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REVIEW: Altec Lansing 620A/604-8G Speakers

216.99.38.202


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Model: 620A/604-8G
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:
Description: high efficiency playback monitor
Manufacturer URL: Altec Lansing

Review by Alaindexe on December 02, 2007 at 09:23:46
IP Address: 216.99.38.202
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for the 620A/604-8G


I bought a pair of Altec 620A about 8 years ago. The 620A is the pro version of the 17. They have the same 604-8G driver.

I got them from a women who bough them for her recording studio back in the 70's. She actually bough the same kit as Andre Perry, who was then the engineer and owner of the famous Morin Heights Sound Studio, north of Montreal. This studio was among the best in the world. Anyway, I nearly died when I saw these speakers. It was love at first sight.

If you're into music made between 1965 and 1985, they are unbeatable. They give an incredible realism to music... I could go on and on but let's just say they are a classic. The 604 driver was built for over 30 years with lots of improvements and innovations. How many speakers we're built that long? The 604-8G was the last one they made and possibly their most accomplished. I've used a 604-8G for over 15 years (I've also had Altec Stonenedge III). They are unbeatable!

Strengths:
These speakers give life to music. The mid is totally transparent. There's nothing between you and the music. For energy, presence, dynamic and the feeling of live music, they simply are unbeatable! And with an efficiency of 100 db with one watt, you can feed them with a small amp. A cupple of watts is enough.

Weaknesses:
The driver in the mid is so transparent that it requires a VERY GOOD electronic. Tubes or VERY GOOD SS. The 604-8G also requires a BIG enclosure. The recommended cabinet is the 620A (same as the 17) which has 9 cubic foot and weights 138 lbs. But I wouldn't call this a weakess. I would call it reality. You cannot get the feeling of live music with small or inefficient speakers.


Product Weakness: the mids can be irritating when coupled with the wrong electronic
Product Strengths: energy, presence, dynamic and the feeling of live music


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Hafler TA-1600
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Hafler DH-101
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Garrad 401
Speakers: Altec 620A
Cables/Interconnects: OFC free
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Zappa, jazz, soul, world, rock...
Room Size (LxWxH): 24 x 12 x 10
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Altec Lansing 620A/604-8G Speakers - Alaindexe 09:23:46 12/2/07 ( 11)