Few loudspeakers have such mid-century appeal, and even fewer have the performance characteristics of the Altec 838a Carmel. This is complete, stunning restoration that considered every aspect of the design.

RESTORATIONS

• Full 30-point service check
• Recapped with Mundorf Evo oil caps
• Rewired internally with 18-gauge silver over oxygen-free copper
• Fully redesigned crossover with charge-coupled capacitors on the horn to reduce mechanical resonances and harshness
• Installed L-pads to attenuate the horn volume
• Installed Cardas solid copper 5-way binding posts
• Cabinets meticulously refinished
• Reclothed with an acoustically transparent cloth with a cane-line weave
• Complete frequency sweep
• Detailed

SPECS

Type   Floorstanding loudspeaker (2-way, 3 Speaker system in bass reflex cabinet)

Frequency Response   30 - 22,000Hz

Sensitivity   100dB

Impedance   16Ω

Woofer   2x 414Z 12" paper cone

HF Driver   804A compression driver

Horn   811B sectoral horn

Network   Custom design with charged capacitors, based on original N800F crossover points

Crossover point   800Hz

Dimensions   35"W X 30.25" X 18"D

Weight   approx. 120+ lbs. ea.

LINER NOTES

The Altec 838A "Carmel" embodies the perfect balance of size, appearance, and audio quality to please the most discriminating professional user both visually and acoustically. The midrange, or presence, region of the Carmel system is particularly fine – the overall effect is of extreme naturalness. A very distinct "feeling" of the actual performance as it is being monitored through the engineer's control room or in the studio.