Altec Lansing 515B (1966)
A 38 cm cone woofer unit released by Altec in 1966, designed for high-power bass reproduction in professional and high-fidelity audio systems.
Overview
The Altec Lansing 515B is a 38 cm cone woofer unit introduced in 1966 by Altec. At the time of its release, it was the most powerful woofer of its size in Altec’s lineup, engineered for deep, large-scale bass performance. Designed specifically for horn-loaded systems, it was commonly paired with the 825B (A7) cabinet in front-load configurations. The unit’s magnetic circuit is optimized for horn loading, contributing to its high efficiency and power handling.
Specifications
| Driver size | 38 cm cone |
| Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz to 1 kHz |
| Lowest resonance frequency | 25Hz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω |
| Rated input | 35W |
| Allowable input | 50W |
| Output sound pressure level | 105dB/W/m |
| Magnetic flux density | 14,750 gauss |
| Recommended crossover frequency | 500Hz |
| External dimensions | Diameter 389x Depth 197 mm |
| Weight | 11.8kg |
Design
The magnetic circuit is designed specifically for horn loading, enhancing efficiency and thermal capacity. The 515B was engineered for installation in front-load type 825B (A7) cabinets, integrating seamlessly into Altec’s professional speaker systems.
Context
As the most powerful 38 cm cone woofer in Altec’s lineup at the time, the 515B represented a high point in bass driver engineering for professional and high-fidelity applications in the mid-1960s.
Market
Original pricing in Japan ranged from ¥77,000 around 1970 to ¥90,300 by 1976, reflecting post-release price increases. No data is available on current market value, condition trends, or failure rates.
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