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?
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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?
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
Quoted for truth.Quote:
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.
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.
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.
certainly understated ...Quote:
Originally Posted by Altec Best
Western Electric went hardcore on quality control.Quote:
But I think a lot of it has to do with them originally being manufactured by Western Electric.
as seen by the stamps on the gaskets -
http://www.hostboard.com/forums/hbmc...2012/08/35.jpg
I'd like to hear them, but as with much of this gear, I'm afraid that I am also priced out. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Geekstar
755C and E are rather understated (rolled off) but I'd consider the 755A super lively...too much for many listeners.Quote:
certainly understated ...
...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:
Quote:
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.
Gosh, why would he ever sell them?? Who doesn't love quivering smooth thighs? Oh, sorry "Highs". Still - one would be crazy to ever sell a speaker like that.
feel it, just feel it
Someone pass the hand sanitizer. I feel all dirty now.
Well, I had a 728B pass through my hands not too long ago. It had an amazing full sound for a single full range driver. Panamaniac came over and did some measurements. I'll see if I can find the results, or maybe you can ask him to post them, along with his impressions.....
Here's the whole thread with pix and measurements.....
Thanks A.A. I remember those measurements and that driver. Something special indeed. A very clean driver. Worthy of cult status.
Makes me wish there was an Altec users group annual meeting or something where people could bring some of their speakers and we could have a listening party...
Has anything like that ever been organized?
I'll host one in North Dakota. Please RSVP before winter. LOL :)
Already too late isn't it? July's over.:DQuote:
Originally Posted by VolvoHeretic
Very true 427, I laughed for 5 minutes reading your remark. :)
Yeah that thing really was something special. If the seller had a pair instead of just a single, I'd have been scrambling to figger out how to round up the necessary thousands of dollars to be able to keep them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Panomaniac
Well, if you ever make it to central NC, you'd be welcome to listen to my little collection. I have a few different setups quite easily interchanged....Quote:
Originally Posted by Alien_Shore
He does, he does! And a wide array of beer and cigar choices, too.
Does it get any better than that? Maybe a bass pond in the back? :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Panomaniac
Been trying to figger out where to put the brass pole.....
field coil version from 'line-magnetic' -
http://www.hostboard.com/forums/hbmc...2012/08/42.jpg
from here -
http://www.toneimports.com
Someone gets to feel it...for a mere five bills.Quote:
Originally Posted by Geekstar
Interesting Repro'sQuote:
Originally Posted by tomt
Here's a pic of my only 728B...almost forgot I had it in storage until this thread.
It had one repaired crack and played fine.
Then comes the tragic part...I had it stored cone-up on a high shelf in my hamshack/lab. One night, I was working on an amp and looked up to see a furry tail hanging off the edge of the rim. Apparently a small kitten came in through the open window and made a nest out of my 728!!
Well, I just dug it out and the damage is not as bad as I remembered it. Quite repairable, I think...enough to get it to play properly.I have had 755As with big holes and repairs in the cones and they still sounded pretty good.
With the cone cracks, this old 728B would only rate "Nearly Mint-L@@K!!" on ebay so I won't be getting top dollar for it.:p
If and when there's an Altec Users meetup, I'll bring it...along with lots of beer.