Buy them now $18,000.00

**Altec Best** · December 31st, 2011, 12:24 AM

Originally Posted by VolvoHeretic

Hey, for what it is worth, you guys low brow my new Altecs,

Say What ?? Low Brow ? VH what are you talking about ?

**Steve Schell** · December 31st, 2011, 02:05 AM

I have been enjoying the passing parade of gear on ebay and the ups and downs of pricing for over a decade now. Some things in good supply like Altec ceramic 515s and JBL 075 tweeters have hardly changed in value while more rare items are all over the place, though mostly up. Most of the Western Electric items have skyrocketed in value due to scarce supply and constant overseas demand. A dealer told me that thirty years ago he bought 555 drivers for $25 and tried to export them for $75. Now they are bringing upwards of $5k and beyond. Altec's ancestors, the Lansing field coil gear, is considerably more rare and hard to price, though generally bringing five to ten times what it sold for a decade ago. Part of the current nuttiness is probably due to the weak US dollar compared to foreign currencies.

**magnarc** · December 31st, 2011, 02:25 AM

Steve, spot on.

**bowtie427ss** · December 31st, 2011, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by Altec Best

Say What ?? Low Brow ? VH what are you talking about ?

I'm hoping that we're just misunderstanding him or something. I rather admire those A8 clones with the 418's in them.

VH, i hope you haven't taken anything i've said as a put down. If that's the case, please accept my apologies and put it out in the open for clarification/explanation, or PM me if you'd rather.

**Nipper** · December 31st, 2011, 12:20 PM

VH,

You really can not have a good discussion about audio equipment without allowing someone to criticize.
You will learn a lot like that but what ultimately matters is how your system sounds to YOU.

I have heard enough systems in different places to know you need more than good speakers for them to sound great. Although the speakers ultimately do the "talking", your ears, your room acoustics and your equipment will all have a effect. Sometimes you get that sweet combination and sometimes you dont. What works for some might not work for others.

There are some good people in this forum with a lot of experience. Keep an open mind and enjoy the conversation!

**Panomaniac** · December 31st, 2011, 12:30 PM

Thanks for the comments about the drivers. When I looked at the photos I wondered why they looked so rough and dirty, if they had been inside those pretty cabs all these years. Had not thought about them coming from somewhere else. Doh!

**VolvoHeretic** · December 31st, 2011, 01:00 PM

Sorry, ignore previous thread. Wife took away my rum, deleted my responce and shut the lap top.

**cradeldorf** · December 31st, 2011, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by VolvoHeretic

Sorry, ignore previous thread. Wife took away my rum, deleted my responce and shut the lap top.

Cheer up Chap, theres more rum in the world. and if your rocking A8's I think your cool in my book.

**Altec Best** · December 31st, 2011, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by VolvoHeretic

Sorry, ignore previous thread. Wife took away my rum, deleted my responce and shut the lap top.

FWIW A lot of times what can sound like criticism is just advice on how to get the best performance out of your speakers with someone who may have had more experience with a particular set of speakers,drivers,horns crossovers,etc. that you have. It's the holidays keep your spirits up my friend ! Things have a way of working out !

BTW- I too like the A8 clones !

All The Best ~ AB