Altec 353A "1959" Is It Good,Bad, and What's it's Worth ?

[Altec Best]

Does anyone have any info on this unit Altec 353A tube amp.I maybe able to pick one up in nice condition.Any idea on a fair price for one.I haven't seen this model too much so I don't know. Thanks for any help !

[David Yost]

http://www.hifilit.com/hifilit/Altec/1959-e.jpg

’59 Vintage Altec 353A Tube Stereo Amplifier 353-A HiFi

353A Radio Altec Lansing Corp.;

High Fidelity tested/reviewed Feb '62

[bowtie427ss]

I think they were still making these in '65 or '66................ which seems like a long run for that particular time period.

12AX7's up front, 6L6's, and Peerless transformers, how could it NOT be an excellent tube integrated?

I'd expect to pay at least 500-600 for one that works as well as the one pictured looks.

Add some caveats, subtract some value.

Just my .02...................

[Altec Best]

Thanks guys !! I think they were only produced in 1959 that's it one year.

[Audio_by_Goodwill]

Thanks guys !! I think they were only produced in 1959 that's it one year.

I don't know where you are getting 1959, from........ the EIA code in the pictures says otherwise.

[bowtie427ss]

I don't know where you are getting 1959, from........ the EIA code in the pictures says otherwise.

For sure, 43rd week of '61 by the looks
I'm pretty sure i've read posts from a fella with one made in '65, i may be mistaken and it was purchased in 65, but i really think he was referring to the EIA code.

Another thing, that one in the pics of AB's original post is maybe only the 2nd one i've seen in green, the ones i truly remember were a kind of flat pink. Green would be a bit more valuable to me. It ain't easy being green, and Altec seemed to do a fine job with it for decades.

[RonSSS]

I've seen those go for a grand+ on ebay. If you can get it cheap, snatch it up.
I want one myself.....but not for a grand......
If the pics are for the one you can get...looks very nice to me.
Vintage NOS 6L6's shouldn't be too hard to find.

Ron

[Altec Best]

I don't know where you are getting 1959, from........ the EIA code in the pictures says otherwise.

Well all the literature i have read says only 1959 here's an excerpt.

Now available from GoMusicSTL: Rare Vintage Altec 353A Stereo Amplifier No reserve! Description RARE - Only produced in 1959! "The Altec Lansing 353-A is a valve amplifier in the Integrated amplifiers category. It was manufactured from 1959 to 1959. In 1959 its price was $199. "The model 353A was Altec's first integrated stereo hi-fi amplifier. Utilizing Peerless transformers (Altec had purchased the Peerless company in 1947) and a thermal AC circuit breaker, this rugged unit boasted 100 watts peak power (25 watts RMS per channel).

It is from the link that David posted.
’59 Vintage Altec 353A Tube Stereo Amplifier 353-A HiFi

[Altec Best]

If the pics are for the one you can get...looks very nice to me.

Yes it is.This is the one I might be able to get.I'm hoping it comes through.:2thumbsup:

Thanks Guys for the info !

[Audio_by_Goodwill]

That's the wording from the ebay auction...... sellers claim all kinds of stuff. That doesn't make it true.