Altec A7 yay or nay?

I suggest buying a pair of JBL 2225 woofers (15 inch) for those Altec cabinets. I had a pair in large vintage JBL C - series cabinets. Can be found on EBay for less than $200/pair! 

Bass shy? Um.... No. They have plenty of bass output. It's just that they don't go real deep into the bass region. 40-45hz is just about it.  I had a pair of the home versions of  the A-7. Large squatty cabs with walnut finish (846-B). I loved those speakers. That was about 45 years ago. There's a pair on Audiogon right now I believe that are selling just south of $3000.

A company out there called Great Plains Audio makes and sells vintage drivers for all the older Altec's with compression drivers. They sell the woofers also. Probably not cheap, but you know the drivers will work properly if you buy from them.

Man, those some big boxes. I haven't heard a pair in years. Very common as part of a sound reinforcement system in the early days. I suspect the aftermarket for crossovers could raise the bar. Also wonder if a sub would make sense at some point to give you the bottom octaves. The hard part will getting them past your spousal unit with a 'nah, no big deal, they disappear into the decor.' 
Go for it! 
:)

Very familiar with the Altecs, and have owned the Khorns and am a Klipsch Heritage fanatic. In a home environment, imo and ime the Khorns are much better. I believe you also own other horns, if I am not mistaken ( Oris ). Enjoy ! MrD.

The cones are where all the money is.

Assuming you have the space, and willigness to acquire the motors, sounds like a good deal.

But otherwise, maybe take a look at Great Plains Audio for a variety of kits and cabinets you may find more life friendly.

Best,
E