Old Altec Vs. Wharfedale, Emergency! Please Help!

[SDB]

Hi,

I have to make a choice between a pair of Wharfedale evo-40 and Altec Lansing Barcelona speakers. The wharfedales are about 3 years old and the Altecs should be more than 30 years old. But they are all in good shape. can any one help me choose? Thanks.

 

[hoopsontoast]

Do you have the Altecs already?

They look pretty big from a web search, have you got room?

No idea what they would sound like but they look like fun!

Looks like they did an active version too :O :silenced:

 

[SDB]

I do have the space. And yes they sound very well. Maybe they do not have the clarity of the wharfedales. It's hard to explain (not even important!) but can't have both. I can have one pair only! :wall: My own first reaction is that I may never come across another pair of the old altecs but the new type things may be bought later. But on the other hand the 30 years of difference in age is hard to ignore.

P.S. Yes in fact these are the active version (873A) and I don't know much about this active cross over. or its bi amping capability as it says in the manual.

 

[lindsayt]

30 years isn't old for speakers. I use speakers that are 100% original that are quite a bit older than that.

Go for whichever speakers you prefer the sound of. There's a chance something's not right with the Barcelonas if the midrange clarity isn't as least as good as the Whafedales. It could be something as simple as you listening too far off axis that could be cured by sitting lower down or raising the Barca's or tilting them upwards. Or it could be something more technical than that.

If you bought the Altecs for a reasonable price they will appreciate in value. The Wharfedales are likely to depreciate - unless you can get them for a mega bargain price.