Altec 890A Bolero opinions wanted

M Jarve

M Jarve

Audio Geek and NGE Freak
Since acquiring my Altec 887A Capri's I've really started to like their sound. Their incredible frequency response and extraordinarily smooth sound makes them an absolute pleasure to listen to.

I have been playing with the idea of tracking down a set of 890A Bolero. I can only imagine that they are more of the same, but on a larger scale. Further, I've always been a fan of passive radiator designs.

Since, at this point in time, something like the A-7 or model 19 is a pipe dream, how does the 890A sit as a mid-sized Altec.

Thanks.

-p.s.
If although I have posted a "wanted" ad in the classifieds, I would just like to say now that I may be interested in any pair someone may have available.
 
Register to hide this ad
Try for a pair of Valencias.

I'll vouch for the fact that they are marvellous,revealing truth tellers.If I had the opportunity to buy a second pair at a good price,I would not hesitate.Not for one minute. :yes:
 
I am fairly new to this forum and given the date of this last thread I do not know if any one will ever see this posting. However with that said I have owned a pair of Bolero 890As that I bought new I guess some 30 years ago and all I can say is that I will still be listening to them on my death bed.

I just recently bought a pair of Altec 886s on eBay and I can't wait to get them to see how they compare to the 890s. They appear quite similar in construction other than the use of dome tweeters in lieu of horns. Any comparison info would be welcome.
 
that is basically the only difference i am aware of, although, i believe they are cone tweeters, if i am not mistaken. One of mine is blown and I am investigating replacement options. The one that works well sounds quite nice, the one with the bad tweeter sounds marginal, as expected.
 
I can't really comment on the Boleros and I am not sure if they are horns or dome tweets.

My opinion regarding Altecs I have heard with Dome tweets is pretty negative so far. I love the sound of Altec horns and just think Altec is synonomous with Horn speakers.

I have 15s and 19s in my stable and recently picked up this set of 9849-8Ds.
They are a bit smaller then my 15s and the LF drivers are a much more substantial woofer. The horns are metal as opposed to the plastic in the 15s
and the speakers are a good deal heavier with very nice rift sawn Oak veneer.
I was thrilled when I finally hooked these up and did some A/B testing.
Not sure I can decide which is better but they sure are ALTECS and sound great.
DSCN1338.jpg
 
I have had 2 pairs of the 890B's. I believe there is not much of a difference between the A and B versions, as both used the 3000 horn tweeters crossed at 3k. The Bolero C's switched over to a larger Hepner horn and crossed at 2.5K IIRC. The Bolleros 890B's are probably one of my favorite speakers ever. If you can find a pair with working horn tweeters, I think you will be happy with them.
 
gamalot,
Those 8849-8Bs look a lot like the second series Valencia,the 846B.If the woofer is the 416B and the compression driver is the 806(B?),then the drivers are the same,the only obvious difference is the horn which isn't the 811.How do they compare to your 19's?
 
Hi Theophile. My 9849-8Ds are only similar in looks. They use the 414-8C, 12" LF drivers and I think you are correct about the 806 HFs.

Kind of an unfair comparison between them and the 2X larger 19s.

I will however admit they have a great presence and it sounds to me like the bass is lower and a bit punchier.
I think these were meant to be used as satellite speakers in a system to fill in gaps in large auditoriums. This particular pair was hung high on the walls and spared from the normal dents and dings over the years.
I know there is also a 9849-8A that is the utility version in a non veneered plywood enclosure.
I use mine on my billiards room system coupled with Model 15s and the sound is simply gorgeous and truely Altec in all its glory. These little gems easily retired both my large Advents and Mach Ones. Both great speakers in their own right but not at all up to this level of performance.

Gary
 
I have no experience with the Bolero but want to add that if it says ALTEC and it has a horn chances are that it sounds good and will not disapoint.
 
I have a pair of 890A Boleros,

nice little speaker, I was suprised @ how good they sound...

until I took the woofer and PR out....

that's one hell of a magnet on that woofer....
 
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Bolero was the finest small speaker ever built.

My 890Cs kept me going after I sold my house and all my big horn stuff and lived in a high rise and then a condo.

Of particular interest is the mighty 406 woofer, the finest 10" driver ever made. Altec knew the careful design of this driver would be the key to keeping the technicolor midrange quality of the big Altecs in a small speaker. Thus the drivers 414 motor and dual profile cone; straight sided in the center and then concave towards the edge.

Although I'm back in a house now and again have several sets of big Altecs I still use my 890Cs in my music room and play a Yamaha digital drumset and digital piano through them.
 

Attachments

  • Copy (2) of Bolero%20011.jpg
    Copy (2) of Bolero%20011.jpg
    108.2 KB · Views: 87
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom