Sweet pair of 820"s

[A7fan]

After reading the description, again, for the third time, I finally saw he components are not a matched set. Never the less, I still think are in very good condition. Sorry for the confusion.

[wws944]

After reading the description, again, for the third time, I finally saw he components are not a matched set. Never the less, I still think are in very good condition...

One is a 820A, and the other is a 820C. His 820A must be a later one since it doesn't have the multicell horn. I think his 820C was made between my two. His cabinet bears more resemblance to my 1955 820C, yet it has green components like my 1957 820C.

[wws944]

My guess they were built in batches, improvements were incorporated into the next batch, so changes likely occurred more often than letter designations. The batches were small, since it was not high production...

Any way to estimate, or guess, how many 820s were made? Considering changes of ownership and moves over the past 60 years, I suspect the odds of finding old production records are low.

[Old Guy]

Any way to estimate, or guess, how many 820s were made? Considering changes of ownership and moves over the past 60 years, I suspect the odds of finding old production records are low.

I REALLY don't think many. they cost a LOT in terms of what money was worth in those days. Singles from the mono years are more common, many pairs are mismatched as one was purchased for mono and another later to make stereo. I think the doubling of price since you need two for stereo put them out of the reach of many. There were cars for the price of a pair....

[wws944]

I REALLY don't think many. they cost a LOT in terms of what money was worth in those days. Singles from the mono years are more common, many pairs are mismatched as one was purchased for mono and another later to make stereo. I think the doubling of price since you need two for stereo put them out of the reach of many. There were cars for the price of a pair....

That was certainly the case for my uncle. He purchased his first one new in 1957ish. When he switched to stereo, he bought a Avalon for the second side - which he eventually converted to the dual woofer Carmel configuration. (Unfortunately, his Avalon/Carmel was accidentally sold before I could pick it up.) He finally found the other 820 in the late '60s or early '70s. The seller had it in his garage because the wife would not let him keep it in the living room!

[wws944]

$7700! The price went up $1k in the final 17 seconds.

[wws944]

Back on ebay again. He says "... due to not one,not 2, but 3 non paying Korean bidders!"

ALTEC 820 Iconic corner speakers ORIGINAL drivers. Excellent original condition | eBay

There is another pair, a 820A and a 820C, that someone slapped Formica on, here:

Altec Lansing 820A 820C Speaker System - Finest Speaker System From Altec | eBay

[mah]

If you purchase both of these listings you can make two matched pairs. Of course the formica would have to be dealt with.

[wws944]

If you purchase both of these listings you can make two matched pairs. Of course the formica would have to be dealt with.

SWMBO is barely tolerating the two I already have. I guess you guys with A-7s in your living rooms must be single?