A5

Altec Lansing A5 Voice of the Theatre Loudspeaker System.

1950s–1970s.

Compact large-format two-way theatre loudspeaker system developed for motion picture playback and professional sound reinforcement applications.

The A5 combines a horn-loaded low-frequency enclosure with a multicellular high-frequency horn assembly, producing high efficiency, strong vocal intelligibility, and wide dynamic capability with relatively low amplifier power.

The low range employs the 15-inch 416-series woofer mounted within the compact bass horn enclosure, while the high range utilizes the 802-series compression driver coupled to the 805B or 511-series sectoral horn, depending on configuration.

Compared to the larger A7 system, the A5 adopts a reduced cabinet size intended for smaller theatres and installations where floor space was limited, while retaining much of the immediacy and projection characteristic of the Voice of the Theatre series.

Originally designed for commercial cinema environments, the A5 later found continued use in studios, hi-fi listening rooms, and enthusiast-built domestic systems centered around high-efficiency reproduction.

This matched pair retains its original Altec components throughout, including horns, drivers, and crossover networks. Fully functional and ready to enjoy, these systems deliver the effortless dynamics, scale, and realism that made Altec’s large-format theater speakers legendary among audiophiles and recording engineers alike.

Grille cloth has been replaced; otherwise the systems remain substantially original. Cabinets show honest age-appropriate wear, including minor scratches and cosmetic imperfections consistent with decades of use. No structural issues. Drivers, horns, and networks are intact and operating as intended.

Originally developed for cinema and professional monitoring applications, these horn-loaded systems offer exceptional efficiency and pair beautifully with low-powered tube amplifiers while remaining capable of remarkable output and room-filling presence.

Components:

* Altec 1005B multicellular horns (rare original 1005B with low serial numbers)
* Altec 288-16K large-format compression drivers
* Altec 416-8Z 15” low-frequency drivers
* Altec N-500-F dividing networks The 1005B/288/416 combination is among the most respected classic Altec configurations.

Local pickup preferred due to size and weight. Demonstration available for serious buyers.