On topic.... Vintage theater sound system

**A7fan** · September 20th, 2009, 12:25 AM

You don't see these up for bid often. Anyone want to venture a guess on what year they were produced? Early fifties?
ALTEC-LANSING-A256B-HOLLYWOOD-LABEL-TUBE-AMPLIFIERS-3_W0QQitemhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ALTEC-LANSING-A256B-HOLLYWOOD-LABEL-TUBE-AMPLIFIERS-

**bfish** · September 20th, 2009, 11:54 AM

Perhaps a bit earlier, the A255 was a very similar model, and available in '47. Back then the various suffixes (A, B, etc) often simply represented simultaneously available variations rather than subsequent models as in later days, so these A256Bs could have been as early as an A256A.

**Old Guy** · September 20th, 2009, 01:11 PM

I concur with Feesh...late 40's is my guess...

**A7fan** · September 20th, 2009, 11:38 PM

Thanks guys, didn't think they were that old. That says a lot about the build quality of altec. Seller said unit was still working when pulled from the theater. Just kind of jogged my memory. One of my first jobs while I was still in high school was running the projectors at the local theater, back in 1967,68. Found a reference to altec gear, but not the same model. Thanks again. http://www.theused.com/manuals/altec....com/index.php

**Leland** · September 21st, 2009, 02:40 PM

I've been looking at that auction too. Did a bit of looking around and couldn't come up with any info as to date. I don't think there are that old....IMO very early 1950s.

They sure are beautiful. The later A260 model puts out 70 watts of continuous power, for industrial 24/7 usage. So I imagine these earlier ones are similar.

$3000 is not a bad buy it now price. If I had the dough, I'd buy em. Maybe then sell 2 and keep one for a subwoofer amp.

**Leland** · September 21st, 2009, 05:17 PM

Found a bit of info. Rated at 60 watts continuous. Still no manufacturing date.

**bfish** · September 21st, 2009, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Leland

... and keep one for a subwoofer amp.

Tube amps are the last thing you want for sub duty. Even the Peerless OPTs like these that make it flat to 20Hz fall like a rock immediately below that (and above it when the power rises). Factor in minimal damping, and you've got loose, flabby, rolled-off bass, and that's before you realize there's not near enough power to "keep up" with any system at ~live levels.

Don't take this as a tube slam, I love Altec tube amps. S'just not for subs.

**Leland** · September 21st, 2009, 09:10 PM

Yes, the way you describe it....sound like it.

Well, the buy it now price is gone, as someone bid $1500. I'll be interested to see what they go for.

**tomt** · September 22nd, 2009, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by bfish

S'just not for subs.

i've actually heard, a pair of these, with various speakers.

the outputs are for 70-volt lines,

so a number of the altec 8 watt 70-volt x-formers,

were utilized .

some versions may have other impedance ratings.

balanced from input to output they are mighty quiet ...

**Jake1980** · September 22nd, 2009, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Leland

I've been looking at that auction too. Did a bit of looking around and couldn't come up with any info as to date. I don't think there are that old....IMO very early 1950s.

They sure are beautiful. The later A260 model puts out 70 watts of continuous power, for industrial 24/7 usage. So I imagine these earlier ones are similar.

$3000 is not a bad buy it now price. If I had the dough, I'd buy em. Maybe then sell 2 and keep one for a subwoofer amp.

Agree