Altec Lansing 755E (1968)
A bookshelf speaker system using a 20 cm full-range "Pancake" driver, released in 1968 for the Japanese market.
Overview
The Altec Lansing 755E, also known as the "Medina," is a bookshelf-type speaker system introduced in 1968. Designed specifically for the Japanese market, it was produced by Elektri, an Altec agent, under guidance from ALTEC Sound Laboratory L. T. V Research. The system uses a single 20 cm full-range cone driver from the 755 series, nicknamed "Pancake" for its thin profile. It supports upgrade paths with additional low- or high-frequency units via compatible enclosures and crossovers.
Specifications
| Model Rating Type | 20 cm cone type full range speaker |
| System type | 1-Way, 1-Speaker, Bassref System, Bookshelf Type |
| Units used | 20 cm Cone Type (755E) full range unit |
| Frequency characteristic | 40 Hz to 15 kHz |
| Playback frequency band | 40 Hz to 15 kHz |
| Lowest resonance frequency | 52 Hz |
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Rated input | 20W |
| Allowable input | 15W |
| Output sound pressure level | 95dB/W/m |
| Output sound pressure level (JIS) | 100dB/W |
| Magnetic flux density | 9,000 gauss |
| Voice Coil Diameter | 50mm |
| External dimensions (driver) | Diameter 213 x Depth 57 mm |
| External dimensions (enclosure) | Width 358 x Height 596 x Depth 280 mm |
| Weight (driver) | 1.25 kg |
| Weight (enclosure) | 14kg |
| Enclosure Material | Rigid Homogen + Special Plywood |
| Exterior finish | Walnut oil finish |
Design
The 755E features a thin "Pancake" design with a 20 cm full-range driver using a special cone formed by pressing the cone and center dome together, eliminating anti-resonance strain. The cone has an effective diameter of 17 cm. A cloth edge with good linearity is lightly damped with bis colloid. The driver uses a 50 mm diameter voice coil wound with aluminum ribbon wire edgewise and an "in DACS V-type" magnet made exclusively for the 755E, magnetized to a uniform 9,000 gauss. The frame is aluminum die-cast. The enclosure uses a modified distributed port design with special internal pressure treatment.
Context
The 755E/Medina was developed for the Japanese market under the guidance of ALTEC Sound Laboratory L. T. V Research and produced by Elektri, Altec's agent at the time. It was part of an upgrade ecosystem: low-frequency support could be added using the 416A or 414A drivers (crossover 300–800 Hz) in enclosures like the 846A, 843B, 848A, 847A, or 825A, while high-frequency extension was possible with the 3000H unit (crossover 3k–5kHz).
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