755 - what drives the value?

**Alien_Shore** · August 17th, 2012, 08:37 AM

I've noticed on several recent auctions such as this one, that these 755s command some pretty pennies. Is it rarity, and collectors are interested because of resale value? Or are audiophiles actually using these things?

**Altec Best** · August 17th, 2012, 08:51 AM

For one, they are nice sounding Full range speakers.. But I think a lot of it has to do with them originally being manufactured by Western Electric.

Here is a nice little page on some of it's history... western electric 755a worlds best 8 inch full range driver

**bowtie427ss** · August 17th, 2012, 09:40 AM

For one, they are nice sounding Full range speakers.. But I think a lot of it has to do with them originally being manufactured by Western Electric.

Quoted for truth.

Never duplicated, not even successfully imitated + out of production for over half a century.

For many, they're simply the best sounding FR ever made.

Kinda cool when you consider their rather humble origin.

**Geekstar** · August 18th, 2012, 11:13 AM

I used 755A for years (only own one right now) and I think it is one of the very best speakers ever. There is nothing else like it.

It is picky as hell about electronics but if you get it right, it is as much music as you will ever get out of a 2 cu.ft. box. A perfect apartment speaker, which makes it very desirable for many worldwide.

That said, I believe that massive hype, which I played a role in starting many years ago, drives the price.

I don't think it is a rare speaker...they surely made tens of thousands, but they are old and not showing up much anymore. Plus everybody is an expert picker in the ebay era, so competition is a lot stiffer. I used to find a bunch every year back in the 80s.

I'm now priced out of the market! I need a late brown Altec unit to match the one I have but the price usually exceeds my pocketbook at any given time.

Here's a pic of my lonely mono 755A with a Yamaha 4281b tweeter on top, playing some great remastered mono Muddy Waters...Awesome Delta slide guitar tone with this setup. Sent that shot to my bud Jeffrey Jackson yesterday to illustrate the CD cover.

**Alien_Shore** · August 19th, 2012, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Geekstar

I used 755A for years (only own one right now) and I think it is one of the very best speakers ever. There is nothing else like it.
I'm now priced out of the market! I need a late brown Altec unit to match the one I have but the price usually exceeds my pocketbook at any given time.

I'd like to hear them, but as with much of this gear, I'm afraid that I am also priced out.

**Geekstar** · August 22nd, 2012, 01:20 PM

certainly understated ...

755C and E are rather understated (rolled off) but I'd consider the 755A super lively...too much for many listeners.

...but this ebay lister (#190717144608) did not consider the E understated! I can't tell if he is tripping or having an orgasm, or both:

I listen to these today. I took a ride into the outer reaches of the universe. The colors of glowing blue, violet, and emerald mixing, sparkling astounding triumph, God the pleasure, I never want it to stop! Feel it, just feel it.

These are the best 8 inch speaker ever made!

The Altec 755-E is a great speaker because it was somewhat over engineered and it has a remarkably full range! Both from July of 1976, made the same day.

When installed in an appropriate cabinet this speaker is capable of producing full bass and quivering smooth highs!
Best thing of all is that there is no need for a crossover that will color the sound and bum out your experience.

Don't want no crossover to bum out my experience, that's for sure!!

But I don't think I want these speakers after the seller did all that freaky stuff with them.