During the short period of the Disco Era JBL was the choice for it's SPL and their rear loaded horn characteristic.Suffice to say I used the A-8 on small intimate dance floor up to 4 if necessary. Of course there is no comparison in sound quality,
The Altec hands down was much better.We must remember when James B Lansing started his own company after leaving Altec. He had to come up with a new product different from the 416 and 515.