instead of the true efficiency-rating of the 515-equipped unit currently marketed. Or could it be that the latest 515 is less efficient than previous versions? According to the original Altec specs, this 515-8G should have a sensitivity of 105db. Cross-over losses would not have lowered that figure by much - unless the bass of this 515 is so much lower in level, than that of its mids, that those mids have to be lowered drastically, in sensitivity, to match the relatively reticent bass.
Whether my 'woofer-theories' help to explain the disparity in efficiency-ratings, or whether the original efficiency-ratings for the A7 (103db, especially) had been 'over-estimated', I'm not sure. But if the current factory-offered A7 is, indeed, 97db efficient, while the less expensive Klipschorn is at 104db (with 'better' bass to boot) then, I believe, this is enough to give one cause for consideration, especially in light of the vast difference in price.
But don't rush-off just yet. The tables are completely turned if one should decide to have a speaker-system custom-built (or 'DIYed' - with hand-picked Altec drivers, for instance) and with all mods included, from day-one. In this context, the basic Altec A7 design is worth its weight in gold, as far as I'm concerned. Here's why:
The foregoing notwithstanding; the A7's '828' enclosure is much easier, and less expensive, to build (or have built) than a Klipschorn - or a Tannoy Westminster, for that matter. (A used A7 is another cost-effective option). And a custom-built A7 or A5 costing less than a new Klipschorn, and incorporating the mods of a Jean Hiraga, for instance, would be, absolutely, superior to unmodified examples of both my other vintage favorites, not to mention virtually ALL typical modern state of the art designs, in several aspects, not least; overall REALISM - at less cost.
Indeed, compared to the $100k+ prices of similar modern (horn) examples, even the price of the latest A7 'Legacy' edition (as a basis for the inevitable mods) seems a 'bargain'.
Conclusion: Make no mistake, there's no magic involved in the building of those outrageously-priced modern horn speakers - despite what their makers would have you believe. The formula, in most cases, is simple; copy the original classics (in principle, generally, and pretty-much completely - with minor changes - in some instances) and incorporate updated components where necessary. The same can be done with the original vintage designs that are being so diligently copied (and is done by a few of the more astute amongst us - with spectacular results, at unbelievably reasonable costs, relatively). A suitably updated and modified classic can be just as good as, or better than, the 200-grand examples which copy these classics today. So, instead of fantasizing, and lusting after the super-expensive copies, one could actually avail one's self of one of the originals which equal, or possibly surpass, these 200-grand clones, at a minor fraction of the cost - after suitable mods. Believe it, or not!
If the lifelike and realistic reproduction of music is your main priority, then consider a build of a modified A7 (or even the purchase of the latest edition, if so inclined - caveats notwithstanding). Apart from the K-horn (even Tannoy's latest Westminster is no bargain, at $36k) others that are similarly capable are priced starting in the vicinity of the current A7 'Legacy' version (the excellent Edgarhorn Titan, for instance) to levels that may only be aptly described as stratospheric. Formerly conservative (deep-pocketed) audiophiles actually buy these stratospherically-expensive clones and rave about their REALISM - vastly superior to the expensive conventional speaker-systems they had been used to. So, how about owning and modifying one of the 'real-McKoys', and eliciting similar performance, for much less? I'll leave you now to give that some thought!
The Altec-Lansing A7 VOTT speaker-system is - indeed - a legend in its own time, and beyond.
'Let the music play!'
If the lifelike and realistic reproduction of music is your main priority, then consider a build of a modified A7 (or even the purchase of the latest edition, if so inclined - caveats notwithstanding). Apart from the K-horn (even Tannoy's latest Westminster is no bargain, at $36k) others that are similarly capable are priced starting in the vicinity of the current A7 'Legacy' version (the excellent Edgarhorn Titan, for instance) to levels that may only be aptly described as stratospheric. Formerly conservative (deep-pocketed) audiophiles actually buy these stratospherically-expensive clones and rave about their REALISM - vastly superior to the expensive conventional speaker-systems they had been used to. So, how about owning and modifying one of the 'real-McKoys', and eliciting similar performance, for much less? I'll leave you now to give that some thought!
The Altec-Lansing A7 VOTT speaker-system is - indeed - a legend in its own time, and beyond.
'Let the music play!'
Copyright 2011