Alta Audio Alec Speaker System

Description

MY TAKE: In a word, surprising! For a modestly-sized florr-standing two-way design, the Alec rocks! Thanks to Alta’s proprietary XTL* Bass (patent pending), bass extension is remarkable (32Hz +/- 3 dB). It goes very deep, but remains tuneful and accurate throuout its range. The ribbon tweeter is beutifully integrated and provides crystalline highs with a sense of fatigue. Lovely speaker! - Galen Carol

ALEC SPEAKERS -

Alta Audio’s two-way Alec achieves imaging that is natural and sonically accurate in size, placement, and timbre, with the undeniable feel of live performance.

The new Alec was developed out of a company mission to design a floor standing speaker with a compact footprint (40.5”H x 15” W at bottom x 8.5” W at top x 12.5”D) that creates a natural—and neutral—listening experience that accurately conveys each performing artist’s sonic vision. Lifelike sonics and a natural soundstage immerse the listener in music, whether placed in a spacious home or an urban dweller’s apartment. The Alec achieves unparalleled sonic realism and spatial accuracy that far exceeds what may be expected from its already outstanding measurements.

Alta Audio’s 5.75” neodymium magnet ribbon tweeter is responsible for the Alec’s natural and detailed high-frequency response. Likewise, the 8.75” woofer’s tuning parameters are coupled to the unique cabinet design, resulting in infrasonic (floor-moving) bass—and refined cohesion between the Alec’s pure aluminum ribbon tweeter and XTL* Bass (patent pending) woofer.

An Audiophile Perspective -

Alec illustrates how small changes yield significant results. In our pursuit of life-like sound, we often find that the difference between good and astonishing sound exists in adjustments that are nearly undetectable in measurement, yet to the listener, result in dramatic improvements.

Understanding this concept is fundamental to Alta’s approach, and is evident in Alec and every model we offer. Through countless hours of experimentation and listening, we found that the delicate fine tuning of crossover values which would normally be considered within tolerance, reveals the refined qualities of audiophile sound. These small changes can be the difference between merely listening to a pair of speakers and being transported to the time and space of a performance. They are the final component in achieving the waveform cohesion that defies the senses and produces inarguably lifelike sound.
 

*Extended Transmission Line — Alta Audio's proprietary technology that applies sonic geometry to tune speaker cabinets as if they are musical instruments, delivering an accurate, fast, and powerful low frequency response.

REVIEWS:
 

Future Audiophile: "The Alta Audio Alec loudspeakers absolutely deliver on their lofty stated audiophile design goals. Namely, they deliver greater bass extension, and more power and clarity than any other similarly-sized tower speaker I have heard in my listening room or, really, in any venue. The Alta Audio Alec speakers also deliver such a believable soundstage with precise imaging. Maybe it’s a result of these traits, but you will be shocked at how well the speakers recreate the venue or studio where a live recording has been made. 

"Can you find a better-sounding loudspeaker? Not really, at these prices. You can find “different” but not discernably “better,” until you start looking at spending close to twice the money, and that’s a whole other level of investment. For those serious about their music and in the market for a speaker of this size and price range, the Alta Audio Alec loudspeaker should be at the top of your must-audition list. They are a hidden gem worthy of seeking out. I would travel to hear them or pay a dealer to ship them to you for an in-home demo if you are a music enthusiast who loves deep, tight and awesome bass, paired with gorgeous, wide and detailed imaging and soundstage." - Bob Barrett

Future Audiophiloe Full Review Here

HiFiNews: "Hi-Fi News Verdict: Alta Audio's Alec is one of the most intriguing loudspeakers I have heard for a very long time. Sure, the inconsistency of the 'Extended Transmission Line' system does rather hold it back from true greatness, but the imaging, treble and overall bass extension are quite remarkable. Nit-picking I may be but, ultimately, I enjoyed my time with the Alec. It has some rare and impressive strengths!" - Paul Miller

HiFiNews Full Review Here

Audiophilia: "Summary: At only $10,000/pair Alta Audio has indeed pulled a rabbit out of a hat with the Alec. As a low cost compromise between the majestic Titanium and its smaller and addictive sibling Celesta while retaining the unique signature sound quality that makes all of Alta audio speakers so special, another winner is born; within arm’s reach of perfectly bridging the two." - Karl Sigman

Hometheaterhifi.com: "The Alta Audio Alec Speakers, in addition to having the most beautiful finish I’ve ever seen, also sport some of the most unusual construction and technology that I’ve experienced. They are the only cone-in-box speakers that I’ve heard that can truly sound like virtually massless electrostatic panels. An unusual combination of transmission line and ported bass loadings allow the Alecs to energize the bass in my listening room almost as well as my 15” subwoofers! The imaging is also as good as I’ve heard. This combination of virtues may make the Alec speakers worth their asking price – the ONLY speakers I’ve heard in that price range that might actually justify their cost.

"...despite its relatively high sensitivity, requires a high-wattage and high-current power amplifier to sound its best. But its best is quite exceptional! The Alecs delivered full volume and great imaging while maintaining excellent detail. The midrange and treble are definitely the Alec’s best feature. This speaker sounds like the most muscular electrostatic speaker I’ve ever heard. The speaker is ultra-fast and delivers fantastic detail in my room and does so without sounding harsh.

"Is it really fair to call any $10,000 speaker pair a good value? I must confess, I’ve never heard any other speaker for ANY price do as many good things as does the Alta Audio Alec. When you consider the engineering, the construction, and the sound, I think that I have no choice but to recommend the Alecs to you, if you can afford them."

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: 

Sensitivity: 93 dB / 2.83 Volts @ 1 Meter

Impedance: 4 Ohms

Frequency Response:32Hz to 47kHz

Requirements:50 to 150 Watts per channel

Height: 39 inches, 40.5 inches with spikes

Width:8.5 inches at top, 15 inches at bottom

Depth:10.5 inches at top, 12.5 inches at bottom

Weight:75lbs